Remember This Ryan Reynolds Rom-Com from the 2000s? Apparently, I’m the Only One Who Does!

Ah, the early 2000s—an era of quirky rom-coms, frosted tips, and a certain Ryan Reynolds who hadn’t yet ascended to Deadpool status. While “The Proposal” and “Definitely, Maybe” are often touted as his rom-com greatest hits, there’s one charming, hilarious film that seems to have slipped under the radar: Just Friends. Released in 2005, this comedy should have cemented its place as a cult classic, but strangely, it’s been overshadowed by some of his other blockbusters. And honestly, I’m starting to think I’m the only one who remembers it!

A Quick Recap: What Was Just Friends About?

Just Friends is the ultimate tale of unrequited high school love and hilarious redemption, wrapped up in 90 minutes of pure comedy gold. Reynolds stars as Chris Brander, a formerly overweight, awkward teen who had a major crush on his best friend, Jamie Palamino (played by Amy Smart). After a painfully embarrassing confession of his love, he gets friend-zoned—every teen’s worst nightmare.

Fast forward 10 years, and Chris has undergone a massive transformation. He’s now a successful, handsome, smooth-talking music executive. He returns to his hometown with the hopes of winning Jamie over, finally showing her that he’s no longer the “fat guy” she used to know. But, as we all know, high school crushes have a way of getting the best of us, and chaos ensues as Chris tries (and fails) to shed his dorky past.

The Cast: A Blend of Comedy and Heart

Ryan Reynolds is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show. His physical comedy, sharp wit, and natural charm make Chris Brander both relatable and hilarious. He pulls off the transformation from shy, overweight teen to a cocky, self-assured adult with ease, while still maintaining a touch of vulnerability that makes you root for him.

Amy Smart as Jamie is the quintessential girl-next-door—beautiful, kind, and just oblivious enough to Chris’s awkward advances to keep the tension building. But let’s not forget Anna Faris, who delivers a show-stealing performance as Samantha James, the ridiculously egotistical pop star Chris is trying to keep under control throughout the movie. Her over-the-top antics provide some of the film’s most laugh-out-loud moments, from sabotaging Chris’s love life to nearly burning down Jamie’s family home.

Why Isn’t Just Friends More Widely Celebrated?

With such a strong cast, you’d think Just Friends would be a mainstay in discussions of the best rom-coms of the 2000s. Yet, somehow, it seems to have been largely forgotten. So, why didn’t it reach the same cult status as Mean Girls or Legally Blonde?

One reason could be the timing of its release. It hit theaters just before the rise of Reynolds’ true superstar phase, and it may have been overshadowed by some of his more famous films. Additionally, Just Friends came out during a time when rom-coms were a dime a dozen, and it was easy for a smaller, more niche comedy to get lost in the shuffle.

Another factor could be its unique tone. Just Friends is a rom-com, yes, but it’s also a little more ridiculous and slapstick than most movies in the genre. It leans heavily on physical comedy and absurd scenarios, and that might have caused it to fly under the radar of those looking for a more traditional romance.

Why Just Friends Deserves a Rewatch

Despite its underrated status, Just Friends is pure comedy gold. Reynolds’ ability to walk the line between heartthrob and goofball, Faris’ scene-stealing craziness, and the film’s hilarious take on unrequited love and awkward reunions make it a must-watch, even 18 years later.

Reynolds himself has gone on to say that this movie was one of his favorite projects to film, and it’s easy to see why. His comedic timing, the chemistry between the cast, and the lighthearted yet relatable plot combine to make Just Friends a fun, feel-good movie that still holds up today.

The Verdict: A Hidden Gem

If you’re a fan of Ryan Reynolds’ signature brand of humor but haven’t seen Just Friends, it’s time to add it to your watchlist. And if you’re like me, one of the few who fondly remembers this film, it’s time to spread the word and give this rom-com the recognition it deserves. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the nostalgia, or simply to see Reynolds in a fat suit, Just Friends is a movie that proves some things—and some people—are worth the wait.