The early-2000swere sure a time to be alive. Velour sweatsuits (bonus points if they had a bedazzled word across the back), Von Dutch trucker hats, Ed Hardy tees, iconic celebrity feuds, and romances. Even for those who weren’t alive or don’t have vivid memories of this era, movies are a vehicle that helps transport us back. Some of the best, most successful films were released throughout the 2000s, from hilarious rom-coms to expansive fantasies.
There’s something special about the films from this era. Technology was part of the characters’ lives, but didn’t overtake it. Without the stifling pressure of social media, some studios took more risks. Manymovies from the 2000shave gone on to become modern classics, influencing popular culture in the subsequent years. Whether it be follow-up movies that reference these films or memorable lines becoming part of our daily lexicon. Here are 10 movies from the 2000s that had a huge influence on pop culture.
10Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man
After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker’s body chemistry is mutagenically altered in that he can scale walls and ceilings, and he develops a “spider-sense” that warns him of approaching danger. Adopting the name “Spider-Man”, Peter first uses his newfound powers to make money, but after his uncle is murdered at the hands of a criminal Peter failed to stop, he swears to use his powers to fight the evil that killed his uncle.
The Marvel Comic turned movie franchise,Spider-Manhas spawned many different iterations. In 2002, Tobey Maguire played Peter Parker, a guy who is often isolated from his peers. He is bitten by a spider and develops abilities like shooting webs out of his wrists and climbing walls. What could be a simple superhero origin story is complicated by the death of his uncle which he blames himself for and a complicated relationship with his best friend and crush.
What Makes It Great
Spider-Manfans have strong opinions about which leading actor was the best — Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and most recently, Tom Holland. No matter which is your favorite, this version from Sam Raimi set the tone and built up a dedicated fan base that went beyond readers of the comics. Maguire nailed the anti-hero aspects of Peter’s character throughout the series. Together with Kirsten Dunst, who played MJ, some of the most iconic moments from the franchise were born with this cast.
Stream on Disney+
9Zoolander (2001)
Zoolanderis a comedy about the fashion industry with an unlikely cast at the forefront. Derek Zoolander is a model who is down on his luck. He’s no longer considered the top male model, his friends were killed in a bizarre accident, his family doesn’t want him — oh, and some industry people are covertly trying to get him to kill an international government official. If he can get over the woes he’s facing he may not revive his career, but he’ll save a country from impending turmoil.
The premise ofZoolanderis out there, but that’s what made it work. Filmmakers took a unique approach to critiquing and pokingfun at the fashion industry, especially centering men in the storyline. The film did well upon its initial release, but has grown even more beloved in the years since. Today, Gen Z will utilize screen grabs of Zoolander’s pouty expression for memes and find that the humor still clicks.
Stream on Paramount+
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8Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountainis a western romantic drama about two cowboys named Ennis and Jack. Set in the early-1960s, the two men begin a sexual relationship while working on a ranch and soon their feelings for each other deepen. But homophobia and societal expectations constantly loom over their heads. Even in their attempts to conform — getting married to women and starting families — their connection to each other never fully fades.
This film did a lot for gay representation on the big screen in mainstream. The popularity of the film was buoyed by the two leads Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger.Brokeback Mountainsparked both national and international discussion, including outrage and censorship from conservative media. With the mass amount of opinions, it has cemented itself as one of the most influential gay love stories.
Stream on Starz
7Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone(also known asHarry Potter andthe Philosopher’s Stone) follows a young boy named Harry who enrolls in a boarding school called Hogwarts for witches and wizards. He befriends two students named Ron and Hermoine, and has to adjust to this new magical world. Harry also learns more about the death of his parents at the hands of an evil wizard named Voldemort and his legacy amidst it all.
No words can explain what a juggernautHarry Potterwas for both the book world and the film world. The franchise has taken on a life of its own, with its own theme park, spin-offs, merchandise, etc. Even people who haven’t read the books or seen the films probably have heard of thedifferent Hogwarts Houses(Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, etc.) and key characters. The first film is iconic for setting off the success of this series.
Stream on Max
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6Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods is an intelligent young woman who is constantly overlooked due to her appearance. After her boyfriend dumps her, she concocts a plan to get into and follow him to Harvard Law School to win him back. Once there, she realizes she may have a knack for this whole law thing and perhaps this guy she thought was her future was really holding her back.
Legally Blondeis often cited for films that have strong female characters that don’t demonize traditional femininity. Elle loves wearing pink, getting her hair and nails done, and is emotional. And though she grows a lot by the end, these core facets of her still stick around. Elle’s iconic scene where her knowledge of perms saved a woman’s life remains one of the best moments in early-2000s film history.
Stream on Apple TV
5Twilight (2008)
When Bella Swan moves to Forks, she expects cold dreary weather and awkward moments with her father. Falling in love with a vampire and becoming a target for a group of nomadic bloodsuckers wasn’t on her list of expectations. As she and Edward get closer, Bella learns about the dangerous world her new beau inhabits.
Twilight’s impact was nothing short of monumental. Not only did it start a craze for young adult paranormal books, but also led to an influx of book-to-screen adaptations for teen books trying to latch onto its success. Even with what people now categorize as stiff acting, a melodramatic plot, and an unhealthy romance, the chemistry between the cast and striking at the right time propelled it to success.
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4White Chicks (2004)
White Chicks
Marcus and Kevin fromWhite Chicksare two FBI agents who try their best, but don’t always excel at their jobs. They are tasked with escorting two pampered heiresses for an exclusive weekend in the Hamptons. After a car accident causes the women to hole away in their hotel, Marcus and Kevin fear their job is on the line. Instead of coming clean to their boss, they opt to disguise themselves as the two blonde women.
This silly movie is a guilty pleasure watch for so many people. Even more than the two protagonists, a football player named Latrell may be the most memorable part of the film. In an infamous scene, Latrell (played by Terry Crews) lip-syncs along to Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.” The song is so attached to this film that some cite it as the reason why Carlton was a “one-hit wonder.”
3The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Andy inThe 40-Year-Old Virginis just what the title suggests. This awkward, but relatively kind, guy just goes to and from his job at the electronics store. His massive collection of action figures and video games bring him more joy than his sorry attempts at romance. Once his coworkers discover he’s a virgin, Andy feels pressured to start dating again, so he’s not further isolated from his colleagues.
While this wasn’t Steve Carell’s first role, his part inThe 40-Year-Old Virginis among his most identifiable and arguably one of his best. While much of the film pokes fun at Andy for not being “manly enough,” it’s also a subtle critique of the pressures men in particular face. But because it’s unbridled humor, most people don’t feel like they’re watching social commentary. Which is exactly what makes the film work nearly 20 years after its release.
Rent on Apple TV
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2Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls
Mean Girlsis about a teenager named Cady who is enrolling in public school for the first time. She’d been previously homeschooled while living in Africa, so North Shore High and the complicated social politics is a lot to get used to. When a trio of popular girls called The Plastics recruit her to join them, Cady will struggle to not lose herself.
The bare-bones description of the plot does little to sell how smart and original it is. What could’ve been another trite teen film about the haves versus the have-nots instead critiqued misogyny (including internalized). But it’s not heavy-handed. The lines in the film are a staple in memes across the internet and October 3rd is commonly referred to as International Mean Girls Day.
1Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Napoleon Dynamite
Napoleon Dynamiteis a coming-of-age comedy following the titular character, a teenage boy living in Idaho. Saying Napoleon is “different” may be an understatement. His adolescent years are proving to be difficult for him. Not only is he bullied and has little to no friends, but he has an annoying brother and grandma, is trying to woo a girl he likes, ward off his bullies, and help his new buddy run for class president.
This film is proof that sometimes an interesting group of characters is enough. Viewers watch Napoleon deal with normal high school drama, but because each person in the film is uniquely strange, it makes for a hilarious watch. The film also confirmed that films set outside of big cities can still draw in audiences. If you’re looking for a movie with a protagonist you’ll never forget, check outNapoleon Dynamite.
