The 12 Best Movies Of 2005, Ranked

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It appears that trends from the 2000s – ranging from fashion to technology – are making a comeback, so why not include films from that era too? Whether you vividly remember the decade and wish to revisit its glory days, or you were born during the 2000s and curious about the hype, there’s an abundance of fantastic movies from that period to satisfy your interest.

2005 stands out as a pivotal year in cinema, offering a representative glimpse of that decade’s film landscape. Here are some reasons why: The Marvel Cinematic Universe began with “Iron Man” three years later, but 2005 marked the debut of Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy, which revolutionized the comic book movie genre and paved the way for a new era. Notably, blockbuster franchises like “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” ruled the box office. Moreover, that year saw Steve Carell transition from a scene-stealing side character to a leading comedic actor with bankable status.

If you’re unsure about which classic movies from 2005 to revisit first, we’ve compiled a list of 12 standout films. We considered those with the highest ratings across multiple platforms, movies that were strong contenders for awards, or ones that resonated deeply with viewers. Our choices took some creative liberty and personal taste into account. The list includes everything from critically acclaimed Oscar nominees to delightful animated tales, offering a glimpse at the diverse cinematic landscape of 2005.

12. The 40-Year-Old Virgin

After playing Michael Scott in “The Office,” and a variety of prominent roles in films and TV shows, it’s surprising to remember that Steve Carell was once relatively unknown. His performances in “Bruce Almighty” (2003) and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” the following year might have caught people’s attention, but it was the 2005 release of “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” that truly catapulted his career.

The film primarily revolves around Andy Stitzer (played by Carell), a character infamously lacking romantic experience. After confessing to his friends about his virginity, he embarks on a humorous journey of self-discovery with women. Although the topic might be considered crude and there are instances of explicit humor, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” carries an unexpectedly heartwarming and sincere tone, thanks to Carell’s authentic portrayal. This film served as a significant stepping stone for Carell’s career and also marked the breakthrough of director Judd Apatow, who went on to produce movies like “Knocked Up” and “Trainwreck.

  • Cast: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd

  • Director: Judd Apatow

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 56m

  • Where to watch: MGM+

11. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Robert Downey Jr.’s resurgence as a popular figure can be traced back to the release of “Iron Man,” but his career renaissance actually began a few years prior with his role in the black comedy “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” Significantly, this film marked Shane Black’s directorial debut. Later on, he would direct Downey Jr. again in “Iron Man 3” (2013) and collaborate with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling on “The Nice Guys” in 2016.

In “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Harry Lockhart, is a small-time crook who unexpectedly lands a Hollywood audition and teams up with seasoned detective Perry van Shrike, played by Val Kilmer. The authorities assign Perry to prepare him for the acting gig. But things take an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a corpse and find themselves embroiled in a complex web of intrigue as they try to unravel the mystery together.

Thanks to Black’s razor-sharp writing, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is an exceptionally accurate satire that both honors and criticizes the detective movie genre nearly equally.

  • Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan

  • Director: Shane Black

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 43m

  • Where to watch: Available to rent from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Microsoft Store

10. Walk the Line

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel like I’ve leveled up when it comes to biopic movies about musicians. In 2005, two years after his passing, they made a movie about the incredible life of Johnny Cash – a man with an unmistakable voice in country music. Recreating that iconic sound was no easy feat for any actor, but Joaquin Phoenix stepped up to the challenge, performing his own singing on-screen and even mastering the guitar. It wasn’t just him; Reese Witherspoon, portraying Cash’s wife June Carter – another talented musician, also learned to sing and play the autoharp to truly capture June’s essence.

In any instance where an actor wholly immerses themselves in a role, be it through remarkable physical changes or mastering fresh abilities, they infuse a sense of truth into their performance, as evidenced in the film “Walk the Line.” This movie traces Cash’s journey from his youth to his iconic concert at Folsom Prison, and unlike typical biopics, it doesn’t shy away from depicting Cash’s struggles with substance abuse, particularly drugs and alcohol, and his unfaithful and cruel treatment of his first wife, Vivian (portrayed by Ginnifer Goodwin). “Walk the Line” garnered five Oscar nominations, with Witherspoon earning the victory for her compassionate portrayal of Carter.

  • Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin

  • Director: James Mangold

  • Rating: PG-13

  • Runtime: 2h 16m

  • Where to watch: Hulu

9. Batman Begins

The short preview for “Batman Begins” stands out as one of the most impressive movie trailers ever made, due to its surprising revelation in the final moments that it’s a Batman film. Significantly, this teaser also hinted at the Christopher Nolan trilogy being markedly distinct from previous portrayals of Batman. Intriguingly, “Batman Begins” is less about Batman and more about Bruce Wayne’s (Christian Bale) transformation into the vigilante we are familiar with, as the story primarily delves into his motivations and how he uses his past traumas to serve a positive purpose. While there is certainly action involving the masked Bruce Wayne, the primary emphasis lies on the man beneath the mask: his driving forces and healing process through his painful childhood experiences.

In Nolan’s films, the storyline is clear-cut without any time travel or mind-intruding escapades. Instead, he emphasizes character development significantly. The Batman portrayed here is not just a masked vigilante, but a man with purpose, history, and convictions that add depth to his actions. This is a stark contrast to the whimsical, vibrant world of Burton’s Batman films. Nolan introduces a more somber and realistic approach to superhero movies, which would later shape the genre significantly.

  • Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson

  • Director: Christopher Nolan

  • Rating: PG-13

  • Runtime: 2h 20m

  • Where to watch: Max

8. A History of Violence

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say “A History of Violence” by director David Cronenberg is a tight-knit, edge-of-your-seat thriller that’s less bizarre than his earlier works like “The Fly” or “Videodrome”. In this movie, Viggo Mortensen plays Tom Stall, a family man and diner owner. When Tom’s diner is attacked by a couple of ruthless killers, he reacts with an unexpected burst of violence. The town hails him as a hero, but the unwanted attention brings some shady characters to Tom, thinking he’s someone other than who he claims.

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long, “A History of Violence” is a compelling exploration of a man’s inner turmoil as he tries to move past his violent past while suppressing deep-seated desires that have taken years to control. Despite not winning any awards, it was recognized with nominations for two Oscars – best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor for William Hurt.

  • Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris

  • Director: David Cronenberg

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 36m

  • You can rent it from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango Now, Microsoft Store, or Spectrum On-Demand.

7. Capote

2006’s Oscars for best actor was a closely fought competition, but it was Philip Seymour Hoffman who ultimately emerged victorious. His performance as writer Truman Capote, particularly in the biographical film where we encounter Capote during the creation of “In Cold Blood,” had him favored to win. In this movie, Capote is depicted investigating the heinous murder of a Kansas family, with the intent of turning his findings into his next masterpiece.

Hoffman’s performance rightfully earned all the praise, yet the film “Capote” offers an unexpectedly deep exploration of the moral complexity found in true crime narratives. It underscores the fact that these horrific crimes impact real individuals, and it reveals that sometimes, the most terrible events provide the most captivating content – a truth that can have profound effects on the person chronicling the incidents.

  • Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr.

  • Director: Bennett Miller

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 54m

  • Where to watch: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Kanopy, MGM+, Pluto TV, and Freevee.

6. The Squid and the Whale

Without a doubt, it was “The Squid and the Whale” that initially captivated audiences, marking writer-director Noah Baumbach as someone to watch. Although he later directed the critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated film “Marriage Story,” his first nomination came with “The Squid and the Whale.” This was a deeply personal project for Baumbach, as it delved into the semi-autobiographical account of his parents’ divorce.

The movie predominantly revolves around the children, Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) and his younger brother Frank (Owen Kline), who are stuck in the midst of their bickering parents. As they align with different parents, a chasm opens up between the siblings. “The Squid and the Whale” offers an honest and humorous portrayal of divorce, skillfully straddling the border between comedy and sorrow. Baumbach’s knack for blending these elements is distinct, and this intimate film stands out as one of his finest demonstrations of this talent.

  • Cast: Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg

  • Director: Noah Baumbach

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 21m

  • Where to watch: Netflix, Hoopla, Kanopy

5. Kung Fu Hustle

Wuxia films have consistently been lucrative ventures, launching several Chinese and Hong Kong actors into international fame. The 2000s stood out as an exceptional era, as movies like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero” raked in impressive global box office receipts. In the year 2005, audiences were treated to “Kung Fu Hustle,” a film that blended side-splitting humor with stunningly choreographed fight scenes.

The main character in this movie is Sing (Stephen Chow), a small-time crook with aspirations to join Shanghai’s ruling crime syndicate, accompanied by his partner, Bone (Lam Chi-chung). They pretend to be members of the Axe Gang to swindle some townsfolk, but end up unwittingly drawn into a conflict between the gang and an unexpected group of kung fu experts. Faced with this dilemma, they must decide where their allegiance truly lies. Film critic Roger Ebert likened “Kung Fu Hustle” to a fusion of Jackie Chan, Buster Keaton, Quentin Tarantino, and Bugs Bunny, and it indeed proves to be an enjoyable mix of these elements.

  • Cast: Stephen Chow, Wah Yuen, Qiu Yuen

  • Director: Stephen Chow

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 39m

  • Where to watch: Available to rent from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Microsoft Store

4. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always cherished the hilarious escapades of Wallace & Gromit, a quintessential British duo that’s been tickling my funny bone since 1989. For years, their adventures were confined to the small screen, never exceeding the 30-minute mark. However, everything changed with their first full-length adventure, “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” which brought these delightful characters into a whole new dimension.

Under the guidance of long-time Aardman Animations creative Steve Box and Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park, this film tells the story of inventor Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his dog, Gromit, who inadvertently take on the role of mad scientists and create a monster. In the world of Wallace & Gromit, the monster is a unique creature – a human-rabbit hybrid. The biggest challenge they face is controlling the chaos that the mutant rabbit could cause, especially at the local vegetable competition. This animated film is filled with laughter and references to classic movies such as “King Kong,” “Jaws,” and “The Exorcist.” It even won an Oscar for best animated feature film.

  • Cast: Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes

  • Director: Steve Box, Nick Park

  • Rating: G

  • Runtime: 1h 25m

  • You can rent it from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango Now, Microsoft Store, or Spectrum On Demand.

3. Good Night, and Good Luck

2005 was the year I found myself captivated by “Good Night, and Good Luck,” a movie that George Clooney directed and starred in, despite not taking home any Oscars. Even without the recognition, it remains one of the most striking films I’ve ever seen. Much like other exceptional journalism-themed movies, this one places the press squarely against the government.

The film presents a gripping portrayal of the actual confrontation between journalist Edward R. Murrow (played by David Strathairn) and Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the Red Scare, as McCarthy waged his relentless anti-communist crusades. It’s a powerful representation of the struggle for truth and freedom in the face of governmental oppression.

What makes ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ effective is its portrayal of the genuine dangers that come with challenging the government, and the necessity of maintaining press independence for truthful reporting. The film’s stunning black-and-white cinematography adds an authentic historical feel, and while it focuses on a particular time, its themes resonate strongly with contemporary viewers.

  • Cast: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Patricia Clarkson

  • Director: George Clooney

  • Rating: PG

  • Runtime: 1h 33m

  • You can rent it from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango Now, Microsoft Store, or Spectrum On-Demand.

2. Grizzly Man

Grizzly Man” is not an effortless viewing experience, but it’s a crucial film and arguably one of the greatest documentaries ever made. The documentary focuses on Timothy Treadwell, a nature enthusiast who frequently defied the advice of experts and park rangers to get extremely close to his beloved grizzly bears. He saw himself as sharing a unique bond with these animals, and he felt that his actions were not reckless – they were his life’s purpose.

This documentary, guided by Werner Herzog’s philosophical perspective, transcends the tale of one man’s life and tragic demise, delving into profound themes. Remarkably, Herzog avoids sensationalizing the distressing incidents, a risk that might have been taken by a less skillful director. Instead, he investigates his subject with compassion, curiosity, and a drive to reveal the unique narrative that only he could bring to light.

  • Cast: Timothy Treadwell, Amie Huguenard, Werner Herzog

  • Director: Werner Herzog

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 1h 43m

  • Where to watch: Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto TV, and Plex Player

1. Brokeback Mountain

2005’s 78th Academy Awards, honoring films from that year, stirred up a lot of debate due to the unexpected success of “Crash,” which garnered several awards on the night, including Best Picture. The Los Angeles Times didn’t mince words, labeling it as “one of the most significant upsets in recent Academy Award history.” This was primarily because “Crash” won over “Brokeback Mountain,” a film that many believed should have taken the top prize and deserved the win.

Disregarding Academy politics, “Brokeback Mountain” from 2005 stands as one of the exceptional movies, its title not contingent upon an Oscar. This film beautifully portrays the heart-wrenching love story between workers Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal), who are ranch hands. While herding sheep together one summer, they develop a deep affection that leads to a clandestine relationship. Despite their marriages to others after the summer ends, an unseen force appears to continually draw them back to each other.

The term “Brokeback Mountain” gets used frequently, but it’s undeniably exceptional. From the heart-wrenching acting, especially by Ledger, who passed away tragically only three years later, to the stunning landscapes and an ending that lingers in memory, “Brokeback Mountain” is a movie that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

  • Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams

  • Director: Ang Lee

  • Rating: R

  • Runtime: 2h 14m

  • You can rent it from Amazon, Apple TV, FandangoNow, Microsoft Store, or Spectrum On-Demand.

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2025-02-15 15:32