2000’s romcoms that revived our faith in love in 2025

In a world of Belly Conklins, I’m doing my best to be an Andie Anderson. But finding my Benjamin Barry is not as easy as it looks. Because in a sea of Anshumans and Kabir Singhs, landing a Matt Flamhaff, an Aditya Kashyap, or even an Aman Mehra (and yes, if you’re Team Rahul in KKHH, you need therapy) feels like a miracle. In an era where situationships rule, commitment has gone on indefinite strike, and communication is vacationing in the Maldives, true love might as well be on Mars. 

Which is exactly why we’ve put together your ultimate early-2000s rom-com guide—the perfect reminder that being a little delulu might just keep the hope alive.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Is anyone else still hunting for Jenna Rink’s iconic blue dress? Just me? Regardless, Jennifer Garner gave us thirty, flirty, and thriving—a motto we’re still living by. And Matt Flamhaff? Truly one of the most wholesome green flags in 2000s romcoms. This film isn’t just about busting the myths of growing up a certain way; it’s a reminder that love has always been around, even in places we barely notice. In 2025, when we’re haunted by Hinge dates who can’t commit to a dinner plan, watching Matt consistently show up for Jenna with kindness is the TED Talk we all need every morning.

Ten Things I Hate About You (1999, but an honorary 2000s romcom)

Updating my standards: Heath Ledger serenading Julia Stiles on the bleachers with 'Can’t Take My Eyes Off You' is the new bare minimum. For every TikTok glorifying someone for doing the least in romance—respectfully, no. This is romance. Patrick Verona was far from perfect, but did that stop him from showing up for Kat, being patient, and respecting her boundaries? Absolutely not. Meanwhile, your situationship won’t even text back unless it’s after 11 pm.

Another Cinderella Story (2008)

Who else jammed out to 'New Classic' and then spiralled into Selena Gomez’s iconic 2000s filmography? You’re not alone. Watching Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley dance through high school while singing 'Just That Girl' literally altered our brain chemistry. In peak Disney Channel days, it gave us the blueprint for modern delulu, the kind we’re all low-key obsessed with. The masks, the dancing, the mistaken identity, it was romcom alchemy wrapped in the promise that someone will eventually see you for who you are. 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Every morning, I’m grateful for air conditioning, iced coffee, and Matthew McConaughey. This movie wasn’t just proof of his perfection; it gave us the original chaotic girlboss: Kate Hudson’s Andie Anderson. Her bet? Outrageous. Benjamin Barry’s counter-bet? Equally ridiculous. Yet out of all the delusion and deception came a love so genuine, I need Taylor Swift to write a song about it. Love snuck up on them when they least expected it, and guess what? I’m still waiting for someone to sing 'You’re So Vain' with me at karaoke.

The Princess Diaries (2001)

Did this film launch a generation of what if I’m secretly a princess of a country I’ve never heard of daydreams? Absolutely. Did it also raise our romantic standards to impossible heights? Without question. Mia Thermopolis didn’t just teach us how to walk like a princess; she reminded us that being loved for who you are (clumsy, awkward, frizzy hair and all) isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable. Whether you’re in your Michael Moscovitz era or living in full Queen Clarisse energy, this film proves that transformation is really about self-acceptance, not a makeover. In 2025, that’s exactly the reminder we need.

If your week’s been rough and your group chat is overflowing with situationship horror stories from last brunch, this list is for you. Honest to goodness, love can feel nearly impossible in 2025—but these movies remind us it isn’t. They showed us love can be funny, messy, slow-burning, and still end with fireworks and consistency. So the next time your situationship leaves you on read, grab nachos, pour a glass of rosé, cue up one of these classics, and let yourself be delulu for at least 90 minutes.

Lead image: IMDb 

Also read: Sad endings, big feelings—why we can’t stop watching tragic love stories that break our hearts

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