Oh, the 2000s were truly a golden era for cinema and some of the most remarkable talents graced our screens during that time! One such luminary is Nicolas Cage, who took on the challenging role of twin brothers in Spike Jonze’s Adaptation – an extraordinary performance that showcased his versatility as an actor.
During our lifetime, we’ve only experienced one changeover from one century to another, specifically transitioning from the 1990s to the 2000s. This era was quite vibrant in the movie industry, with blockbusters like the Spider-Man and X-Men trilogies bringing comic books into the mainstream and film adaptations of series such as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter becoming some of the biggest hits of the decade. However, many of the standout films from the 2000s wouldn’t have been made without the influence of several prominent actors at that time.
To honor a remarkable ten years in cinema, we selected the defining movie for 32 actors who shone during the 2000s. Take a look at our choice: [Movie Title]
Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl)
In the 2000s, Johnny Depp undeniably became one of the most prominent stars, building upon his success throughout the 1990s, particularly through his collaborations with Tim Burton and in independent films. Reflecting on his career, his defining role is widely regarded as his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the initial Pirates of the Caribbean film released in 2003. With this character, Depp brought to life a charmingly bumbling pirate that left an indelible mark on audiences. He continued to play this role in four more films, and fans continue to discuss it fondly, even starting petitions for the actor to reprise his iconic role.
Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge!)
In the 2000s, Nicole Kidman was extremely sought-after in Hollywood, often appearing in around three films per year during the early part of that decade. However, among her numerous roles, it’s her portrayal of Satine in Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” from the beginning of that period that stands out as her most significant film of the decade. The musical, a box office hit and an award season favorite, has left a lasting impression with Kidman’s performance as Satine.
Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man)
In the heat of the 2000s, after my personal struggles with addiction had me under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, I managed to bounce back, big time! Movies like “Zodiac”, “Good Night and Good Luck”, and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” were just a few of the fantastic films I got to be a part of during that era. But it was my transformation into Iron Man in 2008 that truly solidified my comeback as the best of the best.
Samuel L. Jackson (Unbreakable)
Samuel L. Jackson was a significant presence in the 1990s, with memorable roles like shouting “Hang on tight!” in Jurassic Park, acting in Pulp Fiction, and teaming up with Bruce Willis in Die Hard with a Vengeance. His acting career remained influential throughout the 2000s, taking on various characters such as Mace Windu in Star Wars, but his most remarkable performance was in M. Night Shyamalan’s distinctive superhero film, Unbreakable.
Scarlett Johansson (Lost In Translation)
Scarlett Johansson rose to prominence significantly in the 2010s, particularly as an Avenger, but her stardom truly flourished during the 2000s with films such as “Ghost World,” “Match Point,” “The Island,” and “The Prestige.” However, it was her portrayal in Sofia Coppola’s “Lost In Translation” opposite Bill Murray that truly captivated audiences throughout the decade. In this film, they play unconventional friends who meet in Tokyo, a performance that won hearts across the globe.
Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness)
Following a highly prosperous ’90s for Will Smith with hits like Bad Boys, Independence Day, and Fresh Prince, Smith significantly advanced his career in the 2000s. He delved into more emotionally intense roles such as Ali and Seven Pounds, performances that warranted an Oscar, but it was the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness that stood out the most. In this movie, Smith played a crucial role in narrating a true story about a homeless salesman and his child.
Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde)
“Reese Witherspoon’s defining movie of the 2000s was undeniably Legally Blonde. This 2001 comedy remains one of the most memorable and Elle Woods is an iconic heroine in today’s pop culture. Throughout the decade, Witherspoon continued to shine with her roles in films like the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line , the romantic comedies Sweet Home Alabama and Just Like Heaven.
Brad Pitt (Inglourious Basterds)
In the 2000s decade, Brad Pitt experienced significant growth in his career, building upon his heartthrob image from critically-acclaimed ’90s films like “Interview with a Vampire,” “Seven,” and “Fight Club.” However, his most notable achievements during this period were undoubtedly his roles. Among these standouts was Lt. Aldo Raine in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds,” a film set in an alternate World War II history.
Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind)
In the 2000s, Jim Carrey’s fame was firmly established in the cinematic landscape with numerous blockbuster films such as “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Bruce Almighty,” and “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.” However, among his many roles, it is his part in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” that stands out as his best of the decade. This thought-provoking sci-fi romance presents a world where one can undergo a procedure to erase memories of an ex, and delves into profound questions about memory and love.
Kate Hudson (Almost Famous)
For Kate Hudson, Almost Famous marked the commencement of her professional journey in film, and it truly proved to be a significant milestone for her acting career. Upon its release in 2000, the movie ignited a prosperous decade for her, with roles in films such as How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, The Skeleton Key, and Nine, among many others. In this Cameron Crowe production, Hudson portrayed Penny Lane, a groupie associated with a ’70s band.
Tom Hanks (Cast Away)
In the 2000s, Tom Hanks entered his third decade in film, and it was another strong period for him, especially in more serious roles. Although there were several other notable performances like those in “Road to Perdition,” “Catch Me If You Can,” and “The Terminal,” the standout movie of that time for Tom Hanks was “Cast Away.” In this film, he delivers an exceptional performance as a man who finds himself stranded on an island alone. It was during this movie that we discovered we could shed tears over a volleyball!
Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia!)
In 1999, Meryl Streep reached the age of 50, a period in Hollywood history that was traditionally unfavorable for female actors. However, Streep defied expectations and continued to shine as one of the top stars in her later years with numerous remarkable performances throughout the 2000s. Roles such as those in “Adaptation,” “The Hours,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Lions For Lambs,” “Doubt,” “Julie & Julia,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and “It’s Complicated” made this era a veritable treasure trove for the actress, but it is her iconic portrayal in “Mamma Mia!” that we still can’t get enough of today.
Denzel Washington (Training Day)
It’s clear that Denzel Washington stands out among contemporary actors, and his impressive work was evident throughout the 2000s with a decade filled with award-winning performances. One of his most notable films from this era is “Training Day” (2001), which even earned him his second Oscar victory. During this time, Washington also delivered several other outstanding performances in movies like “Remember the Titans,” “Antwone Fisher,” “Man on Fire,” “Inside Man,” “American Gangster,” and “The Great Debaters.
Tom Cruise (Minority Report)
Following Tom Cruise’s notable roles in films such as Rain Man, Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Magnolia during the ’80s and ’90s, his acting career remained prominent into the 2000s with numerous new parts. Among these, Minority Report, one of his two collaborations with Steven Spielberg, is widely considered one of his best performances of the decade. In this sci-fi film, Cruise’s character is falsely accused and must evade capture for a crime he did not commit in a fictional 2054.
Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich)
In the ’90s, Julia Roberts predominantly starred in romantic comedies, but as the new millennium approached, she broadened her career by taking on more dramatic roles. A standout performance during this period was her role in the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, a biographical drama directed by Steven Soderbergh about groundwater contamination. This film also earned Roberts an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Matt Damon (The Bourne Identity)
In the 2000s, it seemed that Matt Damon was featured in nearly every movie following his and Ben Affleck’s stunning success with “Good Will Hunting” in 1997. Over the course of this decade, he appeared in a total of 20 films, but the standout performance was in the 2002 action thriller “The Bourne Identity.” Damon continued his run as Jason Bourne, starring in an entire trilogy for this film series.
Leonardo DiCaprio (Catch Me If You Can)
Leonardo DiCaprio became a verified movie star when he said “I’m king of the world!” in 1997’s Titanic. As he moved into his mid-twenties and thirties in the 2000s, he started working closely with Martin Scorsese in a series of movies (Gangs Of New York, The Aviator and The Departed). However, his best comes from Steven Spielberg with Catch Me If You Can. The biographical crime comedy had DiCaprio playing a con man alongside Tom Hanks.
Kirsten Dunst (Marie Antoinette)
Kirsten Dunst began her acting career as a child in the 90s, appearing in films such as “Jumanji” and “Interview with a Vampire”. Towards the end of the 90s, she starred in movies like “The Virgin Suicides” and “Drop Dead Gorgeous”. In the new millennium (2000s), Dunst entered adulthood and continued acting in numerous films, including playing Mary-Jane Watson in the “Spider-Man” series and being part of “Bring It On”. Her most impressive work during this period was her second collaboration with Sofia Coppola, where she portrayed the renowned French archduchess.
Adam Sandler (Punch-Drunk Love)
Although Adam Sandler’s transition from SNL star to movie star in the 2000s wasn’t as spectacular as some might expect, he still left a lasting impression with several notable films during this decade. The one that stands out most is his work with Paul Thomas Anderson on the 2002 film “Punch-Drunk Love.” Unlike his typical comedies, this was a heartfelt romantic comedy that may not have been widely appreciated at the time, but it remains indelible in our memory.
Will Ferrell – Anchorman
In the 2000s, Will Ferrell’s acting career experienced an incredible surge, taking off like a rocket after his departure from Saturday Night Live in 2002 following seven seasons on the popular sketch show. He quickly became one of the funniest leading men in Hollywood. One of his most side-splitting performances was as a 1970s news host in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
George Clooney (Ocean’s Eleven)
It’s not easy to choose the best George Clooney role of the 2000s given the sheer amount of solid movies he starred in at the time. From his Coen Brothers’ movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? to his Oscar-winning role in Syriana. But, it simply wouldn’t have been the 2000s without Clooney leading the pack in Ocean’s Eleven (and the trilogy it became). He’s effortlessly cool as the master plotter of a casino heist.
Gwyneth Paltrow (The Royal Tenenbaums)
During the 2000s decade, Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in numerous films following her Oscar win for “Shakespeare In Love.” However, it was her captivating performance as Margot in a movie alongside Owen Wilson, Danny Glover, Gene Hackman, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston, and Ben Stiller that truly stood out. As a result, this role takes the top spot among Paltrow’s performances during the 2000s.
Halle Berry (Monster’s Ball)
In the 21st century’s early years, Halle Berry achieved significant fame. She portrayed Storm in X-Men, took on roles in Catwoman and Die Another Day as a Bond girl, and garnered critical acclaim for her Oscar-winning performance in Monster’s Ball from 2001. This film tells the story of a widower who unwittingly develops a romantic relationship with a corrections officer, who was involved in the execution of her deceased spouse.
Christian Bale (The Dark Knight)
Christian Bale’s career in the 2000s began with his leading role in “American Psycho” and culminated with his performance in Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies,” alongside Johnny Depp. However, among these impressive roles, it is his portrayal in one of the most impactful films of the decade, “The Dark Knight,” that stands out the most. The film gains an extra dimension when Heath Ledger’s chilling Joker character enters Gotham, enhancing Bale’s performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Jennifer Garner (13 Going On 30)
In the 2000s, Jennifer Garner rose to fame by starring on the TV series “Alias”. However, she also made a name for herself as a film actress, particularly in movies like “13 Going On 30” alongside Mark Ruffalo. It’s delightful to watch her portray a teenager in an adult’s body in this movie.
Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder)
During the 2000s, Ben Stiller solidified his status as a leading actor with a series of memorable roles. This ranged from the riotous “Meet The Parents” in 2000, to “Zoolander” and “Along Came Polly”. However, his most impressive achievement during this period was his work on “Tropic Thunder”, a side-splitting satirical action comedy that he wrote, directed, and starred in. Even over a decade later, we’re still chuckling about it due to its stellar cast.
Russell Crowe (A Beautiful Mind)
In the realm of cinema, I found myself consistently captivated by Russell Crowe’s performances during the 2000s, following his rise to fame in the ’90s. He left an indelible mark on that era with his roles in films such as Gladiator, Cinderella Man, American Gangster, Master and Commander, and 3:10 To Yuma. If you’ve had the pleasure of witnessing his spellbinding portrayal of schizophrenic mathematician John Nash in A Beautiful Mind (2001), I daresay you’d agree that it’s a performance one doesn’t easily forget.
Nicolas Cage (Adaptation)
During the third phase of his film career, Nicolas Cage was busier than ever, appearing in a multitude of high-budget productions from ‘National Treasure’ to ‘Ghost Rider’. However, it’s Spike Jonze’s ‘Adaptation’ that stands out as he portrayed two distinct characters – one grappling with writer’s block and the other embarking on a journey to emulate his brother’s aspirations.
Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice)
Keira Knightley started her acting career at fifteen, right at the dawn of the 21st century. It didn’t take long for her to rise to stardom, with starring roles in films such as “Bend it Like Beckham”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and “Love, Actually”. However, her most memorable role during her first decade on the big screen was undoubtedly the adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
Jack Black (School of Rock)
In the 2000s, Jack Black had an impressive run in films, but it’s hard to overlook his spot-on portrayal of Dewey Finn in School of Rock. This 2003 movie provided a platform for Black to showcase his musical skills and endearing charisma as he depicted a struggling rock star posing as an unqualified substitute teacher.
Drew Barrymore (50 First Dates)
In the 2000s, Drew Barrymore found her stride as a leading actress in films after being a child actor, starring in movies like E.T. and Firestarter. Her career took off with projects such as Charlie’s Angels, He’s Just Not That Into You, and Whip It. However, one of her most memorable roles was alongside Adam Sandler in a comedy where she played a charming but forgetful love interest. This role is not only funny but also heartwarming.
Hugh Jackman (The Prestige)
In the 90’s, Hugh Jackman kicked off his acting career on stage, but it was in the 2000s that he shot to fame rapidly. He made his debut as Wolverine in the X-Men films, took on the role of Van Helsing, and starred alongside Meg Ryan in Kate & Leopold, but his role in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige stood out. Here, he delivered an outstanding performance as a magician locked in a rivalry with Christian Bale’s character over the perfect magic trick.
Are there any others out there who find themselves reminiscing about the 2000s recently? It was a fantastic era for some truly memorable films, as well as the celebrities who seemed to be everywhere at the time – much like the ones you see pictured here.
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2024-09-09 16:38