These Are the Most-Watched Movies Of the 2000s

The 2000s were definitely the era of experimentation. From quirky fashion trends to the rise of pop music genres, the 2000s did not shy out from colorful and perhaps silly additions to the decade. With the need for experimentation and the entry to a new year format, the film industry also decided to join in on the fun. The 2000s were a remarkable and transformative era for the film industry.

Here are some of the most-watched movies of the 2000s to turn back time! Are your all-time favorite films on the list?

The Most-Watched Movies Of the 2000s

These are the 15 all-time favorite films of the 2000s:

15. Forrest Gump

The story begins with Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) sitting at a bus stop in Savannah, Georgia, telling his life story to strangers who come and go. Born with a low IQ and leg braces, Forrest’s mother, Mrs. Gump (played by Sally Field), does her best to ensure he has a normal childhood. Afterward, young Forrest faces bullies.

However, his mother’s love and teachings help him develop a strong sense of perseverance and a belief that he can achieve anything. The story definitely shows why it is one of the all-time favorite films of the 2000s.

14. The Wizard of Oz

In “The Wizard of Oz” a young girl named Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland) lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on a farm. She has a loyal dog named Toto. Dorothy longs for adventure and a world beyond her monotonous life in the black-and-white world of rural Kansas. Furthermore, one day, a tornado approaches. In seeking safety, Dorothy and Toto are transported to the colorful and fantastical land of Oz. The iconic visuals and costumes make it one of the all-time favorite films for all ages.

13. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is the first installment in the immensely popular “Harry Potter” book series by J.K. Rowling, which was adapted into a film of the same name in 2001, directed by Chris Columbus. It introduces readers and viewers to the magical world of Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his journey to discover his true heritage.

The movie is a magical and captivating tale of a young boy who discovers his true identity and begins his journey as a wizard. Additionally, it sets the stage for the epic adventures and mysteries that follow throughout the series. It is also beloved by readers and viewers of all ages.

12. Bridget Jones’ Diary

The story begins with Bridget Jones (played by Renée Zellweger), a 32-year-old single woman who works in publishing and lives in London. She is known for her self-deprecating humor and tendency to keep a diary to record her life’s ups and downs. Feeling pressure from her mother and friends to find a stable relationship, Bridget decides to take control of her life. Furthermore, she begins her journey of self-improvement by making resolutions. These include losing weight and quitting smoking, to improve her prospects of finding love.

11. The Shawshank Redemption

The film tells the powerful story of hope, friendship, and redemption within the confines of a maximum-security prison. The movie starts with the conviction of Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), a successful banker, for the murder of his wife and her lover, a crime he claims he didn’t commit.

Andy is sentenced to two consecutive life terms at Shawshank State Penitentiary. Afterward, upon arrival, he encounters the harsh realities of prison life, including violence, corruption, and the oppressive rule of the warden, Samuel Norton (played by Bob Gunton).

10. Toy Story

“Toy Story” is a 1995 animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is a groundbreaking film that revolutionized the world of animation and storytelling. The movie takes viewers into a world where toys come to life when humans aren’t around.

Moreover, the story revolves around a young boy named Andy Davis, who has a collection of beloved toys, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. Furthermore, the leader of these toys is Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), a pull-string cowboy doll who is Andy’s favorite and has a strong bond with the other toys.

9. Mary Poppins

“Mary Poppins” is a classic 1964 musical fantasy film directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney. It combines live-action with animation and is based on the book series by P.L. Travers. Additionally, the story is set in Edwardian London and follows the Banks family: George (played by David Tomlinson) and Winifred Banks (played by Glynis Johns), their children Jane (played by Karen Dotrice) and Michael (played by Matthew Garber), and their stern and no-nonsense nanny, Katie Nanna.

Throughout the film, Mary Poppins uses her magical touch to help the family and those around them. She also brings magic and laughter to Mr. Banks’ workplace, where he is initially portrayed as an emotionless and strict bank manager.

8. Jurassic Park

The story begins with the eccentric billionaire John Hammond (played by Richard Attenborough) creating a groundbreaking theme park on a remote island off the coast of Costa Rica. Hammond’s park, called Jurassic Park, features cloned dinosaurs, brought back to life through advanced genetic engineering.

However, to ensure the park’s safety, Hammond brings in a group of experts to endorse the park before it opens to the public. Moreover, the movie is a groundbreaking film that combines cutting-edge special effects with an exciting and suspenseful storyline set in a theme park filled with cloned dinosaurs.

7. Titanic

The Titanic’s tragic sinking resulted in the loss of over 1,500 lives, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. The film’s framing device returns to the present day, where Rose’s story concludes with an act of defiance and reverence for the ship’s memory.

“Titanic” is celebrated for its epic storytelling, impressive visuals, and the powerful chemistry between its two lead actors. Moreover, the film masterfully combines a historical disaster with a timeless love story, making it one of the most successful and enduring films in cinematic history.

6. Raiders of The Lost Ark

The story is set in 1936, with the world on the brink of World War II. Dr. Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford), a professor of archaeology and adventurer, is contacted by U.S. Army Intelligence. Afterward, they inform him that the Nazis are on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant, an ancient biblical artifact believed to have supernatural powers that could make the Nazis invincible.

The film’s climax takes place on an isolated island where the Nazis have discovered the Ark’s location. Indy and Marion are captured, and the Nazis open the Ark, unleashing supernatural forces of destruction. However, the power of the Ark is not to be trifled with, and it ultimately leads to the demise of the Nazi soldiers.

5. Love Actually

“Love Actually” is a 2003 romantic comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis. Additionally, the film weaves together multiple interconnected love stories set in the weeks leading up to Christmas in London. Furthermore, it explores various forms of love, from romantic to familial to platonic, and celebrates the joys and complexities of human relationships.

The film opens with a montage at Heathrow Airport, where loved ones are joyfully reuniting. It is revealed that love is all around, even in the most unexpected places. Moreover, the story follows several characters, each dealing with their own love-related challenges. The film explores these interconnected stories and the various forms of love, humor, heartbreak, and redemption that come with them.

4. Home Alone

The story is set in a Chicago suburb during the Christmas season. The McCallister family, a large and somewhat chaotic family, is preparing to spend the holiday in Paris. Moreover, the youngest child, Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin), is constantly overlooked and often feels lost in the shuffle of his many siblings and cousins.

Kevin initially enjoys the freedom of being “home alone.” He indulges in junk food, watches movies he’s not supposed to watch, and practices various pranks. However, he soon realizes the house is being targeted by two burglars, Harry (played by Joe Pesci) and Marv (played by Daniel Stern), who have been monitoring the neighborhood and know that the McCallister house is empty.

3. Dirty Dancing

Set in the summer of 1963, the film tells the story of a young woman named Baby and her journey of self-discovery through dance, love, and rebellion. However, the film’s climax comes during the resort’s final dance competition, where Baby and Johnny perform a passionate and mesmerizing dance routine. Their performance is a testament to the power of dance as a means of self-expression and freedom.

Additionally, despite her father’s opposition, Baby remains determined to pursue her love for dance and her relationship with Johnny. In the end, Johnny is wrongly accused of theft. However, Baby testifies on his behalf, leading to his vindication. The film concludes with a memorable dance sequence and the iconic line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”, which makes it one of the most-watched movies of all time.

2. Back to the Future

The movie blends elements of science fiction, comedy, and adventure to tell the story of a teenager who travels back in time and inadvertently disrupts the space-time continuum. Marty and Doc’s adventures begin when Doc demonstrates the time machine by sending his dog, Einstein, one minute into the future. The storyline is definitely what makes it one of the most-watched movies of not only the 2000s but of all time as well.

Moreover, in the ensuing chaos, Doc is shot and killed, and Marty escapes in the DeLorean. Unbeknownst to him, the DeLorean is set to travel to 1955, 30 years in the past. Moreover, the film’s success led to two sequels, creating a beloved trilogy. Marty McFly’s adventures through time have made him an enduring pop culture icon, and the film remains a classic in the science fiction genre. Additionally, this movie even inspired the making of “Rick & Morty”! This gives it a golden trophy for one of the all-time favorite films as well!

1. Grease

The number one spot for the all-time favorite films list is “Grease”. The story is set in the summer of 1958 and opens with Danny Zuko (played by John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (played by Olivia Newton-John), two high school students from different backgrounds, having a passionate but fleeting summer romance on the beach. They part ways, believing it’s the end of their relationship when Sandy goes back to Australia.

The film features a series of musical numbers that capture the spirit and music of the 1950s, including “Summer Nights,” “You’re the One That I Want,” and “Greased Lightnin’.” The iconic music choice and the storyline is what makes it the most-watched movie of the 2000s.

What is your favorite movie on the list? Is there a movie we have mentioned that you haven’t seen before? Let us know in the comments below!

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