15 Movies that will be turning 25 this year

It is difficult to believe, but some of the most influential films from the year 2000 entered their 25th year in 2025. With thrilling action films, gripping dramas, and unforgettable comedies, the movie anthology of the 2000s had everything to capture audiences' imagination globally. Even two decades down, most of these films are remembered by the audience due to their timeless performances, futuristic techniques, and stories that are quite relevant today. Join us in celebrating 15 of the most iconic films from 2000 as they continue to shape the cinematic landscape.

1) X-Men (2000)

Directed by Bryan Singer, X-Men initiated the modern era of superhero films and introduced big-screen heroes in the characters of Wolverine, Professor X, and Magneto. Hugh Jackman became an instant cult icon for playing Wolverine with rough charm and raw, brutal fight scenes. It opened up a very extensive universe that led to reviving the comic book franchise into a Hollywood hit. Its success paved the way for future superhero blockbusters, demonstrating that comic book films could be commercially successful and also respected in critical circles.

2) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, brought the genre of martial arts films onto a global scale as it mesmerized with breathtaking choreography and emotionality. Praised for blurring the action-filled storyline of a forbidden love tale and honor, Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh starred in it. Featuring wonderful visuals, this film gained notoriety and became the highest-grossing foreign-language film at that time and acquired four Academy Awards. Its influence on Hollywood is undeniable, with its stunning techniques inspiring action films for years to come.

3) Pitch Black (2000)

Pitch Black brought a darker, more sci-fi-oriented world to viewers while launching Vin Diesel into stardom. This film, directed by David Twohy, takes a group of survivors who are stranded on a distant planet teeming with deadly creatures that emerge only in the dark. Vin Diesel portrayed the role of anti-hero Riddick, which would soon be made iconic by multiple sequels. Pitch Black brought suspense to an otherwise low-budget sci-fi movie, and some memorable characters make it a cult classic.

4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Ron Howard's version of Dr. Seuss's holiday classic was the perfect opportunity to bring the mischievous Grinch to life, thanks to Jim Carrey's unforgettable performance. The set design and the vibrant color scheme were whimsical enough to make the magic of Whoville shine through on the big screen. Carrey added depth to the character by being the quintessential Grinch, and critics' doubts about a live-action film soon faded when Carrey convinced the audience with his commitment to the role.

5) Gladiator (2000)

Ridley Scott's film Gladiator changed the definition of epics and received an Academy Award for Russell Crowe as he played the betrayed Roman general in a quest for revenge. The compelling storyline of honor, betrayal, and vengeance in this film combined with jaw-dropping battle sequences to capture everyone's imagination on earth. Gladiator became a benchmark for historical epics, and films like Troy and 300 were influenced by it. It was a commercial success at the box office and the Oscars, and it stands as one of the greatest films of the 21st century.

6) The Family Man (2000)

The Family Man, while touching in spots, remains an underappreciated Christmas film with Nicolas Cage playing a wealthy bachelor who wakes up in an alternate life as married with children. It is an interesting blend of fantasy and romance in which the choices that define our lives are explored. Cage gives depth to what could have been a holiday story where audiences can easily sympathize with the character. While The Family Man wasn't exactly a huge success when it first came out, it is now a classic holiday film for anyone who needs to see things in a new light with regard to life and love.

7) American Psycho (2000)

Mary Harron's film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's infamous novel became American Psycho: Christian Bale channeled the darkness of Patrick Bateman, a posh New York investment banker with an infernal touch. Two decades after its first showing, the movie keeps the philosophical debates going about materialism, vanity, and mental illness. However, its dark comedy and unnerving atmosphere make it a cult movie. Bale’s career-defining performance is a masterclass in creating a character who is both repellent and fascinating, making American Psycho one of the most memorable psychological thrillers of the 2000s.

8) Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Requiem for a Dream is an intense, unsettling study of addiction and its effects by Darren Aronofsky. This film features Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans as four individuals whose lives break apart because of their own dependency on these addictions. Haunting imagery and devastatingly emotional storytelling with great performances make this one of the most impactful films of the 2000s. Requiem for a Dream has been acclaimed for its unyielding portrayal of despair with its powerful score by Clint Mansell, which is still remembered in modern cinema.

9) Memento (2000)

Christopher Nolan's Memento is one masterclass in non-linear storytelling because the film keeps following Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man with short-term memory loss, in his effort to solve the mystery of the murder of his wife. Its reversed structure tells viewers the story of the movie on edge as the film takes the very idea of memory as a puzzle to be unraveled. Nolan's breakthrough film established him as a director capable of weaving complex narratives, setting the stage for later successes like Inception and The Dark Knight.

10) Snatch (2000)

Guy Ritchie's Snatch is a fast-paced crime film with an ensemble cast including Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, and Benicio del Toro. It features rapid-fire dialogue, a non-linear plot, and quirky characters, making Snatch a cult classic and cementing Ritchie as a stylish and unpredictable crime thriller director. The film's great balance of comedy, action, and suspense is equaled by its distinctive visual flair, which can still be seen in many a crime comedy made today. Among the most unforgettable Brad Pitt acting roles is Mickey O'Neil, a bare-knuckle boxer sporting a thick accent.

11) Almost Famous (2000)

Almost Famous is a coming-of-age tale created by Cameron Crowe, following a teenage journalist touring around with a fictional rock band back in the 1970s. The movie, in itself, is an autobiographical presentation of aspects he might have faced within his own experiences, capturing the very nature of rock 'n' roll, complex aspects of boyhood, and the beauty in discovery as an artist. Kate Hudson's breakout role as the free-spirited Penny Lane scored her a Golden Globe, and the classic rock hits used in the film have made Almost Famous a nostalgic tribute to music and youthful rebellion.

12) Cast Away (2000)

Cast Away is the gripping survivalist story penned by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks in one of the greatest performances ever. Portraying the character Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island after a plane crashed, Hanks delivered an Oscar nomination-worthy, physically and emotionally transforming performance. The iconic moments from the film are perhaps epitomized by the relationship that Chuck develops with his surrogate friend, Wilson the volleyball. More than twenty years since its release, Cast Away is a powerful human endurance film chronicling isolation and incessant struggle to survive against insurmountable odds.

13) Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans is an inspiring true story about a local high school football team in the 1970s that transcends racial tension to make its mark as a triumphant team. The Denzel Washington performance of Coach Herman Boone endures in his powerful and compassionate rendering, making this one of his greatest performances. Themes of teamwork, unity, and racial equality come alive in this film, which is still one of the most exciting sports films available for viewers seeking inspiration.

14) The Patriot (2000)

Directed by Roland Emmerich, The Patriot is a historical war drama about the American Revolution with Mel Gibson starring as Benjamin Martin, a farmer-turned-reluctant soldier. It is against the backdrop of this war for independence that the story focuses on the journey of Benjamin avenging his son's death and saving his family. While it did not get excellent reviews for historical liberties, The Patriot was a commercial success, becoming one of the most iconic war films of the early 2000s.

15) Meet the Parents (2000)

The film Meet the Parents is a great comedy where Ben Stiller is paired with Robert De Niro in a fish-out-of-water scenario. Stiller delivers endless laughs with his portrayal of Greg Focker, a nervous boyfriend trying to impress his intimidating girlfriend's father (De Niro). Witty dialogue and awkward situations and De Niro's deadpan humor helped make this film a box-office hit. It remains very popular for offering a relatable take on the dynamics of a family and the pressure of dealing with in-laws.