Almost every film genre existed before the 2000s, but there are a few exceptions in terms of originality. Since this decade began with the Y2K panic and the ensuing technological advances, it makes sense that these advances would bleed over into the film industry.
One example of those advances is the widespread use of high-definition video. Many distributors began releasing films in HD, and then on Blu-ray. Digital enhancements also led to other mediums, such as streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
One genre that came into its own in the 2000s was the superhero saga. The Marvel Cinematic Universe started with Iron Man (2008) and evolved into the heart of most summer blockbusters today. Other franchises that began in the 2000s include The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Pirates of the Caribbean saga.
Here are my favorite films from the 2000s:
Minority Report (2002)
I was very excited to see Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg working together in a film. This thrilling film always keeps me on the edge of my seat. The cinematography by Janusz Kamiński is brilliant – it gives the film a gritty look, which works on multiple levels.
Cruise plays John Anderton, police chief of the Pre-Crime unit in the year 2054. This unit stops murders before they happen. However, Anderton discovers that he is a future murderer and goes on the run, trying to clear his name. This story is a great tribute to classic film noir, which we don’t see very often anymore.
Wonder Boys (2000)
This film does a great job mixing comedy and drama. It’s a simple story with a great cast that makes this dramedy worth watching repeatedly.
Wonder Boys takes place on one complicated weekend for Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas), a middle-aged college professor. He is currently having an affair with his bosses’ wife (Frances McDormand), fighting off the advances of one of his students (Katie Holmes), trying to set another student (Tobey Maguire) on the right path, and trying to keep his editor (Robert Downey, Jr.) out of trouble. Simply writing that summary made me laugh.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Charlie Kaufman is one of the most original writers of our time. His screenplays are incredibly unique. Being John Malkovich (1999), Human Nature (2001), and Adaptation (2002) are a few notable credits.
In this story, Joel (Jim Carrey) is devastated after his breakup with Clementine (Kate Winslet). He confronts her but finds that she doesn’t remember him. Joel learns that she has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memory entirely. Joel goes through the same procedure but changes his mind midway through it. This is a heartfelt, funny, and original story.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Before making this film, the Coen Brothers already had an admirable filmography. They shift genres quite a bit, from serious films such as Miller’s Crossing (1990) to hilarious ones like The Big Lebowski (1998). Fargo (1996) seems to land somewhere in the middle. No Country for Old Men is a sort of Western crime-thriller that belongs in a genre of its own – it truly stands out from the crowd.
This story comes from a novel by Cormac McCarthy. It involves a trio of men: Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), and Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) – a civilian who gets in way over his head. Moss encounters a crime scene with a case full of cash. Chigurh is on the hunt for the case and Bell tries to catch up with Moss before anyone else, leading to an unforgettable finale.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Another filmmaker with an original style is Wes Anderson. You can always tell when you’re watching a Wes Anderson film. He focuses on unique sets, costume design, and quirky characters.
In this film, Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) is a modern-day Jacques Cousteau. He leads a team of sea explorers on a journey to find the rare shark that killed his partner. Along for the ride are his estranged wife (Anjelica Huston), his potential son-in-law (Owen Wilson), and a documentarian (Cate Blanchett). Along the way, they see some incredible sights, including stop motion animated sea life! This film was a flop at first but gained a cult following. Perhaps I should have included it in my underrated movies list.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan has my undying respect for rebooting the Batman franchise. His take on the caped crusader is by far the best film adaptation. This second chapter of the trilogy is the best film for many reasons, not the least of which is Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker.
Batman (Christian Bale) faces The Joker as he attempts to bring chaos to Gotham City. This is a hard time for Batman, as he yearns to rid himself of the cape and cowl and have a normal life. He feels his work fighting crime has already made enough of an impact on Gotham City, but The Joker has other plans. There are many exciting moments in this film, including an unforgettable opening scene involving a bank robbery.
Amélie (2001)
I will always cherish this film. For one thing, it was the first film I rented when I started my membership with Hollywood Video (I watched a lot of movies that summer). I was pleased to watch it again in school while learning about cinematography. The look of the film is outstanding, and it brings fantasy to the modern world.
Amélie (Audrey Tautou) is a waitress in a diner, and she entertains herself by observing her customers. She seeks to make their lives better, including playing matchmaker. She is alone but has so much love to give. However, Amélie is at a crossroads when she meets and falls for another loner (Mathieu Kassovitz). This is a sweet and beautiful tale that will warm your heart.
Crash (2005)
After the first time I watched Crash, I spent weeks thinking about it – such an impactful film about society.
The all-star cast includes Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, and Terrance Howard, among others. Everyone gives a terrific performance, and writer/director Paul Haggis deserves praise for bringing this monumental film to life.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese was long overdue for the Best Director Oscar. He finally got the prize for directing this film, an absolute knockout with unforgettable performances and an intelligent plot.
This story takes place in the criminal underbelly of Boston, where boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) reigns supreme. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an undercover cop who becomes a part of Costello’s gang and earns his trust. However, Costello planted Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) in the police department as a mole. Eventually, Costigan and Sullivan each discover the other’s identity, which leads to a game of cat-and-mouse with an ending that will leave you speechless.
Juno (2007)
Teen pregnancy is not a subject to be taken lightly, so I can’t recommend this film too highly. However, Juno still makes me laugh every time – its humor, originality, and quirky characters are very memorable, and the film is very quotable.
Juno (Ellen Page) is a high school student who conceives a child with her best friend Paulie (Michael Cera). This doesn’t affect their friendship, at least not at first. Juno receives support from her dad (J.K. Simmons) and stepmom (Allison Janney). They eventually decide to give the baby up for adoption to a seemingly happy couple (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). This film has many great moments, and its originality is probably its best quality.
Happy watching!
If you missed my earlier posts, you can read about my favorites from past decades here: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
