There is nothing like a goodromantic comedyto make your day. The movie industry knows that people love to laugh, and they love to love. So, with that in mind, what can be more appealing to the public than a rom-com? In our books, not much. Romantic comedies do a fantastic job of being extremely entertaining while also being deeply emotional. This is why we all just keep coming back for more. There is a rom-com out there for everyone, and if you are looking for the one for you, maybe look into the all-too-iconic2000s.
Update July 28, 2025: This article has been updated with even more great romantic comedies from the 2000s.
A really good romantic comedy does not take itself too seriously. You need the fun of an outlandish best friend or a fake-dating plot, as well as the seriousness of old family trauma or a breakup. If we look back on the 2000s, the rom-com genre of film was alive and thriving. If you are looking to laugh, fall in love, and maybe even cry a little, we have put together a list of some of the best romantic comedies from the 2000s (the golden age of rom-coms) that we know will scratch that rom-com itch.
18The Ugly Truth (2009)
Any movie with the actor, and professional heartthrob, Gerard Butler, is a movie worth watching, butThe Ugly Truthdeserves a special place. When producer Abby (Katherine Heigl) crosses paths with a host called Mike, the games begin. Acting as if he knows every single thing, Mike teaches women about the desires of men, and he definitely doesn’t have a fan in Abby.
The dislike between the two is boiling, but the heat might turn their antipathy into something else.The Ugly Truth, which was released in 2009, is filled with hilarious scenes. This rom-com is the perfect medicine for a bad day, heartbreak, or even for new lovers. Fair warning, your cheeks will be left in pain from all the laughter.
17Maid in Manhattan (2002)
By now, we pretty much all know that when it comes toJennifer Lopez’s acting career, she is no stranger to the romantic comedy genre.Maid in Manhattanis a great representation of what a rom-com looked like in the early 2000s. Lopez plays Marisa Ventura, a New York-born woman, single mother, and maid at a fancy hotel in the city. You could call it fate, but she meets Christopher Marshall, played by Ralph Fiennes, and the two find themselves caught up in a whirlwind romance.
16A Cinderella Story (2004)
If there is a rom-com out there, which really ticks off every requirement to fall into this genre, then it is Mark Rosman’sA Cinderella Story. Referring to the beloved tale Cinderella, the movie, which was released in 2004, utilizes a similar storyline. The main character and teenager, Samantha Montgomery, who is portrayed by no other thanHilary Duff, is constantly being exploited by her stepmother as well as her two stepsisters.
Related:The Biggest Rom-Com Actresses of All Time
While a beginning love story with Austin, the shining star of the high school, could change her fate, her real identity has yet to be revealed to him. In the meantime, the two evil sisters scheme a plan and threaten to put Sam straight back into her misery, but Samantha and her nerdy best friend Carter are prepared to take them on.
15She’s the Man (2006)
Amanda Bynes definitely lets us know that she’s the man in this movie.She’s the Manis the perfect rom-com for any time of the year. It incorporates comedy, wit, charm, a love square of sorts, and a young Channing Tatum. What more could you want? Bynes plays Viola, a young girl who is tasked with impersonating her brother at a boarding school. As you could predict, this is pretty much a recipe for disaster but also for blossoming romance.
14How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
The rom-com conversation cannot be complete without paying our respects toHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. This film, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, came out in 2003 and is what our rom-com dreams are made of. Basically, you get a woman who is convinced that she has the necessary steps to make any man leave you in ten days, paired up with a man who is convinced he could get any woman to fall in love with him in ten days.
13The Proposal (2009)
What do you get when a successful book editor, played by Sandra Bullock, falsely announces a fake engagement to her assistant, played by Ryan Reynolds? We get 2009’sThe Proposal. Bullock and Reynolds have undeniable chemistry in this film that makes this movie incredibly engaging and laugh-out-loud funny. When you have a fake-dating plot, it is pretty hard to miss, andThe Proposalis absolutely fantastic.
12Mamma Mia! (2008)
A romantic comedy is already cheesy. Well, if you mix in some banging songs and a few dance numbers, you are going to reach a new level. Mamma Mia! How could we resist ya?Mamma Mia!came out in 2008 and follows the mother-and-daughter relationship between Donna (Meryl Streep) and Sophie (Amanda Seyfried). Sophie is about to get married, but not before she brings in men from her mother’s past to hopefully find her real father. If you haven’t seen it already, this one will not disappoint.
1150 First Dates (2004)
The duo between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore will go down in romantic comedy history. 2004 was the year that so graciously gave us50 First Dates. This movie follows a woman who was a victim of an accident that left her with short-term memory loss. So, every day, Henry (Sandler) is tasked with having to win back her affection, essentially convincing her that they are, in fact, in love despite her not knowing who he is. This movie is funny, heartfelt, and just a really solid rom-com.
10Hitch (2005)
Will Smith’s long and fantastic career has shown him in a variety of roles. However, none of them are quite likeHitch. Smith plays relationship coach Alex Hitchens, whose new client is trying to get Allegra Cole, played by Amber Valetta, to fall in love with him. With all that going on, Alex is having relationship struggles of his own. At this point, every rom-com fan needs to check outHitch.
913 Going on 30 (2004)
Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo are a match made in rom-com heaven (not to be confused with the other Mark Ruffalo rom-com,Just Like Heaven).13 Going on 30is a movie we will never stop recommending because it is just that good. This film follows a young girl who just can no longer handle the pressures of junior high. She then wakes up as a grown adult, and all hell pretty much breaks loose. If you want a new and exciting comfort rom-com, this one just might be it.
