What Women Want

Nick Marshall is a fast talking advertising executive who trusts his charm more than his strategy. A surreal accident changes everything when he suddenly starts hearing what women really think. He initially uses the ability to bend conversations and advance at work, enjoying new leverage as he navigates office politics and flirtations. The targeted focus becomes Darcy McGuire, his sharp new boss who challenges his swagger with wit and ambition. As Nick tests his limits and learns to listen, he begins to rethink what kind of power matters in both love and respect, and what it means to connect beyond bravado. He also discovers that misreading others can backfire and that listening with empathy matters more than clever lines.

Directed by Nancy Meyers, What Women Want hit theaters in 2000 from DreamWorks Pictures. Its polished look blends Meyers's elegance with bright marketing energy, giving the film a glossy vibe. The screenplay is written by Cathy Yuspa and Diane Drake with Josh Goldsmith, presenting an original story about desire, power and listening. The film benefited from a confident ensemble led by Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, with strong supporting turns from Marisa Tomei and Alan Alda.

The film grossed approximately 340 million dollars worldwide, a box office success that underscored the appeal of light hearted gender role comedies.

The movie left a mark on early 2000s romance by turning the male gaze inside out and using a listening device as a comic engine. It helped shape casual conversations about gender dynamics in popular culture and remains a reference point for office romance jokes. The premise sparked discussions about respect, consent, and communication that linger in genre examples and parodies.

Reception was mixed, with praise for the chemistry between Gibson and Hunt and for Meyers's light touch, while others found the premise skim the surface. Themes include humility, honest communication across genders, and learning to value people beyond initial impressions. The film's approachable tone helped it reach a broad audience seeking feel-good entertainment rather than sharp satire.