The year 2000 brought us a mix of unforgettable films that captured our attention in unexpected ways. Whether it was Tyra Banks bringing her doll to life in Life-Size or various versions of Eddie Murphy in Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, these movies took us on wild rides, blending comedy, drama, and adventure. From heartwarming stories to hilarious moments, these films have stayed with us over the years, leaving a lasting impression. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from that iconic year.
Nutty Professor II: The Klumps | July 28, 2000
The sequel to the 1996 hit The Nutty Professor, this film follows Sherman Klump as he navigates the complexities of family, romance, and his wild alter-ego Buddy Love. The movie takes the concept further by showcasing the entire Klump family in a hilarious series of antics.
Budget: $84 million
Box Office: $166.8 million
X-Men | July 14, 2000
The groundbreaking superhero film that launched the X-Men franchise, X-Men explores the struggle of mutants in a world that fears them. With themes of identity, acceptance, and discrimination, it set the stage for a wave of superhero films in the new millennium, becoming a pivotal moment for the genre.
Budget: $75 million
Box Office: $296.3 million (8th highest grossing film of the year)
Bait | September 15our song, 2000
A comedic crime thriller about a small-time thief who inadvertently becomes part of a high-stakes heist when he is recruited by the FBI. With its mix of action and humor, the film marked Jamie Foxx’s transition into leading roles in mainstream Hollywood, showcasing his comedic talents.
Budget: $32 million
Box Office: $23.6 million
Bring It On | August 25, 2000
A high-energy teen comedy that explores the competitive world of cheerleading, Bring It On also delves into issues of race, class, and identity. The film became a cult classic, especially for its memorable lines and performances, cementing its place in early 2000s teen pop culture.
Budget: $11 million
Box Office: $90.5 million
Our Song | January 21, 2000
A heartfelt coming-of-age drama that explores the lives of three teenage girls in Brooklyn as they navigate friendship, love, and personal growth. Our Song showcases the complexities of adolescence and the bonds that hold us together during difficult times.
Budget: $3 million
Box Office: $2.5 million
Love Come Down | 2000
A gripping tale of two brothers in their early 20s, one black and one white, each the other’s keeper since their family was torn apart by a decade of tragedy. One is a struggling comedian and the other is a boxer consumed with the pleasure and pain of his skin.
Finding Forrester | December 20, 2000
A drama about an unlikely mentorship between a reclusive writer (played by Sean Connery) and a gifted young student. Finding Forrester explores themes of isolation, talent, and personal growth as the two characters form a life-changing bond.
Budget: $43 million
Box Office: $51.1 million
Coyote Ugly | August 4, 2000
A spirited musical drama about a young woman who dreams of becoming a songwriter but instead finds herself working as a bartender at a rowdy New York bar. The film celebrates confidence, empowerment, and chasing one’s dreams, set against the backdrop of a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Budget: $45 million
Box Office: $113.9 million
Scary Movie | July 7, 2000
A parody film that humorously mocks the horror genre, Scary Movie became a huge success for its over-the-top humor and satirical take on popular teen horror films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Budget: $19 million
Box Office: $278 million (9th highest grossing film of 2000)
The Legend of Bagger Vance | November 3, 2000
Set in the 1930s, this drama revolves around a troubled golfer who finds guidance in a mysterious caddie. Mixing sports with life lessons, The Legend of Bagger Vance reflects on overcoming personal struggles and finding redemption, with a meditative tone that balances philosophy and sports.
Budget: $60 million
Box Office: $39.4 million
Shaft | June 16, 2000
This reboot of the iconic Blaxploitation film stars John Shaft, a tough, street-smart private detective navigating a world filled with corruption and injustice. The film blends action, wit, and social commentary, reintroducing the legendary character to a new generation.
Budget: $46 million
Box Office: $107.2 million
Pitch Black | February 18, 2000
A science fiction thriller that follows a group of survivors stranded on a desert planet, Pitch Black introduces the antihero Richard B. Riddick, played by Vin Diesel. The film’s mix of survival, horror, and action became a sleeper hit, gaining a strong fanbase and spawning a series.
Budget: $23 million
Box Office: $53.2 million
Bamboozled | October 6, 2000
A satirical film directed by Spike Lee, Bamboozled critiques the exploitation of African Americans in the entertainment industry. The story follows a Black TV writer who creates a modern-day minstrel show, only for it to gain unexpected popularity. The film explores race, media, and identity in a thought-provoking and often controversial way.
Budget: $10 million
Box Office: $2.4 million
Next Friday | January 12, 2000
A comedy sequel to Friday, Next Friday continues the story of Craig (Ice Cube) as he heads to the suburbs to escape the chaos of his neighborhood. This film blends comedy with themes of family and urban life while highlighting the importance of community.
Budget: $11 million
Box Office: $59.8 million
Love & Basketball | April 21, 2000
A romantic drama that traces the love story between two childhood friends, Monica and Quincy, who both aspire to become professional basketball players. Love & Basketball explores themes of passion, ambition, and the sacrifices required to balance love and career. The film became iconic for its honest portrayal of Black love and the intersection of sports and relationships.
Budget: $20 million
Box Office: $27.3 million
Traffic | December 27, 2000
A sprawling crime drama that follows various interconnected characters dealing with the drug trade in the United States, Traffic offers multiple perspectives on drug addiction, law enforcement, and corruption. It features a diverse ensemble cast, with significant contributions from actors like Don Cheadle and Luis Guzmán.
Budget: $49 million
Box Office: $207.5 million
Romeo Must Die | March 22, 2000
A martial arts action film starring Jet Li and Aaliyah. Romeo Must Die is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, set in a world of gang warfare. The film blends high-intensity action with a romance at its core, and Aaliyah’s performance helped propel her into a new phase of her career.
Budget: $25 million
Box Office: $91.5 million
Leprechaun in the Hood | March 28, 2000
A horror-comedy film, part of the Leprechaun franchise, that takes the notorious leprechaun from his usual rural setting to the streets of the hood. The film combines typical slasher tropes with comedic moments, ultimately becoming a cult classic in the horror genre for its offbeat humor.
Budget: $1.6 million
Box Office: $2.8 million (Direct-to-Video)
Center Stage | May 12, 2000
A drama that follows a group of talented dancers at a prestigious ballet academy, navigating the intense competition and emotional challenges of their careers. Center Stage is a coming-of-age story about finding one’s place in a competitive world.
Budget: $18 million
Box Office: $21.5 million
Held Up | May 12, 2000
A comedy starring Jamie Foxx as a man who finds himself in the middle of a bank robbery during a routine stop. The film blends elements of comedy with a twist of action as the characters navigate the chaos that ensues.
Box Office: $7 million
Big Momma’s House | June 2, 2000
A comedy film starring Martin Lawrence as an FBI agent who goes undercover by dressing as a big, tough grandmother. The film showcases Lawrence’s comedy chops and became a commercial hit, spawning sequels.
Budget: $30 million
Box Office: $173.9 million
Me, Myself & Irene | June 23, 2000
A dark comedy film starring Jim Carrey and Renée Zellweger, where Carrey plays a mild-mannered state trooper with a split personality. The film blends slapstick comedy with a deeper exploration of identity and mental health, and Carrey’s performance was widely praised.
Budget: $51 million
Box Office: $149.3 million
The Original Kings of Comedy | August 18, 2000
A stand-up comedy film featuring four of the most famous Black comedians of the time: Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. The film captures their live performances, blending humor with social commentary.
Budget: $3.5 million
Box Office: $38.2 million
Remember the Titans | September 29, 2000
A sports drama based on the true story of a high school football team that overcomes racial tensions to become a united team. The film, starring Denzel Washington, is a powerful exploration of leadership, teamwork, and racial integration.
Budget: $30 million
Box Office: $136.8 million
The Ladies Man | October 13, 2000
A comedy based on the Saturday Night Live character played by Tim Meadows, who is a smooth-talking radio host with a knack for getting into awkward situations. The film blends humor with romantic escapades as the protagonist navigates relationships.
Budget: $30 million
Box Office: $13.1 million
Requiem for a Dream | October 27, 2000
A harrowing drama directed by Darren Aronofsky about the devastating effects of drug addiction. Featuring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans, the film’s stark portrayal of addiction is paired with a memorable, haunting visual style.
Budget: $4.5 million
Box Office: $7.4 million
Men of Honor | November 10, 2000
A drama based on the true story of Carl Brashear, the first African American master diver in the U.S. Navy. Starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro, the film explores themes of perseverance, racial discrimination, and overcoming obstacles in pursuit of one’s goals.
Budget: $43 million
Box Office: $64.7 million
Disappearing Acts | December 9, 2000
A romantic drama starring Sanaa Lathan and Wesley Snipes, Disappearing Acts is about the challenges of love, commitment, and personal growth. The film explores relationships with emotional depth, particularly within the context of urban life.
Box Office: TV premiere (no theatrical release)
Holiday Heart | December 10, 2000
A made-for-TV drama starring Ving Rhames as Holiday, a drag queen who befriends a troubled mother and her daughter. The film explores themes of family, acceptance, and redemption, as the characters form a unique bond during the holiday season.
Box Office: TV premiere (no theatrical release)
Life-Size | March 5, 2000
A family comedy-drama that follows a young girl who accidentally brings her Barbie-like doll (played by Tyra Banks) to life using magic. Life-Size explores themes of growing up, self-discovery, and the importance of family. Tyra Banks’ portrayal of Eve, the life-sized doll, became a cultural touchstone for the early 2000s.
Box Office: TV premiere (no theatrical release)
Supernova | January 14, 2000
A sci-fi thriller set in deep space, Supernova follows a crew of space salvagers who encounter a mysterious alien force. While the film primarily focuses on action and suspense, it features talented actors such as Angela Bassett, whose role as the ship’s doctor adds depth to the cast. The film blends sci-fi with elements of horror and drama.
Budget: $90 million
Box Office: $14.9 million
An Extremely Goofy Movie | February 29, 2000
A direct-to-video sequel to the 1995 film A Goofy Movie, An Extremely Goofy Movie follows Goofy’s son, Max, as he navigates life in college and the challenges that come with it. The movie highlights themes of father-son relationships, growing up, and finding one’s place in the world, all with a comedic, animated flair. Though not focused exclusively on race, it marked a significant moment in early 2000s animated films with its diverse characters and relatable themes.
Box Office: $40 million (direct-to-video)
3 Strikes | March 1, 2000
A crime-comedy film that follows a man who is caught in a series of unfortunate events after being released from prison. The film stars Brian Hooks and features a predominantly Black cast, blending humor with serious themes about redemption, second chances, and the criminal justice system. The movie serves as a commentary on societal issues, such as crime and race, while offering a comedic approach.
Box Office: $5.5 million