Love Don't Co$t a Thing (2003)
A charming teen comedy about popularity, identity, and the price of pretending to be someone you're not.
Love Don't Co$t a Thing - Movie Information
- Original Title: Love Don't Co$t a Thing
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Troy Byer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 12, 2003 (Sweden - 15), December 12, 2003 (United States - PG-13), March 16, 2017 (France - U)
- Alternative Titles: El Amor no Cuesta Nada (SV), Fidanzata in Prestito (IT), Love Don't Cost a Thing (US), L'amour n'a pas de prix (FR)
- Production Companies: CRML Productions, Alcon Entertainment, Burg/Koules Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Love Don't Co$t a Thing - Plot
A high school outcast pays a cheerleader to pose as his girlfriend so he can be considered cool.
Love Don't Co$t a Thing - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see how Alvin's scheme unfolds:
Love Don't Co$t A Thing but it pays to be yourself.
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Love Don't Co$t a Thing - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Troy Byer
Main Cast
- Nick Cannon
- Christina Milian
- Kenan Thompson
- Kal Penn
- Steve Harvey
- Vanessa Bell Calloway
- Reagan Gomez-Preston
- Nicole Scherzinger
- Melissa Schuman
- Nichole Galicia
Writers
- Troy Byer
- Michael Swerdlick
Producers
- Steven P. Wegner
- Reuben Cannon
- Nava Levin
- Kira Davis
- Mark Burg
Love Don't Co$t a Thing - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Love Don't Co$t a Thing?
The film stars Nick Cannon as Alvin Johnson, the lovable nerdy outcast, and Christina Milian as Paris Morgan, the popular cheerleader he pays to be his girlfriend. The supporting cast includes Kenan Thompson, Kal Penn, and Steve Harvey, who plays Alvin's father.
Is Love Don't Co$t a Thing a remake of another film?
Yes! Love Don't Co$t a Thing is a remake of the 1987 comedy Can't Buy Me Love, which starred Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson. Troy Byer's 2003 version updates the story with a predominantly Black cast and a fresh contemporary setting, giving the classic premise a new cultural identity.
What is Love Don't Co$t a Thing about?
Alvin Johnson is a brainy high school outcast who strikes a deal with the most popular girl in school, Paris Morgan: he'll fix her mom's car in exchange for her pretending to be his girlfriend. As his social status skyrockets, Alvin loses sight of who he really is — and what truly matters.
Where can I stream Love Don't Co$t a Thing?
You can watch Love Don't Co$t a Thing on YouTube TV with a subscription, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your preferred platform.
Does Alvin change for the worse in the film?
That's really the heart of the story. Once Alvin gets a taste of popularity, he starts ditching his true friends, changing his style, and acting like someone he's not. The film uses his transformation as a cautionary tale about losing yourself chasing social approval — and whether you can earn back what you threw away.
What is the age rating for Love Don't Co$t a Thing?
Love Don't Co$t a Thing is rated PG-13 in the United States, making it suitable for teens and older viewers. The rating reflects some mild language, teen romance, and comedic situations. It's a fun watch for families with older kids or anyone who enjoys lighthearted high school comedies.
Who directed Love Don't Co$t a Thing?
Troy Byer directed the film, making her one of the relatively few women to helm a major studio comedy at the time. She also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Michael Swerdlick. Byer brought a distinct voice to the project, grounding the familiar premise in a vibrant, culturally specific world.
What movies are similar to Love Don't Co$t a Thing?
If you enjoyed this one, you'll likely love You've Got Mail (1998), Half Baked (1998), and Now and Then (1995) for their similar comedic and romantic energy. Editorial picks also suggest In Good Company (2004) and Rich in Love (2020) as great companion watches with overlapping themes of identity and relationships.
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