Which movies are turning 25 years old in 2025? This is the perfect time to reflect on some of the most legendary flicks to grace movie theater screens just over two decades ago. Plenty of people look back on the year 2000 with respect and admiration since it was the turn of a millennium.
In 2000, so many incredible events and trends were happening all at once. The world was shifting big time in terms of technology, space exploration, politics, fashion, and especially entertainment. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most noteworthy movies that are officially turning 25 in 2025. Get ready to grab your popcorn and a cozy blanket!
Cast Away
On December 7, 2000, Cast Away hit theaters as a deeply thought-provoking movie starring Tom Hanks as Chuck Nolan. It tells the story of a hard-working executive from FedEx whose life flips upside down. After his plane crashes on a deserted island, he must figure out how to survive. Chuck goes through several layers of emotional and physical changes as his hopes of possibly returning home someday fade.
Scary Movie
Scary Movie premiered on July 7, 2000, as a movie that was far from scary. Despite its name, it was an uproarious comedy packed with jokes honoring the current state of pop culture at the time. Anna Farris, Marlon Wayans, Regina Hall, and Carmen Electra take to hilarious, over-the-top antics to avoid a sloppy serial killer.
Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts did a wonderful job in the titular role of Erin Brockovich. The movie premiered on March 14, 2000, telling the story of a woman who finds herself embroiled in a chaotic legal battle following a car accident. Julia’s performance of Erin was so dynamic she took home an Academy Award, a Bafta Award, and a Golden Globe!
Meet the Parents
Meet the Parents hit theaters on October 6, 2000. Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, and Owen Wilson came together to bring this hilarious romantic comedy to life. It tells the story of a man who thinks he’s ready to propose to his girlfriend. When he goes home to meet her parents, he quickly realizes the environment is way crazier than he ever could’ve guessed.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at the end of 2000 was a terrific way to close out the year for plenty of viewers. It hit theaters on December 8, 2000, telling the story of a 19th-century warrior who hands his sword over to his young lover. He trusts her to keep the sword safe – but when the sword gets stolen everything goes awry!
American Psycho
Christian Bale was absolutely terrifying as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. The movie landed in theaters on April 14, 2000, telling the story of a handsome young professional living a disturbing double life. By day, he handles business in New York City alongside his money-minded colleagues and superiors. By night, he’s a vicious serial killer with a dirty desire to play God.
X-Men
The first X-Men movie premiered on July 14, 2000 and made a major impact in the superhero world, captivating comic book fans everywhere. Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and James Marsden are only a few of the actors who snagged leading roles in the flick. This first X-Men movie paved the way for several action-packed sequels to follow in the years after.
The Virgin Suicides
Upon it’s premiere on April 21, 2000, The Virgin Suicides became a cult classic. It’s based in 1970s America, telling the story of five beautiful sisters raised by extremely strict and religious parents. A group of teenage boys get obsessed with the girls after noticing how dreamy and mysterious they are. The themes of desire, fantasy, and terror make this movie a real keeper.
Gladiator
Gladiator premiered on May 5, 2000, as a powerful film set in Roman times. Starring Russell Crowe, Connie Nelson, and Joaquin Phoenix, Gladiator tells the story of a betrayed general-turned-gladiator seeking revenge against the emperor’s corrupt son in a fight for justice and power. This movie is ideal for folks who love action-packed dramas with intense fight sequences.
Love and Basketball
Sports romances don’t always go over well with audiences, but Love and Basketball certainly did. The movie premiered on April 16, 2000, starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps. It focused on two childhood friends with deep-rooted aspirations to become pro basketball players. Their intense competitive natures translate into romantic love when they grow up.
Bring it On
Is there another cheerleading movie as iconic as Bring it On? The movie premiered on August 22, 2000, and to this day, people still rewatch it for a blast of nostalgia. Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union played cheerleading captains from rival squads. Once Bring it On movie was such a hit, it became a franchise with sequels appearing in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2017, and 2022.
Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans hit theaters on September 23, 2000, and made a lasting impact on viewers everywhere. Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, and Ryan Hurst brought Remember the Titans to life, delivering memorable performances in a film about talented football players, and their coach, overcoming racism and segregation on the field.
Almost Famous
Kate Hudson did a lovely job as Penny Lane in Almost Famous. The movie, set in 1973, premiered on September 13, 2000. It’s a coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old boy named William with a passion for music. When he gets the chance to interview an up-and-coming band for Rolling Stone Magazine, he feels like he’s hit the jackpot. Billy Crudup, Zooey Deschanel, and Jason Lee also star in the film.
Charlie’s Angels
Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz came together to star in Charlie’s Angels. The action-packed comedy premiered on November 3, 2000, focusing on the trio of stunning private spies. Their job is to use sultry disguises and witty personalities to take down bad guys. This beloved movie was inspired by the original Charlie’s Angels TV series that ran in the 70s.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
As far as holiday movies go, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the best. Starring Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen, the live-action adaptation opened on November 17, 2000. Dr. Seuss’ evil Grinch was brought to life flawlessly. Movie lovers loved seeing the Grinch transform from a reclusive jerk into a gentle giant. How The Grinch Stole Christmas will always be a treat during the month of December.
Miss Congeniality
Sandra Bullock was in her prime when Miss Congeniality landed in theaters on December 14, 2000. It tells the story of a female FBI agent who’s forced to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant after a terrorist attack threat surfaces. Ironically, the character Sandra plays is far from refined, girly, or feminine – which is what makes this beauty pageant movie so fantastically comical.
