As we continue to look forward to the upcoming movies in 2023, it’s also an opportune time to take a trip down memory lane and celebrate some of the beloved movies turning 20 this year.
From the captivating musical-romantic comedy “The Fighting Temptations” to the adrenaline-fueled thriller “2 Fast 2 Furious,” these films hold a special place in our hearts. We also bid farewell to some iconic franchises, including The Matrix, which dropped two films that year, and Bad Boys. Little did we know nearly 20 years later studios would revisit these franchises and give us updated sequels.
Reloaded and Revolutions, and Bad Boys II (at the time, anyway). While some movies may have faded into obscurity, they all left an unforgettable impact as cultural touchstones that continue to entertain audiences two decades later. Join us in appreciating these cinematic gems and the enduring influence they’ve had on both the film industry and our own lives.
But while many films we loved, there are a few sprinkled in we think audience and actors would want to forget, but we’ll let you be the judge of what those titles are. Whether these movies would go on to become cultural touchstones or just entertaining films we love and hate scroll through to see the 44 movies celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2023.
The Haunted Mansion | Nov 26, 2003
A family-friendly horror-comedy film based on the popular Disneyland attraction of the same name. Starring Eddie Murphy, this movie follows a family who moves into a haunted mansion and uncovers its dark secrets.
Honey | December 5, 2003
A dance movie about a young woman from the streets of New York City who dreams of becoming a music video choreographer.
Love Don’t Cost a Thing | December 12, 2003
A teen romantic comedy about a high school nerd who pays the most popular girl in school to be his girlfriend. This movie is a modern retelling of the classic “Cyrano de Bergerac” story.
Finding Nemo | May 30, 2003
This heartwarming animated film from Pixar tells the story of a clownfish named Marlin who sets out on a journey to find his son, Nemo, who was taken from their coral reef home by divers.
The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions | May 15, 2003, Nov 5, 2003
These two films are the second and third installments in the Matrix trilogy. They continue the story of Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus as they fight against the machines and attempt to save humanity.
Bad Boys II | July 18, 2003
This action-comedy sequel follows Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett as they investigate a drug trafficking ring and try to take down its leader.
Daddy Day Care | May 9, 2003
Daddy Day Care is a 2003 comedy film that follows two fathers who lose their jobs and start their own daycare business. Chaos ensues as they try to care for a group of rowdy children.
X2 | May 2, 2003
In this superhero film, the X-Men must team up with their former enemy, Magneto, to stop a mutant-hating military scientist from using a serum to eliminate all mutants.
National Security | January 17, 2003
After mistakenly accusing an innocent man of a crime, a LAPD officer and a security guard team up to uncover a smuggling ring.
Elf | November 7, 2003
A heartwarming Christmas movie about a human raised by elves in the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his real father. Starring Will Ferrell, this movie is full of laughs and holiday cheer.
Malibu’s Most Wanted | April 18, 2003
Malibu’s Most Wanted is a 2003 comedy film that parodies hip-hop culture and the gangsta rap lifestyle. The film follows a wealthy white teenager who thinks he is a gangster rapper and sets out to prove himself to his father’s campaign manager.
Biker Boyz | Jan 31, 2003
This action-drama follows the rivalry between two motorcycle clubs in California, as well as the personal struggles of a young rider named Kid.
Deliver Us From Eva | Feb 7, 2003
Three men attempt to “date” the overbearing Eva, but their plans go awry when they actually start to fall for her.
School of Rock | October 3, 2003
“School of Rock” is a comedy film about a struggling musician who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school and teaches his class how to rock. The film features energetic music performances and an inspiring message about following your dreams.
Cradle 2 the Grave | February 28, 2003
A jewel thief and a Taiwanese intelligence agent team up to retrieve stolen black diamonds, but they must also protect the thief’s daughter from a dangerous criminal.
The Fighting Temptations | September 19, 2003
“The Fighting Temptations” is a musical comedy film about a down-on-his-luck ad executive who returns to his hometown in Georgia to claim an inheritance. Along the way, he forms a gospel choir and finds redemption through music and love.
Gothika | November 21, 2003
A supernatural horror-thriller film starring Halle Berry as a psychiatrist who wakes up as a patient in the mental institution where she works, accused of murdering her husband. This movie is full of suspense and twists.
Bad Santa | November 26, 2003
A dark comedy about a con-man and his partner who pose as Santa Claus and an elf in order to rob shopping malls on Christmas Eve. This movie is known for its irreverent humor and unconventional take on the holiday season.
Bringing Down The House | March 7, 2003
In this comedy, a divorced tax attorney’s online flirtation turns into a nightmare when his chat partner turns out to be a prison escapee.
Tears of the Sun | March 7, 2003
A Special Ops team is sent to rescue a doctor from war-torn Nigeria, but they must also lead her and her patients through the dangerous jungle to safety.
Boat Trip | Mar 21, 2003
Two friends accidentally end up on a gay cruise and must navigate the unfamiliar waters while also dealing with their own relationship issues.
Radio | Oct 24, 2003
Drama film based on the true story of a high school football coach who befriends a mentally challenged young man in his small town. The film explores themes of acceptance, compassion, and the power of friendship.
Basic | Apr 18, 2003
An Army Ranger investigates the mysterious disappearance of a drill instructor during a training exercise, but the more he uncovers, the more twisted the story becomes.
Head of State | Mar 28, 2003
After the presidential candidate dies, a Washington D.C. alderman is chosen to be the new candidate and must navigate the world of politics with his unconventional style.
S.W.A.T. | Aug 8, 2003
S.W.A.T. is a 2003 action film based on the 1970s television series of the same name. The movie follows a Los Angeles S.W.A.T. team as they try to transport a drug kingpin to federal custody.
Kill Bill Vol 1 | Oct 10, 2003
“Kill Bill Vol 1” is a martial arts action film directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman as a former assassin who seeks revenge against her former team members who betrayed her on her wedding day. The film is known for its stylish visuals, dynamic action sequences, and iconic soundtrack.
Mystic River | Oct 15, 2003
Drama about three childhood friends who reunite after one of their daughters is murdered.
A Man Apart | Apr 4, 2003
A DEA agent seeks revenge on the drug lord who killed his wife, but his obsession threatens to consume him.
Chasing Papi | Apr 16, 2003
Three women who are all dating the same man, Papi, find out and decide to seek revenge by teaming up and going after him.
Bruce Almighty | May 23, 2003
Bruce Almighty is a 2003 fantasy comedy film that stars Jim Carrey as a man who is given the powers of God. He uses his newfound abilities to try to improve his personal and professional life, but soon realizes that with great power comes great responsibility.
The Italian Job | May 30, 2003
The Italian Job is a 2003 heist film starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, and Edward Norton. The movie follows a group of thieves who plan to steal gold from a former associate who double-crossed them.
Holes | Apr 18, 2003
Holes is a 2003 adventure comedy-drama film based on the novel of the same name by Louis Sachar. The movie follows a young boy who is sent to a detention center in the desert, where he and his fellow inmates are forced to dig holes.
2 Fast 2 Furious | June 6, 2003
2 Fast 2 Furious is a 2003 action film and the second installment in the Fast and the Furious franchise. The movie follows former cop Brian O’Conner as he teams up with another ex-con to take down a drug lord in Miami.
Rugrats Go Wild | Jun 13, 2003
Rugrats Go Wild is a 2003 animated crossover film that combines the Rugrats and Wild Thornberrys franchises. The movie follows the two groups as they end up stranded on a deserted island and must work together to find their way back home.
Dirty Pretty Things | July 18, 2003
Dirty Pretty Things is a 2002 British thriller film that explores the lives of immigrants in London. The movie follows a Nigerian doctor who works at a hotel and discovers a black market trade in human organs.
The Cheetah Girls | Aug 15, 2003
“The Cheetah Girls” is a musical Disney Channel Original Movie about a group of four teenage girls who aspire to become famous pop stars. Along the way, they navigate the challenges of friendship, family, and fame while pursuing their dreams.
Scary Movie 3 | Oct 24, 2003
A horror-comedy film that parodies several iconic horror movies such as “The Ring,” “The Matrix,” and “Signs.” This movie is known for its crude humor and slapstick comedy.
Runaway Jury | Oct 17, 2003
Legal thriller film about a high-profile trial in which a jury is manipulated by outside forces seeking to influence the verdict.
Marci X | Aug 22, 2003
“Marci X” is a comedy film about a wealthy Jewish woman named Marci who inherits her father’s record label and finds herself in charge of a controversial rapper named Dr. S. When Dr. S’s lyrics create a scandal, Marci must find a way to save the record label and her reputation.
Civil Brand | May 28, 2003
“Civil Brand” is a drama film about a group of female prisoners who band together to protest the corrupt prison system. The film explores themes of abuse, justice, and sisterhood in a system that is designed to break them down.
The Rundown | Sep 26, 2003
“The Rundown” is an action-adventure film about a bounty hunter who travels to the Amazon to retrieve a wealthy businessman’s rebellious son. Along the way, he faces off against local criminals and discovers the true meaning of honor and loyalty.
Out of Time | Oct 3, 2003
“Out of Time” is a crime thriller film about a small-town police chief who is framed for a murder he did not commit. With time running out, he must race against the clock to clear his name and find the real killer.
Tupac: Resurrection | Nov 14, 2003
A documentary about the life and death of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. This movie uses interviews, archival footage, and Shakur’s own words to tell the story of his life, rise to fame, and tragic death.
Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood | Dec 30, 2003
A horror-comedy film about a group of friends who accidentally awaken the vengeful Leprechaun while trying to steal his gold. This movie is known for its over-the-top violence and dark humor.