What a Girl Wants is to rewatch these iconic movies from the 2000s

The 2000s were truly an era to remember as it pertains to iconic movies. In this ten-year period, we saw the release of a variety of movies that have a special place in our collection, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, most of the Harry Potter films, Avatar, Anchorman, Legally Blonde, The Dark Knight, and Bring It On – don’t @ us.

However, what about some other iconic movies of the 2000s that don’t quite get the recognition they deserve? We think there’s plenty of hidden gems buried deep within the Walmart bargain bin of movies from the 2000s that deserve love, too. So, why not take this time to give some shoutouts to some of our favorite movies of the 2000s. They may not feature Frodo or Harry, but they’ll put a smile on your face either way. 

Here are some movies from the 2000s that you should add to your queue when you get the chance.

The Gangs of New York

While it’s easy to get swept in all of director Martin Scorsese’s iconic crime & mob dramas, you simply have to check out 2002’s period epic The Gangs of New York, which tells the story of 1862 New York, as a young man returns to the city to seek revenge on Bill the Butcher, a political aristocrat who murdered his father

The film features an all-star cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Liam Neeson, and plenty of others. Make this your next Fourth of July watch! 

The Prestige

Christopher Nolan, who in our opinion has yet to make a bad movie, is best known for his work on Inception, Memento, and his Dark Knight trilogy. However, here’s one 2006 gem that many fans of this visionary director seemed to have missed. 

The Prestige, starring Hugh Jackman & Christian Bale, tells the story of two magicians, who were once friends now turned bitter rivals, battling in a constant magical war just to prove who’s truly the best at their craft. The film also offers audiences a surprise twist that, like most magic, you’ll have to see to believe. 

The Prestige also features Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Andy Serkis, and David Bowie. 

Stardust

This 2007 picture finally gave fans a Princess Bride-like film for a new generation . . . only most people chose not to see it. Shame. 

Stardust, which had the potential to be a fantasy classic for the ages, tells the dark fairytale of Tristan (Charlie Cox) who must venture across the kingdom of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star (Claire Danes) for his spoiled love (Sienna Miller). The film also features the talents of some other Hollywood heavy-hitters, such as Robert De Niro & Michelle Pfeiffer.  

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

No doubt at the top of many “underrated movies of the 2000s” list is the Shane Black 2005 action comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, starring Val Kilmer & Robert Downey Jr. Mind you, this film was pre-Iron Man, meaning that this should be better suited as “RDJ’s comeback film”, as Downey Jr’s. quick delivery of snappy dialogue in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang proves just how special an actor the man is.  

The movie is about a crook (Downey Jr.) who gets mixed up in a Hollywood murder conspiracy, forced to pair up with a rough-around-the-edges Private Eye (Kilmer). The film honors the film noir tropes of old, all while servicing Shane Black’s witty dialogue and popcorn action.    

What A Girl Wants

What a Girl Wants is the classic 2003 romance comedy starring a fresh off her Nickelodeon run Amanda Bynes. In the film, she plays an American teenager who jumps on a plane to England with the intention to find her father . . . one which she has never met. The twist? The father she’s looking for (Colin Firth) is a Lord, as well as a member of the British upper class. 

The film also features the acting talents of the late Kelly Preston, Oliver James, and Jonathan Pryce.