We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are now into our sixth year!
This month, we are sharing our favorite movies from the 21st century (at least the first quarter of it). We were inspired by this article from The New York Times that was posted earlier this year.
We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.
I read through the NYT article hoping they would feature some of my favorite movies from this century, but I was sadly mistaken. They have an interesting list of movies, but none that are on my favorites list. Even the Pixar movies they included. I enjoy Ratatouille, but not enough to put it on my personal list. Monsters, Inc. is my all-time favorite Pixar film, in case anyone is wondering.
A while back, I had shared a list of favorite movies. Some of them are from this century and I will be including them once again. I don't think they need an explanation this time since I already said why before.
Without further ado, and in no particular order:
1. Where the Heart Is (2000)
2. Legally Blonde (2001)
3. 50 First Dates (2004)
4. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
5. A Man Called Otto (2022): Another incredible book adaptation, to the point where I didn't care that they changed the name from Ove to Otto. Definitely have a box of tissues handy for this one!
6. The Greatest Showman (2017): I know the story is problematic, but I couldn't get enough of it and loved the music. I would listen to it obsessively after seeing the movie. I also cried a few times.
7. Freaky Friday (2003): There's just something I love about this modernized adaptation of the Mary Rodgers novel. It aged well and I still adore it every time I see it. I cry every time I see it. I saw the sequel this past summer and that was cute too, but still not as fabulous as the first one.
8. Wicked (2024): The film adaptation of this beloved musical went above and beyond, spoiling me from ever seeing it on stage again. And this was just the first act! I can't wait to see part two soon.
9. Free Guy (2021): Given that I love Wreck-It Ralph, you know I'm going to love what feels like the live action version of that movie. It was creative, funny, adventurous, romantic, and highly entertaining.
10. Theater Camp (2023): This was a fun movie done in mockumentary style and totally catered to musical theater fans like myself. My son and I still quote it all the time. While it has silly moments, it also has a lot of heart and some great surprises.
I have a lot more picks and it was hard to narrow it down to ten, that's for sure! If I could choose a runner up, it would be Chicago (2002), which was also an incredible adaptation of a musical and much deserving of its best picture Oscar.
I also agree with some of Sara's picks below.
Coming up with a top ten list of films from the last twenty-five years was a difficult task! I started out with 20, narrowing it down with the help of my oldest child and my husband, and I’m still not sure if I agree with my final choices. What influenced me the most was the watchability factor. I’m not one to re-watch much of anything, yet all of the movies on my list are ones I’ve happily seen over and over again. In no particular order:
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
“Sixty percent of the time, it works every time.” That’s a quote that is frequently said around my house. I own an “I love lamp” t-shirt, and who hasn’t heard of, “Stay classy”? The epic news team showdown is so amazing and hilarious!
The siren music that plays leading up to a fight for The Bride is unforgettable. The movie combines impressive fight scenes and a deep need to see The Bride get redemption for everything she’s gone through, even though we know just how flawed she is.
Tragically beautiful. The images. The scenery. The emotions. A deeply beautiful experience.
“You better bring it.” Such a fun film!
Melissa: "Brr! It's cold in here..."
I am obsessed with this movie. I own it, which means I’ve seen it plenty of times. I’m not a dancer, yet I fall in love with the ballet, the contemporary dancing, all leading to that final dance scene that is so memorable; I can still see Jody as she spins into her soul-revealing red getup, letting the world know that she will choose herself, every time.
This is another movie that I have seen several times, and it never gets old. Considering that I feel like I’m currently working with someone who can only wish to be more like Miranda Priestly, the message behind the “mean boss” mentality rings even truer now than it ever has for me.
There are so many catchphrases and quotes from this film; the one my husband and I will say from time to time is, “Quit trying to make fetch happen,” but instead of using the word “fetch,” it might be an activity or choices made that we both feel like we try to make work but it just won’t work. The movie is fun and relevant, even over two decades later.
Who knew that this movie would become another holiday-themed film to add to the must-watch holiday list? It’s clever, touching, and proves just how powerful love can be.
I can appreciate the love/hate relationship that forms between Frank Abagnale Jr., and Carl Hanratty. They are bitter adversaries but in the end, they feel like no one understands as well as they understand each other.
A good friend recommended this movie; we had a mini watch party at home and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the tv screen. It goes beyond addressing unrealistic beauty standards. It digs deeper into just how ugly societal pressures can be, that drives someone to make some pretty horrible decisions in an effort to stay relevant.
My list should end at 10, but I have to add a runner up–Drop Dead Gorgeous! The movie came out in 1999, so I know it’s not within the 25-year time range for the post, but it is worth mentioning. One of Kirstie Alley’s best performances is in this movie, and it’s so hilariously witty and darkly funny. A must watch!
What are YOUR favorite movies from the 21st century?
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