What Women Want (2000)
A cocky ad executive gains the power to hear women's thoughts in Nancy Meyers' beloved romantic comedy starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt.
What Women Want - Movie Information
- Original Title: What Women Want
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Nancy Meyers
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 15, 2000 (United States - PG-13), February 2, 2001 (United Kingdom - 12), February 15, 2001 (Germany - 6), February 14, 2001 (France - TP), May 18, 2001 (India), January 11, 2001 (New Zealand), January 8, 2001 (Australia - PG), March 9, 2001 (Brazil - 12), February 2, 2007 (Mexico - C), February 9, 2001 (Italy - T), March 16, 2001 (Spain - 7), January 13, 2001 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Lo que ellas quieren (PE), Kakvo iskat zhenite (BG), 女人要什么 (CN), Ինչի մասին են մտածում կանայք (AM), Czego pragną kobiety (PL), Choho khochutʹ zhinky (UA), 男人百分百 (TW), Šta žene žele (RS)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Icon Productions, Wind Dancer Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
What Women Want - Plot
Advertising executive Nick Marshall is as cocky as they come, but what happens to a chauvinistic guy when he can suddenly hear what women are thinking? Nick gets passed over for a promotion, but after an accident enables him to hear women's thoughts, he puts his newfound talent to work against Darcy, his new boss, who seems to be infatuated with him.
What Women Want - Trailer
See the official trailer and get a taste of the laughs and romance ahead:
He has the power to hear everything women are thinking. Finally... a man is listening.
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What Women Want - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nancy Meyers
Main Cast
- Mel Gibson
- Helen Hunt
- Marisa Tomei
- Alan Alda
- Ashley Johnson
- Mark Feuerstein
- Lauren Holly
- Delta Burke
- Valerie Perrine
- Judy Greer
Writers
- Cathy Yuspa
- Diane Drake
- Josh Goldsmith
Producers
- Susan Cartsonis
- Bruce Davey
- Nancy Meyers
- Matt Williams
- Gina Matthews
What Women Want - FAQs
Can Nick Marshall actually read women's minds?
Yes — after a freak bathroom accident involving a hair dryer and a bathtub, Nick Marshall suddenly gains the ability to hear the inner thoughts of every woman around him. What starts as a shock quickly becomes a tool he tries to use to his advantage, with both hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt results.
Who are the main actors in What Women Want?
Mel Gibson leads the cast as the charming but chauvinistic Nick Marshall, with Helen Hunt playing Darcy McGuire, his sharp and talented new boss. Marisa Tomei brings warmth and humor as Lola, while Alan Alda, Ashley Johnson, Lauren Holly, Delta Burke, and Judy Greer round out a wonderfully entertaining ensemble.
What is What Women Want about?
It follows Nick Marshall, a self-assured Chicago ad man who gets passed over for a promotion in favor of a woman. After a bizarre accident gives him the power to hear female thoughts, he tries to sabotage his new boss Darcy — only to find himself genuinely falling for her. It's a witty, feel-good romantic comedy about empathy and growth.
Does What Women Want have a happy ending?
It does! Without giving too much away, Nick's journey from self-absorbed womanizer to someone who truly listens pays off in a satisfying, romantic conclusion. The film wraps up warmly, balancing laughs with genuine emotional payoff — exactly what you'd hope for from a Nancy Meyers romantic comedy.
Where can you stream What Women Want?
You can stream What Women Want on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, and fuboTV. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free options include YouTube Free (with ads) and Kanopy.
Who directed What Women Want?
Nancy Meyers directed the film — and also produced it. Known for her sharp, witty romantic comedies with strong female perspectives, Meyers brought exactly the right sensibility to this story. Her direction gives the film its warm, polished feel and keeps the humor grounded in genuine human emotion throughout.
How did What Women Want perform at the box office?
What Women Want was a massive commercial hit. Made on a $70 million budget, it earned over $374 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of its era. Audiences clearly loved the premise, and the film topped the domestic box office during its opening weekend in December 2000.
What is the age rating for What Women Want?
What Women Want is rated PG-13 in the United States, making it suitable for most teens and adults. The rating reflects some sexual humor, mild language, and adult themes — nothing too heavy, but parents may want to keep that in mind for younger viewers. It's a broadly accessible, crowd-pleasing romantic comedy.
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