The 2000s were a transformative decade for cinema, marked by technological advancements, diverse storytelling, and a blend of genres that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. From groundbreaking visual effects to compelling narratives and unforgettable characters, the films of this era left an indelible mark on the industry and audiences alike. It didn’t feel like it at the time but it was most certainly a mixture of the best elements of the previous two decades. Some of the best films of any genre were produced during this period and it was the last time movies felt like they were made by artists, not products cranked out by a money-hungry machine. This list celebrates the greatest movies of the 2000s, highlighting those that defined the decade and continue to influence the art of cinema today. Whether it’s epic blockbusters, poignant dramas, or innovative indies, these films represent the best of what the aughts had to offer.
These are the 100 Greatest Movies of the 2000s.
100. Grindhouse (2007)
Two celebrated directors decided to get together and try and recreate the grindhouse movie experience – where cheap, mostly urban movie theaters would combine horror and/or exploitation films on a double bill. Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez delivered, even filling out the bill between Planet Terror (Rodriguez) and Death Proof (Tarantino) with fake movie trailers and classic interstitials. Sadly, the project didn’t do well at the theaters and we never got a series of these double-bills by them or anyone else. Instead, Grindhouse became a cult classic and a major “if only,” for me at least. Still one of my favorite projects by either director, Grindhouse was an experiment in exploitation nostalgia that failed – but also succeeded.
–Bob Cram
99. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
This might just be the most Halloween movie ever made. Trick ‘r Treat is an anthology film that tells five different stories taking place in the same town on Halloween night. Although the stories are mostly self-contained, they cross paths in interesting and sometimes enlightening ways. Sam, a mysterious, trick-or-treating ghoul, serves as the perfect Halloween mascot. Every shot of this film just oozes Halloween, from trick-or-treating legends to pumpkin carving to classic monsters, it is all there. Overall, the film packs some chills and thrills with plenty of dark humor throughout.
–Jacob Holmes
98. Brick (2005)
This movie is a great little modern day nod to old school black and white noir films. But it’s set in high school. It may sound crazy, but it works. Sure the dialogue may be abit advanced and out of place for high schoolers, but minus that aspect the film really works and is a great mystery/thriller.
–K. Alvarez
97. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
The third installment of the successful Harry Potter series came with many changes. Chris Columbus, the director of the first two films, stepped down. Beloved Dumbledore actor, Richard Harris, had passed away, replaced by actor Michael Gambon. Gone were the brightly colored palettes of the first two films, replaced with desaturated images and dark greys and blues. The wizard robes that the cast wore around the castle and beyond were replaced by more modern and contemporary clothing to give the maturing characters more of an identity. With a new director, Alfonso Cuarón, and a new vision, The Prisoner of Azkaban pushed the franchise to become much more about the characters themselves and how they were dealing with the hardships of growing up as well as the external threats around them, giving the Wizarding World much-needed depth and purpose.
Without Cuarón’s inspired vision for the film, it’s hard to see how the franchise matures and progresses. He set a new course for the franchise with his darker, more adult take on Harry’s journey, and it’s no surprise why most fans cite The Prisoner of Azkaban as their favorite movie in the entire series. It paved the way for David Yates and Mike Newell to bring their own vision to the rest of the films while staying true to the novels, and they were able to do it in a way that would appeal to not only the younger fans but to the adults as well. I think it’s also safe to say that Prisoner of Azkaban was a turning point for the Harry Potter series and for the direction and filming of contemporary young adult movies to come.
–Romona Comet
96. School of Rock (2003)
Years before he took on more kiddie fare with voice roles in Kung Fu Panda and The Super Mario Bros. Movie and a supporting role in the Jumanji legacy sequels, Jack Black was mostly known for starring in drama/comedy projects that targeted the older demographic. All of that changed with School of Rock, a four-quadrant film that both children and their parents can enjoy. Black stars as a struggling rock guitarist who pretends to be his friend, a substitute teacher. This leads him to mentor and nurture his fourth-grade class, who all know how to play instruments (except for Miranda Cosgrove), into a rock band so that they can compete in the upcoming Battle of the Bands.
School of Rock may be silly fun but it’s also got a lot of heart. These are the types of lower-budgeted films that Hollywood used to make for the theaters before the blockbuster craze spiraled out of control. With any luck, maybe Hollywood will change its ways and we’ll see more original films like School of Rock back in theaters because damn this movie never fails to deliver every single time I watch it.
–Marmaduke Karlston
95. The Hangover (2009)
“What happened here?” That question is usually the key element of a noir film. Here, The Hangover mines the stupor of a wild night as the cast of characters have to retrace their steps to find their missing friend, who is supposed to be married later that day. Oops. Those stakes offer some urgency that only fuels the hilarity as our cast (Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper, and Zach Galifianakis) uncover the next unbelievable turn in their night. Galifianakis in particular steals the show as the off-putting but lovable Allen, who is typically the source of the trio’s troubles. I think the character grows old and tiresome in the sequels, but here, he is comedic gold and sets up many memorable scenes.
–Jacob Holmes
94. Black Dynamite (2009)
A blaxploitation action comedy in 2009? You must be crazy. Director Scott Sanders and star Michael Jai White bring this parody of ‘70s blaxploitation films to life in a way you can tell they wanted to honor the genre. It’s hilarious, salacious, and action-packed with several colorful characters that are led by an incredible performance from White as Black Dynamite himself. Most parody films run the risk of running their gimmick into the ground too early to deliver a solid film but that isn’t the case here. Black Dynamite gets stronger throughout the film. Amazingly, it hasn’t garnered a cult following yet.
–Vincent Kane
93. Watchmen (2009)
Most film fans either love or hate Watchmen. Zack Snyder either made a visually striking adaptation of a beloved comic book that people lose themselves in, or he made a movie that is so slavishly faithful to the comic book visuals that he completely missed the point of the source material (because Zack Snyder is a dude bro who is too stupid to get the super deep shit Alan Moore was laying down in the book—according to the haters).
I know Watchmen has its flaws. And, sure, it would have been cool if it had stuck to the original ending. But it is so gorgeously rendered and meticulously put together and it’s just such an interesting world that I can’t help but want to visit it again and again. If that places me along the dumb dude bros, so be it.
–Billy Dhalgren
92. Step Brothers (2008)
The concept of 40-year-old men acting like 12-year-old boys while remaining distinctly 40 years old is inherently hilarious, but the way Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play it just takes the concept to the next level. It’s a shame Ferrell and Adam McKay had a falling out because their run of comedies together was legendary. For me, this is their peak. This is one of those comedy movies with jokes that people quote and don’t even realize they’re quoting this movie. It’s also got one of the most memorable farts in movie history – yes, the one filled with ketchup and onions.
–Raf Stitt
91. Atonement (2007)
Often mentioned as one of the most heartbreaking films of all time, there is also a captivating beauty to what is probably Joe Wright’s best work as a director. The unfolding of the first half of the film is like a slow-moving trainwreck. The world is introduced to a young Saoirse Ronan who captivates as the 13-year-old Briony jilted by her much older crush, who then tells a lie that destroys everything. We get to see multiple scenes play out through different perspectives, giving an element of mystery early on while achingly revealing the truth.
–Jacob Holmes
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What do you think of the selection so far? What are some of your favorite movies from the 2000s? Maybe they will show up further on the list!