Notting Hill (1999)

83% of critics liked it
(98 reviews)
74% of users liked it
(478,234 ratings)

Can a beautiful and internationally famous American actress find happiness with a frumpy British bookstore clerk? She can -- at least for a while, it seems -- in Notting Hill. William Thacker (played by Hugh Grant) is a bookseller at a shop in the Notting Hill district in West London, who shares a… More Can a beautiful and internationally famous American actress find happiness with a frumpy British bookstore clerk? She can -- at least for a while, it seems -- in Notting Hill. William Thacker (played by Hugh Grant) is a bookseller at a shop in the Notting Hill district in West London, who shares a house with an eccentric Welsh friend, Spike (Rhys Ifans). One day, William is minding the store when in strolls Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a lovely and well-known actress from the United States who is in London working on a film. She buys a book from William, and she is polite and charming in the way a famous actress would be with a star-struck sales clerk. Their relationship would logically end there, if William didn't run out a few minutes later to buy some juice. While dashing back to the shop, he bumps into Anna on the street, spilling juice all over her blouse. Since he lives nearby, William politely offers to let her stop by his house to clean up; since William seems harmless enough, Anna agrees. When Anna has to stop back to pick up a bag she left at William's house, they kiss -- just in time for Spike to show up. A romance slowly blooms as his friends and family (not to mention the world at large) wonder out loud what he's doing dating a movie star. Notting Hill reunites Hugh Grant with producer Duncan Kenworthy and screenwriter Richard Curtis, who previously worked together on the international hit Four Weddings And A Funeral. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 4 min.
Directed By: Roger Michell
Written By: Richard Curtis
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: May 28, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Nov 9, 1999
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
The ending is happy and ironic in equal measure, but most of the fun is just getting there with the right chemistry and compatibility.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
An exceptionally guy-friendly chick flick.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Lately, romance comedies have expanded in running time, doubtless to compensate for their shrinkage in charm, and this is no exception -- it's way too long for something far too slight.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
The film's romantic core is impervious to problems.
Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune
It's funny, sympathetic, mostly smart, and it boasts a likable cast of characters led by two performers who have star power and know how to use it.
Jay Carr, Boston Globe
The winning romantic comedy every summer not only awaits, but counts on!
Randy White, Common Sense Media
Not deep, but definitely funny--teens will enjoy.
Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
It's a crowd-pleaser, all right (so were public hangings, once), but with all the emotional resonance of a tap on the knee with a rubber hammer.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Hugh Grant teams up with writer Richard Curtis for the second time, and we've got a winner.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
t's an agreeably slick affair, with decent support performances, elegant camerawork, and several impressive set pieces.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The blatant self-piracy and marketing greed on display here suck the soul out of this almost likeable romantic comedy.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
The most enjoyable way to read this movie is as an elaborate -- though good-natured -- practical joke on Julia Roberts.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Make no mistake: Even those who've previously managed to resist the Julia Juggernaut are likely to cave in after seeing 'Notting Hill.'
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
Curtis and Michell rely on America's love for those nutty Brits to sell the film, and they will not be disappointed.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
It endears and entertains, with genuine warmth and grace.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
A thoroughly pleasurable emotional thrill ride that is, in its own way, as satisfying as watching Arnold hang from the wing of a speeding jet.
Ed Kelleher, Film Journal International
While we never doubt the outcome, Notting Hill offers an enjoyable narrative journey.
Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
Exuding a self-deprecating charm that's hard to resist, Grant captivates the audience immediately as the film's narrator.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Esta é uma daquelas histórias que todos sabem como irá terminar - o divertido é o trajeto até o desfecho.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a warm, affectionate, mostly laid-back charmer of a film.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Albert K

Like I've said in a previous review, all a romantic comedy needs is a tangible chemistry between the two actors and a clever script. "Notting Hill" delivers the goods. It's lacking in many technical standpoints and can get a little too sappy at times, but the… More
Like I've said in a previous review, all a romantic comedy needs is a tangible chemistry between the two actors and a clever script. "Notting Hill" delivers the goods. It's lacking in many technical standpoints and can get a little too sappy at times, but the characters are so alluring and the script is so witty that it overcomes the choke points of this film. I found myself laughing out loud at the humor and I found myself really caring to see more progression within these characters' relationships. "Notting Hill"'s a great romantic comedy that's sure to please all movie-goers.
Jan Marc M

Personally endeared and irresistible, Notting Hill is a perfect dream - a beloved story that begins with a coincidence that has evolved into something greater between an ordinary man and a prominent actress. Notting Hill is perhaps imperfect, but beyond reason, Notting Hill… More
Personally endeared and irresistible, Notting Hill is a perfect dream - a beloved story that begins with a coincidence that has evolved into something greater between an ordinary man and a prominent actress. Notting Hill is perhaps imperfect, but beyond reason, Notting Hill capitalizes on basic human emotional vulnerabilities. Most charming.
Mike S

Wonderfully funny movie, that can be seen over and over again. Brilliantly written, with great characters, a delightful cast and perfect chemistry between the actors. It's got more memorable scenes than several dozen's worth of your average rom-coms put together. In fact, I… More
Wonderfully funny movie, that can be seen over and over again. Brilliantly written, with great characters, a delightful cast and perfect chemistry between the actors. It's got more memorable scenes than several dozen's worth of your average rom-coms put together. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that it's my favourite "Brit flick" of all-time. It also gives you a very fascinating insight to the complicated reality that comes with being a movie star. I have a very sincere love for this film and I'm not afraid to say it. It's witty, it's heartfelt and beautifully narrated. But above all, incredibly moving. Too bad they never made a spin-off with the character "Spike", because every minute he's on screen is an absolute riot. Anyway, if you're looking for a cozy feel-good film to watch with someone special, then this is truly the perfect pick.
Manu G

Can the most famous film star in the world fall for just an ordinary guy? Saw it again! Great romantic film! Julia Roberts nail her part and Hugh Grant in his best work yet to me. Watch it with your significant other and I promise you'll end up holding hands. Two thumps up!… More
Can the most famous film star in the world fall for just an ordinary guy? Saw it again! Great romantic film! Julia Roberts nail her part and Hugh Grant in his best work yet to me. Watch it with your significant other and I promise you'll end up holding hands. Two thumps up! Notting Hill is totally implausible, happily improbable, feel good flick, does more to influence positive attitudes about people with disabilities than any all day sensitivity training seminar could ever hope to accomplish. Every man's dream comes true for William Thacker, an unsuccessful Notting Hill bookstore owner, when Anna Scott, the world's most beautiful woman and best-liked actress, enters his shop. A little later, he still can't believe it himself, William runs into her again - this time spilling orange juice over her. Anna accepts his offer to change in his nearby apartment, and thanks him with a kiss, which seems to surprise her even more than him. Eventually, Anna and William get to know each other better over the months, but being together with the world's most wanted woman is not easy - neither around your closest friends, nor in front of the all-devouring press.
moon r

If one is going to dream why not dream big? Roberts plays a big American movie star (I can visualize that) while Grant plays the shy owner of a tiny bookshop in London (ok that's a stretch): can a somebody love a nobody and it work? Better than most romcoms and the secondary… More
If one is going to dream why not dream big? Roberts plays a big American movie star (I can visualize that) while Grant plays the shy owner of a tiny bookshop in London (ok that's a stretch): can a somebody love a nobody and it work? Better than most romcoms and the secondary cast do much to convey a sense of London, however imaginary.
Lady D

Whilst this is replayed on tv over and over, this is one o fthe more bearable Rom Coms for me. A completely unlikely scenario, but it's light, comical and easy watching.
Dean !

At last I've finally seen it, more out of curiosity than anything else. I'm not a fan of Hugh Grant, seems he can only play the upper class, bumbling English idiot in all his films, which becomes annoying. I can see why this is so well liked by some. It does have some quirky… More
At last I've finally seen it, more out of curiosity than anything else. I'm not a fan of Hugh Grant, seems he can only play the upper class, bumbling English idiot in all his films, which becomes annoying. I can see why this is so well liked by some. It does have some quirky British humour and a witty script. However it's way too long and typically cheesy as well. Not bad but personally think there are better Rom-coms out there.
Bethany M

A great English film! A classic!
Steven C

"Notting Hill" is a rare romantic comedy that is actually charming, romantic, has realistic characters doing realistic things and plenty of wonderful performances. While it still ultimately succumbs to genre conventions (always a downfall with this genre, but what can you… More
"Notting Hill" is a rare romantic comedy that is actually charming, romantic, has realistic characters doing realistic things and plenty of wonderful performances. While it still ultimately succumbs to genre conventions (always a downfall with this genre, but what can you expect), it's still a nicely made film that always rings true. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant are quite good here.
Flutie A

Really great movie! This one's been hovering in my Instant Queue for some time...Wish I had gotten around to it sooner.
Lorenzo v

"After all... I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." The life of a simple bookshop owner changes when he meets the most famous film star in the world. <center>"After all... I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." The life of a simple bookshop owner changes when he meets the most famous film star in the world. <center>REVIEW</center> Winning, chemistry perfect odd coupling of glamorous globe renowned American movie star Roberts (typecast? Not really but a real canny, clever turn on her own persona) and bumbling, charming and flittering nice guy/poor soul English travel bookshoppe owner Grant (affable to a fault) who find themselves star-struck lovers despite all odds. Warm and fuzzy soft-focus feelings at the core but a sharply witty screenplay by Grant's old buddy Roger Michell (`Four Weddings and A Funeral'), super Brit ensemble ? particularly the skanky, hysterical Ifans ? as the slovenly flatmate of Grant, and nice light touch direction overall make for a great date movie and in general a nice old-fashioned romantic comedy that hits all the marks. My favorite parts are Grant's improvised stint as a journalist on Roberts' hotel press junket and his lonely stroll throughout the seasons seamlessly shot in one long tracking take.
Wahida K

Lovely Love Story.
Anthony L

Rotting Hell! Notting Hill isn't like that at all! Roger Michell managed to get rid of all the multiculturalisms that it's famous for. Stupid!
Film C

i love this movie its a great romcom its hilarious and i love the strong cast and well acted really worth a watch and is just really really good
Candy R

Hugh meets the most famous actress in his travel book shop. They fall for each other but will their two very different worlds work out? Hugh plays these mumbling Englishmen roles too well. If only ordinary people ended up with celebs!
Mason W

A very smart romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts & Hugh Grant. This film centers on a movie star (Roberts) that is in London. While there she meets a Londoner (Grant) whom both fall for one another....they both try to see if both of the worlds can make it together.
Mark H

Charming, winning romance. Julia Roberts is perfectly cast. She practically plays herself.
Sanjaya &

We'll see a lovely performance from Julia Roberts.... The soundtracks that they have is one of the best
Lenny M

I fancy this film tremendously, most people would not give it 4 stars, but I think its great in every aspect. Hugh and Julia together is "surreal but nice."
A B

Romantic comedy in the Four Weddings style.