No one could ever accuse the 2000s of being a boring decade. Beyond the iconic aughties fashion trends, there were many great ‘00s films from franchises like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Lord of the Rings to comedy hits like Legally Blonde. To say the least, the decade saw big box office numbers—but with so many high-profile flicks to choose from, the number of great forgotten 2000s movies is longer than you might think.
We’ve rounded up some of the most overlooked 2000s movies that are still worth a watch today. Some, like Aaliyah’s Queen of the Damned, were simply misunderstood, while others like Identity, were successful at the box office and later forgotten by the masses. Others just didn't find their audience until later on. (Ahem, Beerfest.)
Regardless, now's the perfect time to catch up on these hidden gems, from heartwarming rom-coms and gruesome horror movies to surprising murder mysteries. (And okay, maybe a few guilty pleasures, too.) Below, are the top forgotten '00s films you need to revisit.
'12 Rounds' (2009)
This action-packed movie features wrestler-turned-movie-star John Cena before he became the best part of Trainwreck and landed a whole host of other comedic gold. This early film of his, while reviewed poorly, has a nifty concept: Danny Fisher (Cena), a cop whose fiancée has been kidnapped, must play a harrowing game of "12 Rounds" to free her.
'Beerfest' (2006)
The Broken Lizard comedy group (a.k.a. the makers of the wildly successful Super Troopers) made Beerfest as a follow-up to their early success. It was seen as a pale comparison to the earlier film, but fans have reclaimed its offbeat humor.
'Better Luck Tomorrow' (2003)
If you like the Fast & Furious movies, this is considered Han's origin story. The character, who appears as a teen in the film, is played by the same actor from the franchise, Sung Kang. The film follows a group of Asian American youths—and even beyond the larger connections to the original series—it's a very compelling crime drama.
'The Black Dahlia' (2006)
Many true crime fans have heard of the Black Dahlia, a.k.a 22-year-old actress Elizabeth Short, who was killed in 1947. Not everyone has heard of the 2006 film based on her murder, however. Though it had plenty of star power (Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank, and Aaron Eckhart), this whodunnit, which explores the unraveling of the detectives assigned to Short’s case, probably isn’t a movie you’ve returned to in some time. (This is your sign to do just that.)
'Bounce' (2000)
When it comes to ‘00s Ben Affleck flicks, for better or worse, it's Gigli—not Bounce—that's seared into our collective brains. But this tale of a man (Affleck) who gives up his seat on a plane, only to have that plane crash, leaving him guilt-ridden and in search of the man’s widow (Gwyneth Paltrow) is the one you probably should remember. Even Roger Ebert said it had “a strong set-up, good acting, intelligent dialogue, and attractive characters.” Good enough for us!
'Center Stage' (2000)
On the surface, not much particularly stands out about Center Stage. The cast, sans Zoe Saldana, was largely unknown, the plot was fairly basic, and the final dance number had some... questionable moments. And yet, this tale of ballerina hopefuls had us in a complete chokehold in the early 2000s. We weren’t the only ones, either: The film has since become a cult classic for dancers and non-dancers alike.
'Click' (2006)
Regarding Adam Sandler movies, Click may not be on your radar, having never reached the cult status of blockbuster darlings like Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, or even Mr. Deeds. And yet, it’s the only one that made us sob on a level akin to The Notebook. It’s even more mind-blowing once it finally dawns on you that this cautionary tale about Michael Newman (Sandler) and his desire to pass over the less desirable parts of life is just a modern-day retelling of A Christmas Carol.
'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind' (2003)
George Clooney's directorial debut has always been an underrated classic: It stars Sam Rockwell (relatively unknown at the time) as a fictionalized version of game show host and creator Chuck Barris. Chuck is recruited to be an assassin for the CIA, and (fascinating) shenanigans ensue.
'Crossroads' (2002)
Lest we forget, Britney Spears had a blink-and-you-might-miss-it career as an actress in the early aughts thanks to 2002’s Crossroads. This tale of female friendship may not be an Oscar-winner, but it is entertaining. Brit-Brit plays Lucy, one of three teenage girls who were friends in their youth but have since gone their separate ways. Circumstances (and the promise of a cross-country road trip) reunite them, resulting in what might be the best sing-along scene of all time as they belt out Sheryl Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy.”
'Employee of the Month' (2006)
You might not recall it now, but Jessica Simpson had quite the budding movie career in the ‘00s. (Dukes of Hazzard, anyone?) With Employee of the Month, in which she starred opposite Dane Cook, she got to show off her comedic chops. Simpson played Amy Renfro, a new cashier at the local Super Club, who prompts her new coworkers (Cook and Dax Shepard) to duke it out for her affections. Think Superstore but for the big screen, and a little more romance—or something like it.
'Factory Girl' (2006)
Never has a casting been so spot-on as it was for 2006’s Factory Girl. Sienna Miller truly became Edie Sedgwick in this 2006 biopic about the ‘60s fashion icon. It wasn’t received well critically, but we maintain that it should have been. Exploring Sedgwick's relationships with well-known artists, including Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan, and her tragic demise at 28, this film was a bittersweet reminder of how bright the model's light once shone before it was snuffed out.
'The Fountain' (2006)
This Darren Aronofsky fantasy is (like much of his work) trippy, beautiful, and a mix of despairing and hopeful. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play various iterations of themselves: tragic lovers across time, who are fighting against death in reality. But don't worry: It's way more cohesive than it sounds.
'Ghosts of Girlfriends’ Past' (2009)
Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner are ‘00s rom-com royalty, thanks to flicks like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, and 13 Going on 30. But for some reason, together, they weren’t quite as memorable. There’s no logical explanation: This movie is just as cute as the others. A play on A Christmas Carol, it’s about a man who is visited by three ghosts who aim to show him the error of his womanizing ways before it’s too late. Emma Stone also makes an appearance.
'A Knight’s Tale' (2001)
While the rest of the world was busy fawning over Heath Ledger in 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You, we were drooling over the actor as the bleach-blonde, armor-clad William Thatcher in 2001’s The Knight’s Tale. The tale of a poor squire who poses as a knight to win his fortune wasn’t meant to become a classic—writer and director Brian Helgeland has called it the Men in Tights of the 1370s—and yet, we can attest that its ever-present satire completely holds up more than 20 years after its initial release, making it just that.
'Happy-Go-Lucky' (2008)
This incredibly feel-good movie features Poppy (Sally Hawkins), a woman who maintains a cheery disposition despite facing challenges, including getting her bike stolen and dealing with judgmental relatives. It's a smaller British film, but it helped put Hawkins on the map. Plus, it's a great little pick-me-up flick.
'House of Wax' (2005)
Paris Hilton may not (spoiler alert!) be the final girl in this 2005 remake, but she’s the one we most closely associate with the film decades after its release. Unfortunately for her character of Paige, it’s not exactly a pleasant memory. (Let's say after coming across an über-creepy wax museum in a ghost town these kids are passing through, she’s not exactly sliving.)
'I Love You, Man' (2009)
This movie had all the makings of a runaway hit. It was well-reviewed, it did decently at the box office, and unlike most of their films, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel gave a sweet-but-tame performance as two men navigating adult male friendship. It simply had too much box office competition to really stick.
'Identity' (2003)
Identity may not have had the staying power of The Sixth Sense, but we promise you, the twist at the end of this psychological thriller is just as mind-blowing. It follows convict Malcom Rivers who is on trial for murder as his lawyer and doctors race to prove his insanity. Meanwhile, a group of strangers in a remote motel are also racing, only to find out who's been killing them off one by one—before it’s too late.
'Igby Goes Down' (2002)
Before Kieran Culkin became a huge Succession star, he was in this underrated movie. Centered on the titular Igby, who hates just about everything about his wealthy family and commits to a life of rebellion, it's a whole lot sweeter than expected—particularly since the critics loved it.
'John Tucker Must Die' (2006)
Don’t fully remember the plot of John Tucker Must Die? After three high school girls (Arielle Kebbel, Sophia Bush, and Ashanti) are burned by the same guy, they recruit a new girl (Brittany Snow) to capture and break his heart. Our favorite part? You'll remember the spirit of womanhood it invokes long after it’s over.
'Lars and the Real Girl' (2007)
This film was simply too edgy for film-goers. Though it underperformed at the box office, it was a critical darling, and more fans have come across this early Ryan Gosling performance since he's become a movie star. In brief? Shy, reclusive Lars (Gosling) gets an adult doll, dresses her up, and pretends she's his real-life human girlfriend. Trust us: It's more heartfelt—and—tragic than it sounds.
'The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou' (2004)
This Wes Anderson film was a big box office flop, which is ironic since many fans now hail it as one of his best works. Needless to say, if you like Anderson's work, you should seek this tale about an oceanographer (Bill Murray) on a mission to get revenge on the shark who ate his partner. (As you may have assessed, it's a pretty funny satire of Jacques Cousteau and Moby Dick.)
'Life as a House' (2001)
What do you do when you find out your time on Earth is ending? If you’re George (Hayden Christensen), you build a house from the ground up—and simultaneously, your strained relationship with your son, ex-wife, and her new husband. Now more than 20 years old (a.k.a. long enough to have forgotten all about it), the film has been accused of being a “manipulative tearjerker,” but honestly? We aren’t mad at a good long cry from time to time.
'Little Black Book' (2004)
This might be the most satisfying 2000s rom-com you never saw. While Brittany Murphy’s character of Stacy Holt is slightly unhinged for much of the film, stalking and befriending her boyfriend’s exes to find out more about his romantic past, you’ll still sympathize with the impossible situation she ultimately finds herself in—and cheer at its unexpected outcome.
'A Lot Like Love' (2005)
Most of Ashton Kutcher’s attempts at romantic comedy have been lost upon us—call it a side effect of his role as Kelso on That '70s Show, if you will. But A Lot Like Love made us seriously rethink that stance. Following Oliver Martin (Kutcher) and Emily Friehl (Amanda Peet) as strangers who join the mile-high club, only to reconnect on a deeper level over a series of spaced-out reunions, it’s ultimately a (great) story about timing and how it affects our (love) lives.
'The Majestic' (2001)
Normally, Jim Carrey is synonymous with “blockbuster,” but 2001’s The Majestic left a wide gap between the two. It wasn't for lack of effort: Some have cited this as Carrey’s finest work outside of comedy. His character is a screenwriter whose life goes off the rails when he’s accused of being a communist in the golden age of Hollywood.
'One Hour Photo' (2002)
The late, lovable Robin Williams rarely dipped into true villain territory, which is what makes this film so unique (and so far removed from the general public's radar). He plays a lonely, obsessive photo technician, who becomes obsessed with a happy family and their photos. The movie is a bit of a historical document (develop pictures? What a concept!), but its premise is still quite compelling.
'Penelope' (2006)
For whatever reason, this modern-day fairy tale about a girl (Christina Ricci) cursed with the snout of a pig didn’t hit quite the same as its counterparts, such as Ever After or Ella Enchanted. That doesn’t mean it was any less charming: It’s got all the usual fairy tale tropes—a spell that must be broken by a suitor, an evil villain, and an ultra-lovable heroine—but the ending is a sweet surprise.
'Queen of the Damned' (2002)
Even if you can still recite the lyrics of “Are You That Somebody?” (guilty), it’s likely you don’t remember the late Aaliyah’s turn as Akasha, the world's first-ever vampire, in Queen of the Damned. A box office flop, this 2002 Interview with the Vampire sequel was overshadowed by an overly ambitious storyline and Aaliyah's death, several months after she wrapped filming. It follows Lestat (Stuart Townsend)'s latest adventures as the lead singer of an undead nu-metal band. The problem? His music has piqued the interest of Akasha, and now, she wants to take over the underworld with Lestat at her side.
'Rachel Getting Married' (2008)
If you were paying attention to Anne Hathaway’s early career, you probably weren't shocked to find she had such range in Les Miserables. It was nothing we hadn’t seen in the indie darling Rachel Getting Married. Tackling the ultra-angsty role of Kym Buchman, a recovering addict who struggles to reconnect with her family ahead of her sister’s wedding, Hathaway was light years away from The Princess Diaries with this one, and yet, our girl nailed it.
'Reign Over Me' (2007)
Adam Sandler is far better known for his comedic talents than his skills as a more serious actor. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist. As anyone who’s ever seen Spanglish or Uncut Gems will tell you, the Sandman is a pretty darn convincing thespian. Case in point? 2007’s Reign Over Me. There’s absolutely nothing funny about his character of Charlie Fineman, who is in a mental decline after losing his wife and daughters in 9/11. Rather, he's heart-wrenchingly poignant, making this film worth a second watch.
'Riding in Cars With Boys' (2001)
2001’s Riding in Cars with Boys gets overshadowed by some of Drew Barrymore’s other 2000s films (such as Charlie’s Angels and 50 First Dates), but, if you ask us, it might be her best. (Considering it was Penny Marshall’s last turn as a director, it’s no wonder.) The talk show host stars as Beverly Donofrio, a teenage mother who experiences many hardships in her youth while learning to come-of-age herself as her son grows up. It’s funny and poignant and will make you want to call a parent, stat.
'Road Trip' (2000)
On the heels of 1999’s American Pie, 2000’s Road Trip didn’t seem as scandalous despite having an "unrated" version, which is probably why this sex-fueled comedy gets a little lost in the shuffle. But it still has a hilarious cast that includes Stifler (Seann William Scott) himself and enough shock value to keep you (highly) entertained. A word of warning? You might not want to eat French toast again for a very long time.
'Rock Star' (2001)
Remember when Jennifer Aniston starred in a film alongside Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins? Well, allow us to refresh your memory. Jen plays Emily Poule, the über-cool girlfriend of rock star wannabe Chris “Izzy” Cole (Mark Wahlberg). When Izzy’s wildest dreams all start to come true, however, it’s unclear if there will be room for Emily on his new journey. (We know—frankly, we’re appalled anyone would contemplate choosing their job over Jen, too.)
'The Savages' (2007)
If you liked Little Miss Sunshine, this lesser-known, way more adult (but just as dysfunctional) look at a family sees Wendy (Laura Linney) and Jon Savage (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) navigating their final days with their abusive-but-dying dad (the late Philip Bosco).
'Saved!' (2004)
Take a teen movie about unplanned pregnancy and set it at a highly conservative Christian school and you've got Saved!—an offbeat comedy featuring Mandy Moore, Jena Malone, and Macaulay Culkin. Think indie smash, but on a smaller scale. If you like films like Yes, God, Yes, you'll like this, too.
'Stranger Than Fiction' (2006)
Everyone knows Step Brothers and Talladega Nights, but Will Ferrell also starred in Stranger Than Fiction in the '00s. In it, he plays Harold, who (mild spoiler alert), realizes he's a book character dreamed up by famous novelist Emma Thompson. She's not only writing about his life, however—she's writing about his untimely death. If you ask us, it's a great premise and a pretty good execution.
'Sugar & Spice' (2001)
This might be a cheerleader movie, but a Bring It On copycat, it is most certainly not. No, this squad, which consists of Mena Suvari, Marley Shelton, and Rachel Blanchard, is more concerned with learning how to rob a bank to help head cheerleader Diane (Shelton) support her new family after she becomes pregnant and gets kicked out of her house than winning any championships. (It also stars Marla Sokoloff, a.k.a. the ultimate Full House baddie. If you know you know.)
'Sunshine Cleaning' (2009)
Two women (Amy Adams and Emily Blunt) who need money start a business cleaning up crime scenes. The premise might sound like a capital "H" for "Horror" movie, but it's actually quite endearing, and even funny at times—particularly since Adams and Blunt have perfect chemistry.
'The Sweetest Thing' (2002)
Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Sema Blair don’t get enough credit for this early ‘00s gem, which laid the groundwork for many of the more tongue-in-cheek female films we know and love today. (Bridesmaids ring a bell?) Audiences at the time didn’t appreciate the hilarity of this trio at their raunchiest, what with their glory hole discovery, furry action, and penis-filled singalongs. It was named one of the worst films of the year, according to Entertainment Weekly. Luckily, it ultimately got its due as an underrated fan fave.
'Waiting…' (2005)
If ever you needed a quick reminder that Ryan Reynolds wasn’t always, well, Ryan Reynolds, Waiting… is it. This 2000s Office Space restaurant equivalent sees Blake Lively’s hubby as a facial hair-sporting server named Monty. He's been tasked with training a new employee at a dead-end job. It's on the crude side (penis jokes abound), but those who have worked in the food industry also say it's not entirely inaccurate.
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