The 2000s were positively a weird time for movies. The nostalgia of the ’90s was fading, but the future of filmmaking, particularly digital technology, hadn’t quite taken over yet. This awkward period produced greatfilms that were bold but often misunderstood, leading to mixed reviews or low interest. As they didn’t quite fit the typical mold, some of them were left to be largely forgotten as time went on.
These are some ofthe most underrated movies of all time, and while barely anyone talks about them now, they still hold a special place in film history.Titles likeDown with LoveandVanilla Skycaptured something unique about the 2000s,even though they never received the attention they deserved. Despite slipping into the background of time and modern cinema, their distinctive storytelling and charm make them worth revisiting or discovering anew.
10Capote (2005)
Directed By Bennett Miller
For anyone who loves true crime or simply enjoys fascinating character studies,Capoteis a must-see. It came out in 2005 and got tons of awards buzz (Philip Seymour Hoffman even won an Oscar for it), but somehow, people don’t really talk about it anymore. However, it’s more than worth remembering.Capotefollows the famous author Truman Capote (Hoffman) as he researches his groundbreaking book InCold Blood.
When Capote reads about the brutal murder of a family in a small Kansas town, he decides to dig into the story. Above all,Hoffman completely disappears into the role of Capote by nailing the novelist’s distinct voice and mannerisms. Directed by Bennett Miller, the biopic has a haunting atmosphere that is fueled by its dialogue-driven narrative. Yet, it appears that the lack of flashiness and action, which one might expect from crime movies, may have causedCapoteto fade from mainstream memory.
25th Hour
Cast
25th Hour, directed by Spike Lee, follows Monty Brogan, a convicted drug dealer in post-9/11 New York City, as he spends his final day of freedom with friends and his girlfriend before beginning a seven-year prison sentence. The film explores themes of reflection and redemption during a pivotal moment in his life.
Some movies hit you right in the gut, and25th Houris one of them. Directed by Spike Lee, it’s a gripping post-9/11 New York drama filled with raw emotion, brilliant filmmaking, and standout performances. Unfortunately, it’s also criminally under-discussed today. Monty Brogan (played by Edward Norton) is a former drug dealer facing seven years in prison. The movie takes place during his last 24 hours of freedom, during which Monty contemplates his future, confronts his past, and faces the man he’s become.
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Other than being a genuinely great movie,25th Hourbrought us one ofthe most legendary rants in movie history, which alone is enough reason to watch it. In the end,25th Houris a beautifully crafted hidden gem from the early 2000s,but its heavy premise and introspective tone might have pushed it under the radar for mainstream viewers of today.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, directed by Wes Anderson, follows oceanographer Steve Zissou, played by Bill Murray, on a mission to track down a mythical shark that killed his partner. Supported by a quirky crew, including characters portrayed by Cate Blanchett and Owen Wilson, Zissou navigates personal and professional challenges aboard the research vessel Belafonte. The film combines comedy, adventure, and a unique visual style.
Wes Anderson’s unique style might not always be everyone’s cup of tea, no matter how visually stunning or quirky his movies are.The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissouhas all of that and more, but it seems barely anyone talks about it now,especially in comparison to the director’s better-received titles. That said, starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Anjelica Huston, this 2004 film is worth diving back into.
The story centers around Steve Zissou (Murray), a washed-up oceanographer and documentary filmmaker, who is on a mission to hunt down the elusive “jaguar shark” that killed his best friend. As he sets off on this whimsical journey, the film delivers deadpan humor, impeccable comedic timing, and vivid cinematography throughout. However, when it first came out,The Life Aquaticwasn’t a big hit and continues to elude contemporary audiences. While it might not necessarily be one ofWes Anderson’s best movies, it remains a visual treat full of charm and quirk.
Igby Goes Down
Igby Goes Down follows the life of a rebellious teenager named Igby Slocumb, who struggles with family dysfunction and personal turmoil. Seeking to escape the pressures of his privileged upbringing, Igby embarks on a journey through New York City’s underbelly, encountering various eccentric characters along the way. The film stars Kieran Culkin in the lead role, supported by Claire Danes, Jeff Goldblum, and Susan Sarandon.
FollowingKieran Culkin’s impeccable performance as Roman Roy inSuccession, the world finally remembered one of his most underrated movies,Igby Goes Down. Yet the attention did not last long, as it remains one of the best movies of the 2000s that few people talk about. Directed by Burr Steers, this dark comedy is a coming-of-age story with a twist, offering a piercing look at family dysfunction, mental health, and finding one’s place in the world.
Set against a nostalgic backdrop of New York City,Igby Goes Downexplores teenage rebellion with a particular bite. The film is full of clever yet snarky dialogue that keeps the energy high even during the darker moments, with Igby (Culkin) as the perfect antihero who juggles dry humor, sharp dialogue, and vulnerability. It’s one of those films that appeals to a specific taste, which could be the reason it’s largely overlooked.
Lars and the Real Girl
Lars and the Real Girl is a drama-comedy film that follows the story of a socially awkward man who forms an emotional bond with a custom-made life-sized doll, which he treats as a real person. The film explores themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the power of community support as Lars' family and friends attempt to help him through his delusion.
Lars and the Real Girlstands out as one of thetotally underrated flicks Ryan Gosling starred in, despite getting critical praise. Gosling is Lars, a nice but socially challenged man who starts treating a life-sized doll, Bianca, as his legitimate girlfriend. However, the real twist is that his community supports him through the phase instead of judging him, resulting in one of the most heartfelt stories of the 2000s.
Even though he is known for more serious roles,Gosling is arguably incredible inLars and the Real Girl.He is simultaneously painfully awkward and sweet, as well as authentically weird and relatable. Additionally, the overall premise of an adult forming a relationship with a doll sounds bizarre, but the movie treats it with genuine empathy and respect. Still, the film hit the theaters in 2007, which might have been too early for the quirky concept.
One Hour Photo
One Hour Photo stars Robin Williams as Sy Parrish, a solitary photo technician at a department store who becomes obsessed with a family whose pictures he develops. The film, directed by Mark Romanek, explores themes of loneliness and voyeurism as Sy’s fascination with the seemingly perfect family spirals into unsettling territory.
In 2002, thisunderrated psychological thriller featured Robin Williams' best-ever performance, which, however, did not land it mainstream recognition.One Hour Photois unsettling, unique, and masterfully executed in all of its aspects, exploring obsession in a way few thrillers do. The story follows Sy (Williams), a lonely photo technician at a one-hour photo development store. Obsessed with a seemingly perfect family, he becomes increasingly disturbed as his life begins to unravel.
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Completely fresh even by today’s standards,One Hour Photocontinuously flies under the radar.While the reasons aren’t quite clear, its slower pace might be the culprit. Nevertheless, Williams delivers a haunting performance as a troubled man, bringing to life the subtle fraying of his mind. The suspense is a masterclass in slow burn, while the cinematography is brilliantly reflective of Sy’s inner world. No matter how undervalued, this disturbing title is a must-watch.
Me, Myself, & Irene
Me, Myself & Irene follows Charlie Baileygates, a mild-mannered Rhode Island state trooper with a split personality disorder. When Charlie fails to manage his alter ego, Hank, his chaotic life leads to a series of comedic events. Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Jim Carrey, the film combines elements of comedy and action while exploring themes of identity and duality.
WhileMe, Myself, & Irenemay not be the first movie that comes to mind when one thinks of early 2000s comedies, it’s one that definitely deserves more love. Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Jim Carrey, this offbeat comedy is a wild ride from start to finish. Carrey takes on a dual role, first as Charlie, a Rhode Island state trooper who’s spent years bottling up his anger and frustrations. When pushed too far, Charlie’s darker alter ego, Hank, starts to take over.
While successful at the box office, the film didn’t get lasting recognition. As one (or two, that is) ofCarrey’s most iconic characters, Charlie and Hank are brought to life with vigor and just the right amount of absurdity, offering the perfect mix of laughs and heart. Nonetheless,Me, Myself & Irenehas become one of those movies that people either love or completely forget about.
Vanilla Sky
Vanilla Sky is a psychological thriller directed by Cameron Crowe, featuring Tom Cruise as a wealthy publishing magnate named David Aames. Released in 2001, the film explores themes of identity, reality, and the consequences of one’s actions, intertwined with surreal events. Co-starring Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz, the film is known for its intricate narrative and engaging performances. Vanilla Sky is a remake of the Spanish film “Open Your Eyes.”
Despite many considering it a masterpiece,Vanilla Skynever quite reached the heights it was meant to. David Aames (Tom Cruise) is a wealthy man who seemingly has it all until a tragic accident leaves him disfigured. After he takes up the chance for cryogenic preservation through a program called “Life Extension,” he soon loses his grip on reality, leading to a series of mind-bending twists.
Vanilla Skyis a remake ofOpen Your Eyes(1997). Penélope Cruz plays the same character, Sofia Serrano, in both films.
Without a doubt,Vanilla Skyis a visually stunning, thought-provoking film that’s as emotional as it is mind-blowing. However, even though it boasts a star-studded cast (Cruise, Penélope Cruz, and Cameron Diaz) and a still-unique premise, it remains an underrated title. Some found it overly complex or confusing, while others had a hard time connecting with the blend of romance and shocking plot turns. Even so, as a movie that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling,Vanilla Skydeserves to be talked about more.
Uptown Girls
Uptown Girls follows Molly Gunn, daughter of a late rock legend, who becomes a nanny for Ray, the mature daughter of a music executive, after losing her wealth. Through their relationship, Molly navigates adulthood while helping Ray embrace childhood. Released in 2003, it stars Brittany Murphy and Dakota Fanning.
Starring the late Brittany Murphy and a very young Dakota Fanning,Uptown Girlsis a movie you’ll likely see clips of on social media but never hear anyone talk about in real life. Yet, this quirky comedy is truly a delightful 2000s gem. The plot revolves around Molly Gunn (Murphy), a spoiled New Yorker who starts working as a nanny for Ray (Fanning), an oddly serious child. In the end, their mismatched personalities lead to unexpected growth for both.
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Unfortunately,Uptown Girlsisn’t considered to be one ofBrittany Murphy’s best movies, but the actor delivered a standout performance that captured our hearts. Moreover, the sheer chemistry between Murphy and Fanning, despite their nearly 20-year age difference at the time, is what truly made it work. While many have dubbed it just another chick flick,Uptown Girlsis a feel-good story that stands the test of time.
Down with Love
Down with Love is a romantic comedy directed by Peyton Reed, starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. Set in the early 1960s, the film follows the story of feminist author Barbara Novak who advocates for women’s independence from men, clashing with chauvinistic journalist Catcher Block. Their professional rivalry leads to a series of comedic and romantic entanglements, capturing the essence of the period with a modern twist.
Down with Loveis a stylish throwback to the ’60s that’s filled with charm, cheeky humor, and a sense of retro glamour(thinkSex and the Citymeets Doris Day, but with a revamped spin). Set in 1962, the story centers around feminist writer Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger), who clashes with womanizer Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor). His plan to outsmart her takes a twist neither saw coming.
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Despite its obvious charm,Down with Lovedidn’t exactly set the box office on fire. Maybe it was overshadowed by other rom-coms of the time, or the world just wasn’t ready for a retro film that mixed feminist notions with sass. Whatever the reason, viewers can still expect plenty of witty banter, zany misunderstandings, and, of course, a couple of wardrobe moments to die for, which all makeDown with Lovea love story that’s a little less conventional and a lot more fun.
