What Women Want

What Women Want

Year: 2000

Runtime: 127 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Nancy Meyers

Budget: $70M

FantasyComedyRomance

After an accident, a workaholic advertising executive mysteriously gains the ability to hear women's thoughts. Suddenly privy to their innermost feelings and opinions, he’s forced to re-evaluate his perceptions and confront his own biases. This unexpected gift leads him on a comedic and insightful journey as he attempts to understand women and, ultimately, himself.

What Women Want (2000) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at What Women Want (2000) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling heart of Chicago’s advertising world, sleek offices and glossy pitch decks hide a rhythm of ambition, competition, and the subtle sway of consumer desires. The city’s pulse blends corporate hustle with a cheeky, rom‑com sensibility, where brainstorming sessions crackle with wit and the line between clever copy and personal confession often blurs. It’s a place where success is measured in brand buzz, yet the real power lies in understanding the people behind the market.

Nicholas Marshall is the charismatic, fast‑talking executive who seems to have the world at his fingertips. A self‑styled ladies’ man with a sharp mind for selling to men, he navigates boardrooms with the same confidence he uses to charm any woman who crosses his path. At home, his teenage daughter Alex challenges his swagger, testing his patience and revealing a softer side he rarely shows. Meanwhile, the agency’s leadership, embodied by the pragmatic Dan Wanamaker, prepares for a seismic shift as a new talent joins the team.

A sudden, fateful accident—an electric hairdryer meets a bathtub—leaves Nicholas bewildered, but also gifted with an uncanny ability: he can hear the thoughts of the women around him. The comedic premise unfurls as he is thrust into a private chorus of opinions, anxieties, and desires that were previously hidden behind polite conversation. What was once a tidy, confident exterior is now bombarded with raw, unfiltered insight, forcing him to confront his own assumptions in real time.

The newfound telepathic window turns the office into a lively arena of discovery, especially with the arrival of the sharp‑witted creative Darcy Maguire, whose mind proves as inventive as her advertising concepts. As Nicholas learns to navigate this intimate soundtrack, the film teases a journey of humor, self‑reflection, and unlikely connections, promising that the path to truly hearing—and being heard—lies somewhere between clever copy and genuine empathy.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:31

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Magical Self-Discovery Movies like What Women Want

A magical twist forces a self-centered character to grow and see the world differently.If you enjoyed the magical premise and personal transformation in What Women Want, you'll like these movies where a surprising ability leads to heartfelt growth. This list features similar comedies and romances with fantastical twists that teach characters valuable lessons about themselves.

transformativecharmingcomedicheartwarmingmagicalredemptiveplayfulinsightful

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a flawed protagonist whose life is upended by a supernatural gift or curse. This power initially causes chaos but becomes a tool for gaining new perspectives, forcing the character to confront their biases. The story unfolds with comedic mishaps and poignant realizations, building towards a climax where the character must use their new understanding to make a moral choice, culminating in personal redemption.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a high-concept, lighthearted fantasy premise used to explore themes of empathy and redemption. They blend comedy with insightful character development, maintaining a steady, engaging pace and concluding with a satisfying, happy ending that reinforces the positive change in the protagonist.

Charming Workplace Rom-Coms Similar to What Women Want

Professional rivalry and budding attraction collide in a charming, character-driven comedy.Fans of the office setting and romantic tension in What Women Want will enjoy these similar movies. Discover other comedies and romance films where workplace rivalry sparks chemistry and leads to heartwarming personal and professional resolutions.

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Narrative Summary

Stories typically begin with two characters in professional opposition or competition. Their initial friction masks a growing attraction, explored through witty exchanges and collaborative (or sabotaging) efforts on a shared project. The plot uses the workplace as a backdrop for character revelation, forcing the protagonists to see each other beyond their professional personas. Conflicts arise from misunderstandings or career ambitions clashing with romance, but are resolved for a harmonious happy ending.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific setting and tone: a light, steady-paced blend of romance and comedy within a professional environment. They share a medium intensity driven by workplace stakes rather than drama, a straightforward narrative focused on the central couple, and a consistently charming, playful mood.

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What Women Want Summary

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What Women Want Summary

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What Women Want Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in What Women Want

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Characters, Settings & Themes in What Women Want

More About What Women Want

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