Shallow Hal (2001)

The 2001 romantic comedy *Shallow Hal* introduces audiences to Hal (Jack Black), a man whose superficial pursuit of physical perfection in women is challenged when he is unknowingly hypnotized by self-help guru Tony Robbins. This pivotal event causes Hal to perceive people's inner beauty as their outer physical form. It leads directly to the core premise: a shallow man falls in love with a 300-pound woman (Gwyneth Paltrow's Rosemary) because, to his altered eyes, she appears conventionally stunning due to her genuine kindness and warmth, embodying the very essence of "inner beauty." While often categorized as a romantic comedy, *Shallow Hal* earns its place on a "Best Fantasy Movies" list through its central, fantastical premise. Hal's magically altered perception isn't merely a metaphor; it's a literal, supernatural ability to see the soul's essence reflected in physical appearance. This unique enchantment fundamentally re-shapes his reality, allowing the film to ingeniously explore profound themes of inner beauty versus superficiality, societal judgment, and genuine connection. By giving its protagonist a fantastical lens through which to view the world, *Shallow Hal* transcends typical rom-com tropes to deliver a charming and thought-provoking narrative that champions empathy and acceptance in a truly imaginative way.