The Turn Of The Century
Ever since the medium of film was created, each decade has had its brand of exceptional movies—and the 2000s are no different. From the rise of Judd Apatow to some of the most well-known Best Picture winners, and the creation of many beloved big franchises, truly fantastic films are abundant.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
This film can be difficult to explain, but on the surface, it’s about an unhappy couple who undergo procedures to erase each other from their memories. However, its surreal themes and haunting imagery made it a beautiful, timeless masterpiece. Still, ironically, this isn’t the only memorable 2000s movie involving amnesia.
Focus Features, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Memento (2006)
Memento follows an insurance investigator trying to solve what happened to his wife while being unable to retain his memories. As told through his eyes, the film is a mind-bending mix of past and present that helped kickstart Christopher Nolan’s career. Unfortunately, while this film’s protagonist lost his memories, the next one lost many years of his life.
I Remember Productions, Memento (2006)
Oldboy (2003)
Appreciation for South Korean cinema has grown globally, but it’s still relatively underrated. That being said, Oldboy was far ahead of its time, as the action/thriller elevated itself above the genre. It tells the story of a man who, after being released from his 15-year captivity, must hunt down his unknown abductors.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Another film ahead of its time, this cemented itself as one of the decade’s best, even as the 2000s had just started. It’s an epic adventure following a legendary swordsman, the warrior he passes his sword to, and the thief who steals the enchanted weapon. Clearly, action movies were all the rage in the 2000s.
Columbia, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Often argued as Quentin Tarantino’s best film to date, Kill Bill Vol. 1 follows an ex-assassin on the road to vengeance after she is almost killed on her wedding day. The film is a prime example of Tarantino’s work, featuring all the gritty, over-the-top violence he’s known for. Of course, The Bride isn’t the only one on a quest for revenge.
V For Vendetta (2005)
V for Vendetta was based on a comic of the same name, but it took quite a departure from its source. Both follow a masked vigilante rebelling against an oppressive government. However, the film features a more heroic and optimistic version of the character, which audiences love differently, but equally.
Warner Bros., V For Vendetta (2005)
The Departed (2006)
Following the Boston law enforcement’s battle with an Irish-American gang, The Departed takes the perspective of two opposing double agents. It’s one of the most gripping thrillers, with a star-studded cast featuring Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and Leonardo DiCaprio in arguably his best role. Of course, this wasn’t the only acclaimed 2000s Best Picture Winner.
Warner Bros.,The Departed (2006)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Slumdog Millionaire follows a boy in Mumbai who rises above poverty to win India’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, only to be accused of cheating. It kickstarted Dev Patel’s career, telling an emotionally raw story praised by audiences and critics alike, and winning the Oscar for Best Picture.
Searchlight Pictures, Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
No Country For Old Men (2007)
Based on the eponymous novel, No Country for Old Men became an instant hit among the Coen Brothers’ lineup. It follows the people involved when a man comes across a drug deal gone wrong and steals a briefcase containing $2 million. Aside from being an all-time classic, it’s also one of the best book-to-film adaptations.
Miramax, ,No Country For Old Men (2007)
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator tells the story of a Roman general who seeks vengeance after the Emperor’s son kills his family and he is sold into slavery. It’s a phenomenal story, which has been called the greatest of the 2000s Best Picture winners. However, this next winner might prove otherwise.
Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)
It’s almost impossible to treat each The Lord of the Rings movie as its own, as the trilogy seems like one giant film. However, many favor The Return of the King, as it culminates Middle-Earth’s struggle against Sauron in a perfectly emotional and epic end. Of course, many of the biggest franchises today came from the 2000s.
New Line, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)
The 2000s held most of the Harry Potter movies, so it’s difficult to pick the best out of them. However, the third film stands out as it marked the beginning of the franchise’s growth past its somewhat humble beginnings. It has also been called one of the best adaptations of the fantasy genre.
Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)
Although the Pirates of the Caribbean series is wholly beloved, The Curse of the Black Pearl remains at the top. It works as a standalone film that is no less of a swashbuckling masterpiece, despite its problems during production. Of course, Captain Jack Sparrow isn’t the first suave action hero to grace the big screen.
Walt Disney, Pirates Of The Caribbean-The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)
Casino Royale (2006)
The first of Daniel Craig’s James Bond films, Casino Royale tells the story of 007’s first mission, as he takes on an underworld private banker. It not only introduced the way audiences know the iconic spy today but has also been called the best in the franchise.
Columbia Pictures, Casino Royale (2006)
Avatar (2009)
The first of James Cameron’s legendary franchise set the bar for CGI and was the highest-grossing film of all time for many years. It follows a soldier sent to infiltrate an alien race using an avatar of their likeness, but who discovers a more sinister objective. Of course, when talking about big franchises, it’s impossible to ignore the biggest one.
Twentieth Century, Avatar (2009)
Iron Man (2008)
Compared to the giant that is the MCU, Iron Man is a relatively humble beginning. However, the film holds up shockingly well and tells the origin of the hero who still holds a special place in fans’ hearts. However, while it was the first official MCU project, it wasn’t the first Marvel movie.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Sam Raimi’s first Spider-Man film was a great introduction, and his third was a commercial disaster—but the second truly hit a timeless sweet spot. It told Doctor Octopus’ story with surprising humanity, while still featuring Raimi’s charm.
American Psycho (2000)
Being released to a more polarized reception due to its violent content, American Psycho quickly grew a cult following. It follows a wealthy investment banker who moonlights as a psychopathic killer, with Christian Bale portraying a still relevant satire on toxic masculinity.
Lionsgate, American Psycho (2000)
Cast Away (2000)
One of Tom Hanks’ most memorable roles was as a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island. Cast Away became an instant classic containing an emotional journey of survival and overcoming isolation. This became even more pertinent in recent years, but the 2000s, of course, had many amazing dramas.
Twentieth Century, Cast Away (2000)
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Inspired by a true story, Erin Brockovich follows an employee at a law firm who takes on a big corporation accused of poisoning a small town. It stars Julia Roberts in one of her greatest roles and tells an inspiring underdog tale that audiences immediately latched on to.
Universal, Erin Brockovich (2000)
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The perfect depiction of 2000s fashion, The Devil Wears Prada features two of the most ground-breaking performances by Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. It follows a journalist who becomes the assistant to a ruthless fashion magazine editor and proves that sometimes drama is best when mixed with comedy.
Fox 2000, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous is about a high school student shadowing a new rock band so he can write a story for Rolling Stone magazine. Aside from the amazing performances, it’s praised as one of the best coming-of-age movies in history. Still, some of the most memorable 2000s films are the ones that, above all, just made people laugh.
DreamWorks, Almost Famous (2000)
Legally Blonde (2001)
A film whose legacy mirrors its message of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, Legally Blonde is more than the “chick flick” that some are happy to reduce it to. This timeless classic follows a sorority queen trying to win her boyfriend back by joining his law school, only to find that she might not need him. However, this isn’t the last film about law on this list.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy is one of the UK’s best franchises, with its first two films released in the 2000s. Hot Fuzz follows a by-the-book law enforcement officer who’s transferred to a small town that seems peaceful—at first. While Shaun of the Dead is still fantastic, many consider this film to be better, or even the best of all three.
Superbad (2007)
Super Bad follows two inseparable high school friends trying to make the most of their final year before college. It’s a simple story, but it kickstarted a few comedy careers and has been referred to by many as the last good high school movie. However, it certainly wasn’t the first.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Compared to other comedies, Napoleon Dynamite is still a bit of a cult classic. However, it , known for its deadpan portrayal of a rural high school student just living his life. However, not all high school comedies focus on the unpopular crowd.
Paramount, Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Mean Girls (2004)
A film that revolutionized high school comedies, Mean Girls is about a girl navigating a new high school, specifically the popular girls—or “plastics”. It became an icon of the 2000s, with hilarious and endlessly quotable dialogue that’s referenced to this day.
Zoolander (2001)
An early big role of Ben Stiller’s, Zoolander began as a comedy short but eventually grew into a film about a model who gets involved in an international plot. Its humor is undeniably dumb for the most part, but in an ironically clever way that delivers some truly memorable moments.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
It’s hard to believe that the movie that started Judd Apatow’s career was almost not made in the first place. Fortunately, The 40-Year-Old Virgin was released and became a fan favorite, much of which was due to Steve Carell’s performance. Of course, this isn’t the only 2000s movie featuring Carell’s comedic chops.
Universal, The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (2004)
The first Anchorman movie tells the story of a news anchor at his peak, who has to contend with a new co-anchor. It’s a hilarious, uber-quotable ride that not only features one of Will Ferrell’s best characters, but the likes of many comedy giants such as Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. Though, Ferrell has had countless other iconic roles.
DreamWorks, Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Elf (2003)
Elf follows Buddy, a human adopted by Santa’s elves, who goes looking for his real father. Its premise is a little silly but has so much heart that audiences immediately loved this film and it revitalized the Christmas subgenre. Of course, while Buddy has a somewhat animated nature, the 2000s had many fantastic films that were actually animated.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Full of Wes Anderson’s style, Fantastic Mr. Fox still stands out as one of his two animated films. It follows a roguish fox who, after performing one more raid on three nearby farms, has to protect those he loves from the farmers’ vengeance. Fans love it for its amazing performances, clever writing, and warm autumnal atmosphere.
Twentieth Century, Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Shrek 2 (2004)
While the first three Shrek films came out in the 2000s, the second movie is often called the best. It follows Shrek and Fiona as they meet Fiona’s royal parents, which quickly becomes much more complex than the comparatively simple story of the first Shrek, and arguably holds up better.
Monsters Inc. (2001)
It’s difficult to decide which Pixar movie is best, but Monsters Inc. is a contender, following a city of monsters that harnesses its energy from scaring children. With top-tier performances, emotional depths, and an innovative story, it’s the most well-rounded example of 2000s Pixar. Of course, there are a few movies about misunderstood monsters.
Walt Disney, Monsters Inc. (2001)
Spirited Away (2001)
The legacy of Studio Ghibli is extensive, but the movie that most earned its global reputation is Spirited Away, which tells the story of a girl who is transported to the world of spirits. It’s a beautiful film full of imaginative characters and themes that many fans still call the best of all the Studio Ghibli films.
Tokuma Shoten, Spirited Away (2001)
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Among the pantheon of Disney movies, Lilo & Stitch may not be the first that people think of, but it should be. It follows a girl in Hawaii, who discovers an alien that has crashed on Earth and takes him as a pet. The result is an underrated gem about the importance of family, especially when that family isn’t perfect, but this isn’t the only 2000s film with that theme.
Walt Disney, Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine may seem like a wholesome comedy about a family trying to get their daughter to a beauty pageant. However, the emotional complexity of the story—backed by a truly amazing cast—perfectly portrays a dysfunctional family and makes it seem all the more real. Still, it’s not the only ensemble movie from the 2000s.
Searchlight Pictures, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
While this remake didn’t pioneer the subgenre of heist movies, it certainly redefined it. Ocean’s Eleven follows an ensemble of thieves trying to rob three casinos in one night. Its iconic characters, clever dialogue, and timeless charm turned it into one of the most beloved franchises in history.
Warner Bros, Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two cowboys who unexpectedly develop an intimate relationship with each other. Being from the mid-2000s, this masterpiece focused on themes that were greatly impactful and ahead of their time. However, this isn’t the last iconic romance film on this list.
River Road, Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Of the many Pride & Prejudice adaptations, the 2005 one is closely considered one of the best. As in the novel, the story follows a group of sisters in the early 1800s, one of whom can’t help being drawn to a gentleman, even though he seems standoffish and prideful at first.
Universal, Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Lost In Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation follows a washed-up movie star as he meets a newlywed woman in Tokyo, allowing them to help ease each other’s loneliness. Not only did this become a meaningful film for its audiences, but also its director. Sofia Coppola drew parallels from her previous marriage to director Spike Jonze, who did the same thing with his film, Her.
Focus Features, Lost In Translation (2003)
The Dark Knight (2008)
There had been several Batman iterations before Christian Bale, but part of what sets The Dark Knight apart isn’t even the titular caped crusader. Everyone raved about Heath Ledger’s Joker, who bolstered one of the most impactful Batman stories out there—but few people know that in one scene, Ledger made a heartbreaking tribute to the love of his life. Next time you watch the movie, in the scene where the Joker is disguised as a nurse in the hospital, look at his name tag closely. It says “Matilda,” his daughter’s name.
