20 Best Movies From the Early 2000s That Are Now Classics

It’s wild to think that movies released between 2000 and 2005 are now, quite officially, old enough to be labeled “classics.” It may sound dramatic because the 2000s don’t feel that long ago. But two full decades have passed and movies from that era have aged into legacy. It was a time of transition, and storytelling was shapeshifting in all genres. Teen comedies met indie experimentations, rom-coms met sci-fi thrillers, and superhero movies finally found credibility.

This half-decade saw the rise of franchises that went on to define a generation (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings), as well as the rebirth of genres that were long dormant (Batman Begins, 28 Days Later). The box office embraced these movies, but smaller narratives and character-driven stories also found praise. Directors like Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Sofia Coppola, and Michel Gondry were creating magic and seasoned actors were infusing grit and emotion into their characters.

Now, in hindsight, it is possible to see the impact of these movies on pop culture’s DNA. They sparked memes, launched careers, and inspired parodies. They are rewatched, referenced, ranked, and loved. So, let’s look back at 20 movies from 2000 to 2005 that may not have seemed like instant classics, but twenty years later, they absolutely are.

20

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

In 180 AD, Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius leads a victorious campaign against Germanic tribes and earns the favor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But when the emperor names Maximus as his successor instead of his own son Commodus, he faces betrayal. Commodus murders his father and orders Maximus’s execution. He escapes and is enslaved and sold to a gladiator before rising through the ranks of the arena and confronting Commodus in a final, brutal showdown.

Grand and Operatic Historical Drama

Gladiator, Ridley Scott’s sweeping epic, changed the meaning of historical dramas for a new generation. With Russell Crowe’s Oscar-winning performance as the conflicted Maximus, the movie delivers unforgettable moments, like the thunderous “Are you not entertained?” and the spectacular final duel. Its combination of visceral action, political intrigue, and poetic tragedy, paired with Hans Zimmer’s score and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, helped it win five Academy Awards.

19

‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Set in the greed-soaked world of 1980s Manhattan, American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who harbors a dark secret. By day, he obsesses over designer suits and business cards. By night, he spirals into sadistic violence and murders his colleagues. But soon, his grip on reality loosens.

Dark Side of Material Madness

Directed by Mary Harron, the movie not only subverts the expectations of the traditional serial killer narrative, but also skewers consumerism, toxic masculinity, and identity with a distinct, sharp, and satirical tone. By casting the charming, handsome Christian Bale in the role of Bateman, the movie also forces the audience to confront their own complicity in celebrating it all. Still one of the best psychological horror movies out there.

18

‘Almost Famous’ (2000)

Almost Famous

Release Date

September 15, 2000

Runtime

124 minutes

Almost Famous tells the story of 15-year-old William Miller, who lands a dream assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to follow rising rock band Stillwater on tour and write a feature about them. As William navigates backstage drama, ego clashes, and the intoxicating world of groupies, he struggles with maintaining integrity and focusing on personal growth.

Timeless Ode to Youth and Music

Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical gem perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the 1970s, also known as the golden age of rock. With uniformly excellent performances by Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, and Frances McDormand, it earned four Oscar nominations and won for Best Original Screenplay. Almost Famous also won a Grammy for its soundtrack and two Golden Globes, including Best Comedy/Musical. Truly a modern classic.

17

‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001)

Fresh out of prison, Danny Ocean assembles a crew of eleven skilled specialists to pull off a huge heist – robbing the vault beneath the Bellagio, Mirage, and MGM Grand casinos, all owned by his ex-wife’s current boyfriend, Terry Benedict. With acrobats, explosives, and a fake SWAT team, the plan unfolds with precision and ends in a twist that leaves you stunned.

Clever and Criminally Fun

Steven Soderbergh’s remake of the Rat Pack classic became a benchmark for modern heist movies. Its star-studded cast, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, oozes sophistication. And the witty banter between them all makes the movie endlessly rewatchable. Ocean’s Eleven grossed over $450 million worldwide and spawned two sequels and a spin-off, and they’re all just as stylish.

16

‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001)

One of the many rom-coms from 2000 to 2005 that are certified classics today, Bridget Jones’s Diary follows the titular thirty-two-year-old single and chaotic woman who attends a disastrous New Year’s party and bumps into Mark Darcy. She decides to take control of her life by keeping a diary. From keeping count of her calories to facing cringe-worthy moments, her journey is a quest for self-acceptance and finding genuine love.

Story of a Modern-Day Elizabeth Bennet

Bridget’s diary not only chronicles her romantic misadventures with Daniel and Mark, but also the journey of a woman learning to embrace her imperfections. It is this honest portrayal of the challenges faced by single, independent women that still strikes a chord with audiences. Renée Zellweger’s Oscar-nominated turn as Bridget gives the rom-com a heroine that’s flawed, funny, and relatable. It’s Bridget’s world and Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are just living in it.

15

‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)

The year 2001 ushered in a new era for fantasy by bringing the wizarding world of Harry Potter to life on the big screen. It begins with Harry’s eleventh birthday, when he learns that he’s a wizard and is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he befriends Ron and Hermione, discovers that he’s actually pretty famous, and uncovers the mystery of the Sorcerer’s Stone, which grants immortality.

Where Magic First Found Its Spark

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone continues to reign as a great adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novel, thanks to Chris Columbus’s attention to detail. With Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson perfectly cast as the central trio, the movie captures the wonder of Hogwarts and makes the Sorting Hat ceremony and the Quidditch match real. Earning over $1 billion worldwide, this one was not just a movie, but the beginning of a classic franchise.

14

‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

Elle Woods, a fashion-forward sorority queen, is blindsided when her boyfriend dumps her for not being “serious” enough. Determined to win him back, she applies to Harvard Law School and, against all odds, gets in. She is initially dismissed as a ditzy blonde, but Elle surprises herself by excelling in her studies and being selected for a high-profile murder case.

Ambition With Brains and Heart

The 2000s were all about chick flicks and Legally Blonde is a movie that shatters stereotypes. Reese Witherspoon’s electric performance as Elle turns her into a feminist icon. With her signature pink wardrobe and razor-sharp humor, she redefines what it means to be smart. The courtroom climax, where she exposes a murder alibi using haircare knowledge, is hilarious and intelligent. To this day, Legally Blonde remains a feel-good classic.

13

‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

Spider-Man

Release Date

May 3, 2002

Runtime

121 Minutes

Peter Parker’s life in Spider-Man changes with a single strange event. After being bitten by a genetically modified spider, the once-shy highschooler gains superhuman abilities like strength, agility, and web-slinging powers. But when Uncle Ben is killed, Peter learns that “with great power comes great responsibility,” so he transforms into Spider-Man and battles crime in New York City.

‘Spider-Man’ Influenced Countless Superhero Movies

Sam Raimi’s adaptation swung into theaters and changed the superhero genre forever, setting a template for the blockbuster comic book movies that would dominate the 21st century. Tobey Maguire’s earnest turn as Peter Parker, paired with Willem Dafoe’s chilling Green Goblin, gives the movie its depth and character. The upside-down kiss in the rain became instantly iconic, and the movie still evokes nostalgia for fans.

12

’28 Days Later’ (2002)

28 Days Later

Release Date

November 1, 2002

Runtime

113 minutes

Director

Danny Boyle

London is eerily silent when Jim, a bicycle courier, awakens from a coma and finds all civilization obliterated. He then discovers that a virus known as “Rage,” unleashed by well-meaning activists, has turned the population into feral, fast-moving killers. Jim joins forces with survivors Selena, Frank, and Hannah and navigates a post-apocalyptic Britain in search of sanctuary.

Silence Speaks Louder

Directed by Danny Boyle, 28 Days Later is a gritty horror-thriller that singlehandedly revived the zombie genre. With Cillian Murphy’s breakout performance and Naomi Harris’s fierce lead, the movie fuses psychological dread and a palpable sense of isolation. John Murphy’s score also became synonymous with tension. It won the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film and inspired sequels, comics, and a legacy sequel – 28 Years Later – released this summer.

11

‘Elf’ (2003)

Elf

Release Date

October 9, 2003

Runtime

97 minutes

Elf begins with a baby crawling into Santa’s sack and ending up in the North Pole. From there, we follow the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves. As he grows, his oversized frame and clumsy skills make him realize that he’s not an elf. So he sets off to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs, a cynical children’s book publisher.

More Than a Seasonal Favorite

Elf has become a holiday classic because of its slapstick comedy and genuine emotion. Will Ferrell’s performance as the wide-eyed and optimistic Buddy is an absolute delight as it perfectly captures his joy and the poignancy of his search for belonging. Jon Favreau’s direction, showdown with a fake Santa, Zooey Deschanel’s sweet vocals, and Ed Asner’s gruff Santa, create the perfect storm of magic.