Starting to feel old yet?
2003 was a stellar year for movies. So, with some absolute classics turning 20 this year, we decided to look back at 20 of the most memorable releases.
In no particular order, here’s 20 great films that turn 20 in 2023…
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Only one place to start, and that’s with the third and final instalment of Peter Jackson’s iconic fantasy adventure series.
It won a whopping 11 Academy Awards and was the highest grossing film worldwide in 2003. When it comes to movies released in 2003, there really is no better headline act.
Box Office: $1,140,682,011
Finding Nemo
One of Pixar’s finest hours of the 21st century. Incredible storytelling coupled with fun and fluid animation.
Finding Nemo represents Pixar at its very best; a unique and compelling narrative with memorable characters and a mixture of fun and chaos along the way.
Box Office: $871,014,978
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley – the film that started it all.
Inspired by a theme park ride, Pirates would go on to become one of Disney’s most successful and loveable franchises. Depp delivers a career defining performance as the clumsy but capable Captain Jack Sparrow.
Box Office: $654,264,015
Bruce Almighty
A slapstick comedy of the time in which Jim Carrey’s character Bruce Nolan is given the opportunity to play God.
One of those early 2000s films with plenty of hype at the time but not much in the way of lasting power.
Box Office: $484,592,874
Love Actually
Still feels as fresh in your mind as it did 20 years ago… probably because you’ve watched it every Christmas since 2003. The ultimate Christmas rom-com packed with a stellar ensemble cast.
Box Office: $244,931,766
2 Fast 2 Furious
The second instalment of the seemingly never-ending Fast franchise.
It’s beautiful people driving beautiful cars – if you feel like switching off for a couple of hours then go for it!*
*Disclaimer: this is the one Vin Diesel isn’t in, so much for family…
Box Office: $236,350,661
Elf
Arguably one of the most fun and rewatchable Christmas movies of all time.
Will Ferrell is right at home as one of Santa’s biggest helpers. A movie with a lot of heart for kids and adults alike.
Box Office: $220,443,451
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Quentin Tarantino’s stylish revenge thriller sees Uma Thurman return in the leading role; The Bride.
Tarantino always wanted to make a Samurai-inspired film, and boy does he deliver. Not one for the faint-hearted!
Box Office: $180,899,045
The Italian Job
A mile-a-minute remake of the 1969 heist movie of the same name.
Mark Wahlberg, Ed Norton, Charlize Theron, and Jason Statham star in this entertaining modern take on a 20th century classic.
Box Office: $176,070,171
Daddy Day Care
Charlie (Eddie Murphy) and Phil (Jeff Garlin) start a day care centre in a classic ‘What could possibly go wrong?!’ type comedy.
Like Bruce Almighty it hasn’t aged well and relies too much on being goofy to be clever.
Box Office: $164,433,867
School of Rock
Jack Black pops offscreen as failed rocker turned imposter elementary school teacher Dewey Finn.
It’s impossible not to have a good time watching this film. Great tunes and great vibes all round.
Box Office: $131,095,614
Phone Booth
Colin Farrell stars as Stu Shepard, an unlikeable and dishonest publicist who finds himself in grave danger at a New York City phone booth.
This one splits opinion, but’s a nail-biting 80 minute ride if you’re looking for something short and sweet.
Box Office: $97,837,138
Bad Santa
Bad Santa takes a solid concept and delivers on it perfectly.
Billy Bob Thornton plays a depressed, alcoholic Santa Clause in this anti-Christmas movie that has actually managed to become more offensive as the years have gone by.
Box Office: $76,488,889
Freaky Friday
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan deliver strong performances in this switcheroo comedy where a single mum and her teenage daughter swap bodies for a single day.
It’s a film with plenty of heart and perfect for a family movie night.
Box Office: $160,846,332
Johnny English
I’m trying my best not to write anything negative about the amazing Rowan Atkinson, but Johnny English is simply not good.
Plenty have tried the spy spoof genre of comedy before it, and plenty have tried after it, most have done it better.
Box Office: $160,466,000
Scary Movie 3
Anna Faris returns as Cindy for the third instalment of the Scary Movie franchise (probably the most undeserving film franchise of all time)
The first one is positive fine, the second is a car crash, this one redeems itself slightly. Comedy spoofs of horror films are like brown chinos and that Rihanna t-shirt from Topman; it lived, it died, and we should never speak of it again.
Box Office: $220,673,217
The Matrix: Reloaded
Sequels are tough, and follow-ups to iconic films that are worth making and stand on their own two feet are few and far between.
The Matrix: Reloaded quite hit the heights or the shock value of the first film, but it is proof that there’s more life in Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus than one two-hour adventure.
Box Office: $739,412,035
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Critics hates it, audiences loved it, it’s almost certainly not on Matthew McConaughey’s CV.
The plot is silly and predictable like most rom-coms, what’s not predictable is McConaughey and Kate Hudson’s chemistry onscreen. They’re charming and funny in equal measure – one worth revisiting if you’re in the mood.
Box Office: $177,502,387
Oldboy
More than likely one of your favourite horror director’s favourite horror movies.
The 2003 adaptation of this Japanese manga is striking visually, and heavy on the violence. It’s a tale of revenge that at times is uncomfortable to watch but brilliantly made.
Box Office: $14,980,005
The Cat in the Hat
Good grief, if ever there was a film that shouldn’t exist.
This is unironically and unintentionally a tougher watch than Oldboy. Don’t watch this movie, don’t talk to your friends about this movie, this movie doesn’t exist.
Box Office: $133,960,541
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