Notting Hill, directed by Roger Michell and written by Richard Curtis, is a timeless romantic comedy that continues to charm audiences more than two decades after its release. Set against the colorful backdrop of London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, the film brings together the effortlessly charming Hugh Grant and the luminous Julia Roberts in a story that feels both whimsical and grounded.
Hugh Grant plays William Thacker, a shy, slightly bumbling bookstore owner whose quiet life is turned upside down when world-famous actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) walks into his shop. What follows is an enchanting love story between two people from vastly different worlds, yet whose chemistry feels completely natural and sincere.
The film’s strength lies in its sincerity and Curtis’s sparkling, witty dialogue. The romance is dreamy but never cloyingly so; it’s full of small, relatable moments of awkwardness, vulnerability, and joy. Grant is at his most charming here, perfectly embodying the everyman figure with his disarming self-deprecation, while Roberts brings an unexpected depth to her portrayal of a woman struggling under the weight of fame.
Supporting characters, especially Rhys Ifans as William’s outrageous roommate Spike, inject a good dose of humor and eccentricity that balances the sweetness of the main romance. The film also benefits from a gorgeous score by Trevor Jones and memorable songs like Elvis Costello’s cover of “She,” which help cement its romantic mood.
If there’s a flaw, it’s that Notting Hill leans heavily into fantasy — the idea that a global superstar could fall for a humble bookseller may seem far-fetched. Yet the movie embraces this fantasy so earnestly that it becomes almost irresistible. Rather than feeling unrealistic, it taps into a universal longing for connection beyond societal roles and expectations.
Ultimately, Notting Hill is a classic for a reason: it’s funny, touching, and full of heart. It’s the kind of film that reminds you why you love movies in the first place — not because they always reflect real life, but because they capture the magic of how life could feel in its best moments.