7 Movies From the 2000s You Forgot Were Awesome

The 2000s were a fascinating decade for film. While big blockbuster franchises and superhero movies became incredibly popular, the decade also saw a thriving scene for smaller, independent films. It was a diverse and inventive period, filled with movies that explored all sorts of genres and told truly original stories. Films from the 2000s covered a huge range of topics and styles, making it a remarkably creative time for cinema.

As a total movie buff, I spent a lot of time thinking about the 2000s recently, and it struck me how some really fantastic films have faded from memory. We all remember the big blockbusters like Harry Potter and Spider-Man, but there were so many other gems that deserve a revisit. I’ve put together a list of seven films from that decade that I think need a little more love – and there’s even one in there that might surprise you!

7) The Prestige

Christopher Nolan’s 2006 film, The Prestige, is a standout movie from the 2000s that deserves another watch. Based on Christopher Priest’s novel, it tells the story of two rival magicians, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, in Victorian London. They become consumed by a bitter rivalry as they try to perfect an impossible teleportation trick. While the film can be quite dark and explores the obsessive nature of magic, its most impressive aspect is its clever and intricate structure.

Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige is crafted like a magic trick, presenting a mystery for the audience to unravel. It’s a film that gets better with each viewing, as you notice more and more subtle details. Beyond the clever plot, it’s surprisingly emotional and genuinely moving, and features a fantastic musical score. It’s baffling that this film isn’t more widely celebrated, so I highly recommend giving it a watch.

6) Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Val Kilmer’s performance in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is often overlooked, and the 2005 film itself is a hidden treasure. The story follows Harry, a small-time criminal played by Robert Downey Jr., who stumbles into an acting audition while trying to escape the police. He surprisingly gets a screen test, and soon finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery after traveling to Los Angeles and meeting Perry van Shrike (Kilmer), a private investigator tasked with preparing him for the role.

This movie is a really enjoyable and energetic experience. It played a key role in bringing Downey back into the spotlight as a leading man – a comeback that would be cemented with Iron Man a few years later – and Kilmer delivers some genuinely funny performances. Overall, it’s a fantastic film.

5) Ghost World

Some people might be surprised to see Ghost World on this list, thinking, “I already knew it was great!” But while it has a dedicated following, the 2001 film never quite reached mainstream popularity, even when it first came out. Based on Daniel Clowes’ comic book of the same name, the movie centers on teenage friends Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) as their bond shifts when Enid develops a crush on an older man, Seymour (Steve Buscemi), and tries to help him find love.

Ghost World is a poignant yet humorous coming-of-age film. Critics loved it – Roger Ebert famously said it made him want to give the movie a hug! It’s a beautifully made film that still holds up well after 25 years and is worth watching again.

4) Stranger Than Fiction

The movie Stranger Than Fiction has a unique concept: Harold Crick, a tax auditor, starts hearing a voice narrating his life as if he were in a book, and discovers the story predicts his imminent death. This understandably leads him to desperately try and change his fate. The idea of someone’s life being dictated as if they were a fictional character is brilliant, and the film explores it effectively.

Featuring Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Emma Thompson, this film showcases a more subdued and thoughtful comedic performance from Ferrell than his typical roles. While funny, the movie is surprisingly deep, exploring complex moral issues in an enjoyable and relatable way. Despite positive reviews and box office success, it’s faded from public memory over the past two decades.

3) Punch-Drunk Love

Though many people recognized Adam Sandler’s dramatic skills in Uncut Gems, his 2002 film Punch-Drunk Love actually first showcased his range as an actor. The movie centers on Barry (Sandler), a businessman with social anxiety and a temper, who finds love with Lena (Emily Watson), the unusual friend and colleague of his sister. It’s a funny and quirky film – one plotline involves Barry’s scheme to game a pudding promotion for a million frequent flyer miles – but it’s also charming and stands out as truly original.

The movie was well-received by critics, and Adam Sandler earned special praise for his performance, even receiving a Golden Globe nomination. If you liked his serious role in Uncut Gems, you might also enjoy Punch-Drunk Love.

2) Drag Me to Hell

Released in 2006, Drag Me to Hell is often considered one of Sam Raimi’s most overlooked movies. Written and directed by Raimi, the film features Alison Lohman as Christine, a loan officer who attempts to impress her boss by denying an elderly woman’s mortgage request. In retaliation, the woman curses Christine, condemning her to three days of terrifying torment before being dragged to Hell.

The movie was both a commercial and critical triumph. It skillfully blended scares and humor, which was unexpected and effective. Despite its quality, it’s often overlooked when discussing the best horror films, frequently overshadowed by later hits like Insidious and The Conjuring.

1) 12 Rounds

I’ve always had a soft spot for 12 Rounds. It didn’t do well when it first came out – critics weren’t impressed, and hardly anyone went to see it in theaters. But looking back, it’s interesting because you can really see the beginnings of the John Cena we know now, the guy who absolutely crushed it in Peacemaker. It was one of his early roles – actually, his second movie after The Marine – and he plays an FBI agent forced into a deadly game with twelve challenges all over New Orleans. A dangerous arms dealer kidnapped his girlfriend as revenge for his partner’s death a year before, and it’s a pretty wild ride!

This isn’t a fantastic movie, but John Cena delivers a surprisingly strong performance. Knowing how successful he’s become later in his career actually improves how you view this film – and lets you appreciate his talent even more.

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2026-01-14 04:11