11 Rom-Coms That Prove The 2000s Were The Golden Age Of Romance

These movies were built different.

1. Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)

20th Century Studios

A queer 2000s rom-com??? Yes, yes it is! A movie like this seemed like a rarity in the early 2000s, but it's definitely a must-watch. Beyond just a cute rom-com, it's a story about self-discovery and exploration, and even though I wish it had a different ending (no spoilers!), I still think it's cute.

2. Maid in Manhattan (2002)

Columbia Pictures

JLo devoured this movie. She's obviously the real star of this movie in my opinion, she just makes watching this so amazing, and it's also a pretty cute movie, too.

3. How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Paramount Pictures

A classic! I mean, definitely one of the hottest rom-com couples of the decade. And this movie just hits every time with a lot of funny and cute moments.

4. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

Columbia Pictures

Another downright classic rom-com I think we are all familiar with. You just can't go wrong with Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, our unproblematic favs.

5. A Cinderella Story (2004)

Warner Bros

This movie EATS every time. It's so freaking good and it's one of, if not my number one, favorite Cinderella remake. Plus, the cast is absolutely stacked (I mean Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Regina King...be real!)

6. 50 First Dates (2004)

Columbia Pictures

This is such a classic! Honestly, this one pulls on my heartstrings and it's so sweet and Drew and Adam just bring these characters to life in such a sweet, funny way.

7. Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Universal Pictures

Look, some romantic comedies don't deserve the "com" to their "rom," but when Ryan Reynolds is in something, you know it's actually going to be funny. And this movie actually is! It's genuinely such a cute, funny movie with a great cast!

8. Made of Honor (2008)

Columbia Pictures

I'm a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers romance, and this one does it really well in my opinion. It's a really fun, cute movie and it has Patrick Dempsey so I think that's all that needs to be said.

9. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Universal Pictures

This movie is honestly too good. Like how are you going to have a 10000/10 soundtrack, a beautiful Greek island, badass women characters, romance, AND a stacked AF cast (Meryl Streep, like come on). Ugh, just a top-tier film.

10. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Searchlight Pictures

Look, I love a good movie with a twist. I think that this is a good rom-com, but also holds a really good lesson and deeper meaning about life and relationships.

11. The Proposal (2009)

Touchstone

Last but not least, this masterpiece. Of this list of movies, this may very well be in my very top favs (don't tell the others). I could watch this movie — and have — a million times and never get bored. Bullock and Reynolds are just so good in this, love their chemistry its literally just so good I can't get over it!!

12. So, what are some of your favorite rom-coms from the 2000s? Let me know in the comments!