The 2000s were a golden era for rom-coms. Countless classic feel-good stories from this time keep coming back. But not every charming story gets the recognition it deserves.
Some got immediately overlooked, while some that may have been favourites at the time faded away from the conversation slowly. Here is a look back at 10 of the most underrated 2000s rom-coms that definitely needs to make a comeback.
10. Imagine Me & You (2005)
This sweet little rom-com is about two women falling in love, except one of them is already married. While preparing for her marriage to her long-time boyfriend, Rachel meets and falls for the wedding florist Luce and begins questioning her sexuality.
Lena Headey and Piper Perabo lead the movie along with Matthew Goode, Celia Imrie and Anthony Head. Despite the messy storyline, it is a very fluffy and feel-good rom-com that deserves a watch from everyone.
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9. Prime (2005)
Despite starring the iconic Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman, ‘Prime’ remains surprisingly overlooked in the rom-com genre. Thurman plays the role of Rafi, a career-driven 37-year-old divorcee who tells her therapist Lisa about her relationship with a 23-year-old painter.
Lisa soon discovers that the guy Rafi is talking about is actually her son, and things start to get complicated from there. The film has some surprisingly insightful takes on age-gap relationships and therapy ethics for its time.
8. Penelope (2006)
This endearing fantasy rom-com has a surprisingly timeless take on the theme of self-acceptance. It tells the story of Penelope Wilhern, a girl born with a pig’s snout due to a curse placed on her family. The only way to break it is to find true love with someone of “her own kind”.
The movie features a star-studded cast including Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage and Catherine O’Hara. It is a whimsical and fluffy movie in all the best ways, and the major twist at the end deserves to be talked about more.
7. Catch And Release (2006)
Created by the writer of ‘Erin Brockovich’ and starring Jennifer Garner and Timothy Olyphant, ‘Catch and Release’ is a pretty underappreciated rom-com. It follows Garner in the role of Gray Wheeler, who is struggling with the sudden death of her fiancé.
Seeking comfort in his friends, she grows closer to his best friend Fritz and discovers some unexpected truths about her fiancé’s past. Though Fritz and Gray initially clash on many things, their relationship gradually develops into something more.
6. The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
Based on the novel by Karen Joy Fowler, this movie is essentially a love letter to the author in the form of an endearing rom-com. It follows six people who have come together to create the titular book club and discuss the six novels written by Austen.
Soon they find out that their own lives have started mirroring the characters and themes they were analysing in the books. The movie takes so much inspiration from Austen’s novels and is a must-watch for Austen fans and rom-com lovers alike.
5. Music and Lyrics (2007)
This one brings together rom-com veterans Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore and also features some pretty catchy original music. Grant stars as Alex, a former pop star past his prime, who is pressured into writing a song for a rising star.
Alex faces his struggles with writing lyrics and discovers that his gardener Sophie has a natural talent for songwriting. The unlikely pair combine their talents to create music together while also developing a deeper bond.
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4. Definitely, Maybe (2008)
Ryan Reynolds stars in this movie as Will Hayes, a father navigating divorce along with his 10-year-old daughter Maya. When Maya gets curious about her parents’ relationship, Will tells her the story of his past romances.
The movie gave a surprisingly fresh twist to the rom-com genre with its very ‘How I Met Your Mother’-style story, a non-linear timeline and a mystery element that will keep you guessing till the end.
3. Down With Love (2003)
A bright and stylish homage to 1960s rom-coms, ‘Down with Love’ stars Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor in 1962 New York City. Feminist author Barbara Novak is here to promote her book about renouncing men for personal freedom.
On the other hand, playboy journalist Catcher Block sets out on a mission to make her fall for him. Their hidden agendas soon lead to a hilarious romantic entanglement. The movie is a playful critique of the rom-com cliches while also celebrating our age-old love for the genre.
2. Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)
Here is another queer love story that deserves a place in the rom-com hall of fame. ‘Kissing Jessica Stein’ is a rarity among early 2000s films in the way it perfectly balances the cutesy charm of rom-com with a thoughtful story about self-discovery and sexual exploration.
The titular Jessica Stein is searching for the perfect man and unexpectedly meets Helen, a bisexual woman. Their intense friendship gradually develops into something more, and Jessica realises she might not be as straight as she once thought she was.
1. Waitress (2007)
This Keri Russell movie is a hidden gem of the genre. It follows Russell as Jenna Hunterson, a waitress trapped in an abusive marriage and in a small town. While trying to save money to leave her husband, she discovers she is pregnant.
Things become even messier when she meets the new doctor in town, and they develop a mutual attraction. It is a bittersweet, yet quietly feel-good movie. While at its core, there is a story about independence and freedom, its romance aspect has also held up surprisingly well.
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