The noughties gave us some of the most iconic romance movies ever – from The Notebook to Love Actually. It was the decade where rom-coms ruled the box office, with stars like Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, and Matthew McConaughey leading hits such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Legally Blonde.
Meanwhile, indie favourites like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Before Sunset have also proven their popularity in the genre. So grab your popcorn and tissues and take a look at these 50 best 2000s romance movies you need to see.
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Amélie (2001)
You may have already come across this film, as it’s one of those standout international films that loads of people mention. Amelie is a 2001 French-language film that chronicles the life of a young waitress in Paris. The film is categorised as a comedy romance where, in the movie, Amelie ends up finding her “true love.”
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romance sci-fi with a run time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. Despite it being a somewhat lesser-known indie movie, it stars two talented and familiar Hollywood faces – Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. In short, it follows a couple who undergo a procedure to forget each other, but their love conquers in the end. This film is described as a surrealist science fiction romantic drama. It is directed by Michel Gondry.
The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook is the epitome of a romantic movie. The story chronicles two madly in love teenagers, Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams), who meet during one summer in the 1940s. But they’re torn apart due to money issues, status, and family pressures. The Notebook is a moving love story based on the book of the same name by Nicolas Sparks.
Before Sunset (2004)
Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, Before Sunset is a story about two strangers who met in Vienna, Austria. Years later, they met again in Paris and reconnect on what could’ve happened if they had been brave enough to act on their feelings. Some film fans have even dubbed Before Sunset “the greatest love story on film.”
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
A classic go-to rom-com, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was one of the first enemies-to-lovers stories I was introduced to. Benjamin and Andie both have important jobs and become entangled in a romantic game of deception. The film is full of bickering, chaos, and countless funny and memorable moments.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
An adaptation of the popular classic book by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennett (Kiera Knightley) and Mr Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). Another enemies-to-lovers story, Elizabeth detests Mr Darcy, who she thinks hates her. However, this couldn’t be further from the case as she later learns she was quick to judge him. This is one of the swoonworthy romances you won’t regret watching.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
A popular musical romance film that follows an English writer named Christian who falls hopelessly in love with a woman named Satine. He meets the beautiful redhead at a huge night called in Paris called, Moulin Rogue, after being taken aback by her. Christian is played by Ewan McGregor, while Nicole Kidman plays Satine.
Love Actually (2003)
It’s one of those films on everyone’s tongue. Love Actually is probably a fan-favourite romance Christmas movie for families all across the globe. In this timeless 2003 classic, we follow the lives of eight different couples around the festive period. Love Actually stars the likes of Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Kiera Knightley and Liam Neeson.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Much like The Notebook, A Walk to Remember is another movie adaptation of a Nicolas Sparks book. Released in 2002, it follows the complicated love story between a popular High school student and a reverend’s daughter.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
A romantic comedy film, there’s a lot of chaos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. But again, the focus is on a popular opposite couple who try to make their love work. In My Big Fat Greek Wedding, we follow a young Greek lady, who falls in love with a non-Greek and struggles to get her family to accept him while she comes to terms with her heritage and cultural identity.
The Proposal (2009)
One of the most recognisable romcoms, The Proposal stars no other than Hollywood heavyweights Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. A New York editor facing deportation must convince her assistant to marry her in exchange for a promotion.
50 First Dates (2004)
Starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, 50 First Dates is about a man named Henry and a woman named Lucy, despite the odds, end up failing for each other.
Serendipity (2001)
Serendipity proves romance is very much alive.. The film follows the heartfelt story of a couple as they search for each other years after falling in love and being separated.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Brokeback Mountain is a romance that takes place in a Western state called Wyoming. The film is one of the celebrated performances from Heath Ledger before his death, in which he stars opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Both their characters are shepherds who form a romantic and sexual relationship, but they are torn apart when they end up marrying their girlfriends.
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Our first Chinese romance film on this list, In the Mood for Love, is written, produced, and directed by Wong Kar-wai and set in the 60s. In short, this film is about a man and a woman who grow closer – and develop romantic feelings – after finding out that their spouses are having an affair.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A 2008 British Romance film, some will remember the constant hype around this film in the late noughties. A contestant enters an Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Only to be accused of cheating. I remember this film being an eye-opener, particularly the difficult lives of adults and children living in poverty in India.
Wicker Park (2004)
An American romantic thriller, Wicker Park stars Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, Diane Kruger and Matthew Lillard. The film is a remake of the 1996 French film L’Appartement, which is loosely based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A man tries desperately to forget his old flame until he hauntingly spots her in a restaurant.
The Lake House (2006)
Starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, The Lake House revolves around two people living in different years who communicate through a shared mailbox at a lake house. I love films with unique plots like this one, as it beautifully shows how love can transcend time.
Just Like Heaven (2005)
Another great romance comedy movie. Just Like Heaven is about a lonely architect who comes to learn that his apartment is haunted by a previous tenant named Elizabeth. This film offers plenty of laughs as well as heartwarming moments. It stars Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo.
What Women Want (2000)
What Women Want is a 2000 American romantic fantasy film following the life of an arrogant and overconfident advertising executive who ends up with the ability to hear what women are thinking. It stars Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt in the lead roles.
The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday is a classic Christmas romance movie. It follows the story of two woman who swap their lives after disastrous relationships – only to find love in the most unexpected place. It’s full of laughs and heartwarming moments, and stars Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black.
500 Days of Summer (2009)
500 Days of Summer is a great movie about a man falling head over heels for a woman, only she doesn’t feel the same way. He questions whether the songs, films, and shows about love have all been a lie until, unexpectedly, his luck changes. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zoey Deschanel.
The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
The Time Traveler’s Wife is based on the international bestseller of the same name by Audrey Niffenegger. The poignant story follows a man who disappears throughout time without a trace, which heavily affects the relationship with his wife. The 2009 film stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
We can’t have a romance list without mentioning Bridget Jones’s Diary. This fan-favourite film has always been the top of everyone’s movie lists. Starring Renee Zellweger as Bridget, whose life is turned upside down after attracting the attention of two handsome men, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver, played by Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, respectively.
Love Happens (2009)
A motivational speaker and best-selling author on grief, Burke confronts his own demons after meeting a florist who changes his life. Aaron Eckhart appears alongside Jennifer Aniston in Love Happens.
Brown Sugar (2002)
This is a cute childhood friends-to-lovers story. It follows the lives of a magazine editor and a hip-hop record executive who become entangled in a romantic relationship.
He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
We all probably either heard or seen this movie by now. It’s the kind of film that features a stellar cast with the likes of Bradley Cooper, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, and others in the cast. In He’s Just Not That Into You, we follow of group of people are they navigate their complicated relationships.
Atonement (2007)
Atonement is another one of those films a lot of people have seen. A romance war film, it follows a young Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) after her false accusation destroys the lives of her sister, Cecilia (Kiera Knightley), and her lover Robbie (James McAvoy) during WWII.
Once (2007)
Written and directed by John Carney, Once is a musical romance film that two people who fall in love through music. If you want an uplifting and feel-good romance, this one’s for you.
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
A very popular movie choice, The Other Boleyn Girl features the likes of Natascha McElhone, Jodhi May, and Jared Harris. The movie is about Mary Boleyn and her sister Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, King of England, and their competition for his affections.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
This is a film that would pique anyone’s interest. It’s a hybrid of romance and fantasy. The film follows the life of Benjamin Button, who at birth looks physically like an old man and at death like a baby. It’s a haunting and moving film starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
Dear Frankie (2004)
A family romance starring Gerard Butler. Set in Glasgow, Dear Frankie focuses on a woman’s deception as she disguises herself as the father of her child through the letters she writes to him – until one day, everything changes.
The Fountain (2006)
The Fountain is a sci-fi romance that probably not many people have heard of (including me). However, if you’re into this genre, it would be hard to miss it. That, and the fact it features Hugh Jackman. It follows three people and their quest for immortality for their loved ones.
PS I Love You (2007)
P.S. I Love You is a romantic comedy that follows the life of a woman named Holly Kennedy. She poignantly receives letters from her late husband while navigating life after his passing. This film is a wonderful choice for fans of The Notebook and A Walk to Remember.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
The Phantom of the Opera is a popular musical romance in which we follow a disfigured musical genius living on the Paris Opera House. He is obsessed with a young soprano his love for her soon turns wicked.
Romeo & Juliet vs. the Living Dead (2009)
This is a fresh take on the popular Shakespeare tragedy. If you’re a fan of the production, you should definitely check this one out.
Knocked Up (2007)
This is one of those Seth Rogen comedies you won’t regret watching. The plot is pretty self-explanatory as it revolves around a couple, one broke and the other a TV host, as they navigate their baby news.
27 Dresses (2008)
If you haven’t heard of this movie, you must’ve been living under a rock. The films is one of those ones everyone loves to talk about. A classic rom-com starring Katherine Heigl, 27 Dresses revolves around a devoted bridesmaid whose younger sister is getting married. Along the way, she deals with her own man troubles.
Legally Blonde (2001)
An epic teen romance movie, Legally Blonde follows a smart and sassy high school student named Elle Woods, who goes to epic lengths to win back her boyfriend. Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
In Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes, a 35-year-old writer from San Francisco, rebuilds her life after divorce by buying a house in Tuscany to start anew.
Hitch (2005)
This film is kinda hectic, but that is what has made a lot of people fall in love with it. In Hitch, we see Will Smith as a charming dating coach who tries to win over a reporter, but she doesn’t fall for his charm.
Before Night Falls (2000)
One of the earliest films of the decade, this movie is about self-discovery as much as it is about love. It follows a man named Arenas, born in Cuba in the 1940s, who begins opening up about his sexuality, which ultimately leads to his imprisonment.
A Very Long Engagement (2004)
A film often compared to Amélie, A Very Long Engagement has received mixed reviews, holding a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The plot follows a young woman on a desperate search for her fiancé, who may have been killed during World War I.
The Painted Veil (2006)
The Painted Veil is a 2006 drama film directed by John Curran. It follows a man who finds out his wife has been cheating on him. He then ends up in China to help fight a dreaded disease that spreads in a small village.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
Set in an upper-class high school in California, this memorable film follows an unpopular girl who lives with her evil stepmother and sister. Following her dad’s tragic death, she begins anonymously messaging a guy from her school who turns out to be her Prince Charming. The cast includes Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray.
The Pianist (2002)
The Pianist is a war drama based on the true story of Władysław Szpilman, Poland’s most acclaimed pianist, whose life is forever changed during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
This is an iconic film about one girl’s wish to become 30 as a teenager. She gets transported into a life where she’s now much older as she reconnects with someone from her past, whom she later falls in love with.
Just My Luck (2006)
A much-loved Lindsay Lohan movie, Just My Luck, follows two polar opposites, who end up finding each other and swapping their fortunes. But things do end up going their way when they end up in love.
Click (2006)
A sort of bizarre film concept that also really works. If you’ve not seen Click, it stars Adam Sandler and is about his character being able to use a universal remote that allows him to fast-forward and rewind to different portions of his life.
Good Luck Chuck (2007)
Dane Cook and Jessica Alba star alongside each other in Good Luck Chuck. In this film, dentist Charlie Logan must break a curse that makes every woman he sleeps with find true love before he loses the woman of his dreams.