Top 10 Movies That Are Turning 20 This Year

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have collaborated on a few projects throughout the years, and we love watching them play opposite one another on our screens. In their second film together, Sandler plays Henry, a charming playboy who falls in love with Barrymore’s Lucy, an art teacher with short-term memory loss. Despite their respective challenges, the love story between the two characters unfolds with a timeless charm that continues to captivate audiences years later. Even today, Sandler and Barry still dazzle us in comedies, on talk shows, and occasionally in dramas, but this film stands out as a quintessential piece in both of their repertoires.

Is there a more loveable character than Jenna Rink, with her child-like wonder and innocent view of life? When she unexpectedly wakes up to find herself seventeen years older, she takes action to turn her life around. Jenna shows us that our preconceived notions of an ideal life may not be as fulfilling as we imagine, and it’s a sentiment that resonates across generations. Luckily, reconnecting with her roots, and more importantly, with her childhood sweetheart, Matty, gets her back on the right path. Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner deliver iconic and engaging performances, making this film an instant go-to whenever we need a little reminder of the important things in life.

This film may have been set in the 1970s and released in the early 2000s, but it’s just as funny in the 2020s as ever. “Anchorman” revolves around a group of egotistical men in the world of broadcast news whose lives get rocked when a newswoman joins their team. It boasts a hilarious cast, including Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carrell, and Paul Rudd, all in the prime of their comedy careers. It’s a preview of what’s to come, as these actors have kept us in stitches long after this movie’s release, including in the sequel, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” With iconic one-liners and extremely quotable characters, it’s hard to not be obsessed with this comedic masterpiece.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time, the story of Ray Charles’ life had not received an in-depth cinematic exploration until this 2004 film came along. Charles was a pioneer in music, who expertly fused different genres while grappling with substance use disorder and racism in the mid 20th century. In the film, Jamie Foxx does a brilliant job at humanizing and paying homage to Charles with a performance that garnered him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. It’s no wonder “Ray” is considered a modern classic and a must-see for all music lovers. The film also serves as a fitting tribute to Charles, who sadly passed away the same year it was released.

Jim Carrey isn’t exactly known for his dramatic roles, but he has undoubtedly proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in that capacity, and this film is no exception. Carrey stars opposite Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, two former lovers who try to expunge each other from their memories. Heartbreaking and invigorating all at once, the film is enhanced by its science fiction elements, which lend it a timeless and otherworldly quality. Complete with an all-star cast and one of the most unique plots in the history of cinema, it’s hard to believe that twenty years have passed since this film first graced our screens.

The second film in the “Before” series was released nine years after the first, right when audiences were anxious to hear what became of Celine and Jesse’s romance. Despite our hopes for a rekindled connection, the movie reveals that their lives did not unfold as we would've imagined after the first film. In this installment, Celine and Jesse’s separate paths converge nearly a decade after they promised to reunite, leaving us with that same hopeful feeling, as they appear to abandon their lives to pursue each other once again. Luckily, in the twenty years since, we’ve been given a conclusion to their love story, in the form of a third film “Before Midnight”.

There are few 21st century love stories as iconic as this one. Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling’s performances broke our hearts and then put them back together again in this romantic movie about star-crossed lovers in the 1940s. Who could forget their heartwarming declarations of love in the rain? “The Notebook” is not just a film, but a testament to the power of young love, and a hallmark adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ works. Both lead actors went on to have exemplary careers in the years that followed, with McAdams’ breakthrough role coming in the same year – more on that later. While some may think the movie hasn’t aged well, we think it’s aged as well as Noah and Allie’s love.

With a plethora of superhero movies to choose from in the 2020s, it’s important to recognize those that have truly stood out. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible are forced to hide their family’s powers to help keep the world safe. However, once they rediscover the thrill of being superheroes, they realize it’s what they’re meant to be doing. Whether it’s the compelling characters in the Incredible family, the unique premise, or the unforgettable Edna Mode, there just isn’t much to dislike about this film. No matter how old you are, “The Incredibles” has something for everyone, and we can’t help but be grateful for that long awaited sequel. Did someone say “trilogy?” We certainly hope so.

This Quentin Tarantino sequel was a quick turnaround from its predecessor, coming just six months after the first volume. Whatever expectations we had going into the theaters were undoubtedly exceeded watching The Bride finally accomplish her drawn-out quest for revenge. “Kill Bill: Volume 2” is chock-full of flashbacks and fight scenes, and in classic Tarantino fashion, an engaging score, captivating dialogue and a hero’s ending. Needless to say, it was the perfect conclusion to this acclaimed duology. The “Kill Bill” movies were relatively early entries in Tarantino’s filmography, and we’ve seen only pure cinematic gold from him in the years since. We’re honestly excited to see what he makes next.

Endlessly quotable and undeniably relatable, this movie is as relevant now as it was upon its initial release. “Mean Girls” revolves around Cady Heron’s transformation from a homeschooled outsider to reaching the top of the social chain as one of the Plastics. It introduced the world to the unforgettable Regina George, Janis Ian, the word “fetch,” and the mathletes. Since then, there have been countless attempts to recreate this film’s magic - from a sequel, to a broadway musical, and now, a remake written once again by the brilliant Tina Fey. The performances from Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams are particularly noteworthy, the one-liners are still prominent today, and “Mean Girls” remains a go-to for a girl’s night out.

Which movie made you feel nostalgic for the early 2000s? Let us know in the comments!