School's out and it's time to relax whether it be on your own or with your girlfriends. What's better than staying in, cozy on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, watching a really cheesy but equally satisfying chick flick that'll make you squirm and awww at the same time. Absolutely nothing. It's all about the classics.
So thanks to the holy grail of all things film and TV shows (Netflix), it's all just a couple click away (so why not just binge everything). You know the formula, girl has some sort of problem in life, girl meets boy, one of them fall for the other, something keeps them apart, but in the end they end up together BECAUSE LOVE CONQUERS ALL. There's usually a mean girl involved and the main female protagonist probably works in the fashion magazine industry. There are also just quirky scenes added in for extra comic relief.
So here are 5 early 2000's chick flicks on Netflix that will satisfy a guilty pleasure. Now be forewarned, there might be some cringy and cheesy scenes, terrible (but equally fab-u-lous) outfits, and awkward acting. But they definitely check all the requirements for the perfect guilty pleasure chick flick!
1. 13 Going On 30 (2004)
This is the female equivalent's to Tom Hank's Big (1988), but instead of going on fun adventures, this features catty drama, really, really bad 90's outfits, and the overused push-and-pull in the romance department. Jennifer Garner's character Jenna makes a wish to be 30 and glamorous, but soon realizes that being older isn't all that's hyped up to be. However, the main issue of not fitting in with the cool kids and not looking a certain way is still very much a relevant topic today. Spoiler, but one of my favorite scenes is when adult Jenna literally bonds with 13 year old girls and they lip-sync to Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield".
Watch for Mark Ruffalo's dreamy and sweet character (both as a kid and adult), the classic punchlines, and Garner grabbing her boobs.
2. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
A player (Matthew McConaughey- the Southern Dreamboy) gets challenged to seduce a woman for a bet, where his prize would be receiving one of the biggest clients in the the advertising industry. The woman he's seducing (Kate Hudson- flawless & gorgeous) is writing an article on *insert the title of the film*. It's a classic push and pull in a relationship where they end up having feelings for each other.
Watch for #couplegoals things to do, like move all you stuffed animal into his apartment and have a mental breakdown in front of his friends, and Kate's dress at the end-ish of the movie.
3. Kate & Leopold (2001)
Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan, put them together and you can do no wrong. This film brings a duke, Leopold, from the 1800s to the modern day world, so a bit of science fiction for all you sci-fi lovers. Leopold then meets a working woman named Kate and falls for her because well, she's a smart working woman and they didn't have those types back in the day where he's from.
Watch for the chic styles, Hugh Jackman's British accent (I thought he was from Australia?) with the suaviest (that's a word a swear) lines a man from the 1800's could say that's make you swoon.
4. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
We've all seen an episode of Lizzie McGuire starring Hilary Duff. This film is just like an episode of teenage drama, angst, and romance just all wrapped up in an hour and 51 minutes. The beautiful shots of Italy, a cute boy (Gordo, not Paolo), and an A+ soundtrack is all you really need. This movie is what dreams are made of (hey now, hey now).
Watch for couture fashion, Hilary Duff in dark hair, and Kate's character development.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Technically this movie wasn't in the early 2000's, but we're going to let this slide because Heath Ledger (RIP) dances and sings to win the heart of Kat (the forever lovely Julia Stiles). This movie takes heart breakers and teenage angst to another level, with classic rock and roll music. It might have started out as a way for Cameron (JGL) to date Kat's sister (cue flashback from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), but eventually feelings start to develop and yeah, you know, teenage love.
Watch for Heath Ledgers Aussie accent (because accents are the cherry on top to swoon-worthy lines), the 90's style of fashion that are making a comeback (so take notes), and Julia's harsh and sarcastic way of speaking (her comments and remarks are classic).
Let me just let you know, when you watch one, you're going to want to watch them all!
Cheers.
