While romance films have existed for centuries, the 2000s marked a distinct shift in the landscape of romantic movies, generating some of the most classics known in the genre. While the '90s featured romantic heroines entangled with men in various whimsical scenarios, such as Sleepless in Seattle and Ghost, the early 2000s added a touch of novelty, realism and a sense of passionate urgency. These films defied convention, but remained grounded in relatable love stories, a fundamental element in the quest for a happy ending. The romantic movies of the era reignited passionate flames, embraced relatable love stories, and brought a more diverse and inclusive cast of characters to the forefront of the genre.