A glossy, fast-moving early-2000s rom-com that leans hard into contrived setup, broad comedy, and star chemistry. It’s silly on purpose, but the banter, New York backdrop, and committed performances make it an easy watch for fans of classic studio romance-comedy energy.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Where to watch: Buy
Movie · Comedy · Romance
Fri · 1h 56m
Director: Donald Petrie
Starring: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Kathryn Hahn
Overview
It's the battle of wills, as Andie needs to prove she can dump a guy in 10 days, whereas Ben needs to prove he can win a girl in 10 days. Now, the clock is ticking—and the wildly entertaining comedy smash is off and running in this irresistible tale of sex, lies and outrageous romantic fireworks!
Director
Donald Petrie
Cast
Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Kathryn Hahn
Curator Review
Verdict
A glossy, fast-moving early-2000s rom-com that leans hard into contrived setup, broad comedy, and star chemistry. It’s silly on purpose, but the banter, New York backdrop, and committed performances make it an easy watch for fans of classic studio romance-comedy energy.
Best for
viewers who like big, fizzy rom-coms
fans of enemies-to-lovers setups
people in the mood for light, escapist comedy
audiences who enjoy early-2000s fashion and NYC gloss
Skip if
you want realistic relationship behavior
you dislike broad or formulaic romantic comedy
you are tired of gender-war premise comedies
you prefer subtle humor over high-concept antics
Overview
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is shamelessly engineered, and that’s part of the appeal. It takes a ridiculous premise and runs it all the way to the finish line with confidence, giving the movie a breezy, comic momentum that keeps the contrivances from sinking it.
Worth noting
The film works best as a star vehicle: the leads sell the push-pull, and the supporting ensemble adds a lot of the movie’s bite. It’s also a very specific time capsule of glossy early-2000s rom-com style, from the Manhattan fantasy to the exaggerated workplace and dating-game mechanics.
Bottom line
If you’re in the mood for something clever enough to be self-aware but fluffy enough to stay featherlight, this lands well. It’s not a romance built on realism; it’s built on timing, chemistry, and the pleasure of watching two people weaponize attraction until the movie forces them to admit the obvious.
Top Letterboxd reviews
alex (3★) · 21974 likes
fun fact andi's apartment is across the street from the lady bird church and next to the 13 going on 30 apartment, it's truly a sacred block in ny
sree (2★) · 18798 likes
she named his dick princess sophia
francesca (5★) · 16724 likes
crying bc I’ll never be a journalist in new york and have matthew mcconaughey chase me on the bridge while riding a motorcycle
Eli Hauser (3.5★) · 16557 likes
is matthew mcconaughey ugly-hot or is he just ugly? or just hot? ugh an enigma
tasha 🪩 (3.5★) · 15307 likes
"oh, you are already falling in love with me" "i'm gonna make you wish you were dead"
Themes
fake dating, romantic rivalry, workplace comedy, gender dynamics, New York City, miscommunication, chemistry and banter, identity performance
Topics
romantic comedy, enemies to lovers, office satire, dating games, lighthearted, early 2000s, New York City, chemistry, farce, mainstream studio