In recent years, cinephiles have been pining for the “return of the rom-com.” As it turns out, they don’t make ‘em like they used to—be it because Hollywood studios can’t figure out how to invest in them, talent isn’t interested in starring in them, or because they’ve taken on new flavors in both the indie and streaming spaces. But that doesn’t stop us from being nostalgic for their golden age—the aughts—and thankfully, the best 2000s rom-coms are always available for us to (re)watch.
Of course, the romantic comedy had preceding eras (Nora Ephron’s Meg Ryan trilogy forever!), but the 2000s are when they let the treacly and a dash of magical realism take over for full swoon-worthy effect. With signature meet-cutes, grand gestures, tearful proclamations of love, and charming A-listers in the leading roles (plus some incredible aughties fashion), they continue to be among the best feel-good movies of all time. Aughts-era rom-coms certainly weren’t perfect—their leads were overwhelmingly white and straight and often subscribed to pretty traditional gender roles—but there’s something about seeing a frazzled working woman bump into the wildly handsome future love of her life on the bustling streets of N.Y.C. that’ll instantly put you in a good mood.
