The 2000s: A Record-Breaking Decade
The 2000s saw the technology of filmmaking finally evolve to a stage where it could do justice to characters from literature, mythology, and pop culture. Fantasy novels and superheroes were a frequent target for complex and impressive adaptations. Many of these films appear on our list of the biggest-grossing movies of the 2000s and broke new records for box office sales (Note: Figures are US dollars, not adjusted for inflation).
The Passion Of The Christ (2004)
Box Office Revenue: $612 million
Written and directed by Mel Gibson, this depiction of the last hours of Jesus Christ brought forth a great deal of controversy and public interest. It set a record for the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time until it was surpassed in 2024.
Icon, The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Casino Royale (2006)
Box Office Revenue: $616.5 million
The first James Bond film to feature Daniel Craig in the lead role, this installment of the series successfully relied on action and intrigue instead of gadgets and series cliches. It was the highest-grossing Bond film until it was surpassed by Skyfall (2012).
Ratatouille (2007)
Box Office Revenue: $623.7 million
This Pixar animated film tells the unlikely but enchanting story of a rat who befriends a young chef in a Paris restaurant. The film won broad critical acclaim in addition to its box office success, taking the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Hancock (2008)
Box Office Revenue: $629.4 million
Will Smith played the title role of an inept alcoholic superhero in this 2008 mixture of action and comedy. While the film wasn’t universally appreciated by critics, audiences responded by turning it into one of the biggest hits of that summer.
The Incredibles (2004)
Box Office Revenue: $631.6 million
Brad Bird of Pixar Studios wrote and directed this feature which developed new technical capabilities in the realm of 3D animation. The Incredibles was a commercial and critical success, taking home two Academy Awards (Best Animated Feature and Sound Editing). Bird and Pixar would gain further success later with Ratatouille (see above).
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Box Office Revenue: $632 million
This was a DreamWorks Animation tale of a bumbling Panda bear who trains to become a kung fu expert. The recipient of numerous awards for animation, Kung Fu Panda launched a franchise that has produced three sequels (so far).
DreamWorks, Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Box Office Revenue: $653.7 million
The second film in director George Lucas’s revived Star Wars trilogy brought crowds flooding back to theaters. Attack of the Clones raked in more than $100 million dollars in its first four days, a total surpassed only by Spider-Man (2000).
Twentieth Century, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)
Box Office Revenue: $654.2 million
This sprawling Disney production won Johnny Depp a Screen Actors’ Guild Award as Jack Sparrow, and led to several highly successful sequels.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
Box Office Revenue: $667 million
Blue Sky Studios created this animated feature to build on the success of the first Ice Age movie. The film’s prehistoric animals and exploits charmed moviegoers, leading to further installments in the series.
Twentieth Century, Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
Transformers (2007)
Box Office Revenue: $709.7 million
This cinematic rendition of the Hasbro toy series surprised viewers and critics alike with the intensity of its action sequences and stunning technical effects. The success of the film would lead to several sequels.
Paramount, Transformers (2007)
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $724.2 million
The tempestuous romance between teenage vampires was the blueprint of this blockbuster based on the book series by Stephenie Meyer. As with many other blockbusters on our list, audience enthusiasm more than made up for the tepid response to the film by critics.
Summit, The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
Up (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $735.1 million
This surprising Pixar animated film won numerous awards, including two Oscars. Its moving and entertaining story of a pair of misfits trying to save a rare bird in the jungles of South America brought critical success and general audience appeal. It is now regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Box Office Revenue: $741.8 million
The highly anticipated return of Neo (Keanu Reeves) and friends was always guaranteed to be a box office success. Was Reloaded as good as the original Matrix? Well…let’s just say it had a tough act to follow!
Warner Bros., The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)
Box Office Revenue: $745 million
The first of three successful adaptations of CS Lewis’s books, the movie acts as a portal to the fascinating world of Narnia. It won many accolades for its visual production, including special effects, costumes, and makeup.
Walt Disney, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Box Office Revenue: $760 million
The success of Dan Brown’s book led to the production of this movie adaptation starring Tom Hanks. Though reviews were not enthusiastic, the film’s controversial ideas on art and the Catholic Church were a great box office draw.
Columbia, The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008)
Box Office Revenue: $786.6 million
Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford teamed up for this fourth chapter in the Indiana Jones series after a 20-year hiatus. It set opening weekend records for ticket sales while bringing the Indiana Jones saga to a new generation of fans.
Paramount, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Box Office Revenue: $789.6 million
The famous web-crawler returned to battle the evil Dr Octopus in this Marvel hit. Claiming the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, this film is regarded by many as the best superhero movie ever made.
2012 (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $791.2 million
Roland Emmerich (Stargate; Independence Day) directed this film about a world-ending series of disasters. The film’s commercial success relied on a simple formula of dazzling visual and special effects.
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
Box Office Revenue: $808.4 million
Harry Potter uncovers more of his hidden past in the third film based on JK Rowling’s wildly popular book series. Potter fans mark this movie for its darker themes and the skillful technique of director Alfonso Cuarón.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Shrek The Third (2007)
Box Office Revenue: $813.3 million
The title character is this time a reluctant monarch trying to fend off the intrigue that swirls around him. All manner of adventure ensues in this third episode of the amusing Shrek series.
DreamWorks, Shrek the Third (2007)
Spider-Man (2002)
Box Office Revenue: $825.7 million
Mild-mannered Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is bitten by a radioactive spider, and the rest is history. This Marvel blockbuster saw the legendary web-spinner do battle with the Green Goblin, taking the superhero movie format to new heights in the process.
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $836.3 million
The success of the first Transformers led quickly to this sequel. Panned by critics, the film holds the dubious honor of being the highest grossing movie to win the Golden Raspberry Award as worst film of the year.
Paramount, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
Box Office Revenue: $850 million
The last entry in the Star Wars saga overseen by George Lucas tells the pivotal story of Anakin Skywalker’s turn to the dark side of the force. Criticized at the time of its release for some stilted dialogue, the epic is now viewed as the best of the “second trilogy” of Star Wars movies.
Twentieth Century, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)
Box Office Revenue: $882.5 million
Harry, Ron, and Hermione return for their second year at Hogwarts in this installment of the beloved Harry Potter series. Director Chris Columbus was both praised and criticized for the three-hour film’s strong fidelity to the JK Rowling book.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $886.6 million
The third film in this 3D animated series featured the further adventures of Manny the Mammoth, Sid the Sloth, and company. The film’s lighthearted antics and box office success ensured further Ice Age sequels.
Twentieth Century, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)
Box Office Revenue: $888.1 million
The first installment of Peter Jackson’s interpretation of JRR Tolkien’s epic novels sees Frodo and his companions set off to the dark land of Mordor. The film’s cinematography, score, and meticulous attention to detail earned high marks from the public and critics alike.
New Line, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Box Office Revenue: $895.6 million
Spider-man returns and has his hands full with the Sandman, Venom, an angry Mary-Jane Watson, and a strange extraterrestrial organism. This was the last of the Spider-Man films by director Sam Raimi.
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)
Box Office Revenue: $897.4 million
The fourth Harry Potter film was praised for the further growth and development of the saga’s main characters and director Peter Newell’s success transferring one of the series’ longest books to the big screen.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Shrek 2 (2004)
Box Office Revenue: $932.3 million
The big green lug returns in this sequel that maintained the critical and commercial success of the first Shrek. This installment introduced viewers to Puss In Boots, who would himself become the subject of future films.
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $934.7 million
Outstanding cinematography, strong acting, and character development maintained the high level of quality of the Harry Potter series in its sixth part. It is the second consecutive Potter film directed by David Yates.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Box Office Revenue: $938.2 million
Frodo and his fellow hobbits continue their quest on separate paths in this continuation of the Tolkien saga. The film captured Oscars for Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects, a testament to the technical brilliance of its production team.
New Line, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Finding Nemo (2003)
Box Office Revenue: $941.6 million
This endearing story of a determined clownfish and his son Nemo captivated viewers of all ages. Finding Nemo claimed the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, the first Pixar movie to do so.
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)
Box Office Revenue: $942.6 million
David Yates took the director’s reins for the series, following in the footsteps of Mike Newell. Though reviews were less positive than those for the four previous entries in the saga, the enthusiasm of fans showed no signs of slowing down.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
Box Office Revenue: $961.6 million
Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush return for this third chapter in the Pirates of the Caribbean series—the last for director Gore Verbinski. At the time of its release, the film was the most expensive ever made, though it more than made up for that in ticket sales.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Box Office Revenue: $1.006 billion
Christopher Nolan directed this brooding and absorbing update of the Batman saga. Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman co-starred with Heath Ledger in his magnetic portrayal of the Joker.
Warner Bros., The Dark Knight (2008)
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Box Office Revenue: $1.024 billion
This film saw director Chris Columbus bring JK Rowling’s phenomenally popular first Harry Potter book to the big screen. Bolstered by the solid performances of child actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, the movie set a high standard for the sequels that followed.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
Box Office Revenue: $1.066 billion
Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is pursued by the hideous kraken and Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) in the second film of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Its subject matter and spectacular action sequences helped Dead Man’s Chest set records for opening-day and single-day ticket sales.
Walt Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)
Box Office Revenue: $1.151 billion
The final movie of director Peter Jackson’s adaptation of the Tolkien trilogy was also his most successful. Return of the King did the seemingly impossible in surpassing its two predecessors, in the process claiming an incredible 11 Academy Awards.
New Line, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Avatar (2009)
Box Office Revenue: $2.923 billion
James Cameron finished the decade with the release of Avatar and captured the public imagination. With its advanced filming techniques, humanitarian themes, and vision of the future colonization of space, the film was regarded by many as the most groundbreaking since Star Wars (1977). Avatar captured three Academy Awards, and at nearly $3 billion in receipts, it is by far the biggest grossing feature of the 2000s.
Yet despite the acclaim, the movie wasn’t without controversy. Some believed the story had undertones of racism and white saviorism, as the human colonizers eventually help the native Na’vi protect their planet. There were even calls for a boycott, but the film remains of the most successful movies in cinema history.
