Must-Watch Romantic Comedies of the 2000s
Rom-coms, short for romantic comedies, are a genre of films that blend elements of romance and comedy to create lighthearted stories centered around love, relationships, and its tumultuous turns in life. These movies typically revolve around a romantic plotline, often following the journey of two individuals who meet and navigate the ups and downs of falling in love. One of the hallmarks of rom coms is the iconic "meet-cute," as it sets the tone and exposition of all rom-coms. While the films of the 2000s aren't remarkably known for their romantic comedies, there is still a wide variety that many avid rom-com lovers like me indulge in every now and then.
What Makes Rom-Coms Stand Out?
It's most definitely known in popular culture that films from the early 2000s had a lasting influence and significant impact on fashion trends, soundtracks and music, and more cultural references and quotes. Films like Legally Blonde (2001) introduced iconic outfits and popularized certain styles. From the preppy and glamorous looks to the casual-chic ensembles, rom-coms have inspired fashion choices and are still relevant today. Moreover, soundtracks from films like 500 Days of Summer (2009) introduced people to amazing bands and artists like The Smiths, Sixpence None the Richer, and many more. The genre's cultural significance to audiences, young and old alike, would be a reason why rom-coms are so beloved.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
The film follows two sisters, Bianca and Kat Stratford. Bianca is a popular and loved girl at school, but her overprotective father has a rule that she can only date if her older sister, Kat, does. However, Kat is the striking dichotomy of her sister. Known for her independent and strong-willed nature, she has no interest in dating or conforming to societal expectations. Cameron, a new student, becomes infatuated with Bianca and is determined to find a way to date her. He strikes a deal with a rebellious student, Patrick Verona. Cameron pays Patrick to date Kat, hoping that this will allow him to spend time with Bianca. As Patrick spends time with Kat, an unexpected romance begins to develop between them. A surprise to me was that the film was a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's, The Taming of the Shrew. Yes, the recycled plot of a shy, quirky boy trying to have the popular girl of his dreams is a drag at times, but this film does a great job of it. With charming actors and actresses like Joseph Gordon Levitt, Heath Ledger, and Julia Stiles, the movie is as engaging as it is. The most memorable and simply best part of the film that makes it my favorite movie was when Patrick serenades Kat in front of her soccer team with his own rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli. This scene of just pure cheesiness and silliness is what brings this whole film together.
Notting Hill (1999)
The acclaimed and iconic rom-com actors, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, take on the lead roles in the film, Notting Hill (1999). William Thacker leads an ordinary life as the owner of a small travel bookstore in the neighborhood of Notting Hill. One day, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Anna Scott, a renowned American Hollywood actress, who happens to enter his bookstore. Despite their contrasting worlds, William and Anna are drawn to each other. They go on a romantic journey, navigating the challenges that arise from their differing lifestyles and the constant scrutiny of the media. Although it is a little more towards the slow-paced, slow burn type of trope, it still has its lighthearted moments that makes you swoon over the characters.
How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Ten things, ten days. The number ten seems to be a recurring number in the rom-com scene during those days. Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson, is a writer for a women's magazine called Composure. She is assigned to write an article on how to lose a guy in ten days by using all the typical behaviors that drive men away. The goal is to test whether she can make a man break up with her within ten days. In a similar circumstance, Benjamin Barry, played by Matthew McConaughey, is an advertising executive who makes a bet with his colleagues that he can make a woman fall in love with him within ten days. His objective is to prove his ability to win over any woman. Throughout the ten-day period, Andie's attempts to sabotage the relationship become increasingly extreme. Meanwhile, Benjamin works hard to maintain their connection, believing that he can make Andie fall in love with him. In the end, their true motivations are revealed, and they confront the consequences of their actions while also deciding whether they can move beyond their initial bets and build a real connection.
- Surisa V.