Few films get rewatched as often as the best Christmas movies, and one modern classic of the genre is the ensemble romance Love Actually. The movie is full of beautiful and heartbreaking stories, but at least one story of the film, while it had been confirmed by the filmmakers, had never been verified by the man who played the key role, Rowan Atkinson.

It’s been a long-held theory among fans of Love Actually that Rowan Atkinson’s character was more than just a man, but actually a supernatural force, a Christmas angel, who appears in the story in order to specifically influence events. In a recent appearance on BBC Two (via LADBible), Atkinson himself confirmed that was how his character was originally written, but also argued that just because the movie is missing the revelation of this fact, it doesn’t make it not true in the final cut. The actor said…

Atkinson appears twice in Love Actually. First, he plays a man at a department store taking an obscenely long time to wrap a box for Alan Rickman’s character, who is contemplating an affair. Later, he’s a man at the airport who assists Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s Sam in confessing his love to his school crush.

Love Actually's script editor Emma Freud had already revealed the original plan that Atkinson’s character was originally written to be a Christmas angel, one who intentionally took forever to wrap a Christmas gift, specifically because he wanted to prevent Rickman’s character from buying it. However, Atkinson had not spoken about this before.

I like the idea that, while the Christmas Angel reveal might have been removed from the story, there’s no reason that fans can’t simply accept it as the truth anyway. Atkinson seems to feel that his character was still an angel, whether the movie says so or not.

One of the reasons that Love Actually has probably been so successful as a Christmas movie that has stood the test of time is that there’s so much about the movie for people to talk about. While it’s a romantic movie, not every story has a happy ending. There are numerous questions left unanswered by the text, which leads to fans debating what happened. Though not everybody seems to really get what happens in the movie. There’s also the fact that some elements of Love Actually may not have aged so well.

The holiday season is a time when a lot of people rewatch their favorite holiday films, and one movie that has stood the test of time, while also being a lightning rod of controversy, is one of the best Christmas movies ever: Love Actually. While most of the debate around the film today surrounds whether one of the characters might be a creepy stalker, there’s a new question about the movie that has shocked the world. Does Timothée Chalamet get it?

Not rocking his recent dapper orange method dressing, Chalamet was recently a guest on The Graham Norton Show alongside two stars of Love Actually, Emma Thompson and Rowan Atkinson. Love, Actually is apparently a favorite Christmas movie of the young actor, though his comments about the film have fans scratching their heads and wondering if he’s actually seen it, as he said to Thompson:

Thompson plays a woman married to a man played by Alan Rickman, who, at the very least, considers cheating on his wife with his secretary. This causes Thompson’s character to break down when she realizes the situation and again when she confronts Rickman’s character. In the couple’s final scene, set a year later, the exact state of the relationship is unclear, other than the fact that things are clearly still strained between them.

The fact that Timothée Chalamet seemingly doesn’t realize this has blown away the commenters who have responded to the clip on TikTok. To most everybody replying, it’s very clear that nothing has been resolved, and they’re a bit shocked that the actor seems to read the scene so differently than everybody else. Comments include:

• Timmy doesn’t understand the complexity of real relationships yet… - @Eastwoodz
• How could ANYONE think that Alan and Emma resolved their issue?! - @mackeylee3
• how can Tim seem so complex and intelligent in one clip and then miss something blindingly obvious in the next - @Hotter in Person
• Timmy not getting the point of that scene makes so much sense. I wonder if he think dune is set on long beach - @huhhuh720
• Emma telling Timmy his perspective is wrong😳😂😂😂❤ - @Boo-boo

Some aspects of the married couple's relationship are left ambiguous. Are they still married? Separated? The one thing that seems pretty clear from the awkward interaction between them after they meet him at the airport is that the issue has not been, in Chalamet’s words, “resolved.” There is, at best, an indication that they may be on a path toward reconciliation. Check out the scene and see what you think.

Maybe Timothée Chalamet is just a hopeless romantic who chooses to believe that everything is resolved easily because he can’t handle the idea that Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson can’t have a happy ending.

Keira Knightley has built an incredible career, but it’s quite likely that whatever else she might do, she will always be remembered first for two of her earliest movies. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription) is still wildly popular and has grossed billions at the global box office, and Love Actually is so popular that its most famous scene with Knightley has been parodied more times than one can count. And yet, it seems the one person who hasn’t seen those films (much) is Keira Knightley herself.

In a recent appearance on the BBC’s Scott Mills breakfast Show (via People), Knightley talks about the fact that she’s not really one to ever watch her own work. She either avoids watching the movies she makes entirely or she sees them once at the premiere, and then never again. She explained…

Knightley isn’t the only actor who avoids watching themself. Others have spoken before about how difficult it can be. Some find themselves dwelling on their mistakes, while others just seem to get embarrassed at seeing themselves on screen. Knightley seems to be in this latter category, as she literally seems to have an issue just looking at her own face.

However, this avoidance of her own work means that, while lots of people will surely be watching Love Actually at least once over the next couple of months, as many consider it one of the best Christmas movies ever. Knightley doesn’t rewatch it every Christmas. In fact, she only watched it one time when it first came out. She said…

Although having seen Love, Actually once, that’s one more time than she apparently saw the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie. It sounds like after seeing the second one at the premiere, she decided she didn’t want to see the third. Why? Too many close-ups of herself. Knightley continued…

Perhaps it’s the fact that Keira Knightley never saw the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie that resulted in her seeming to forget she had a cameo in the fifth Pirates movie. It’s easy to forget when you had your cameo, when you can easily lose track of how many movies there have even been.

Keira Knightley may not watch her movies, but plenty of the rest of us do. And I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I don’t mind her face one bit.

Some movies just get lucky when it comes to young, up-and-coming casts. Movies like Dazed and Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High are legendary for this, but there are so many more. This is a list dedicated to those movies that somehow pulled together major stars before they were stars.

Platoon (1986)

Oliver Stone collected an impressive stable of talent for his Oscar-winning film Platoon. Charlie Sheen was a star on the rise, but most of his roles had been in supporting roles. Tom Berringer and Willem Dafoe, who play dueling sergeants, were also very early in their careers. Add that young actors like Johnny Depp, Kevin Dillon, Forest Whitaker, and John C. McGinley and it adds up to one amazing cast.

School Ties (1992)

1992's School Ties is everything this list is about. Not only was it Brendan Fraser's first lead role (other than Encino Man), but it had young stars in the making named Chris O'Donnell, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser, and Anthony Rapp.

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Director John Singleton rocked the world with his debut feature Boyz n the Hood, and the cast he assembled was impressive. Cuba Gooding, Jr., Morris Chestnut, Angela Bassett, Nia Long, and Regina King were all very early in their careers, and Ice Cube proved he could jump from hip hop icon to actor with acclaim.

The Faculty (1998)

The Faculty was Robert Rodriguez's follow-up to From Dusk Til Dawn, and while it doesn't have the same rep that his first few movies have, it's still an underrated gem of a teen horror movie. It boasts a cast that included a young Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, and Shawn Hatosy, not to mention Jon Stewart in one of the earliest, and biggest, movie roles of his career.

Empire Records (1995)

Like a lot of coming-of-age teen dramadies, Empire Records has an impressive cast of young actors destined for stardom. Actors like Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, Robin Tunney, Rory Cochrane, Ethan Embry, and Debi Mazar.

National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)

The biggest star in Animal House is, without a doubt, John Belushi. He was already one of the most famous comedic actors in the country due to his success on Saturday Night Live. However, Animal House was his very first starring role, and he was joined by other young actors who were on their way up, like Karen Allen, Stephen Furst, Tim Matheson, Tom Hulce, Bruce McGill, and, of course, Kevin Bacon, in his first-ever movie role.

The Outsiders (1983)

Francis Ford Coppola's iconic The Outsiders has to be on this list. The cast, almost all of whom were in one of the earliest roles of their careers, would go on to become some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Stars like Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, and C. Thomas Howell. Nothing more really needs to be said.

The Goonies (1985)

Any movie with a list of young actors like Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, and Ke Huy Quan belongs on this list. The Goonies is an iconic Gen X movie, and the cast grew up with the same generation and became icons in and of themselves.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The biggest stars in Saving Private Ryan, like Tom Hanks and Tom Sizemore, were already well established in their careers, of course. The supporting cast, however, was filled with young up-and-comers like Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, Nathan Fillion, Jeremy Davies, Adam Goldberg, and, of course, Matt Damon as the titular Private Ryan.

Diner (1982)

Barry Levinson has become one of the most revered directors in Hollywood, and his first movie included a lot of young actors who were headed for big careers. Ellen Barkin, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, and Tim Daly all joined Paul Riser, who was making his film debut in Diner.

Dazed And Confused (1993)

Director Richard Linklater's 1993 classic Dazed and Confused is the prototype for a list like this. The teen comedy set in the '70s but helped define '90s cinema includes one of the most stacked casts of young actors ever. There are huge stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey (in his first major role), Parker Posey, Yellowstone star Cole Hauser, Anthony Rapp, Adam Goldberg, Milla Jovovich, and even Renée Zellweger as an extra.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

There are few teen comedies more beloved than Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Not only is the movie hilarious, but it also features some major stars in the making. Stars like Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Phoebe Cates, and Forrest Whitaker. Then there are the stoners in the movie, led by Sean Penn. His buddies in the movie were played by Anthony Edwards and Eric Stoltz. And don't forget Nicolas Cage (billed as Nicolas Coppola) in his first appearance on the big screen as an extra.

The Big Chill (1983)

There is no more iconic Baby Boomer nostalgia flick than The Big Chill. While most of the actors in the ensemble cast have established careers, none could really be called stars until after the success of the movie. Actors like William Hurt, Meg Tilly, Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Kevin Kline, and maybe the most famous "cast member," Kevin Costner. Costner played the corpse of their dead friend, and while his face isn't even seen on screen, he counts, right?

Do The Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee burst onto the Hollywood scene in the late '80s, and his 1989 joint Do The Right Thing changed the rules of filmmaking forever. It helps that he assembled a cast that included young actors like Giancarlo Stanton, John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson, and Rosie Perez.

Basquiat (1996)

Jeffery Wright had his breakout role as the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in Basquiat. He was joined by a lot of established stars like David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, and Gary Oldman, but there were quite a few young stars on the move, too. Actors like Benicio del Toro, Claire Forlani, Parker Posey, and even Sam Rockwell in a small role as a street hood,

Stand By Me (1986)

Stand By Me doesn't have a big cast, but almost everyone in the movie became a big star after its release. There's the older group of guys led by Keifer Sutherland and Casey Siemaszko, but it's the group of kids that really got famous from the movie. Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and the late River Phoenix all have breakout roles. Plus, there's a bonus with John Cusack as Wheaton's character's dead brother in flashbacks.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)

The cast of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a who's who of 2010's stars. Sure, Michael Cera had already begun making a name for himself, but there are a slew of others on the rise. Actresses like Aubrey Plaza, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, and Brie Larson make up the bulk of the cast. Kieran Culkin and a pre-Captain America Chris Evans also show up.

Young Guns (1988)

Just like the title says, Young Guns isn't only about a bunch of young gunfighters in the late 19th Century like Billy The Kid, but the cast was also a bunch of young guns in Hollywood. Emilio Estevez leads a cast that also includes his brother Charlie Sheen alongside Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dermot Mulroney, and Casey Siemaszko. In the sequel, they were joined by Christian Slater, Balthazar Getty, and Bradley Whitford, among others.

Love Actually (2003)

Guys like Colin Firth and Hugh Grant were already big names when they starred in Love Actually, but much of the rest of the cast were in the very early days of their careers, most notably Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, Kiera Knightly, January Jones, Shannon Elizabeth, Denise Richards, and Martin Freeman.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

From the minds of The State came the now-iconic teen summer camp romp Wet Hot American Summer. It's like a little bit of the 1980s in the early 21st Century. It also features a cast who have gone on the big things in Hollywood, including Bradley Cooper in his first role, where he was joined by Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Elizabeth Banks, alongside vets like David Hyde Pierce and Janeane Garofalo.

St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

This list would be incomplete without mentioning the famous 1980s "Brat Pack," and St. Elmo's Fire is where almost the whole crew was in the same movie. Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy lead the cast list. Andie McDowell also appears in one of her earliest roles.

American Pie (1999)

Like so many other teen romps before and after it, American Pie is loaded with future stars. Jason Biggs leads the cast as Jim, and he's joined by Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, and Natasha Lyonne. Not to mention the well-established stars like Eugene Levy and Jennifer Coolidge.

Black Hawk Down (2001)

2001's Black Hawk Down from director Ridley Scott has a mix of established stars like Ewan McGregor, Jason Isaacs, Tom Sizemore, and Sam Shepard, and young soon-to-be stars like Eric Bana, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Orlando Bloom, Tom Hardy, Hugh Dancy, and Ty Burrell.

Catch-22 (1970)

In 1970, the book Catch-22 was adapted on the screen for the first time and had some of the biggest stars of all-time in it, like Orson Welles, but if also had some future stars like Alan Arkin, Charles Grodin, Bob Balaban, and a young Martin Sheen in one of his first major roles.

Private Parts (1997)

In the mid-1990s, Howard Stern was the "King of all Media," and he proved it with his hit movie Private Parts, based on his first memoir. The movie starred most of the Stern crew from his radio show, but they were augmented by young actors like Paul Giamatti in his breakout role, Mary McCormack, Allison Janey, Edie Falco, and Leslie Bibb.

Superbad (2007)

It's fair to say that Superbad helped launch a bunch of careers into the stratosphere. Michael Cera got his breakthrough role, and so did Jonah Hill. They were joined by Seth Rogen, who was already on the rise; Bill Hader, who was in one of his earliest movie roles; and Emma Stone, who was in her very first movie role. It's a stacked cast, to say the least.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Matthew Modine was the biggest "star" in Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War classic Full Metal Jacket, but he was hardly a big star at the time. The rest of the cast includes Vincent D'Onofrio, in his first major role, Adam Baldwin, and R. Lee Ermey, who was originally brought in as a consultant and ended up launching an acting career.

American Graffiti (1973)

George Lucas burst onto the Hollywood scene with his first major production, American Graffiti, in 1973, and he helped bring attention to a lot of future stars in some of their earliest roles, most notably Harrison Ford, of course. Ron Howard was already famous from Andy Griffith, but this movie would help him transition to older roles. The film also helped make stars of Richard Dreyfuss, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams, and Suzanne Somers.

Midnight Madness (1980)

Midnight Madness is one of the most forgotten Disney movies, but in the early '80s, it was a staple of cable TV. The cast included, most notably, Michael J. Fox and David Naughton in their first movie roles. It also included up-and-comers like Simpson's cast member Maggie Roswell and Animal House cast member Stephen Furst. Paul Rubens also has a small role in one of his first movies as well.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is still remembered as director Guy Ritchie's first film, and it also includes some young actors whose careers blew up after the movie. Most notably, Jason Statham, but also Nick Moran, Jason Flemyng, former soccer player Vinnie Jones, and Steven Mackintosh.

Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

Yet another teen movie - or in this case, Not Another Teen Movie - helped launch a bunch of career,s like Chris Evans in his first starring role and Josh Radnor in his first role ever. Jaime Pressly, Mia Kirshner, Chyler Leigh, Lacey Chabert, and Eric Christian Olsen join them.

Can't Hardly Wait (1998)

1998's Can't Hardly Wait falls in that sweet spot where it's beloved by young Gen Xers and elder Millennials. It's easy to see why, with a cast that includes up-and-coming stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Seth Green, Jason Segel, Clea Duvall, Seann Patrick Thomason, Donald Faison, and Selma Blair, among others.

There is nothing that makes one’s heart melt quite like a person declaring their desire to spend the rest of their lives with another. This does not just go for real life but also for fictional marriage proposal on both the big and screen alike. The following are some of the most unique and romantic examples we have ever seen.

Maggie Proposes To Ike (Runaway Bride)

In one of Julia Roberts’ best romantic comedy movies, 1999’s Runaway Bride, her character, Maggie Carpenter, spends the entirety of the movie struggling with her ability to commit and her tendency to leave her grooms at the altar. That is until she meets columnist Ike Graham (Richard Gere) and shows how far she has come from the moment she fell for him by popping the question herself.

Patrick Proposes To David (Schitt's Creek)

Schitt's Creek is one of the most heartwarming and simply best sitcoms of all time and a key reason is the romance between David Rose (co-creator Dan Levy) and Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid). Their relationship hits its adorable peak when Patrick takes David to his favorite spot to make the "easiest decision" of his life and presents him with a set of four engagement rings to match the four rings he usually wears on his right hand.

Jamie Proposes To Aurelia (Love Actually)

Easily one of the more uplifting storylines from 2003's Love Actually is that of cuckolded writer Jamie (Colin Firth), who falls for Portuguese housekeeper Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz) while spending the holiday at his French cottage. After they part ways, he learns her language (and almost gets all the words right) to ask her to marry him in front of a full crowd at the restaurant where she works.

Dexter Proposes To Rita (Dexter)

After his girlfriend, Rita Bennett (Julie Benz) becomes unexpectedly pregnant with their son, Dexter Morgan (Michael. C Hall) finds the courage (and the right words, which he borrows from another murderer) to make the ultimate commitment to her despite his commitment to slaughtering Miami's worst. Unfortunately, their marriage came to a tragic end in the fourth and, arguably, the best season of Dexter when, in one of TV's most shocking cliffhangers, he discovers his wife has been killed by The Trinity Killer.

Robbie Proposes To Julia (The Wedding Singer)

In just about Adam Sandler's best romantic-comedy movie, 1998's The Wedding Singer, Robbie (Sandler) ultimately stops Julia's (Drew Barrymore) impending nuptials to the wrong guy with an impromptu serenade on a plane with help from first-class passengers, including Billy Idol as himself, and the airline staff. He never says "Will you marry me?" but the next scene is their wedding so we can assume they were essentially engaged at this moment.

Schmidt Proposes To Cece (New Girl)

In the pilot episode of New Girl, Schmidt (Max Greenfield) was forced to donate a $5 bill to the Douchebag Jar after proclaiming he would marry Cece (Hannah Simone) the day he met her. He would then present that exact bill to her when he finally popped the question after several frustrating seasons of back-and-forth dating and flirting.

Ian Proposes To Toula (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)

The big question that leads to the eponymous main event from My Big Fat Greek Wedding is, actually, one of cinema's more simple marriage proposals, occurring spontaneously while Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) and Ian Miller (John Corbett) are lying together in bed. Still, it is a memorable scene from the 2002 hit and a memorable moment for the romantic-comedy movie genre in general for how well it depicts the couple's mutual passion.

Jim Proposes To Pam (The Office)

The two-part Season 5 premiere of The Office marks a pivotal moment in Jim and Pam's relationship timeline, as Pam (Jenna Fischer) has been taking art classes in New York. When Jim (John Krasinski) requests to meet her halfway (but actually "not halfway," based on Pam's math) at a gas station in the pouring rain, he surprises her with the question she (and viewers) have been waiting for.

Andrew Proposes To Margaret (The Proposal)

In 2009's The Proposal, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) initially blackmails her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), into marrying her so the Canadian-born editor can avoid deportation. However, after she catches genuine feelings and cancels their fake wedding, he realizes his true feelings and makes a genuine proposal to her.

Chandler Proposes To Monica (Friends)

One of the most famous tearjerker moments from Chandler and Monica's relationship timeline on Friends almost begins in disaster after a surprise run-in with Monica's (Courtney Cox) ex, Richard (Tom Selleck), on the night Chandler (Matthew Perry) planned to propose. This convinces him to feign disinterest in marriage to savor the surprise, but that only seems to make things worse until he turns out to be the surprised one, showing up at their apartment to find Monica surrounded by candles. When she tearfully can not finish her own attempt to pop the question, Chandler finishes the act.

Harry Proposes To Sally (When Harry Met Sally)

Harry's (Billy Crystal) climactic confession to Sally (Meg Ryan) at the end of 1989's When Harry Met Sally during a New Year's Eve party is not exactly a marriage proposal per se. However, it is an admission that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her (and wants the rest of his life to start "as soon as possible") and in one of the most beautifully constructed speeches in cinematic history.

Jake Proposes To Amy (Brooklyn Nine-NIne)

Arguably the best episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine sees the precinct participating in their fifth annual Halloween heist, which Det. Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) believes she has won when she finds the championship belt in the evidence locker. However, her boyfriend, Det. Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), advises her to take a better look at the inscription on the belt, which reads, "Amy Santiago, will you marry me?"

Landon Proposes To Jamie (A Walk to Remember)

A memorable Nicolas Sparks adaptation that predates The Notebook is 2002's A Walk to Remember, in which troubled teen Landon Carter (Shane West) unexpectedly falls for shy Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore). After discovering that she has leukemia, he decides to propose to her under the night sky as a comet passes by so that he can marry her before she succumbs to her illness.

Niles Proposes To Daphne (Frasier)

On Frasier, Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) attempts to plan the perfect marriage proposal to Daphne (Jane Leeves), complete with a string quartet, kid actors dressed as angels, and a dinner prepared by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. However, when Daphne arrives at the apartment with the flu, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) must help his brother covertly escort the performers out. It is then that Niles decides it is still the perfect time to pop the question.

Johnny Proposes To June (Walk The Line)

Director James Mangold's 2005 music biopic, Walk the Line, sees Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) make two attempts to propose to June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). After his first go at it on a tour bus has unfavorable results, The Man in Black tries again by interrupting a public musical duet and tells her that he cannot finish the song until he gets an answer. She tells him, yes.

Ben Proposes To Leslie (Parks And Recreation)

In the fifth season of Parks and Recreation, the future seems uncertain for Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) because the latter might be forced to move to Florida for work. Instead, at the end of the episode, "Halloween Surprise," he unexpectedly shows up to propose to the politician, who interrupts him a couple of times to better remember how perfect everything in her life is at that moment.

Wade Proposes To Vanessa (Deadpool)

The way Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) pops the question to Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin) is perfectly on brand for 2016's hilarious superhero movie, Deadpool. The future Merc with a Mouth's engagement ring of choice (which is revealed to have been hidden between his butt cheeks) is a Ring Pop.

Blaine Proposes To Kurt (Glee)

For the moment when Blaine (Darren Criss) popped the question to Kurt (Chris Colfer) on Glee, the show depicted the moment the only way it could have. Kurt's friends from McKinley help perfect the proposal by participating in a rendition of The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love."

Nick Proposes To Rachel (Crazy Rich Asians)

Admittedly, the scene from Crazy Rich Asians in which Nick Young (Henry Golding) asks Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) to marry him is a bit cliché-ridden, especially since it takes on an airplane. However, considering the ups and downs the couple had faced in director Jon M. Chu's hit 2018 adaptation of Kevin Kwan's novel, they deserved an old-fashioned storybook climax.

Mike Proposes To Rachel (Suits)

Before her marriage to Prince Harry captured the world's hearts, Meghan Markle, as Rachel Zane, shared a captivating onscreen romance with fellow Suits cast member Patrick J. Adams as Michael Ross. The lawyer first lists off all the reasons why he loves the paralegal-turned-attorney before presenting her with his grandmother's ring at the moment he asks for her hand in marriage.

Jim Proposes To Katherine (Hidden Figures)

The astonishing true story depicted in 2016's Hidden Figures is complemented by an astonishing marriage proposal by military officer Jim Johnson (Mahershala Ali) to mathematician Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji P. Henson). He begins by cooking her and her family a special dinner before surprising her with a ring and an admission that he called his mother the day after he met Katherine to tell her that she was the one he would marry.

Barney Proposes To Robin (How I Met Your Mother)

The two-part Season 8 mid-season finale of How I Met Your Mother reveals that nearly everything we have seen Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) do that season has been part of an elaborate ruse from his famed Playbook. However, the ultimate goal of the play is not to get his off-and-on lover Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) into bed but to finally reignite their relationship and get her to make the ultimate commitment with him, which she tearfully accepts on the rooftop of the World Wide News building.

Edward Proposes To Sandra (Big Fish)

In director Tim Burton's 2003 fantasy Big Fish, Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) experiences love at first sight with Sandra Templeton (Alison Lohman) and, despite her having a fiancée, proceeds to ask this woman he barely knows to marry him multiple times. She finally breaks off her current engagement after Edward picks thousands of daffodils, her favorite flowers, and gathers them in an unbelievable assortment outside her house.

Brian Proposes To Charlie (Shrinking)

In the acclaimed Apple TV+ series, Shrinking, Brian (Michael Urie) creates an elaborate plan to ask his longtime boyfriend, Charlie (Devin Kawaoka), to marry him, which includes singing a song with help on piano from Jimmy (Jason Segel), who ruins it by drunkenly regurgitating. A frustrated Brian then admits his intentions to Charlie, who, before Brian can even compose himself to officially ask the question, readily accepts.

Mr. Darcy Proposes To Elizabeth (Pride And Prejudice)

Director Joe Wright's 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice features one of the most romantic movie quotes of all time. Despite his once rivalrous relationship with Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden) tells her, "You have bewitched me body and soul," during one of the multiple times he asks for her hand in marriage.

Ben Proposes To Miranda (Grey's Anatomy)

One of the most romantic moments from Grey's Anatomy begins in the middle of an operation when Ben Warren (Jason Winston George) expresses his disappointment that he and Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) were unable to work on the daily crossword. In the OR, Miranda pettily begins completing the puzzle herself and comes to discover that the answer to the clue, “My question to you,” is, "Will you marry me?" and that the entire crossword was crafted by Ben.

Ronny Proposes To Loretta (Moonstruck)

In 1987's Moonstruck, Loretta Castorini (Cher) becomes engaged to Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello) but unexpectedly falls into an affair with his brother, Ronny (Nicolas Cage). Everything works out, however, when Johnny calls off the engagement for his mother's sake and, seconds later, Ronny borrows the ring to ask for Loretta's hand in marriage.

Glenn Proposes To Maggie (The Walking Dead)

Taking place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland overrun with reanimated corpses, The Walking Dead is not quite what one would call a romantic show but does give audiences a romance to root for between Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) and Maggie Green (Lauren Cohan). The former pizza deliverer would make his relationship with her official by presenting her with a ring he pulled off a walker's finger.

Andrew Proposes To Melanie (Sweet Home Alabama)

Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey) is, ultimately, not the man we are supposed to root for Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) to end up with in 2002's Sweet Home Alabama. However, the way he pops the question by walking her into a room full of various engagement rings for her to choose from is a dream scenario.

Toby Proposes To Kate (This Is Us)

Toby Damon (Chris Sullivan) pays a good amount of money to make his unique way of proposing to Kate Pearson (Chrissy Metz) a reality on This is Us. He unzips multiple hoodies that each read a different section of the phrase, "Will you marry me?"

Jeremy Proposes to Kristen (Think Like A Man)

In Think Like a Man, commitmentphobe Jeremy Kern (Jerry Ferrara) is so overwhelmed with emotion when popping the question to Kristen (Gabrielle Union) that he accidentally says, "I want to be your wife, and I want to be your husband," before quickly correcting himself. It is easily one of the sweetest moments from the 2012 adaptation of Steve Harvey's self-help book.

Ross Proposes To Emily (Friends)

While Ross Gellar's (David Schwimmer) marriage to Emily (Helen Baxendale) proved to be ill-fated, his spur-of-the-moment decision to ask her to marry him right before she is supposed to leave for London is still one of the sweetest moments from Friends.

Love Actually really is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, giving audiences 10 different love stories and a special twist to how they’re all connected. It’s an inventive, genuine feel-good movie that reminds people how love makes its way into the holiday season. However, director Richard Curtis looks back on what a “catastrophe” making the rom-com was and about learning what “a stalker” Andrew Lincoln’s character has been perceived to be only a few years ago.

The first time you saw Love Actually, the Mark/Juliet storyline made the movie about unrequited love. Mark was the best man at Juliet’s wedding and we find out his cold behavior towards her was “self-preservation” to deny his true feelings for her. He goes to her house with cute cards that scream romance, and she gives him a sweet kiss that allows him to move on. However, audiences construe that memorable scene now as Andrew Lincoln’s character being a bit of a stalker. The Christmas film’s director Richard Curtis told Indiewire he certainly didn’t interpret this shocking trait about Mark until a few years later:

There were plenty of romantic movies in the 2000s/2010s that made stalking less creepy, like the Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey movies. So back in 2003 when Love Actually was made, it was possible that the intentions of those making the rom-com ensemble felt we should have sympathy for Mark that the woman he loves married his friend and his bravery in still telling her how he felt. Plus, we can’t deny that the use of cue cards expressing your love is incredibly cute. It sure inspired Tom Holland to go all Love Actually spreading awareness about the Far From Home premiere contest.

Now that we’re in the 2020s, it’s easy to interpret Andrew Lincoln’s character’s actions as stalker behavior in professing your love to a taken woman. The cast sure felt that way, like the British actor himself saying the sign scene had him portraying a “weird stalker guy.” Keira Knightley, who played Juliet, certainly felt the after-effects of that memorable scene saying that people recreated card gestures for her that she found “creepy and sweet” like she found in the film. But like Richard Curtis previously said about the “top-notch stalking” scene, times have changed, and certain scenes that were viewed as romantic back then are now traits we hope no one follows to woo someone.

One of the greatest things about Love Actually was its best use of an ensemble cast in giving us a variety of love stories that send out heartwarming vibes. However, filming a movie with multiple storylines was no picnic for Richard Curtis:

It’s understandable how confusing it must have been to edit all of those different romantic storylines together – especially since Love Actually isn’t like an anthology movie where it’s a series of short films all rolled up in one. All of the sequences are told in non-linear order so that when they all come together at the end, it makes sense why we’re getting to know this unique cast of characters. But as Richard Curtis said, putting the stories in non-chronological order helps audiences engage with the characters compared to the whole storyline told in one swoop. Putting other stories in between generates suspense. But, I can imagine how mind-rattling that must be to put them together in the editing room and make sure they all flow by the end credits.

Despite Love Actually’s memorable cue card scene thought of by modern audiences as “stalking” and what a pain editing the ensemble Christmas film was, it’s still considered one of the best holiday flicks and movies of the 2000s people still watch. The film’s longstanding popularity still holds true as a sequel came to NBC in 2017 for the fundraising event “Red Nose Day” and still has a cult following. You can add the Golden Globe-nominated movie to your Christmas watchlist available now on your Amazon Prime subscription.

As far as I’m concerned, Love Actually is one of the best Christmas movies ever made. The great romantic comedy, written and directed by Richard Curtis, is something my wife and I watch every holiday season (after National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, of course), but have yet to introduce to our three kids. I think that it’ll still be a few more years before we show them all those wild and romantic stories that play out over its runtime, but Netflix’s That Christmas offered us an alternative on the 2024 movie schedule.

I recently sat down and watched this charming, funny, and heartwarming Netflix Christmas movie, which was written by Curtis and directed by How to Train Your Dragon’s Simon Otto. I must say, it was not only a hit with the whole family, but it also allowed me to introduce my kids to the world of one of my favorite screenwriters and storytellers.

Here’s why I think one of the best movies on Netflix could come in handy for parents in similar situations…

I’ve Long Wanted To Introduce My Kids To Love Actually But Didn't Have A Way In

As I just mentioned, I’ve long wanted to introduce my kids to Love Actually but never really had a way in. Yeah, the 2003 romantic comedy consisting of all these separate yet interconnected stories isn’t the most intense movie from the rom-com genre, but I felt that some scenes might be too much for my kids while others would either be kind of boring or fly over their heads.

I’ve shown them clips like Sam playing drums in the school pageant to gauge their interest, but never pulled the trigger. But now, with That Christmas, I’ve found a way to ease them into the world of Richard Curtis with this hilarious and emotional book-to-screen adaptation (of a children’s novel he also wrote). I didn’t have to explain what John and Judy do for a living, why Colin wants to go to America so badly, or other situations that may be too much for them. And it worked. It worked remarkably well!

At Times, That Christmas Feels Like A Spiritual Successor To Love Actually (But With Santa)

I get it, both Love Actually and That Christmas are both written by Curtis, so there are going to be some similarities here and there, but the 2024 Netflix original feels like a spiritual successor to the beloved romantic holiday movie more than anything else from the writer’s collection. Sure, it’s an animated kids movie with Brian Cox as Santa Claus instead of a swirling rom-com about unrequited love, but it feels like they’re in the same universe and share similar tones.

Though the recurring bit of the adults wanting to watch Love Actually as a holiday tradition while the kids think of it as an old, boring Christmas movie may hurt my argument, I stand by it. There are similar themes about love, friendship, family, and the reason for the season, as well as a Christmas pageant featuring food in the nativity scene, that had me thinking about some of Love Actually’s most iconic moments.

The Family-Friendly Christmas Movie Doesn't Shy Away From Some Heavy Topics

Speaking of themes, That Christmas doesn’t shy away from taking on some pretty heavy topics. Throughout the movie, we learn about characters grieving long-deceased spouses, kids trying to understand why their parents got divorced, and how loneliness can affect people over the holidays. Touching on these heavier topics could lead to some questions by your kids and conversations you didn’t expect to have after watching a family-friendly comedy, but this is honestly a great way of starting those discussions.

I’m not dogging other holiday kids movies, as these topics tend to come up every now and then, but I can’t help but feel that Netflix’s That Christmas finds the perfect balance between exposing your kids to the darkness of the world and hiding everything from them. If anything, I feel like my kids are better prepared for some of the more adult tones of Love Actually, as well as About Time and Four Weddings and a Funeral, now that they’ve dipped their toes into Richard Curtis stories about love, loss, and new beginnings. I’m not saying it’s going to happen anytime soon, but this is definitely something that’s on my radar.

My Daughter Fell In Love With Richard Curtis' Characters And Writing, Which Is Great

My daughter liked That Christmas so much she ended up watching it again the following day, something I haven’t seen her do in quite some time. I talked with her about the movie after her second viewing and asked why she liked it so much. It came down to the characters, with a lot of her admiration geared towards Sam and Charlie Beccles, the twins at the center of one of the animated film’s funniest and most endearing subplots, and Danny Williams, the new kid in town who plays a big role over the course of the story.

My daughter also really liked Curtis’ story, which admittedly brought a lot of joy to my heart. Maybe I’ll sit her down sometime soon and show her Love Actually and my other favorite Curtis movies. However, I’m not sure I’m ready for her to see me bawling on the couch during one particular scene in About Time.

And I Can't Not Talk About That Christmas' Wonderful Needle Drops

Like a lot of Curtis’ other movies, Love Actually is filled with great needle-drop moments, which is something I’ve always enjoyed while watching. Well, That Christmas is no different, as the animated Netflix movie has a fantastic soundtrack, with everything from the Spice Girls’ “Wannabee” to “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson to a new Ed Sheeran track made specifically for the film.

These musical moments, as well as some hilarious songs performed by the voice cast, brought joy to us all as my family watched That Christmas, in more ways than one. All in all, the songs made the experience all the merrier for everyone.

Watching That Christmas with my family was honestly one of the most fulfilling movie night experiences of the year, and not just because it helped me introduce my kids to the world of Richard Curtis. If you haven’t already, you can watch the holiday flick with a Netflix subscription.

Stream That Christmas on Netflix.

While we’re entering the final frames of the 2024 movie schedule, the general public is starting to take in holiday movies again. One of my favorites, warts and all, has always been Love Actually, and one of the “warts” in question is definitely that scene involving Andrew Lincoln, Keira Knightley and a bunch of cue cards. It’s so iconic that people have naturally been inspired to recreate it in the presence of the Pirates of the Caribbean alum; and she talked about that mixed blessing while also being brutally honest on filming that classic moment.

During her recent guest spot on The Graham Norton Show (via People), the star of the new Netflix spy series Black Doves recalled her experience making writer/director Richard Curtis’ entry on the list of the best rom-coms ever. And yeah, I can’t help but agree with this assessment:

We’re 21 years removed from the release of this Christmas classic, and it’s no surprise that Lincoln and Keira Knightley’s scene is seen as something sweetly untoward. Not only has Chiwetel Ejiofor shared his Love Actually thoughts on his supposed on-screen best friend, but even Richard Curtis admits the film hasn’t aged well. And Knightley’s comments are definitely indicative of this point, which resonates with me despite my love for the movie.

On one hand, we’ve all been conditioned to love the sorts of “grand sweeping gestures” you’d see in a romantic comedy. And among those seen in Love Actually, we’ve got a young child running through airport security two years after 9/11, the star of The Walking Dead trying to put to rest his unrequited romance with a cue card sendoff and Colin Firth being charmingly English through trying to learn Portuguese. As for the card scene, check it out below:

As you can see, not all romantic gestures are alike, and I think that’s kind of the point of the early 2000s holiday film. But that’s something I could talk about at length for some time, and I’m sure Keira Knightley would find that both annoying and sweet, if she were to read this. The big point is why this 2003 picture has a lot to say about the subject of amour among the holidays, there are pieces of it that people really shouldn’t try to emulate.

Let that be the lesson you take to heart this holiday season, my friends. And, with that, I'll still admit that Love Actually is one of the best movies about unrequited love, even if it doesn’t stick the landing with some of its stories. Should you want to revisit them with fresh eyes, or if you haven’t seen this film at all, grab a Prime Video subscription and prepare to get the shit kicked out of you by love!

We’re still a couple of months away from the holiday season taking complete hold of the world, but when that happens, we can be sure that a lot of people will revisit their favorites by watching some of the best Christmas movies around. Among those will be the modern classic, Love Actually. The film tells numerous beautiful and heartbreaking stories, but one that seems to get more attention every year is the controversial love triangle between characters played by Andrew Lincoln, Keira Knightley, and Chiwetel Eijofor.

Lincoln plays a man in love with his best friend’s new wife. It’s not a position any of us would like to be in, but over the years, many have suggested that even letting the woman of his dreams know his feelings is a terrible thing – and Eijofor agrees. He recently told Comicbook.com that he has even told his co-star to his face that his character is a terrible best friend. He said,

One of the most famous Love Actually scene features Mark (Andrew Lincoln) silently professing his love to Juliet (Kiera Knightley) via cue cards while Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) aloofly believes she is enjoying the performance of some door-to-door carolers. It's intended to be seen as a cathartic moment for Lincoln’s character; now that he has unburdened his soul, he can move forward with his life. But as Ejiofor points out, the film never deals with the aftermath, which surely would have been significant if the husband/best friend ever discovered what happened.

As Love Actually has become a regular holiday season tradition, it seems more and more people are coming around to this way of thinking. Even director Richard Curtis has said that while he didn’t see the problematic nature of the scene originally, he has since come to understand what’s wrong with it and why people take issue. Even Andrew Lincoln has said he was afraid he’d come off like a “creepy stalker” while filming the movie.

To be fair, the "stalker" issue isn't even the only bad part of the relationship. Keira Knightley was only 18 years old when she made the movie, making her barely an adult, and Lincoln is more than a decade older than her. Knightley is closer in age to the children who co-star in the film.

All that being said, Love Actually is great because it tells so many different stories about the different ways love can manifest, and unrequited love is certainly one way that happens.

It's a tale as old as time, one person's love for another goes unrequited by the other. Sometimes there are societal pressures, sometimes the time just isn't right for one person, and sometimes they just aren't that into the other person. Here is our list of heartbreaking examples of unrequited love in movies.  

Past Lives

2023's Past Lives was a gem. The Celine Song written and directed romance story tells the story of two kids living in South Korea who never seem to have the right time to let a romance bloom from their friendship. In the end, the audience is left wondering what could have been, right along with the characters. 

Love Actually

There is no better example of unrequited love on film than that scene between Andrew Lincoln and Kiera Knightly in Love Actually. You know the one. After realizing he is in love with Juliet (Knightly), Mark (Lincoln) goes to her door and lays his cards out, literally, in the form of posters with his feelings written out for her to read. She is briefly entranced, but both realize they'll always only be friends. 

Casablanca

It's just never the right time for Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) in Casablanca. It's one of the greatest unrequited love stories ever told on film as these two seemingly soul mates are stuck remembering a magical time that they could never recapture. In the end, they do the right thing, make the correct decisions, and know that they will never be together. They will always have Paris. 

(500) Days Of Summer

(500) Days Of Summer is pretty much the classic version of the unrequited love story. Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) start a casual relationship that Summer is completely honest about... at least at first. As Tom falls in love, Summer tries to keep it casual until it all comes to a head and Tom is left brokenhearted. 

Rushmore

Wes Anderson's 1998 classic Rushmore is one of the more uncomfortable examples on this list. High school student Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) becomes infatuated with a teacher (Olivia Williams) while his classmate Margaret (Sara Tanaka) falls in love with Max. Both are rebuffed by their crushes and it gets messier from there. 

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is not a smart man. He is a loyal man, though. That loyalty means that from a young age, he is in love with Jenny (Robin Wright). At no point in the many incredible events of his life does he ever fall out of love with his childhood best friend. Jenny, on the other hand, while loyal to Forrest in a way, lives a very different life and rebuffs Forrest throughout it, at least until the very end of her tragic life. 

Brokeback Mountain

One of the greatest examples of societal pressures leaving two lovers unable to find the love they crave with each other is Brokeback Mountain. Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) are passionate about each other, but their community would never accept their love, so they are forced to deny it and it creates an absolutely heartbreaking scenario. 

The Royal Tenenbaums

We'll admit, that this is one of the weirder, and frankly, more disturbing examples of this list. Richie Tenenbaum (Luke Wilson), you see, is in love with his sister, Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). It makes for some very uncomfortable moments, to be sure. It's obvious a love that is rightly forbidden. Sometimes you shouldn't root for the couple to get together. 

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby is the ultimate example of how destructive unrequited love can be. Gatsby, played in the Baz Luhrmann movie by Leonardo DiCaprio, has long regretted asking Daisy (Carey Mulligan) to wait for him. Instead, she marries George (Jason Clarke) and things get very tragic as a result. 

Lost in Translation

Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johannson) are two people stuck in happy marriages who meet in a Tokyo hotel. Though they quickly bond during a night out on the town with each other, things remain pretty awkward. Neither seems to know what to do and as a result, nothing romantic happens. At least until the very end of the movie when they finally share a kiss and leave the end open. So maybe this one works out?

Pretty In Pink

Another classic example of love unreturned is poor Duckie (Jon Cryer) in Pretty In Pink. Duckie will do anything for Andie (Molly Ringwald) and while she is forever grateful for Duckie's loyalty and friendship, she is in love with Blaine (Andrew Shue). Famously, she chooses Blaine at the end, leaving some fans of the movie upset. 

Doctor Zhivago

Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) and Lara (Julie Christie) have one of the greatest love stories of all time in the classic Doctor Zhivago. Unfortunately, war and other romantic commitments mean they never have a chance for that "happily ever after). 

There's Something About Mary

The thing about Mary (Cameron Diaz) is that everyone is in love with her. It's hard to say whose love is the most unrequited here because there are seemingly dozens of men left in the dust by her in There's Something About Mary. Obviously it finally works out for one of them, Ted (Ben Stiller) but then what about the rest? What about Brett Farve? He did nothing wrong! 

Great Expectations (1998)

1998's Great Expectations retells the classic Charles Dickens novel set in modern-day New York City. Finn (Ethan Hawke) falls in love with Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow) but she is evasive and, frankly, mean, about it. She leads him on and uses him to make her fiancee jealous. He never forgets her and eventually, years later, his love is returned. 

La La Land

La La Land is a classic example of two people never quite syncing up romantically when they clearly have a passion for each other. For one reason or another throughout the movie, the time never quite works for Seb (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone). They were just destined to be apart. 

Les Misérables

Les Misérables includes one of the most famous examples of unrequited love in Western storytelling. Eponine, played by Samantha Barks in the 2012 adaption of the musical, is in love with Marius, but he doesn't return the feelings and as a result, she gives one of the most stirring performances of a song on film with "On My Own."

Roxanne

Steve Martin's underrated comedy Roxanne is loosely based on the famous play Cyrano de Bergerac. Like Cyrano, Martin's character, C.D., has everything going for him, but his unnaturally large nose holds him back from professing his true love for Roxanne (Daryl Hannah). 

My Best Friend's Wedding

The title says it all. My Best Friend's Wedding is another classic example of how things happen between two close friends who maybe want more, but never take the leap and realize it's too late when one or the other moves on. It's a hard moment for everyone involved. 

Chasing Amy

There are a lot of problematic things in Chasing Amy that we don't need to get into here. Despite those problems, the story is still, at its heart, a story about a man (Ben Affleck) in love with a woman (Joey Lauren Adams) who doesn't reciprocate that love. She has no obligation to, but that doesn't make it less heartbreaking in the end for Affleck's character, Holden. 

Once

Missed connections, or bad timing, is the tale told in Once. Two musicians with an obvious connection both artistically and romantically never connect on the latter for a myriad of reasons and though both seem to want it to happen, life and fate keep them apart. It's a sad, and actually somewhat heartwarming story. 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) is like almost every high school in some ways. We've all had crushes in high school that go unfulfilled, but Lara takes things to an extreme, writing letters to all the crushes she has, and it's a lot. The letters are never meant to be read by the intended recipient but kept only for her. When the letters get out, things get very messy with love triangles and lots of hurt feelings. 

The Remains of the Day

James Stevens and Sally Kenton (Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, respectively) are servants in stately English country estates who have a very complicated relationship that seems like it should be more than it is. Sally is especially in love with James, but he refuses to let her in. There is regret on both sides in the end, though nothing ever comes of their love. 

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) just can't get over his ex, Sarah (Kristen Bell). When he finds himself stuck in the same Hawaiian resort as Sarah and her obnoxious new boyfriend, played by Russell Brand, things go from bad to worse. He obsesses over Sarah and is blind to the fact that Rachel (Mila Kunis) is the much better romantic option. Eventually, he realizes the choice is clear. 

Edward Scissorhands

Poor Edward (Johnny Depp) in Edward Scissorhands. He never really has a chance to find true love, despite his obvious attraction to Kim (Winona Ryder). She too, reveals her love to him, finally, but both realize it can never happen between them and they part forever. 

The Last Of The Mohicans

Like many classic stories of unfulfilled love The Last Of The Mohicans sees Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Cora (Madeleine Stowe) unable to truly be happy together because of the circumstances of their time and place in history. It's not that they don't try, it's that war and society won't allow them to live happily ever after. 

West Side Story

There is no more classic example of forbidden love than Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Many versions of Shakespeare's classics have been told on film, and West Side Story is one of the greatest of them all. Two people caught between their love for each other and their loyalty to their gangs find it impossible to be together in one of the most tragic stories ever told. 

An Affair to Remember

A tragic missed connection fouls up what could have been an amazing romance between Nickie (Cary Grant) and Terry (Deborah Kerr) in An Affair To Remember. For once, the stars align and it seems two lovers, caught in unhappy relationships, will ditch their partners to be together but fate intervenes tragically and it seems they will never end up happy. Or will they?

He's Just Not That Into You

So, do we really need to explain how this one works? The title alone tells you everything you need to know, right? He's Just Not That Into You is a movie with an all-star cast whose characters are in a lot of messy relationships and there are unrequited feelings all around. 

One Day

Dexter (Jim Sturgess) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) spent 20 years flirting with the obvious. They are great friends and at times, each one wants more, but it's never at the same time. 

Her

Well, this is one of the weirder ones here, for sure. Her is an unrequited love story about a man, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who is in love with a computer program with the voice of Scarlett Johansson. It's easy to see why things don't work out here, right?

Broadcast News

Broadcast News is an underrated classic from the '80s that despite a myriad of Oscar nominations, seems to be almost forgotten these days. That's too bad because it's a great movie. In the movie, there is a pretty messy love triangle between the three main characters, though none end up together. None of them seem particularly happy about it, either. 

Paper Towns

Unrequited high school love is something most people are familiar with and Paper Towns tells a fairly straight forward version of the classic tale of the socially awkward kid in love with the popular kid. Even though it's not the most original of stories, it's told in a great way and is a surprisingly sweet movie. 

The Beatles are without a doubt the most popular rock and roll band in history. As such, it’s unsurprising that their music has been featured in a lot of movies. Still, it’s not as many as you might think, as the band members and their estates have been careful about who and where they license their music. There won’t be any Beatles movies on this list (that would be cheating), but otherwise here is a list of movies that feature Beatles music in the soundtrack. 

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (2023)

The first time we meet “old” Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny in the 1960s (after the opening flashback), he is awoken by his neighbors blaring The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour.” Grumpy old Dr. Jones isn’t happy about the situation, but the blaring horns that open the song are a great alarm clock.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

One of the most memorable moments in Ferris Bueller's Day Off is Ferris (Matthew Broderick) on a float in a huge parade downtown. First, he lip-synced to “Danke Schoen” by Wayne Newton, before tearing down the house (or streets of Chicago) by lip-syncing to The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.” Why there was a parade at all is anybody’s guess. 

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

It’s hardly surprising that a movie named after a Beatles song (“Glass Onion”) would feature some of the band’s music. Not only is the movie’s namesake played as the credits role at the the end, but the host of the murder mystery party, Miles Bron (Edward Norton) also plays “Blackbird” by the band as his guests arrive. He claims to be playing it on the guitar that Paul McCartney wrote the song on, as well. Only a billionaire… 

The Social Network (2010)

Appropriately, the Beatles song “Baby, You’re A Rich Man” concludes David Fincher’s The Social Network about the founding of Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg is indeed a very rich man. The original soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is augmented by this song at the end, and a White Stripes song at the beginning. 

Minions (2015)

Minions, the spinoff of the Despicable Me franchise, is set in the 1960s and you can’t portray that decade without a little Beatles music, right? In the movie, the Minions themselves perform the Beatles hit “Revolution” in their unique language, leaving the rest of us to wonder what they are singing about. John Lennon was singing about the protests of the ‘60s, but the Minions probably weren’t. 

Can't Buy Me Love (1987)

The Beatles have had a few movies with titles taken from the names of their songs like 1987’s Can't Buy Me Love with Patrick Dempsey. It’s not the best movie of the bunch, but it’s far from the worst. Of course, the titular song appears in it, but not until the credits at the end of the movie.

Argylle (2024)

The Apple original Argylle has the distinction of being the movie that first got to use what The Beatles are calling their “last” song. “Now and Then” was released in November of 2023 and the movie weaved the melody in and out of the film's score. It’s a powerful way to use a “new” Beatles song. 

The World According To Garp (1982)

1982’s The World According to Garp starring Robin Williams starts with the bouncy “When I’m 64” by The Beatles. The song immediately pulls you into the movie and the 1960s setting. There may not be a bigger “Boomer” song than this one, and it works wonderfully in the movie. 

Yesterday (2019)

Of course a movie about the Beatles never existing is going to feature Beatles music, right? Well, in Yesterday (another film named after a song), a man discovers that he’s entered an alternate universe and the Beatles have never existed. He starts playing their songs, claiming he wrote them, and becomes famous. There are flaws so big you in the plot could drive a truck through them, but it’s a sweet movie and a decent love story, so we’ll let it pass. 

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

One of the most interesting covers of a Beatles song to appear on film unsurprisingly comes from the mind of Wes Anderson. After failing to get permission to use “Hey Jude” in The Royal Tennebaums, Anderson turned to Mark Mothersbaugh, the composer responsible for the unique scores in Anderson’s movies. Mothersbaugh enlisted his “Mutato Muzika Orchestra” to record a new version of “Hey Jude” and frankly, it works better than the original would have. It fits the movie and Anderson’s style to a T. 

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Few in Hollywood today have as unique a mind as Taika Waititi and this has never been more evident than the brilliant Jojo Rabbit. Right out of the box viewers know it's going to be a different kind of movie when the director plays the German version of “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, which the band recorded themselves in 1965. “Komm, gib mir deine Hand” plays over old footage of The Third Reich, essentially comparing the rise of Hitler with Beatlemania. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but wow does it! 

A Bronx Tale (1991)

The Beatles song “Come Together” is a classic and it can fit so many situations. One great use of it in movies comes from A Bronx Tale when Sonny (Chazz Palminteri) confronts a biker gang as it plays in the background. 

I Am Sam (2001)

No list could be complete without including I Am Sam. The movie’s entire soundtrack is Beatles songs. Here’s the catch though - none of them are the original. The Beatles wouldn’t license the songs to the movie, so the producers of the Sean Penn-led movie created an amazing tribute album with covers of the songs by the likes of The Black Crowes, Stereophonics, Sheryl Crow, and more. 

The Music Never Stopped (2011)

The Music Never Stopped is a movie all about the power of music. It’s specifically about the power of the Grateful Dead’s music, but, The Beatles are also present. As Henry (JK Simmons) and his son Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) listen to music together in an attempt to bond, a lot of songs are played in the movie, including “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles. 

Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)

We couldn’t make this list and not include one of the wildest Easter Eggs on film. In the legendary animated short Bambi Meets Godzilla, the baby deer meets his demise when Godzilla’s foot stomps on him. The sound sampled that lingers seemingly forever at the end is the final note of The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life.” 

Shampoo (1975)

The Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn comedy Shampoo hasn’t aged all that well, but one thing that is timeless is the music in it. The soundtrack includes The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, Jefferson Airplane, and three Beatles songs, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” and “Yesterday.”

Rain Man (1988)

Rain Man doesn’t have any Beatles songs directly in it but in one of the best scenes in the movie, a a Fab Four song plays a crucial role. When Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) and Charlie (Tom Cruise) finally start to bond, it’s over a shared memory they have of Raymond singing “I Saw Her Standing There” to Charlie when Charlie was a baby. It’s a wonderful moment in the scene and it goes to show how powerful the Beatles music can be. 

Superman III (1983)

“Roll Over Beethoven” was one of The Beatles’ easiest hits. Though it’s a song written by Chuck Berry, John and the lads make it their own. It even found its way into a questionable sequel in the early Superman franchise starring Christopher Reeve when it popped up in Superman III. Great song; bad movie, all due respect to the great Richard Pryor. 

Dinner For Schmucks (2010)

In Dinner For Schmucks, Steve Carell plays an idiot, so fittingly the movie’s opening credits have “Fool On The Hill” playing over them. It was reported that the producers of the film paid over a million dollars for the song, but Paramount pushed back and said it was less than that. We may never know, but it clearly wasn’t cheap.   

The Parent Trap (1998)

In the Lindsey Lohan-led remake of Disney’s The Parent Trap, The Beatles song “Here Comes The Sun,” written by George Harrison, plays during a scene in London. The sun even includes one of the twins and their mother walking across the famous crosswalk at Abbey Road that the band walked across on the cover of the album by the same name. 

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008)

Director David Fincher’s The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button takes places over decades, but when Benjamin (Brad Pitt) and his wife move into their first apartment, The Beatles “Twist and Shout” plays in the background. Nothing evokes the 1960s quite like the Fab Four. 

I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978)

We said at the beginning that there wouldn’t be any Beatles movies on this list, but we’re pushing it with I Wanna Hold Your Hand by director Robert Zemeckis. It’s not a Beatles movie, in that the lads expressly don’t appear in this 1978 box office bomb, but it is about them. It’s actually a pretty funny movie that should have been a bigger hit. It also features no less than 17 Beatles songs, which has to be a record. 

Mask (1985)

1985’s Mask starring Eric Stoltz as Rocky Dennis and Cher as his mother is a really underrated movie based on a true story about a boy born with a rare bone disorder. It also features are fantastic classic rock soundtrack with songs by Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, Steely Dan, and yes, of course, The Beatles. Two songs feature prominently in the movie, “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “Girl.”

Boss Baby (2017)

The character Tim in Boss Baby has a moment that anyone who grew up with Baby Boomer parents can relate to when his parents sing The Beatles’ “Blackbird” to him to put him to bed. Yep, been there, done that! 

Love Actually (2003)

It probably won’t come as a surprise that the cheesy example of a Beatles song in a movie is Love Actually which features a cover of the song “All You Need Is Love” in a wedding scene that comes with a side of diabetes it’s so sugary sweet. Okay, okay, it’s cute, but wow it is over the top!

Withnail and I (1987)

Withnail and I is a vastly under appreciated movie these days. Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann star in this dark comedy that has been influencial on directors, but almost completely forgotten about by the public. It was also rare in the '80s for The Beatles to license their songs, but the movie was good enough to earn the band's respect and allow "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." 

Ghosted (2023)

2023's Ghosted wasn't very well received and is mostly a forgettable movie, despite the star power of Ana de Armas and Chris Evans. However, one really great thing about the movie is the music. The soundtrack is full of bangers, including the George Harrison-penned "Taxman" by The Beatles. 

Not Fade Away (2012)

In Not Fade Away, David Chase shows a different side of life in New Jersey in the 1960s than The Many Saints Of Newark. The film is about friends who start a garage band and model themselves after the British Invasion bands. Of course, that means The Beatles and two of their songs are featured, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and their cover of "Please Mister Postman."

Ghost Town (2008)

2008's Ghost Town was Ricky Gervais' first leading role in a film and it's actually pretty funny, though few remember it these days, it seems. It features "I'm Looking Through You," which is kinda perfect for a movie about ghosts, right?

Bowling For Columbine (2002)

Micheal Moore's hard-hitting and controversial Bowling For Columbine was an examination of America's gun culture in the wake of the Columbine Massacre and Moore obtained the rights to use "Happiness Is A Warm Gun" from The Beatles for the documentary. 

Coming Home (1978)

Director Hal Ashby was nominated for Best Director for the oft-overlooked Coming Home starring Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. Ashby was apparently a huge Beatles fan and worked their songs into a few of his movies, including this one, which had two, "Strawberry Fields Forever," and "Hey Jude."

Lassie (1994)

The beloved TV show Lassie was one of a number of franchises from the '60s that has been brought back over the years. The 1994 movie of the same name... isn't great, but it did have some great music, including "In My Life" by The Beatles. 

Music in movies is important and while The Beatles are careful who they license their music to, if they do, you're in for a treat, as these movies show. 

Let’s be real, even though Netflix is one of the best streaming services, sometimes there’s so many new movies to scroll through, that one doesn’t even know where to start. But, if you happen to be looking to watch some of the best movies of the 2000s with your Netflix subscription, we’ve scoured the streaming service’s vast library for you! Check out what great films from the first decade of the 21st century you should add to your queue!

The current selection of 2000s movies can fit a number of moods that feature everything from critically-acclaimed hits, to memorable comedies and action-packed blockbusters. It’s time to fuel your 2000s nostalgia with our top picks from the decade.

Oldboy (2003) 

One of the most cinema-altering movies of the 2000s is on Netflix, and is most definitely worth your time if you’re an action fan! Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy is about a man who breaks free from a 15-year imprisonment, only to remain ensnared in a web of conspiracy and violence as he seeks his revenge for the time he lost.

Hurry up and watch this one, it leaves Netflix on March 23.

Stream Oldboy on Netflix.

The Spider-Man Trilogy (2002-2007)

Before Spider-Man was played by Tom Holland or Andrew Garfield, it all started with Tobey Maguire’s version! Sam Raimi’s trilogy came at a time before there were a ton of new Marvel movies coming out every year. Over three movies, the pages of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s iconic comic book character come to life. It follows Peter Parker as he becomes a superhero and deals with the compromises and dangers that come with being a public symbol. From run-ins with villains like Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Sandman and Venom, to his complicated love story with Mary-Jane Watson, the movie series remains a treasure of the 2000s.

Stream Spider-Man on Netflix.
Stream Spider-Man 2 on Netflix.
Stream Spider-Man 3 on Netflix.

Love Actually (2003)

Sure, it’s one of the best Christmas movies, but this movie is so cozy and stacked with talent that we wouldn’t blame you if you revisited any time of the year. Love Actually is a classic romantic comedy that follows multiple storylines in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Between the movie featuring the likes of actors Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson and Martin Freeman, it’s always a charming watch.

Stream Love Actually on Netflix.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

After Julia Roberts became best known for being in the best romantic comedies in the 1990s, she started the 21st century with a different kind of role with Erin Brockovich. The Steven Soderbergh movie tells the true story of its titular single mother, who built a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over a groundwater contamination incident in Hinkley, California in 1993. The movie earned Roberts her first and only Oscar win.

Stream Erin Brockovich on Netflix.

13 Going On 30 (2004)

This movie might be over twenty years old now, but Jennifer Garner’s Jenna Rink feels like a timeless role of hers now. As the setup for the comedy goes, a 13-year-old makes a birthday wish to be “thirty, flirty and thriving” and wakes up one morning seventeen years older. As Jenna realizes she is practically strangers with her childhood bestie (Mark Ruffalo) and kind of a meanie as an adult, she shakes up her future for the better.

Stream 13 Going On 30 on Netflix.

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

If you’re a fan of movies like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men, Gravity and Roma, you have to check out what director Alfonso Cuaron made before those movies with Y Tu Mamá También. The Mexican coming-of-age film which stars Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal is about two teenagers who convince a woman in her late twenties to join their road trip.

Stream Y Tu Mamá También on Netflix.

The Road To El Dorado (2000)

One of Dreamworks’ early gems is the adventure comedy, The Road To El Dorado. It has two Spanish con artists, Miguel and Tulio, venturing to find the legendary City of Gold after winning a map to it. Once they arrive at the secret city, they are mistaken for gods and start to form an attachment to the city as conquistador Hernán Cortés looks for the city behind them. The movie features a great soundtrack of original music by Elton John and a score by the incomparable Hans Zimmer.

Stream The Road To El Dorado on Netflix.

The Squid And The Whale (2005)

Filmmaker Noah Baumbach has notably made a lot of beloved films like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Marriage Story and Barbie. One of his earlier films that put him on the map was the dramedy The Squid and the Whale with Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney and Jesse Eisenberg. The independent movie that was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, is about two brothers dealing with their parents’ divorce in the ‘80s.

Stream The Squid and the Whale on Netflix.

Meet The Parents (2000)

The 2000s was a huge decade for Ben Stiller’s career, between Zoolander or Night At The Museum. But perhaps the funniest movie he was part of was Meet The Parents. The movie follows a man dealing with a series of hilarious, but very cringe incidents while visiting his girlfriend’s parent’s place for her sister’s wedding. We’ll never forget the “Circle of Trust” between Greg and Robert De Niro’s Jack. It’s too funny.

Stream Meet The Parents on Netflix.

Closer (2004)

One of Mike Nichols’ final movies was 2004’s Closer, with four impressive talents: Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen. The romantic drama is based on a play which is also inspired by Mozart’s opera Così fan tutte. It follows two couples whose lives become entangled when an affair emerges between them.

Stream Closer on Netflix.

Enjoy streaming movies from the 2000s with these titles (and many more) now on Netflix.

Out of all of the Love Actually character storylines, the would-be romance between Laura Linney's Sarah and Rodrigo Santoro's Karl is one of the most memorable and not just for moviegoers. 

During a 2019 appearance on The Graham Norton Show alongside Wonka lead Timothée Chalamet, his Little Women co-star Saoirse Ronan and British comedian Stephen Mangan, Linney proclaimed that "hands down" her character got the best kiss in the beloved 2003 Christmas movie, even though Sarah and Karl sadly don't end up together in the end:

In the British romantic comedy, the American actress plays Sarah, an employee at a London-based graphic design company who is crushing on the creative director, Karl (Santoro), to the point where even her boss (Alan Rickman) knows and jokes about it. Though the characters' near-love scene proves that Karl reciprocates Sarah's feelings, a complicated situation with her mentally ill brother ultimately gets in the way of their romance. 

In the resurfaced Graham Norton clip, you can hear the studio audience whoop it up for Linney's hunky Brazilian co-star. (But funnily enough, despite being a self-proclaimed Love Actually fan, Chalamet had to question whether her onscreen smooch was with his fellow Wonka actor Hugh Grant or not.)

The Tales of the City star revealed that, behind the scenes, she and Santoro were actually both "very broken-hearted" in real life, which added "a sweetness" to the much-loved scene of their characters finally getting together after their office party in the holiday rom-com. 

Love Actually has endured as a fan-favorite flick in the two decades since it premiered—CinemaBlend has dubbed it one of the 100 Best Movies Of The 2000s—and Linney spoke to that lasting legacy during the talk-show appearance. 

Thankfully, it seems like both Linney and Santoro have fared better romantically than their on-screen characters did: the Ozark star has been married to Marc Schauer since 2009 (fun fact: her Love Actually co-star Liam Neeson walked her down the aisle at the wedding!) and Santoro got hitched to Brazilian actress Mel Fronckowiak back in 2016.

But though Sarah and Karl didn't get their own happily ever after, at least the performers have happy memories of that smooch!

Out of the myriad Love Actually character stories from the beloved 2003 holiday rom-com—which Timothée Chalamet recently dubbed "the best Christmas movie of all time"—star Hugh Grant has a clear favorite. And, no, it's not his own.

Grant played a U.K. prime minister who gets swept up in romantic feelings for Natalie (Martine McCutcheon), a junior member of his household staff, in the Richard Curtis-directed flick. Those feelings were so strong that Grant's character famously shimmied his way through 10 Downing Street to the Pointer Sisters’ "Jump (For My Love)" (an iconic scene Grant has since admitted he hated filming). 

And while that storyline ends sweetly, with Grant's PM and Natalie sharing a much-publicized smooch during a Christmas concert, the actor revealed during a recent interview on Access Hollywood's YouTube that he actually prefers one of his co-star's plot lines more. 

Obviously, Grant is being cheeky about his Love Actually co-star Colin Forth, with whom he has worked with several times throughout his career, most famously as rivals in the first two parts of the Bridget Jones trilogy. (Here's why Grant opted out of the franchise's third movie, Bridget Jones' Baby.) 

In Love Actually, Firth plays Jamie, a London-based author who withdraws to a French cottage after discovering that his girlfriend is cheating on him with his brother. There, he connects with his Portuguese housekeeper Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz), despite the fact that she doesn't speak English and he can't speak Portuguese. 

However, their attraction grows and, in the end (spoiler alert!) Jamie tracks her down at her waitressing job and, in very rudimentary Portuguese, proposes marriage to her. She reveals that she also has been taking English language courses, "just in cases," and reveals that she shares his love and accepts. In the last scene from the movie, it is revealed that they got married and Jamie can be seen introducing Aurélia to his English friends at Heathrow airport. 

Grant might favor Jamie and Aurélia's story but every Love Actually fan knows the real love story of the movie is the sweet bromance between Bill Nighy's Billy Mack and his manager Joe (Gregor Fisher)!

The actor's jests about Firth aren't the first time he's publicly prodded his friend and frequent co-star. Last year, it was reported by the Huffington Post that Grant had dedicated one of the cinema seats in the headquarters of the British Academy Film Awards HQ in London to Firth, equipped with a characteristically playful plaque that read: 

Firth is, of course, very much alive and well.  

Grant is currently on a promotional tour for the Willy Wonka prequel film, one of the most high-profile releases on the 2023 movie schedule, which is set to hit theaters internationally on December 6 and in North America on December 15. While the aforementioned Timothée Chalamet takes on the titular candy man, the English actor is portraying an Oompa-Loompa named Lofty in the Paul King-directed musical film. 

It's that season yet again: Love Actually season. While the 2003 Richard Curtis flick is considered one of the best romantic comedies of all time—not to mention a Christmas classic (it's one of the best Christmas movies on Netflix, so you can get your annual fix with a Netflix subscription)—one storyline has been deemed decidedly not romantic by fans of the movie, but it took awhile for the director to figure it out.

No, we don't mean Martin Freeman and that strange porno subplot (though we did rank John and Judy's story as the least enjoyable Love Actually couple)—we're talking about that messiness between Mark (Andrew Lincoln) and Juliet (Kiera Knightley), his best friend's wife.  

Decades-old spoilers ahead! If you remember, the film features the very joyful, slightly over-the-top nuptials between Knightley's Juliet and Chiwetel Ejiofor's Peter, with Mark as his best man. That's all well and good, except Mark has been harboring secret feelings for his best bud's new bride, a discovery that Juliet shockingly makes after watching Mark's footage of their wedding.

Mark ends up revealing his true feelings to Juliet via that now-very famous scene in which he writes out his romantic wishes on cue cards ("To me, you are perfect, and my wasted heart will love you…" and so on), resulting in a chaste but illicit smooch between the pair. "Enough, enough now," Mark says afterwards, suggesting that he's putting his feelings aside for the good of his friendship, and we pop back up with the trio in the end all seemingly happy and platonic.

Now, after two decades, director Richard Curtis has admitted he realizes the Mark-and-Juliet storyline was actually problematic. Speaking with Collider during a press junket on the 4K release of Love Actually, the filmmaker said that Lincoln's character was "a little too weird" in comparison with the rest of the film, but it took someone asking for an interview on the topic for him to realize how the scene comes off. 

Still, it's not the first time that Curtis has questioned the cue-card sequence. Per The Sunday Times, a copy of the Love Actually script—which was being auctioned off for charity—had been marked up by the director revealing doubts about the scene. 

As for the cast themselves, Lincoln and Knightley's co-star Martine McCutcheon, who played the role of Natalie in the film, doesn't think that Mark's romantic gesture was "creepy." 

Do you agree? Check out the famous scene below: 

To me, it's not perfect.

The holidays are ripe for movie viewing, and while the genre has been around for a long time, there's a short list of what are considered the best Christmas movies. The bar for a successful holiday movie is pretty high, as it has to be something good enough to watch repeatedly, presumably for the rest of your life. As someone who averages about one Christmas movie a day from Black Friday to the big day, I've seen a lot of them, and I can definitively say there are a few so-called classics I'd never watch again. 

I have no doubt that many of these entries are a must-watch for readers. That's completely fine, and I don't judge anyone for choosing to watch these movies, assuming I'm not at their house and being subjected to it. These are the Christmas movies I can not and will not watch when the time strikes, consequences be damned of how the internet feels about it. 

Love Actually

Until very recently, I'd only seen Love Actually on television. After watching it recently with my Netflix subscription, what I once thought was a wholesome holiday romp turned into something far raunchier than I once thought. For example, I had no idea Martin Freeman and Joanna Page were even in this movie, and after seeing the sex scenes, I can understand why their storyline is largely scrubbed from the television airing. 

Love Actually feels like a movie to watch if you're feeling cynical around the holidays, which is fine if that's your bag. I'm the type of person who likes to keep the "holly" and "jolly" rolling as much as I possibly can and save the drama for the actual stress that comes from the holidays. I don't need to be reminded holidays can sometimes be a bummer. 

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is an iconic book with wonderful art and provides a great fantasy for children to enjoy. Hell, some cities even do a Polar Express tour complete with train rides, pajamas and hot chocolate. All of that sounds awesome, so it's such a shame that when we talk about this property, the movie that was made from it is easily the most disappointing thing about it. 

The Polar Express' biggest flaw is it added so much story that, frankly, didn't need to be included. The fantasy of being a kid and taking a magical train to the North Pole was plenty to dazzle the imagination, we didn't need kids losing tickets, ghosts and annoying kids with glasses. Plus, some of the animation in this movie is just flat-out bad, even for the standards of the time. It's a swing and a miss for Tom Hanks, which is a shame because he doesn't have any other Christmas content to offer. 

The Santa Clause

Some would consider Tim Allen's The Santa Clause one of the best movies about Santa Claus. That is wild to me, especially since the first movie shows Santa dying after falling from Scott Calvin's roof. Of course, Scott then becomes the jolly old elf, but the movie is more about a divorced dad at odds with his child's mother and stepfather who are genuinely concerned about his mental health. Given the circumstances, I feel like it's completely justified. 

Instead of trying to lay it all out for them in a logical manner, however, Scott proceeds to be a bit of a jerk. I just feel like he could've found easier ways to drive the point home before the police were involved. Not only that, I think this movie leans way too hard on villainizing Scott's ex-wife, when in reality, everything that she's doing to limit Charlie's contact with Scott is in line with what most normal people would do if it seemed like their ex was having a breakdown. 

Jack Frost

Jack Frost is like if you take Frosty The Snowman and make it about a child coping with the death of his father. As previously mentioned, there are plenty of real things to be sad about during the holidays, so the last thing I want to do is watch something that's going to make me sad. 

What can be sadder than a father who dies and then is able to reincarnate in the body of a snowman? The whole time you're watching, you have to realize that winter is going to end eventually. Sure, there's something cool about the thought of getting a loved one back temporarily after their unexpected passing, but this is not a film that I care to watch over and over again. Once was more than enough for me, and I'm not sure I've recovered from it emotionally, if I'm being honest. The only thing that's interesting to me about this movie is the fact that Michael Keaton joined after George Clooney dropped out, which is why the snowman looks a bit like the latter. 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Putting How The Grinch Stole Christmas on the list might be the hottest take here because there have been so many people over the years who have panned the attempts to remake it. Here's the reality, though: when we see the Grinch represented out in public, we aren't expecting him to be the one featured in the 1966 version. Christmas at Universal's 2023 schedule is bringing Grinchmas, and as we'd all expect, this Grinch is emulating the one made iconic by Jim Carrey. 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is good for that quick hit of holiday cheer, but I think we're all lying to ourselves at this point if we're going to sit here and claim it's the movie that we all gravitate to in 2023. While I criticized The Polar Express for tacking on an unnecessary plot to an already great story, The Grinch needed more than just the villain stealing Christmas and then deciding it was a bad idea. We need to know why the Grinch hates Christmas and we need to sympathize with his motivations, at least on some level. There's not enough meat to the 1966 version to make us think and, more importantly, feel. 

Whether you love these movies or not, there's no shortage of holiday movies appearing on television this holiday season. Check out the 2023 Christmas Movie Schedule to see what is airing when, and choose what to set the DVR for or skip over. 

It was the first of many nights before Christmas, but my wife wanted to get in the holiday spirit a bit early. Having recently seen CinemaBlend's list of best Christmas movies on Netflix, I suggested we use our Netflix subscription to watch a movie I'd seen countless times on television: Love Actually. Little did I know my first viewing on streaming would be a memorable experience, as this was an entirely different movie than what I originally thought. 

Prior to this latest viewing, I thought Love Actually was a pretty tame movie, if not a tad boring. Still, we fired up the movie with our daughter in the room, not even glancing at the rating or anything of that matter. It's a Christmas movie, after all, and how many holiday movies have anything unsuitable for children? Well, it turns out this one does, and I had to quickly usher my child off to her room when I was blindsided by a movie far raunchier than I ever thought. 

I Had No Idea Martin Freeman And Joanna Page Were In The Movie

When I saw Martin Freeman pop up in Love Actually, I was surprised. How could I, someone who is crossing all their fingers hoping Sherlock Season 5 will happen, not remember that Freeman was not in this movie? Furthermore, what was he doing grinding up against Joanna Page while they were both clothed? I was very confused right up until Page took her shirt off, and then I started to understand. 

As Mental Floss and others have pointed out, the television version of Love Actually typically removes all of Martin Freeman and Joanna Page and their characters' scenes from the movie. It's understandable considering once scrubbing out all of the scenes in which they're nude, it's kind of hard to piece together the clothed scenes at the end and explain what they have to do with any of the other stories. CinemaBlend ranked John and Judy's story as the least enjoyable Love Actually couple in a ranking list, so it's no surprise little is lost nixing it. 

The nude scenes on Netflix weren't the end of the world, even if they were jarring. What it did create, though, was an awareness that really tuned me into the fact Love Actually isn't the movie I thought it was. It might be one of Hugh Grant's best romantic comedies, but it's also fairly raunchy in a way I hadn't previously realized. 

Other Parts Of Love Actually Haven't Aged Well 

It may be on a list of the best romantic comedies of all time, but that doesn't mean there are parts of Love Actually that don't garner criticism in 2023. By his own admission, director Richard Curtis realized it hadn't aged well after a conversation with his daughter about the comments made about Natalie's weight throughout the movie. I also picked up on those comments and thought even for 2003, the weight comments were a little iffy for the script. 

Take that paired with another nude scene featuring Laura Linney, and my whole perspective on Love Actually has shifted permanently. This movie is way more explicit than I ever realized watching it on television, and I'm not sure I can go back to watching it and not see the actual theatrical version. My life is forever changed just ahead of the holidays and it has me rethinking this one as a holiday classic. 

Love Actually is available to stream right now on Netflix for those who love the movie and already know about the theatrical version. I may be in the minority on this one, as the movie comes in at nineteen in CinemaBlend's Best Christmas Movies of all time. 

Did you know that Keira Knightley filmed some of her best movies before she turned 20? The British actress shot her Star Wars: Episode I role, Bend It Like Beckham, the first Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice and Love Actually all before entering her twenties. Looking back, the casting director of the latter Christmas classic admits in retrospect that the actress was too young to play her famed role of Juliet. 

As you may recall, in 2003’s Love Actually, Keira Knightley plays a newly married young woman to Chiwetel Ejifor’s Peter. As the movie progresses, we learn that Peter’s best man Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln, is secretly in love with Juliet and makes it known through a romantic moment involving a boombox and cue cards. Ejiofor is eight years older than Knightley, whilst Lincoln is 12 years older than her. Here’s what Love Actually casting director Fiona Weir recently said about the subject: 

In an interview with The Messenger, Weir shared her thoughts on Knightley playing her Love Actually role at the age of 18. Looking back, the casting director said the actress was “too young” for the part, but she won over director Richard Curtis due to her “open, joyous quality” that the filmmaker wanted for the role of Juliet. Weir thinks the casting “worked” and remains believable as the movie celebrates its 20-year anniversary. 

Knightley had the opportunity to be part of one of the most iconic scenes in modern movie history with the casting, this, of course, referring to the moment Andrew Lincoln’s Mark shows up outside her door with cue cards expressing his love for her. (The movie is currently available to stream with a Netflix subscription.) Knightley is perhaps believably older than 18 in the movie, but in reality, it’s rather unlikely an 18-year-old in this day and age would be newly married, and the actress was among some of the youngest cast members in Love Actually. 

Knightley made Love Actually just ahead of the actress heading off to the Caribbean to film the first entry of Disney’s Pirates franchise, The Curse of the Black Pearl. Weir shared that the House of Mouse “wanted to whisk her off,” but the Love Actually production did “quite a bit of clever scheduling” to make sure she could play Juliet before going off to co-star opposite Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow in the 2003 hit. 

As the Christmas season soon kicks off, you can check out the 2023 Christmas movie schedule and read up on Keira Knightley’s next Christmas-themed project, Netflix’s Black Doves. 

Normally when CinemaBlend does a staff-wide best-of list, the loudest and most aggressive arguments are about the order. Not for The Best Christmas Movies. Sure, plenty of us have #thoughts about a few festive choices being too low or too high, but the most heated conversations were all about what counts as a Christmas movie and what does not. Does merely taking place during Christmas time count? Does having a key Christmas scene in a movie with an extended time period count? Does it need to have traditional Holiday themes?

At first we tried to make hard and fast rules about what went down the chimney and what stayed outside, but Christmas isn’t a math equation or a science experiment, it’s a feeling. And after countless arguments and emails that would make Mrs. Claus blush, we finalized a list of festive movies we collectively felt elicited that aforementioned holiday feeling. We then had everyone at CinemaBlend assign a score for every movie they’ve seen. We averaged the ratings, threw out everything that didn’t meet a minimum vote count and wound up with what you’re about to read.

So, put your Santa hat on, bust out some milk and cookies and preemptively rejoice. This is CinemaBlend’s list of the best Christmas movies of all time. 

25. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Okay, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is technically a holiday special and not a Christmas movie, but it’s hard to imagine leaving off this stop-motion animated classic. From the introduction with Sam the Snowman welcoming audiences into the fantastical world that is North Pole with its reindeer games and busy workshops to the iconic journey of the titular Rudolph finding his place in the world and coming through to save Christmas, there’s so much to enjoy.

The 1964 TV special, which has been a staple of the holiday season for nearly 60 years, introduces an assortment of wonderfully crafted beloved characters like Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snowman, and Hermey, the young elf with aspirations of being a dentist. Plus, it doesn’t feel like Christmas until Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer guides Santa’s sleigh to save the day, even if there are some things about the film that some may find problematic. 
- Philip Sledge

Memorable Quote: "Oh, excuse me, call me Sam. What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a talking snowman before?"

24. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion film directed by Henry Selick and tells the story of Jack, the Pumpkin King, who lives in Halloween Town, but when he grows tired of the same old thing every day, he decides to turn it into Christmas Town after he gets the chance to visit accidentally. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the best stop-motion movies out there and has continued to play for many years on television because of its popularity. The movie has excellent animation and beautiful songs and is one of those few movies that could play at Christmas and Halloween. It is undoubtedly a winner and full of soul, unlike any other animated movie.
- Alexandra Ramos

Memorable Quote: "And I just can’t wait until next Halloween ‘cause I’ve got some new ideas that will really make them scream. And by God, I’m really gonna give it all my might!"

23. Violent Night (2022)

Santa sees you when you’re sleeping – and he will beat you up if you’re naughty. 

Violent Night, directed by Tommy Wirkola, stars David Harbour as Santa Claus, who has lost his Christmas spirit. But when he suddenly finds himself in a home that is held hostage by a group of mercenaries, he decides to rescue Trudy, a little girl with a big heart, and her family by taking out everyone one by one. 

Violent Night isn’t the typical Christmas movie that people would think of. It’s bloody, full of great fight scenes, and much more, but it is fun. The story is the perfect mix of action and heart, and features an excellent performance from Harbour as the man in the red suit, later covered in blood. If you need something action-filled, this is the movie to watch. 
- Alexandra Ramos

Memorable Quote: "Santa's gonna eat through these guys like a plate of cookies!"

22. Lethal Weapon (1987)

Ah, yes. The Christmas movie about a suicidal, widowed cop (Mel Gibson) and his retiring partner (Danny Glover) teaming up to take down an illegal heroin ring during the holidays. Everything we look for in a classic holiday movie. 

But Lethal Weapon has a key factor that pushes it into the Christmas movie conversation: It was written by Shane Black, who sets almost all of his action thrillers (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man 3) during the holiday season, and weaves plenty of references throughout his dark story to pepper in holiday cheer. The first time we meet Martin Riggs (Gibson), for example, he’s buying drugs from criminals on a Christmas Tree lot. Not every holiday movie needs to have seasonal lights, snow, and goodwill toward man. Some days, you just want to see Gary Busey punching Gibson on Glover’s front lawn. And when you are ready, Lethal Weapon awaits.
- Sean O'Connell 

Memorable Quote: "What do ya say, Jack? Would you like a shot at the title?"

21. Arthur Christmas (2011)

While classic and traditional Christmas movies are all fine and dandy, there’s something about Arthur Christmas’ modern take on Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent)  that is refreshing and totally unique. This film follows the family of Santa on the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas. Our protagonist is Arthur (James McAvoy), Santa’s youngest son and the man who responds to all the letters children send to the North Pole. He realizes a gift has been left behind, so he sets out to deliver it with the help of Grandsanta (Bill Nighy) and the spunky elf Bryony (Ashley Jensen). 

This movie imagines what it would be like if Santa ran a military-like operation, and it’s also a comedy about the dysfunctional family of Father Christmas. Seeing Arthur go on this mission and lovingly deal with his hilariously grumbly grandpa, his retired father, and his uptight older brother Steve (Hugh Laurie), is heartwarming and wholesome. It’s also the basis of a totally new and unique take on the story of Santa Claus.
- Riley Utley 

Memorable Quote: "Jingle Bells, this boat smells, 3000 miles to go!"

20. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is the sequel to Home Alone. The film, starring Macaulay Culkin, follows Kevin when he arrives in New York City after boarding the wrong plane, and how he spends his time at The Plaza Hotel. But he runs into the escaped Wet Bandits (now known as the Sticky Bandits), Harry and Marv, that turns his trip to the Big Apple upside down, and he must stop them. 

The premise of Home Alone 2 is about the same – the kid is lost during Christmas time, parents must find the kid, and the kid gets into trouble while parents struggle to get home – but this time, he’s lost in a city. However, just something about NYC during the holidays makes this movie that much better. The stakes are heightened, and the new characters are fun to watch – this is even one of Tim Curry’s best movies.
- Alexandra Ramos

Memorable Quote: "Get outta here, you nosey little pervert, or I'm gonna slap you silly!"

19. Love Actually (2003)

Juggling multiple plotlines is never easy. Balancing ten that are interwoven but also tonally independent isn’t something your average Christmas movie could pull off, but director Richard Curtis, with support from a fantastic cast, is mostly able to do it with his classic romantic comedy Love Actually. 

Through dozens of different characters, the film is able to depict Christmas from a wide variety of perspectives, and there’s a lot of joy and sometimes sadness in watching those characters use the holidays to enact meaningful change in their own lives. The holidays are messy. So is Love Actually, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
- Mack Rawden

Memorable Quote: "Tell her that you love her. You've got nothing to lose and you'll always regret it if you don't."

18. Scrooged (1988)

Richard Donner directed Scrooged back in 1988, another adaptation of the famous Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. The comedy film, starring Bill Murray, is a modern retelling of the classic tale, where three ghosts visit a selfish TV executive to regain his Christmas spirit. 

Few adaptations of A Christmas Carol come quite as close as Scrooged. Not only is it hilarious – because it obviously would be with Bill Murray as the star – it features plenty of heart and great acting that translates to a great Christmas movie. 
- Alexandra Ramos

Memorable Quotes: "I never liked a girl well enough to give her twelve sharp knives."

17. Trading Places (1983)

Not all great Christmas movies start out as traditional Christmas movies. Trading Places opened in theaters in June 1983, months before the holiday season. But it’s impossible to watch this comedy and not feel the holiday spirit, as its wintery New York City Christmas-time backdrop is as undeniably appealing as the comedic talents of Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Aykroyd.

Beyond being a hilarious comedy in which Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche’s Duke brothers place a bet to see the outcome of two men — Eddie Murphy’s Billy Ray Valentine and Dan Aykroyd’s Louis Winthorpe III — when their positions in society are swapped is bit of an underdog story where, amidst a series of comedic and occasionally ridiculous events, goodness and resourcefulness overcome greed. What’s more Christmassy than that? (The only answer might be the sight of Dan Aykroyd's character devouring a salmon through a Santa beard on a bus.)
- Kelly West

Memorable Quote: "Merry New Year."

16. The Lodge (2020)

Christmas is a time for gathering with family, sharing memories, and playing in the snow. All three of those activities are present in directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s film The Lodge, but there’s one key ingredient that should stop you in your tracks when thinking about family movie night. You see, this holiday flavored entry is a pitch black psychological horror film. 

As Grace (Riley Keough) is getting to know her future step children Aiden (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) through the holidays, a steady and creeping dread starts to overtake The Lodge’s narrative. Puzzling out the source of such horror is just as exciting as experiencing it, and trust me, you’ll never forget your first time seeing some of the sights this film has to show you. 

Slow burning to a climax that’s worthy of some therapeutic discussion, this chiller is a fantastic offering for those of you who take the scary stories part of the holiday very seriously.
- Mike Reyes 

Memorable Quote: "Do you see now? You see that we cannot die? Because you're already dead. We're in purgatory." 

15. The Holiday (2006)

Not all Christmas movies are totally wrapped up in the holiday, but there are some that nail the spirit of the season without hammering it home too hard. Writer/director Nancy Meyers uses her masterful skills weaving romantic comedy to make The Holiday feel like an A-list version of the coziest offering Hallmark has to offer and the result is one of our favorite festive movies on Netflix right now. 

Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) agree to swap houses, and to a certain extent lives, as the both of them are having some relationship problems. Apparently, that’s what the doctor ordered, as Iris’ brother (Jude Law) and a colleague of Amanda’s (Jack Black) get entangled in the wake of this decision, and the result is beautiful. 

The Holiday is a Christmas charm offensive that’s firing on all cylinders, and if you weren’t a Jack Black fan before this movie, this will be the one to change your mind. You can definitely watch this one with someone you love, or with your own bottle of champagne to celebrate yourself.
- Mike Reyes 

Memorable Quote: "I've found almost everything written about love to be true."

14. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Starring Johnny Depp in one of his greatest roles, Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands tells the story of an artificial humanoid who was unfinished, so he has scissors for his hands. A family takes him in, and he falls in love with their teenage daughter. 

While Edward Scissorhands isn’t necessarily a Christmas movie, several elements surround the popular holiday, and there’s no denying the holiday spirit you will feel after watching it. No matter what, your eyes will get tearful when you see Edward carve that ice sculpture for Kim. It’s a great romantic movie for Christmas. 
- Alexandra Ramos

Memorable Quote: "I know it is a little early for Christmas, Edward, but; I have a present for you."

13. Elf (2003) 

There’s a certain intensity to how you experience Christmas when you’re a kid. The feelings of anticipation and if all goes well on the present front, realized joy are naive and over the top, but in retrospect, they’re also beautiful and unspoiled. We’d all visit that emotional place now and again if we could, and Elf gets that completely. 

With a perfect Will Ferrell performance, it brings back that unapologetic excitement and lets us watch as a human raised by elves goes through a Christmas season and experiences it all as we did when we were five. Buddy The Elf is all of us, if we weren’t encumbered by wisdom and worried about judgmental looks, and watching him take great pleasure in all the little things helps us remember how great Christmas is.
- Mack Rawden

Memorable Quotes: "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup."

12. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Rarely is the third movie in a franchise the best installment, but that just so happens to be the case with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by the legendary John Hughes, this hilarious 1989 classic follows Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) as he attempts to put on the best Christmas ever for his family (both immediate and extended). That, however, proves to be no easy task for the accident-prone and high-strung family man, as he is faced to overcome all kinds of obstacles in the lead-up to the big holiday.

What’s so wonderful about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is that it doesn’t feel like a cheap way to continue a popular ‘80s movie franchise, but instead something genuine and genuinely funny. It has countless classic side characters (Cousin Eddie, Margo and Todd Chsester, Aunt Bethany), laugh-out-loud moments (“Why’s the floor wet, Todd,” the dried-out turkey, a SWAT team crashing the Christmas party), and perhaps one of the best Christmas movie songs of all time.
- Philip Sledge

Memorable Quote: "Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"

11. Gremlins (1984)

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Gremlins isn’t a Christmas movie, is it?” You wouldn’t be blamed for such a viewpoint, as the chaotic horror-comedy that ensues in director Joe Dante’s classic creature feature kind of eclipses the fact that it does take place during the holidays. 

The adventures of Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) and Gizmo (Howie Mandell) fending off the hordes of the titular green menace have definitely left a cultural impact. But let’s not forget, there’s plenty of Christmas carnage involved in writer Chris Columbus’ dark rollercoaster ride of yuletide terror. 

Invoking It’s A Wonderful Life, both in its idyllic small town setting and through including actual footage, is probably the best indicator of what Gremlins is trying to do. Unleashing a nightmare in small town America one monster at a time, laughs and screams are good neighbors in the world of this holly jolly horror show.
- Mike Reyes 

Memorable Quote: "You say you hate Washington's Birthday or Thanksgiving and nobody cares, but you say you hate Christmas and people treat you like you're a leper."

10. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Directed by Brian Henson, the Muppet adaptation of A Christmas Carol was hardly the first to tackle the classic Dickens story, but it is arguably  the most colorful and most musical, if not the funniest (Scrooged gives it a run for its money there). Not only does it feature some incredible puppeteer talent, including Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson and the great Frank Oz, but this holiday classic features none other than Michael Caine in the role of the cranky Ebenezer Scrooge, a rich, cold man who’s offered a chance at redemption in the face of a bleak alternative. In addition to Caine, the cast includes grumpy commentators Waldorf and Statler playing the Marley Brothers, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, and Miss Piggy as his frustrated wife Emily, not to mention Rizzo the Rat as the helpful co-narrator (alongside Gonzo). 

We can celebrate the greatness of the Muppets all day long, but what works so well about The Muppet Christmas Carol is that it manages to be both a Muppet movie and a proper adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story simultaneously and throughout, telling the occasionally dark and classic tale with humor and genuine heart in a way that kids and adults can appreciate every holiday season.
- Kelly West

Memorable Quotes: "You're a little absent-minded, spirit."

9. A Christmas Story (1983) 

Despite being narrated by a man in his 60s, A Christmas Story is one of the most authentic depictions of what it feels like to be a kid that we’ve ever gotten. It’s certainly the best one that touches on Christmas and how life or death getting the right present can feel. In Ralphie’s case, that life or death present is a Red Ryder BB Gun. He wants it. Everyone else thinks he’ll shoot his eye out.

He, of course, does shoot his eye out, but before he pulls the trigger, A Christmas Story delivers moment-after-moment of comedy gold, many of which feel so relatable. There’s the blowout Christmas meal that turns into an inedible disaster. There’s the embarrassing present from extended family members, the department store Santa that just wants to keep the line moving, the first f-bomb in front of the parents, the childhood dare that goes disastrously wrong, the first fight, the brother who won’t eat, the bad grade, the bar of soap punishment and the new decoration one family member loves and everyone else hates. Some of the details might be different, but A Christmas Story portrays every one of those universal emotions, which is why it means so much to so many.
- Mack Rawden

Memorable Quote: "You'll shoot your eye out."

8. Klaus (2019)

It is hard to stick the landing when it comes to creating a new holiday tradition. The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeers and Santa Clauses of the world don’t just happen overnight. Trying too hard is something that can sink even the best natured attempts at making a seasonal favorite, and thankfully the Netflix original film Klaus succeeds where most have failed.

Spoiled postman Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) finds himself banished to a small town in Norway with a mission: get the town to post 6,000 letters, or lose his claim to the family fortune. Banding together with Klaus (J.K. Simmons), a toymaker who keeps to himself, co-writer/director Sergio Pablos’ tale of Santa Claus’ origins is all at once hysterically funny, and also touchingly bittersweet. 

Never tipping over into overly maudlin or snarky material, watching Klaus for the first time is an emotional ton of bricks. It celebrates the season in a way that even those who don’t celebrate can still enjoy. Nurturing the wondrous inner child in all of us, it’s a picture that’s truly earned its place as a new perennial favorite with its heart firmly in the right place.
- Mike Reyes  

Memorable Quote: "We need to show people that a true, selfless act always sparks another."

7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

One of the most well-known and beloved Christmas movies of all time, George Seaton’s Miracle on 34th Street tells an exceptional and transfixing story about a department store Santa Claus who claims the be the real deal and then captures the hearts of pretty much everyone around him, save for a jealous co-worker and an arrogant psychologist. Released in 1947, this holiday staple follows Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) as he becomes the Santa Claus of the flagship Macy’s in New York City and teaches event director Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) and her young daughter, Susan (Natalie Wood), the meaning of Christmas.

As soon as Kringle is introduced in the early goings of the movie, it’s hard not to be carried away by his calm and kind nature, and it only gets better from there. Despite those around him not believing in Santa, and others doing everything they can to get rid of him, the bearded elderly man with mysterious abilities never lets it get him down, and never loses his faith in people or the holidays.
- Philip Sledge

Memorable Quote: "You see, Mrs. Walker, this is quite an opportunity for me. For the past 50 years or so I've been getting more and more worried about Christmas."

6. Home Alone (1990)

On the surface, Home Alone is about bad guys, booby traps and being a kid, but beneath that adventuresome exterior, it’s also about loneliness. Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) isn’t just defending his literal home from the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), he’s defending his sense of home, which is upended when his entire family mistakenly leaves without him. With blow torches and paint cans, he keeps the robbers out, and with a suddenly more mature perspective on what matters, he connects with his elderly neighbor, who is dealing with his own isolation. 

Christmas is always wrapped up in expectations, and if you look beyond the tar and chicken feathers, Home Alone spends a lot of its runtime exploring what happens when those expectations aren’t met. Families can’t always be what we need them to be, and we can’t always be what we want to be. We all have cheap, scumbag uncles or brothers who wouldn’t let us sleep in their rooms if we were growing on their asses. We accidentally leave without our kids or leave them beside corpses at a funeral home. We steal toothbrushes and say things we shouldn’t to our sons. And then we deal with the loneliness that follows.

Beneath the wipeouts and head fires, Home Alone lives in that loneliness, and that helps turn what could be a mindless revenge fantasy for kids into something that means so much more. Having one of the best child actor performances ever helps too, who continued to delve out amazing performances, leading to a debate about which film in the Home Alone series is superior.
- Mack Rawden 

Memorable Quote: "Buzz! Your girlfriend! Woof!"

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

The first TV special based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts strip, and one of the most well-known holiday cartoons of all time, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released in 1965 and has been a permanent fixture of the season ever since. This short and sweet special centers on Charlie Brown as he attempts to direct a Christmas play that captures the true meaning of the season, only to be disregarded by an uncooperative cast and rampant commercialism. But that all changes when Charlie and Linus go looking for a Christmas tree to be the centerpiece of their production.

For decades, Bill Melendez’s special has captured the hearts and minds of countless viewers spanning multiple generations who can’t help but fall in love with its touching story, simple yet beautiful animation, and a score by Vince Guaraldi that is just as popular. It has everything someone could ever want in a Christmas special and laid the foundation for similar titles that followed over the coming years.
- Philip Sledge

Memorable Quote: "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.

4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

1966’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas is the best of the network TV animated specials produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which is saying a lot given many of them are still broadcast almost sixty years later. The success starts with the creative choice to keep Dr. Seuss’ words at the center of the story. Narrated by the delightful Boris Karloff, who also provides the voice of The Grinch, the special never drifts far from the wordplay at the heart of the book, and that results in an end product that, at times, can feel like an audiobook with a visual component.

Even with that visual component hanging as the second stocking, however, the animation works extremely well. It’s a little crude compared to modern standards, but it’s also extremely clever and features a lot of fun transitions and vibrant creative choices. Apples turn into eyes. The Grinch slithers around the floor when he’s at his most mischievous, and Max, The Grinch’s trusty sidekick, delivers in every single cut-to shot he gets. All of it is just delightful, and the bow on top is Thurl Ravenscroft’s fantastic song “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” which still hits the Billboard charts every holiday season.
- Mack Rawden

Memorable Quote: "Maybe Christmas, he thought...doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps...means a little bit more."

3. Die Hard (1988)

“Now I have a machine gun. Ho-Ho-Ho.” That one line might have started the debate about whether or not John McTiernan’s Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it clearly is), but there’s plenty more evidence sprinkled throughout this action classic about an off-duty cop (Bruce Willis, at his finest) foiling a high-stakes robbery during a Los Angeles Christmas party.   

Everything about Die Hard is perfect. The pacing, the set pieces, the humor… they all help to make Die Hard one of the most rewatchable movies of all time. But little touches put us in the holiday mood while watching John McClane run barefoot across broken glass, or throw his body off the roof of Nakatomi Plaza with only a fire hose to catch him. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, “Ode to Joy,” is basically “The Die Hard Song” at this point. Stellar villain Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) leans on Christmas miracles to aid his plot. And Die Hard ends with a warm – and bloody – family reunion, as all good Christmas movies should.
- Sean O'Connell

Memorable Quote: "Just a fly in the ointment, Hans. A Monkey in the wrench. A pain in the ass."

2. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Is it even Christmas if you don’t watch It’s a Wonderful Life at least once? Released in 1946, Frank Capra’s celebrated black-and-white holiday classic follows George Bailey (James Stewart), a down-on-his-luck man who considers ending it all after all his personal and professional plans blow up in his face. However, before Bailey can jump from a bridge and put an end to his miserable life, his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) takes him on a journey through his past to prove that George isn’t all that bad.

Along the way, George is taken back in time and experiences all sorts of memories, both good and bad, as he revisits the consequential moments from his life and how those various decisions affected those around him. Full of life lessons and iconic moments, this wonderful movie not only captures the meaning of the Christmas season but also has all the best qualities of a standard drama, making it something the whole family can enjoy throughout the year. But there’s no better way to watch It’s a Wonderful Life than around the fire with your family in the final days of the holiday season.
- Philip Sledge

Memorable Quote: You see, George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?

1. White Christmas (1954)

When you’ve got people like Clark Griswold using films like White Christmas to define the ideal holiday celebration in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, that’s saying a lot. Invoking Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye by name, that was enough to cement this movie’s place in the pop culture landscape. However, that position is not without merit, as you can clearly see by director Michael Curtiz’s movie winning out the top spot.

Just what is it about White Christmas that makes it a timeless hit? Well, one of the most well-known Christmas songs being its title and third act centerpiece is certainly a good start; as is the rest of the catalog of catchy tunes. And when you’ve got Crosby and Kaye paired with Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, that’s an anchor that’d stop a glacier from veering off course. However, much like another landmark directing gig of Curtiz’s, 1942’s Casablanca, White Christmas finds a way to appeal to a wide swath of audience members. Blending a tale of war time buddies banding together to help out a commanding officer (Dean Jagger) with a rom-com replete with subterfuge, misunderstandings, and epic makeups, it’s a movie that still looms large over the holiday canon.

If there’s a lack of laughter or a dry eye in the house after watching White Christmas, then chances are you had the TV off while playing it. Going on 70 years since its initial release, this is an all-timer that’s as merry and bright now as it was back then.
- Mike Reyes 

Memorable Quote: "We'll follow the old man wherever he wants to go. Long as he wants to go opposite to the foe."

Love, Actually is a Christmas rom-com that shows an ensemble of characters experiencing romantic entanglements five weeks before the jolly holiday. It was so memorable that 14 years later, a television short film sequel Red Nose Day Actually brought the original cast together again. As it’s been 20 years since the beloved ensemble film came out, Love Actually director Richard Curtis has admitted there are certain aspects of his movie that haven’t aged well today.

In one of the major Love Actually character stories, junior staff member Natalie is criticized by other characters for her “massive” “tree trunk thighs.” Even Hugh Grant’s character David commented about her weight saying, “God, you weigh a lot” as she jumped into his arms. Richard Curtis of Love Actually admitted at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival (via Today) that certain fat-shaming parts of the Hugh Grant-led rom-com haven’t aged well, and he's aware of this thanks to his daughter, Scarlett, bringing it to his attention:

It’s true that certain jokes do die with age. The 2000s was not a kind time for people who weren’t skinny on film, with movies like Shallow Hal, The Devil Wears Prada and even The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants making women who weren’t thin feel like they had something to be ashamed of. I doubt Richard Curtis meant to offend anyone with this movie, as it was supposed to be a feel-good classic for the holidays. I’m sure if the movie was remade today, there would be more thought put into the dialogue to make sure no audience members are offended.

Another element of Love Actually that wouldn’t age well today was the movie’s lack of diversity. The British-led cast was primarily white and set in London’s Notting Hill district. This district is a neighborhood that drew in a lot of Caribbean immigrants and was the site of various civil-rights riots in 1958. Richard Curtis explained that this was another subject matter he, the casting director and the producers didn’t think about at the time. The British director/screenwriter also pointed out that he went to an “un-diverse school” and felt he didn’t know how to write non-white parts. However, Curtis admitted he felt “sort of stupid and wrong about that.”

One of the most iconic scenes of Love Actually is when Andrew Lincoln’s character, Mark, professes his love to Keira Knightley’s Juliet with cue cards despite her being married to his best friend. This would be another scene that wouldn’t do well today, making the moves on your friend’s wife and portraying it in a romantic fashion. Even Andrew Lincoln had confusing thoughts about the sign scene, as he was afraid that he would come off as “a creepy stalker.” When Lincoln spoke about Mark to Richard Curtis with fears of his character’s “stalker” qualities being shown like this, the director told him it would be fine due to his talented acting abilities being a real standout for the role. Nowadays though, there’s no way behavior like Mark's would be construed as healthy or romantic.

When looking back at Love Actually, Richard Curtis admitted his movie’s “fat-shaming” and lack of diversity segments wouldn't work well if told on screen today. If you decide to watch this Christmas classic right now with your Netflix subscription, you just have to remember the year it was filmed and that the entertainment industry is more cautious today in terms of inclusion and sensitivity. 

There’s no single CinemaBlend opinion on anything. Through countless arguments over the years, I’ve learned we’re not even on the same page about how to define the word best, from our choices for the top 100 '90s movies to our picks for the best horror movies of all time. What makes a movie the best is impossible to nail down from one person to the next, though it's perhaps easier to consider when thinking about a decade of movies that came and went and can't be added to anymore. But for the most part, it's all about what you like.

It’s because of those clashing perspectives that this Best Movies Of The 2000s list is unlike any list that a single person from our team could have crafted, taking into account both Oscar-worthiness and popcorn-friendliness. The list accounts for movies that have aired 5,000 times on cable, and movies that have been shared lovingly from generation to generation. It’s a retro-hodgepodge of what we loved then and then, from Adam Sandler's raunch to Daniel Day Lewis' aplomb.

This list is CinemaBlend’s collective celebration of the 2000s, in all its neon-hued glory, and we hope everyone will find plenty to love, though a few disagreements and good-natured debate never hurt anyone. Let the arguments begin…

100. Avatar (2009)

While it's the last on this list, there's no denying Avatar's impact on the film industry back in 2009. The movie is a sci-fi masterpiece that features incredible visuals, mainly following the tale of Jake Sully, a human who finds love and acceptance within the world of the Na'vi, the native people of Pandora.

The film takes the audience on a wild ride for two and a half hours. While the story of saving a planet from foreign invaders could be more groundbreaking, the unique visual effects that fans get to see are. And now, with a successful sequel out more than ten years later, it's the perfect chance to revisit the original.

99. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts had established herself as one of the most beloved actors in the world in the 1990s, and as calendars flipped over to the year 2000, she didn’t waste any time starring in yet another critically acclaimed box office hit. Hitting theaters in March 2000, Erin Brockovich tells the story of the titular lawyer who started a landmark case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for groundwater contamination, and it’s a stellar work that further cemented the clear talents of director Steven Soderbergh. It’s thrilling and dramatic, but also funny and fun – in large part due to Roberts’ charm and charisma.

98. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover is part travelogue and part comedic shitshow. It races its characters through what feels like an entire TV season’s worth of odd locations and ridiculous scenarios, somehow finding time for hospital visits, naked gangsters, weddings, Blackjack heaters, stolen tigers, missing babies and stun gun demonstrations. It sounds like way too much plot for an hour and forty minute movie, but the key to a good comedy isn’t the situations the characters find themselves in, it’s the rapport and natural chemistry between the actors/characters going through those situations. And Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are fantastic together. Their clashing vibes, energy levels and comedic sensibilities somehow blend into a perfect cocktail, and with Oscar-nominated director Todd Phillips stirring the drink, The Hangover is able to turn its B-movie premise into one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s.

97. Cloverfield (2008)

The first decade of the Aughts saw one word playing into many of its most cherished cinematic successes: reinvention. For director Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield, two different types of genre favorites were mashed together to create a wildly new, very mysterious product: monster movies like Godzilla and found footage pictures such as The Blair Witch Project. 

Amping up the scale of what a handheld camera could cover, Cloverfield’s ingenious marketing campaign kept audiences guessing about what its true intentions were. In the wake of a mysterious/title-free teaser, it was anyone’s guess what writer Drew Goddard’s movie was about. To live up to the hype after stoking such anticipation for an unknown quantity only cemented Cloverfield as a certified success. In a market where it felt like the trailers gave everything away, a major studio movie broke with the norm, all in the name of a monstrous triumph. 

96. National Treasure (2004)

The race to steal the Declaration of Independence was on in 2004 as Nicolas Cage and his team of treasure hunters went on a high stakes mission to find the greatest treasure. This story sweeps across American history, and is held together by Cage’s protagonist and his drive to find this great prize, and protect the Declaration of Independence by stealing it, of course.

This Disney staple is a family classic, and an action adventure bound to entertain just about anyone. It was such a success that a sequel soon followed, and maybe, someday, National Treasure 3 will happen. However, let us not forget the majesty that is the original National Treasure. 

95. The Notebook (2004)

There’s a reason that when one thinks of the genre “romance” The Notebook instantly comes to mind. The 2004 Nicholas Sparks adaptation is nothing short of a timeless classic that gracefully dances between being a forbidden and second-chance love story. It’s the movie that made Ryan Gosling a Hollywood hunk matched by a passionate yet grounding performance by Rachel McAdams. Together they are a firecracker of chemistry who left a generation longing to kiss in the rain. Cliché and mushy as The Notebook can be, when the music swells on the final scene, it never ceases to remind us why it’s one of the most endearing and cathartic love affairs we’ve ever seen. 

94. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Though it's been nearly two decades since its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy still stands as one of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s greatest collaborations. The 70s-set movie marked McKay’s directorial debut and, with it, he masterfully injects humor and social commentary into a satirical workplace comedy set within the world of broadcast news. His screenplay is funny and occasionally, downright hilarious, but the cast truly makes the movie shine. Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and more are just flawless. And of course, it’s Ferrell’s portrayal of the titular character that really puts it over the top.

93. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Anyone angling for a great sports drama that not only delivers sheer emotion but also captures the spirit of the pastime it’s tackling should check out Million Dollar Baby. Director Clint Eastwood’s Best Picture-winning film tells the story of an aspiring boxer (played by Hilary Swank), who teams up with a veteran trainer (Eastwood) in the hopes of achieving in-ring glory. The result is an emotionally affecting – and sometimes brutal – story about resilience and parental bonds. This boxing flick won Swank, Eastwood and co-star Morgan Freeman all Oscars and, when you see the movie, you’ll understand why.

92. Saw (2004)

2004's Saw revitalized the horror genre years ago, thanks to James Wan and Leigh Whannell, with its shocking twists and equally astonishing violence. But while the movie did include some truly grotesque “games” for Jigsaw’s victims, this was more than the mere “torture porn” that plagued the aughts. There was intention behind Jigsaw’s pain — making people think about the lives they’d led before forcing them to, “Live or die, make your choice.” 

The audience was along for the ride, trying to figure out why Adam (Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) were chained up in a bathroom and how they could escape before it was too late. Thanks to some brilliant misdirection, the ensuing plot twist was truly gasp-inducing. These days you might not be able to get away with that ending, but don’t say you saw it coming back in 2004.

91. Super Troopers (2001)

Super Troopers From a plotting and acting perspective, Super Troopers isn’t exactly The Departed. Its basic premise, and even many of its specific scenes, are just nimbly bimbly excuses for the cast to make raunchy jokes about the natural absurdities of being a cop. That works, though, because the movie understands what we want as an audience: non-stop jokes and shenanigans about liters of cola, littering and smokin’ the reefer. From cat game to syrup fights to biker confusion, Super Troopers has its own vibe and unique sense of humor. It’s just out there, doing its own thing, and that’s why, more than two decades later, fans are still pulling over to watch it… even if they’re already pulled over and they can’t pull over any further.

90. War of the Worlds (2005)

Steven Spielberg wouldn’t be the first to adapt H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds novel for the screen, nor would he be the last. But his modern-day take on the 19th Century sci-fi novel certainly made an impression. From the main characters — led by Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, father to Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) — to the various settings, to the unnerving sight (and sound) of the tripods emerging from below the ground to decimate or capture any humans in their path, War of the Worlds made its mark as an epic sci-fi action movie about survival and the choices a struggling parent has to make to protect his children from a worst-case-scenario. In true Spielberg fashion, the movie is thrilling and occasionally chilling, but also offers that added layer of a family element to keep us invested from beginning to end. 

89. Sin City (2005)

Most comic book adaptations aim to reimagine the characters and events of the source material in a way that more closely resembles reality. However, when director Robert Rodriguez teamed up with famed author and illustrator Frank Miller (acting as co-director) to bring his graphic novel series, Sin City, to the big screen, they did more than just adapt it. They brought it to life.

This anthology-style collection of three interconnected stories — all of which take place in the same hopelessly down-trodden, crime-ridden metropolis — is a masterclass in noirish storytelling (the razor sharp dialogue is straight out of a Raymond Chandler classic), astonishingly unique visual design (every beautifully grayscale frame resembles a comic book panel), and flawless acting from the entire Sin City cast, including Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Mickey Rourke, and so many more amazing A-listers. When it comes to non-superhero-related comic book movies, this might be the best of them all.

88. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Anticipation for the feature adaptation of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary — itself a reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — was high, to say the least, for those of us who adored the book, when it finally made its way into theaters in 2001. Renee Zellweger’s mix of charm, determination for romance and occasional awkwardness alone are reason enough to love the adaptation. Then factor in the excellent chemistry she shares with both love interests — Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy — not to mention the fantastic supporting cast, well-timed bits of hilarity and genuinely heartfelt moments of romance and what’s not to love about Bridget Jones’s Diary? 

87. Taken (2008)

Taken isn’t the most emotionally complicated or the most realistic movie, but it has a really good sense of its own strengths and leverages that particular set of skills perfectly. Liam Neeson might not be the prototypical action star, but he’s an Oscar-nominated actor uniquely good at portraying single-mindedness and determination. Taken is able to harness the badass fatherly intensity of a desperate man searching for his daughter and pair it with ruthless action sequences that rely more on craftiness than brute strength. The result is one of the best and most rewatchable action movies of the 2000s, a tight 90 minutes that’s so much fun it produced two sequels, a TV series and an unexpected late career resurgence for Neeson.  

86. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Before Will Smith earned his third Oscar nomination for King Richard, and after his nomination for Ali, he received his second Academy Award nod for The Pursuit of Happyness. Based on the real story of Chris Gardner, the movie follows Gardner's struggle to find a job to provide for his son during a year when they are homeless. 

The movie is inspiring for anyone, featuring an uplifting and memorable story. That, paired with an incredible performance from Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith – who made his acting debut in the film – makes this the perfect movie to watch on any given day. 

85. The Bourne Identity (2002)

Before Daniel Craig came along and ushered in a new era for the James Bond movie franchise a few years later, Doug Liman’s The Bourne Identity welcomed audiences to the 21st century with this fresh, unique, and action-packed spy thriller. Matt Damon, who had already shown a great deal of depth in movies like Good Will Hunting and The Talented Mr. Ripley a few years earlier, became a bonafide action star with his portrayal of Jason Bourne, a trained killer with no recollection of his dark past.

There are few early 2000s action sequences as memorable as the movie’s iconic car chase through the streets of Paris. Audiences, used to seeing spies and assassins whipping around in souped-up sports cars were in for the ride of their lives with Bourne behind the wheel of a weathered Mini Cooper.

84. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually has become annual holiday viewing for many since its premiere in 2004. Renowned rom-com filmmaker Richard Curtis struck gold with an A-list cast, as ten loosely connected plotlines each portray a different kind of love. Everybody’s sure to have their favorite stories within the movie, but they all strike an emotional chord, albeit in different ways. 

As these characters navigate the holidays, Love Actually tackles themes of grief, infidelity, unrequited love, workplace romance and more, while never losing its charm and eliciting tons of laughs. Throw in infinitely quotable dialogue (“Let’s get the shit kicked out of us by love!”), an infuriatingly hilarious cameo by Rowan Atkinson, and one absolutely iconic dance from Hugh Grant, and you’ve got yourself a classic.

83. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

In a decade greatly defined by bubblegum romantic comedies where audiences can take comfort in the same three act structure often ending in wedding bells, (500) Days Of Summer flipped the genre on its head. Romance and love can be a tricky, complicated thing that not only may be finite, but clouded by one’s fantasies, projections of potential and manic pixie dream girls. Marc Webb’s indie rom-com announces up front that it is “not a love story” and cleverly plays with structure as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom falls for Zooey Deschanel’s Summer. Between its stunningly memorable soundtrack, creative use of mixed media against its gorgeous L.A. backdrop, (500) Days Of Summer is a dark horse of a romantic comedy that tackles the expectations vs. reality of love with a sharp wit. 

82. Knocked Up (2007)

Most romantic comedies try a lot harder at one of those two things. They’re either romantic movies with a few solid laughs sprinkled in or they’re clearly comedies that shoehorn a romance in there as an afterthought. Knocked Up works so well because it tries really hard at both. It succeeds a little more as a comedy, given it has Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Craig Robinson, Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd, but it also takes a lot of time and care with its love story and has many thoughtful things to say about relationships and parenting. It never takes the easy way out or betrays itself for a cheap, inauthentic laugh, which lets the natural chemistry between Rogen and co-lead Katherine Heigl grow into a budding relationship you actually root for. 

81. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

As proven decades ago by George A. Romero, slow zombies are quite scary – but in 2004, director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn teamed up to show us just how freaky fast zombies can be. Dawn Of The Dead is a movie that stays true to its source material, gathering a bunch of strangers in a shopping mall as the dead come back to life, but it has its own energy and no shortage of standout moments. The beginning is a terror, the ending is deeply unsettling (including the material in the end credits), but the baby is where this one hits its peak.

80. Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans will make you laugh, cry, cheer and feel a whole range of emotions as you go on a journey with newly integrated T.C. Williams football team to win the state championship. This incredible movie about bringing a football team together is led by Denzel Washington, and it’s not only regarded as one of his best movies, but it’s also widely known as one of the greatest sports films. 

Washington and Will Patton lead the stacked cast of Remember the Titans, which includes Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst as the team’s leaders. Along with them, the movie also features Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood and Ethan Suplee as well as a very young Ryan Gosling and 10-year-old Hayden Panettiere, among many others. Overall, it’s an inspiring and moving movie about acceptance and determination. Let’s just say Remember the Titans always has us saying “We want some more!” 

79. Juno (2007)

While Elliot Page was an actor at a young age, Juno was the movie that made him into a household name. And for good measure, as Jason Reitman’s quirky 2007 flick delivers in both comedy and heartfelt, human moments. Page earned an Academy Award nomination at the time for his performance, which surely feels justified. 

2007's Juno centers around its title character, a teenage girl who accidentally gets pregnant. She decides to carry the baby to term, arranging an adoption with a married couple (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). After being filled with plenty of funny moments (and a killer soundtrack) the ending provides an emotional catharsis that puts Juno above many movies around its time.

78. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

It’s no wonder that Disney has been trying for 20 years to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Inspired by a theme park attraction, but blazing its own trail, Pirates created one of modern cinema’s most iconic characters in Captain Jack Sparrow. But the rest of the cast, including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and a scene-stealing Geoffrey Rush, is no less compelling. From sword fights to ship battles, Black Pearl’s action is near perfect, with the Johnny Depp vs. Orlando Bloom duel a textbook example of how to tell a story with an action scene. It set a bar so high that even its own sequels were never going to clear it.

77. Ray (2004)

Cinema lovers have been graced with plenty of great biopics over the decades, and Ray certainly stands as one of the best. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie chronicles the life and career of the great Ray Charles. James L. White’s screenplay effectively tells Charles’ story, chronicling his professional and personal highs and lows in the process. And of course, the production is (appropriately) infused with incredible music. There are plenty of great performances on display, but it’s Jamie Foxx’s uncanny – and Oscar-winning – turn as the titular musician that really makes this period drama worth a watch or two.

76. Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shyamalan had an unenviable task in 2000 – following up his overnight sensation, The Sixth Sense. Was that movie a flash in the pan? Or would Shyamalan live up to the billing he was receiving in the press as, “The next Spielberg?” Remarkably, Shyamalan came up with a deeper, more meaningful film that also started the bandwagon for superhero-movie fascination, only with a meditative origin story for a strong man (Bruce Willis) who doesn’t recognize his invulnerability. Pulp Fiction co-star Samuel L. Jackson tapped into his fiendish side to play Willis’s nemesis, a man plagued with brittle bones who assumed that his opposite had to exist in the world. But it was Night’s ability to generate an intense mood that boosted Unbreakable. We rode a wave of increasingly suspenseful tension until the moment Willis donned his raincoat and embraced his destiny. Unbreakable started a trilogy, but also guaranteed that Shyamalan was here to stay as one of our most original and effective storytellers. 

75. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall occasionally gets overlooked as being just another rom-com from the aughts – specifically the rom-com featuring the oddball pairing of Mila Kunis and Jason Segel, but I can’t imagine that anyone who’s lumping this movie into just another group of rom-coms has seen it recently because it is profoundly and consistently weird. 

Segel’s TV composer main character dreams of creating a Dracula musical featuring puppets called A Taste For Love. He also wants to get over his titular ex-girlfriend - hilariously played by Kristen Bell, who somehow ends up in the hotel room next to him having loud sex with her new rock star boyfriend. That messy journey of acceptance and moving on, amidst all its weirdness or maybe because of all its weirdness, never feels like a cliche. It’s consistently funny and has so many thoughtful things to say about relationships, break-ups and finding yourself. Don’t write it off.

74. School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black was many things in 2003, though many wouldn’t have considered his comedic stylings family-friendly until School Of Rock. Black’s musical abilities from his band Tenacious D paired with the wholesome story of teaching some kids how to rock, was fun for everyone and really skyrocketed him further into the mainstream and into more roles for younger audiences like Kung Fu Panda and Nacho Libre. Sure, he’d still do raunchier stuff like Tropic Thunder, but this movie was imperative to show the range he had as an actor. 

Let’s also not forget this movie boasted other celebrities who are notable talents in 2023, like Miranda Cosgrove and The White Lotus showrunner Mike White. Oh, and the music is still as great as it was then, even decades later. There’s a strong message here about the importance of teaching children about music and helping them follow their passion, and it’s that message that will keep this movie relevant for decades to come. 

73. Up (2009)

Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, has always been known for its films that have reached a broad audience, starting with their debut full-feature film, Toy Story. However, in 2009, the studio released Up, the first Pixar film to receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Up is mainly about Carl, an older man living a lonely life, and to fulfill his promise to his late wife, he travels across the world in a floating house to South America – with the help of a local wilderness explorer who tags along for the ride. 

A lot can be said about Up, from its stunning animation to the beautiful soundtrack, but nothing beats the story. It's a tale of a found family and of finding love and compassion in places you would never expect. And you must always remember – the wilderness must be explored!

72. District 9 (2009)

Coming in at 72 on the list might just be an indicator of how underrated District 9 is, considering it’s one of the best science fiction movies of the 2000s. Neill Blomkamp’s feature walks the line between messaging about the various mistreatment marginalized groups are subjected to, to how humanity would respond if aliens were really discovered to be on Earth. Given recent reports at government hearings, it isn’t all that unbelievable that it wouldn’t take long for humanity to get back to normal after finding a bunch of alien refugees on Earth. 

Perhaps the best compliment to pay District 9 is that it’s a phenomenal standalone sci-fi movie with no sequels or prequels. This could be why it’s typically lower on the sci-fi lists as there may be a community of people that simply forgot about it as the years went on. Now is the time to revive the credit it deserves and maybe bump it up a few notches on future top lists. 

71. Shrek (2001)

Think of every DreamWorks Animation movie you can think of – I bet Shrek is one of the first that pops into your head. 

Shrek was a momentous occasion for DreamWorks Animation when it was released. It was a huge box office success, received rave reviews, and was even the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature winner. The movie mainly follows Shrek, an ogre whose swamp is suddenly overrun with fairytale creatures, and to get them out, he must save Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon on a mountain of lava and bring her to Lord Farquad. 

The DreamWorks Animation film created an empire of Shrek success. With numerous sequels and spinoff movies, Shrek is one of the most successful animated franchises ever. The first film featured some great CGI animation for 2001 but also had the hilarity of adult jokes that parents would get while their kids enjoyed the fantasy, animation, and love story. Besides, who wouldn't love listening to Eddie Murphy crack jokes as Donkey for an hour and a half? 

70. Mulholland Drive (2001)

There are two sides to David Lynch: the fairly normal filmmaker who wants to tell a linear story in a somewhat straightforward manner (examples include The Elephant Man and The Straight Story), and the absolute bonkers off-the-wall batshit fever dream of an avante-garde video artist (examples include Eraserhead and Inland Empire). What makes Mulholland Drive such a beautiful film, is that it’s the perfect balance of these two sides of the iconic writer/director. In fact, without spoiling anything, the film even has a pivotal moment where it completely changes tonally, effectively showing these two distinct sides of Lynch. Perhaps more importantly, this tonal switch is expertly pulled off by the film’s star Naomi Watts, who, between this and 2001’s 21 Grams, was at a point in her career where she was showing off her chops with an authenticity that was hard not to notice. Mulholland Drive will show you the full range of skill you need to see from both Watts, and the legendary auteur that is David Lynch. 

69. Watchmen (2009)

“Unadaptable” is a word that’s been used when approaching the most ambitious literary adaptations. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel Watchmen was one such project, earning that brand after decades of potential adaptations failed to tackle the ambitious superhero narrative properly. 

Even in light of multiple cuts, and the ending being substantially altered from what was depicted in the 1985 source material, Watchmen is a miracle to behold. Somehow, the complicated narrative told through various mediums in that graphic novel was streamlined into a product that didn’t water down the full story. 

Only Zack Snyder’s third directorial effort, Watchmen is a powerful statement of the man’s developing skills in that point of his career. Arriving in the wake of Iron Man and The Dark Knight, it proved comic adaptations could be more than market-driving crowd pleasers. In the case of Watchmen, such movies could also be masterpieces.

68. Sideways (2004)

How the hell did Sideways, a dialogue-driven dramedy about a schoolteacher who loves wine, become such a mainstream pop-culture phenomenon? Try going wine-tasting without hearing a joke about drinking from the spit bucket, or somebody saying, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”

Sideways’ writer and director, Alexander Payne, has always told stories that are rather grounded in reality. Aside from Downsizing where he literally shrank Matt Damon, these are movies about common issues that most folks can relate to. The Descendants is about grief, About Schmidt is about aging, and Sideways is about letting go. With the script came Payne’s first Academy Award, a life-changing role for Paul Giamatti, and one of the best films of that decade. The bleak nature of the ending with just a dash of hope is a testament to real-life, and relatable for the average person. That is how a movie about a failed middle-aged writer with a drinking problem managed to cement its place in film history. 

67. Lost In Translation (2003)

Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an American actor past his prime. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is a young, married, recent college graduate. Both are in Tokyo — Bob to shoot promos for a Japanese whiskey and Charlotte to follow her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi) on his latest assignment — and overcome with feelings of loneliness and disillusionment until a chance meeting at their hotel bar gives the unlikely duo a sense of fulfillment when they both need it most.

Lost in Translation is one of the first films produced by Focus Features and is still considered to be one of the production company’s best releases two decades later for the refreshingly unique — albeit, unlikely — love story that still manages to warm hearts from its unforgettable opening shot to its cryptic, much-debated final moment. The charming, invigoratingly honest dramedy also managed to be a major turning point for Murray (who earned his sole Academy Award nomination), Johansson (a breakthrough performance), and second-time writer and director Sophia Coppola, who earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

66. The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

In the mid-2000s, big screen comedy underwent a titanic shift. Through the late ‘90s and the turn of the century, the genre was dominated by the so-called Frat Pack (Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson)… but then along came The 40-Year-Old Virgin, the directorial debut from Judd Apatow. The film is hilarious and sweet, with a collection of wonderful characters exploring the high highs and low lows of sexuality and romance in the 21st century – and while not everything about it has aged perfectly, it does a tremendous job at leaning into the talents of its stars. And it’s a game-changer.

While it’s Steve Carell’s movie, a huge part of its legacy is featuring the breakout performance by Seth Rogen. In the wake of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Rogen and Apatow became the biggest names in funny, with not just their own comedic voices becoming popular, but also their improvisation-heavy styles.

65. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hot Fuzz is the kind of action movie where every second feels crafted by a team of action movie fans, as opposed to a cast and crew just going through the motions. Co-written by the A+ pair Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, starring Pegg opposite frequent co-star Nick Front, Hot Fuzz is mostly set far from metropolitan skylines and endless high-rises, and its quaint Wicker Man-esque village makes for a wildly unique setting for any story filled with this many Point Break references.

As the second film in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz built on Shaun of the Dead's already stellar cast with a host of UK legends such as Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Bill Nighy, Edward Woodward, Billie Whitelaw, Olivia Colman, Bill Bailey, and the list goes on and on. (When you have Cate Blanchett making uncredited appearances, you're doing something right.) Unlike the other two Cornetto films, though, Hot Fuzz probably deserves another straightforward sequel set in this universe, with a new killer crime for Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman to get crackin’ on.

64. Walk The Line (2005)

Music biopics might feel like they’re a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t gems to behold in the genre, and one of those is absolutely James Mangold’s Academy Award-winning drama, Walk the Line. In it, Joaquin Phoenix portrays country music legend Johnny Cash through his tumultuous rise to fame, which includes his relationship with eventual wife, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon).

Sure, on one hand, we’ve seen music’s superstars descend into alcoholism and drug addiction on the big screen time and time again, but it’s how all the pieces of Cash and Carter’s story are put together that make the film a must watch. As such, the performances of the leads are everything here, and seeing June attempt to staunch her feelings for her married co-performer, while also trying to knock some sense into him as she watches his addictions grow and Johnny become more erratic, are some of the best parts of the movie. Witherspoon didn’t win a Best Actress Oscar for nothing, and Phoenix is at his peak here, as well.

63. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

With Walt Disney Animation fresh out of its renaissance after the ‘90s, the 2000s were a particularly experimental period for the studio which, looking back, found inspiration from numerous science fiction classics. The best 2D animated movie from the House of Mouse of the decade is a lively spin on E.T., but this mysterious alien is an intergalactic fugitive with a bad temper who falls to the Hawaiian Islands, becomes best friends with a young orphaned girl who teaches him the gospel of Elvis Presley. 

Not only is Lilo & Stitch an incredibly quotable, fun, family adventure, it’s one of Disney’s most authentic and original films that speaks to finding one’s ohana in unexpected places amidst great loss. Few Walt Disney Animation movies have felt as simultaneously intimate and commercial as Lilo & Stitch. Experiment 626 remains a gem that made Disney’s growing pains of the 2000s worth the while. 

62. Monsters, INC (2001)

Before Up, The Incredibles and even Finding Nemo, there was Monsters, Inc. Pixar’s decision to make its fourth feature a story about a company that generates scream-based power in a world inhabited by ferocious creatures may have seemed odd at the time. However, it ultimately turned out to be an inspired (and very) lucrative decision. Set in the world of Monstropolis, the film centers on two pals – both employees of the titular corporation – who must return a human child to her world in order to keep her out of harm’s way. And the result is a hilarious and heartwarming romp about loyalty and tolerance.

Pete Docter – who’d go on to direct Up, Inside Out and more – really proved himself as a filmmaker with this directorial debut. The flick is beautifully animated and populated with plenty of lovable characters. Speaking of which, John Goodman’s James P. “Sully” Sullivan and Billy Crystal’s Mike Wasowski still stand as two of Pixar’s most popular creations. The interactions between the two sometimes mirror the interplay of some of cinema’s best comedic duos. Monsters, Inc. would spawn a sequel and TV spinoff, but it’s the 2001 movie that’s truly an eclectic piece of storytelling.

61. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Picture award, but the voters got it right when it came to the prize handed out at the end of the 21st century’s first decade. Director Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker is a heart-stopper that tears down the wall between film and audience: when Jeremy Renner’s Staff Sergeant William James is suited up and defusing bombs, you hold your breath in fear, terrified to feel the heat of the fiery explosion that will result with one false move by the protagonist.

Screenwriter Mark Boal’s work puts us directly in James’ mind – a soldier who is incapable of leaving the battlefield behind – and Jeremy Renner’s turn is a career best. In retrospect, it’s wholly understandable why Renner’s performance changed the trajectory of his career and turned him into the Marvel-bona fide star that he is today.

60. Moulin Rouge (2001)

On paper, Moulin Rouge is a movie that just should not exist. The premise alone, a modern jukebox musical set in 1890s Paris, creates a level of cognitive dissonance on its own that suspension of disbelief should be impossible. It’s the sort of thing that only a director like Baz Luhrmann would even try, but somehow, he not only makes it happen, he makes it work.

Everything about Moulin Rouge goes hard. The performances, the songs, the sets. It creates its unreality so perfectly that it’s near-impossible to avoid being swept up by it and brought along for the ride. And the absinthe-infused magic is so far removed from reality that even 20 years later Moulin Rouge feels just as fresh. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are perfect as the star-crossed lovers. We know how the story will end before it begins, but it doesn’t make any of it less heartbreaking. Luhrmann’s films can sometimes focus on style over substance, but there’s no lack of substance here. 

59. Elf (2003)

Elf is probably the most recent Christmas movie that became an instant classic. Jon Favreau crafted a delightful and bonkers story for the 2003 movie, with Will Ferrell offering one of his most iconic performances of all time. And it’s a movie that’s re-watched annually by countless families every Holiday Season… or other times in the year when you need a good laugh.

Elf’s concept is both ridiculous and simple; Buddy is a human raised by elves who eventually goes to New York City to find his birth father (played by Godfather icon James Caan). The juxtaposition between Buddy’s eternal optimism and the hard streets of the Big Apple is fodder for countless funny bits throughout its runtime. There’s also a touching story about family and the holiday spirit that makes Elf a true beloved Christmas movie. Plus, it’s got a pre-Game of Thrones appearance by Peter Dinklage. And of course, Santa (I know him!).

58. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

In the 1950s, few people were as outspoken about the threat of Communism than Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy, whose blacklisting of anyone he deemed suspicious was so notoriously frequent that “McCarthyism” — a term associated with fear mongering — was coined after him. One of the few people brave enough to take a stand against him was CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow, whose defiance of the politician and the Red Scare nearly cost him his career, but also made him into one of the most influential icons of his craft.

This monumental moment in journalism history is dramatized with nearly the same level of passion for truth and justice in Good Night, and Good Luck. — named after the famous concluding catchphrase of Murrow, portrayed here in an Academy Award-nominated performance by David Strathairn. George Clooney, who also plays Murrow’s producer, Fred Friendly, earned his first Oscar nominations as a director and co-writer for this riveting history lesson, made even better with Robert Elswit’s gorgeous cinematography and exquisite acting from the star-studded ensemble, which also includes Jeff Daniels, Patricia Arquette, Robert Downey Jr., and Frank Langella.

57. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Wes Anderson’s style is so distinct that it has become something of a joke in pop culture, frequently being parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live. When folks reference Wes Anderson, and the trademarks of a Wes Anderson film, they’re primarily lifting it from The Royal Tenenbaums. The point is, Tenenbaums is by far the most Wes Anderson-y film to ever Wes Anderson; absolutely jam-packed with quirkitude, a variety of eccentric characters and deadpan dialogue delivery. This is the quintessential hipster flick that helped to define a generation of indie millennial film buffs.

Aside from The Royal Tenenbaums’ effect on pop culture, it truly exists as a wonderful, honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking film. Over twenty years ago when the film was released, there wasn’t a lot like it in mainstream American cinema, with the somewhat privileged (yet painfully relatable) themes it explores being limited to conversations had by those gathering to watch Jean-Luc Godard in their NYU dorm rooms. With his first Oscar nomination, The Royal Tenenbaums introduced much of the world to Wes Anderson, and many still consider it to be his finest work to date. 

56. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Oftentimes sequels don’t measure up to their predecessor, but Spider-Man 2 is one of the exceptions. Director Sam Raimi and screenwriter Alvin Sargent kept the best elements from the first Spider-Man movie and improved upon them, with the follow-up doing an excellent job exploring how Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker handles the burden of heroism and trying to balance his web-sliding activities with his civilian life. However, Spider-Man 2’s MVP is Alfred Molina, whose more sympathetic take on Doctor Octopus quickly cemented him as one of the best superhero movie villains of all time. It’s no wonder we still have yet to see another actor play the tentacled antagonist in a live-action movie. As a bonus, I love how the movie recreated the panel from 1967’s The Amazing Spider-Man #50 of Peter Parker leaving his costume behind in the garbage. A touch like that is a great Easter egg for Marvel fans, but is also just a gorgeous shot for the casuals watching the tale unfold.

55. Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar Animation’s eighth feature film, Ratatouille, is as surprising as its premise. It came at a time when the studio was high on a winning streak, redefining how we looked at toys, bugs, monsters, cars, superheroes and fish. Sure, making an audience empathetic to rats feels like a stretch, but the 2007 movie had a fresh and quirky way in that kept Pixar at an all-time high. What if one rat was secretly a gourmet cook in Paris, France? The results are so charming. 

Fronted by a charismatic voice performance from Patton Oswalt as Remy, packed with decadent and often mouth-watering animation greatly displayed inside a top-tier French kitchen and beautifully underlined by an all-time great score from Michael Giacchino, Pixar told a hilarious underdog story with the creativity and wonder the studio remains beloved for. It’s one of those movies that has one doing a double take at every human and animal you encounter next time you walk outside in playful curiosity about the world thinking “Anyone Can Cook.” 

54. Superbad (2007)

Seth Rogen has touted himself as a “permanent teenager,” and never has that title been truer than in the 2007 teen buddy comedy Superbad. The movie — which he penned with Evan Goldberg and stars a number of the regular Judd Apatow players — carries the funky vibe of the 1970s throughout, but its story is timeless. The only thing more relatable than high-school seniors Seth and Evan (played perfectly by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera) trying to get to a party to impress some girls was their underlying anxiety over not knowing what would happen to their friendship after graduation.

The laughs come a mile a minute — some may say it’s the funniest movie of all time — with an impressive cast that also includes Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Emma Stone and, of course, Seth Rogen. But in the end it’s the friendship at the heart of the story that makes this one worth watching again and again. Superbad is also responsible for giving us “McLovin,” for which we should be forever grateful.

53. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

One of the most intriguing stories related to the crime of check fraud is that of Frank Abagnale Jr., who impersonated various professions, passed off millions of dollars worth of phony checks, and outran the FBI between the ages of 16 and 21. At least, that is what the fraud prevention consultant claimed in his memoir, Catch Me If You Can. The book inspired an excellent movie of the same name.

This 1960s-set crime drama stars future Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio as the young, elusive con artist, who enters an intense, enduring game of cat-and-mouse with two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as a veteran FBI agent who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice, even if he becomes friends with him in the process. Following Minority Report, director Steven Spielberg completed his one-two punch of masterfully entertaining films in 2002 with this dazzling, devilishly charming, and even heartwarming tale. 

52. Cast Away (2000)

Everybody scream “Wilson!” with me! Now, let’s all break into violent sobs as we remember Tom Hanks losing his best friend… a volleyball with a face painted on it. Cast Away is a miracle. It’s essentially a one-man show that you can’t pull your eyes off of, because you root so hard for Hanks and want to see how he’s going to get off the deserted island on which he is stranded. Director Robert Zemeckis places us in Hanks’ sandals, so we feel frustration as he fails to get a makeshift raft over the incoming tide, and elation when he figures out how to start a fire. Hanks already was viewed as one of our greatest actors before he single handedly carried this survival story, but the gripping performance earned him his fifth Oscar nomination. (He lost to Russell Crowe in Gladiator.) Listen to this remarkable stat: Zemeckis filmed Cast Away’s first half with a chunky Hanks, then had to pause production while his leading man lost enough weight and grew enough hair to play his marooned self in the movie’s second half. During that pause, Zemeckis filmed an entire feature: 2000’s marital thriller What Lies Beneath, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford.

51. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

One thing to know about Ang Lee is that he keeps audiences guessing when it comes to his projects. And given his body of work leading up to the 2000s, not too many people might’ve expected him to helm a wuxia martial arts epic with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Yet movie lovers should be so glad he did. His seventh directorial effort is a masterpiece featuring beautifully choreographed fight sequences, impeccable production design, imposing performances and more.

Based on Wang Dulu’s 1942 novel of the same name, the highly ambitious production centers on a seasoned warrior and his equally skilled ally (and love interest), who aim to hunt down the former’s fabled sword so it can be delivered for safekeeping. Their quest ultimately leads them down a path neither could’ve ever imagined. Ang Lee assembled a highly formidable ensemble of actors led by Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, who all give career-best performances. The martial arts genre features a wide array of movies, but few can meet the standard set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

50. Legally Blonde (2001)

“What? Like it’s hard” to be one of the top 50 movies of the 2000s? It’s not for Legally Blonde, that’s for sure. Casually going to law school at Harvard to win back your ex-boyfriend is a far-fetched idea, but Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods doesn't just pull it off, she succeeds in grand fashion, obviously.  

Elle Woods is such an icon, she’s funny, gorgeous, and hyper-intelligent, and seeing her harness all of that to succeed at Harvard was empowering. Reese Witherspoon and the cast of Legally Blonde are also on their A-games in this movie, creating a hilariously smart and unique story. From Jennifer Coolidge’s “bend and snap” moment with our leading lady to the adorable rom-com subplot between Elle and Luke Wilson’s Emmett, the film is packed with memorable stories from fabulous characters.

Since then, Withersoon’s lawyer’s story has expanded into a sequel and a Broadway musical, because a world with more Elle Woods in it is “So Much Better.” 

49. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Tropic Thunder is a relentless and vicious commentary on the motion picture industry and all the absurdities associated with it. For two unyielding hours, Ben Stiller’s satirical action comedy mercilessly skewers the executives, the actors, the directors, the writers, the agents and even an explosives coordinator, painting them as deeply flawed and emotionally unstable people who will do anything to stay relevant and protect their own fragile egos. From blackface to stolen valor to exploiting the mentally handicapped, there’s no line they won’t cross in pursuit of their next award, their next paycheck or their next high.

Tropic Thunder shouldn’t work. From one angle, it’s a big budget, big studio action comedy filled with explosions, fart jokes and Tom Cruise dancing to Flo Rida. From another angle, it’s a deeply clever satire that repeatedly and without apology seeks out complicated and problematic subject matter. It’s a movie within a movie disguised as another movie, but instead of a disorganized mess, it somehow all comes together thanks to a fantastic script, an Oscar-nominated Robert Downey Jr. performance and the greatest little kid reaction shot in the history of movies.

48. Gladiator (2000)

Russell Crowe went on an absolute tear in the 2000s with a number of memorable movies, so it’s no surprise that the one he won the Best Actor Oscar for is on this list. Gladiator is an absolute triumph from start to finish, with knockout performances led by the direction of Ridley Scott. Maximus is an immediately likable character brought down to the lowest point of his life. He keeps fighting and survives solely because of the revenge he hopes to deliver to Commodus. 

And while Joaquin Phoenix did not win an Oscar for his nominated performance as Commodus, Maximus’ journey isn’t quite as sweet without him being every bit as unlikable as he should be. When the big scene finally comes for Maximus and Commodus to square off, how can you not be on the edge of your seat? Without a doubt one of the best gladiator movies of all time.

47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

While not strictly a love story, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire definitely owes a lot to the genre, as Jamal’s (Dev Patel) lifelong love for childhood friend Latika (Freida Pinto) drives much of what he does. The drama follows Jamal as he relays the events of his young life that have led him to correctly answering questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, after he’s arrested and tortured for cheating.

As Jamal takes us through the harrowing events of his childhood that led him not only to fall for Latika, but to compete on the show in an effort to find her again, we’re taken through an action-packed tale of survival under extreme circumstances, what a young man will go through to save the love of his life, and how we all probably know a lot more than we think we do. Definitely hard to watch at times, but inspirational nonetheless.

46. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

On one hand, Jonathan Daylon and Valerie Faris’ Little Miss Sunshine is one of the funniest movies of the 2000s, but on the other hand it’s one of the most tragic stories to come out of the decade. The “road trip from Hell” setup had been done countless times prior to the film’s 2006 release, but rarely had the subgenre been as effective, emotional, or laugh out loud funny.

Michael Arndt’s hilarious, heartbreaking, and nuanced screenplay, which earned him an Oscar, doesn’t play it safe by avoiding life’s tragedies (both major and minor), but instead faces them head-on, creating a cathartic experience for his characters and audience alike. Transformative performances by the late Alan Arkin (he also won an Academy Award), Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette and the rest of the Little Miss Sunshine cast make you feel their characters are family, which is the heart and soul of this outstanding film.

45. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Keira Knightley’s Pride & Prejudice is hardly the first take on the novel of the same name, but the 2005 film arguably set the standard for modern Jane Austen movie adaptations. The love story between Elizabeth Bennet (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) is beautifully told, and made all the more memorable for the cinematography, soundtrack, and chemistry between the stars. In fact, the cast was stacked with stars who either already had or would become big names, including Donald Sutherland, Judi Dench, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, and Kelly Reilly in addition to Knightley and Macfadyen. 

The world of the Bennet family in this Pride & Prejudice feels lived in and domestic in a way that adds a touch of modern realism to a Regency-era period drama and contrasts the more austere beauty of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley estate. The film isn’t as faithful to the book as the beloved 1995 BBC miniseries, but it hits the important beats of the original Jane Austen story in just over two hours while also being completely accessible to viewers who haven’t read the book, with moments like the iconic hand flex of Mr. Darcy that fans far and wide know well. 

44. Adaptation (2002)

Adaptation is a book adaptation about the adaptation process. Understood? Wonderful. 

Nicolas Cage plays dual roles as the most neurotic possible version of screenwriter Charlie Kauffman, as well as his fictitious twin Donald Kauffman. Originally hired to write the film adaptation for Susan Orlean’s bestseller The Orchid Thief, Charlie Kauffman experiences a debilitating case of writer’s block, stemming from a slew of mental health issues including social anxiety, body dysmorphia and depression. This sends him on something of a tortured artist’s odyssey that leads him to write himself, and the experience, into his script. Thus, we get Adaptation, a hybrid of both the story of The Orchid Thief, and Kauffman’s experience adapting it.

These days, such a meta concept is somewhat commonplace, but over 20 years ago, this was the most bonkers script since Kauffman’s Being John Malkovich. Malkovich was even worked into Adaptation’s storyline, with John Cusack, Catherine Keener and the titular John Malkovich playing themselves. The point is, this film is WEIRD in the best of ways, yet still managed to grab Oscar nominations for Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep, as well as a win for Chris Cooper. Adaptation is perhaps the greatest cinematic insight into the creative writing process, and the effect it has on one’s psyche, ever made.

43. Love & Basketball (2000)

The best romantic comedies might get a lot of attention from fans of lovey dovey stories, but romantic dramas deserve our eyeballs as well, and Love & Basketball is one that really should be praised. This romance (which is also a fantastic sports drama) tells the story of Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), two talented, basketball-obsessed kids who bond over their love of the sport, but have several trials as they attempt to take their relationship from friends to lovers in their high school and college years and, later, in their twenties.

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s feature-length directorial debut does an amazing job of showing how hard it can be for two people who are so dedicated to their craft to make time for one another, especially as the pressure to succeed in their sport pulls them in different directions. But, it goes much further than that, with each of their complicated family dynamics and emotional wounds taking this love story to the next level.

42. Minority Report (2002)

If you had the chance to predict and prevent a tragic crime, the choice sounds obvious, right? That is until you are faced with the possibility that the prediction is wrong and your arrestee was destined to be innocent. That provocative idea was the basis for a 1956 short story by prolific science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick, which was later adapted into one of director Steven Spielberg’s most exciting films of the decade, if not his full career.

Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton — the chief for a special police unit that uses a trio of clairvoyant siblings to detect future murders — who begins to question their seemingly “perfect” system when he makes the horrifying discovery that the potential perpetrator of his next case is himself, forcing him to go on the run. The truth behind this prediction revealed in the brilliant twist ending of Minority Report is one of the many fascinating and thought-provoking aspects of this astonishingly inventive sci-fi masterpiece that is not quite dystopian, but far from utopian either.

41. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Over the past few years, there have been great strides for representation and diverse stories in Hollywood. But back in the early 2000s, this wasn’t exactly the case. Which is why Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain was such a groundbreaking movie upon its release. Hollywood simply wasn’t telling queer love stories through major blockbusters, let alone honoring them with major Awards Nominations.

While there’s been some backlash about straight actors playing LGBTQ+ roles, Brokeback likely only got produced because of its bankable (and yes straight) lead actors. For their part, both Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger offer moving and complicated performances that still stand up today. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway also really deliver, which is par for the course for those talented actresses. This quartet of performers tell their characters’ stories through decades of time, and to devastating results. And the acclaimed film is still so beloved that it’s being adapted for the stage on the West End, starring Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges. 

40. American Psycho (2000)

Author Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho is a shocking literary experience. There are scenes in it that will make even the most seasoned horror fan blanche – and reading it, you can understand why it was deemed unadaptable for a time after its publication. When it did finally get brought to the big screen, co-adapted by screenwriter Guinevere Turner and director Mary Harron, the material was understandably pulled back a bit, but the movie still remains a scary and biting satire that takes aim at the hardcore capitalism in the 1980s.

Years before he became a big screen legend playing Batman, Christian Bale became a horror icon with his performance as Patrick Bateman – a white, rich sociopath who enjoys torturing and slaughtering women… but who nonetheless blends in with all the rest of New York’s white, rich sociopaths. It’s a rich cinematic experience that manages to be both satisfyingly scary and surprisingly funny.

39. 28 Days Later (2002)

Certain movies can be credited as causing shifts so powerful, an entire genre felt its influence. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later is one such film, as this lo-fi British horror-thriller would go on to see interest in movies like Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Shaun of the Dead being boosted. 

Revitalizing the zombie genre, while not calling its own creatures by the Z-word, the normal rules didn’t apply in this horror masterpiece. In the world of the previously coma-ridden Jim (Cillian Murphy), the vicious “infected” could come from anywhere, with blazing speed. Survival, in some situations, could be measured in a heartbeat, with a drop of blood or saliva making the difference. 

Stocked with a who’s who of actors like Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston, and Naomie Harris, 28 Days Later did for zombies what Scream did for slasher films. Challenging the status quo with relentless energy, the film is all at once terrifying, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland resurrected the undead genre with stunning results.

38. Amelie (2001)

One of the most delightful stories committed to film. French ingénue Audrey Tautou was perfectly cast as the title character Amelie, who is believed to have a delicate heart condition and so is overprotected by her doting parents. As a result of her gently-imposed isolation, Amelie develops an overactive imagination, which leads her on a series of whimsical adventures. Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet embraces magical realism as a style, with Tautou basically gliding through this giddy fantasy as she works to make the lives of everyone around her happy, and possibly find love on her own in the process. Amelie seems to transmit joy, and if you aren’t uplifted by Tautou’s effervescent performance, you might want to check to ensure you still have a pulse. Now, go borrow someone else’s lawn gnome, photograph it in front of a celebrated vacation spot, and spread the joy of Amelie with anyone who hasn’t yet seen this delightful gem. 

37. Donnie Darko (2001)

There may not be a more aggressively strange and maddeningly perplexing movie on this list than Donnie Darko. Yet, its mysterious and nearly off-putting nature may be the reason why — despite nearly becoming a cable TV movie (if not for Christopher Nolan’s praise) and ultimately bombing at the box office — it remains an enduring cult hit.

At its core, writer and director Richard Kelly’s feature-length debut is the story of an emotionally troubled young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose struggle to navigate adolescence in the late 1980s is worsened by visions of an apocalyptic soothsayer in a horrifying rabbit suit, but it is much more than that. It is a sharp coming-of-age satire on par with some of John Hughes’ films, a classic time travel movie, and a pervasively grim fantasy tale that serves as a perfect Halloween tradition, among other things. Above all, however, Donnie Darko is unique enough to defy categorization, resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience. 

36. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

If we’re only including one adaptation of the Harry Potter series on this list, it has to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The source material has our lead trio entering into their teen years with more studies than ever and higher stakes all around. New characters are introduced, major reveals transpire and there’s also that twisty bit of time travel. Oh, and let’s not forget the bone-chilling Dementors, whose powers include dredging up a person’s darkest memories and fears. 

Those things on their own give Prisoner of Azkaban an edge over some of the other books, but Alfonso Cuarón’s adaptation does more than just bring one of the best installments of the series to life. New layers of the magical world emerge on the screen thanks to the cinematography, not to mention Cuarón’s vision and patient approach to the pacing, which gives us the chance to really soak in the surroundings in any given scene. Whether it’s showing the change of seasons at Hogwarts or the stunning sight of Harry soaring over the lake on the back of a Hippogriff, it’s more than enough to set the film above its predecessors and raise the bar firmly for the adaptations that would follow. 

35. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Devil Wears Prada is already a classic. While the film quality itself is high, the movie has also become part of the fabric of pop culture, thanks to its quotable lines and the unbelievable performance of one Meryl Streep. Anne Hathaway is regularly transformed into a meme thanks to the scene where Annie shows up to work post-makeover in Chanel Boots.

Aside from the pop culture of it all, The Devil Wears Prada is a delightful movie romp. The fashions are aspirational, and the cast is truly on top of their game. Special points to Emily Blunt, who became a household name following her performance as Emily. And considering how light and frothy even the movie’s drama is, the rewatchability of this book to movie adaptation cannot be understated. If you haven’t watched Devil Wears Prada recently, by all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

34. The Lord Of The Rings Movies (2001-2003)

There are very few fantasy movie franchises out there that have been great all the way through. They have their dips and slides, but if there’s one major fantasy franchise to rule them all, it has to be The Lord of the Rings movies. 

The film franchise mainly follows Frodo Baggins as he travels with the Fellowship on a quest to destroy the One Ring in order to take down the person who made it, Sauron. But don't take that premise at face value – there is so much more to this story than meets the eye. 

The Lord of the Rings movies are perfect in every shape and form. From the battle sequences to the visual effects to the acting, there is much to love and adore about these films. The Lord of the Rings delivers in ways fans can't even imagine. There's a reason why the franchise is so popular years later – and how spinoffs, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, have been released in recent years. The love keeps pouring in. 

33. Casino Royale (2006)

When James Bond was given his iconic Walther PPK in Dr. No, Sean Connery’s initial incarnation is told the weapon has “a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window.” The same could be said for 2006’s Casino Royale, as the introduction to Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies wasn’t shy about changing things up, and surprising even the most experienced 007 fans with how it would depict Commander Bond’s exploits.

Director Martin Campbell’s franchise reboot was as lean and mean as they come. Casino Royale showed 007 getting his ass handed to him, and his heart broken. Such vulnerability didn’t weaken the character, but rather it humanized him and added a suspense that the Bond movies had lost for some time.

Daniel Craig stepped into the role of the modern James Bond as if it were a tuxedo perfectly tailored for his presence. Wryly funny, yet cold and calculating when he had to pull the trigger, Craig made the role his own from frame one. To see such an iconic series redefined so perfectly, after 20 movies and over four decades of history before it, is something that still astonishes as much now as it did upon initial viewing.

32. Batman Begins (2005)

One of the most notorious bombs in Hollywood history is 1997’s Batman & Robin — a movie that, despite having some fans, is so cartoonishly absurd and dismissive of the source material’s essential themes and tone that it would be the last we would see of one of DC Comics’ most important characters on the big screen for years. The Caped Crusader’s resurgence in cinema — and in modern pop culture — can be traced back to when director Christopher Nolan went back to basics and all the way back to the beginning of his war on crime in Batman Begins.

Christian Bale immediately asserted himself as one of the best actors to play Batman with his grounded and stoic performance as a Bruce Wayne desperate to rescue his beloved Gotham City — one of the most stunningly realistic and effectively grimy depictions of the burdened metropolis — from the cesspool of crime and corruption it has become. While it is not widely considered to be the absolute best of the live-action Batman movies so far (more on that one later), most would agree that Batman Begins is one of the best superhero movies in general for its refreshingly earnest and complex approach to comic book lore, exhilarating action sequences and technical mastery, and reinventing the Dark Knight for a new generation without losing sight of what made him an icon in the first place.

31. Children of Men (2006)

In a dystopian future, environmental malpractice has led to constant war, famine, and total human infertility. So imagine the surprise felt by former political activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) when he learns that a young female refugee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) is pregnant, and is poised to deliver the first natural childbirth in eighteen years. 

Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron was coming off of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (considered by many to be the best film in that saga) when he unleashed his talents on Children of Men. His breathtaking approach to editing and cinematography propels the action forward at a feverish pitch, with Cuaron often choosing to stage his movements in long, eye-popping, unbroken shots that lure the audience to the edge of their seats. Cuaron says this is a movie about hope, but you have to endure a lot of credible despair to finally unearth it. It’s worth the effort.

30. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

As times change, what’s considered popular is as fluid as water itself. Sometimes a movie can be ahead of the curve in that respect, dictating a whole era of cool in its very existence. Director Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven did just that, as both an uber slick heist movie, and as a modernized remake of a pre-existing film. 

The 1960’s Rat Pack extravaganza about war veterans looking for one big score was turned into a gathering of thieves, assembled by one man (George Clooney) looking for something more than cash. While the stakes were changed, and the number spelled out in the title, this film nailed the breezy energy that made the original so lovely.

Be it an all-star cast including Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts, the insanely slick soundtrack, or even just the way George Clooney could rock a suit without a tie, Ocean’s Eleven doesn’t telegraph its style. It presents it with great confidence, and allows you to decide if it’s worth your while. It’s a love letter to the past, while playing to the viewer of today; with a result as cool as that drink you just ordered at the bar.

29. Chicago (2002)

If you look at just about any list of the best musicals of the 21st century, it’s basically a guarantee that Chicago will be there. The adaptation of Bob Fosse’s long-running musical is one of few musical films to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Catherine Zeta-Jones took home a trophy as well for her stellar performance as the “All That Jazz” singer who killed her husband and sister, Velma Kelly. This film has intrigue, sex, murder, genius performances and a whole lot of jazz, and it's truly a masterful musical adaptation.

Rob Marshall ultimately made a musical that stays true to its stage roots, but also heightens the entire story through movie magic. Take “Cell Block Tango” for example, the majority of the song is performed on a stage, and the women singing about murdering their husbands are in black costumes similar to the wardrobe from Broadway. However, it’s bigger as a whole, and it flashes between the actual prison, and this staged dream-like sequence. By doing this for every number, the film both elevated and paid homage to its predecessor, which is just one of the many reasons it’s so incredible.

28. Iron Man (2008)

From being the first self-financed Marvel Studios production, executives initially being opposed to casting Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, and most of the dialogue being improvised since the script wasn’t finished when production began, there was a lot that could have gone wrong with Iron Man. And yet, the end result stands as a triumph in large part due to Downey’s performance as the genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist.

But of course, one can’t discuss Iron Man without addressing how it changed the film franchise game. Once Nick Fury emerged from the shadows and mentioned the Avengers Initiative in the post-credits scene, that was the first big tipoff that this movie was the first chapter in a shared universe, just like in the original Marvel comics. More than a decade later, the MCU still stands as a Hollywood powerhouse, and many franchises, both superhero and from other genres, have followed in its footsteps. 

27. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

The slacker bastard child of George Romero's Dead films and Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead is a rarity in cinema, and not just for having the gall to sacrifice the soundtrack to 1989's Batman. It's a largely perfect amalgam of authenticity and parodical storytelling, anchored to the comedic whims and wiles of  director Edgar Wright, his co-writer Simon Pegg,  and Pegg’s co-star Nick Frost. As it goes with that trio’s other film on this list (see #65), Shaun’s biggest strength is its characters who feel real enough to legitimize the zombie apocalypse chaos, while also making viewers care about them even when the gory threats aren’t around the corner.

Shaun of the Dead may go down as the funniest horror movie to have ever existed, while also delivering some genuinely disturbing moments throughout that keep the adventure from falling too far into the funnies. Simon Pegg even transcends the dual genre description by spinning palpable emotion out of his struggle to prioritize the safety of his relationship, his BFF, and his mom. And if that wasn’t enough, it allowed moviegoers to spend some time in the Winchester, and that’s a slice of fried gold that makes everyone’s life better.

26. Moon (2009)

Whenever we sit down for a sci-fi film, especially one that takes place on a remote station somewhere away from our planet, we all know that we’re in for a twisty tale, and Moon certainly fulfills that promise. Duncan Jones’ 2009 directorial debut (he also came up with the story) focuses on Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), the lone human working a mostly automated mining facility on the far side of the moon, who begins to have troubling hallucinations as he nears the end of his work contract.

What follows is surprising, as not only does the story take several intriguingly unexpected turns, but it also examines what it’s like to be isolated from others (including loved ones), holding on to a sense of community, and one’s willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Throw in a creepy AI, which can’t quite be determined as a helper or a hindrance for a time, and you get science fiction gold.

25. The Incredibles (2004)

Released during the early years of the superhero movie’s surging popularity, The Incredibles still holds up tremendously after all this time, despite so many other offerings from Marvel, DC and other studios being delivered nearly two decades after its release. To be sure, Pixar’s sixth full-length feature does a spectacular job at both honoring classic superhero stories and tropes, as well as poking fun at them, including the hilarious ‘no capes’ gag. But The Incredibles’ greatest feat isn’t how it handles these larger-than-life elements, but rather how it makes these characters feel relatable and complex in the midst of the action.

From Bob and Helen Parr being concerned about their children’s welfare, whether they’re living everyday life in suburbia or fighting bad guys in costume, to understanding that Syndrome’s sinister motivations stem from the hurt he endured as an adolescent, The Incredibles never pushes aside its humanity in favor of spectacle; instead, they compliment each other quite nicely. Throw in outstanding vocal performances from actors like Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, and Brad Bird excelling as both the director and screenwriter, this movie stands out not just as a superhero movie, but as one of the greatest entries in Pixar’s library.

24. Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Join Us In Creating Excellence. More powerful than any anti-drug ad, Requiem for a Dream hit theaters in 2000 and has stood the test of time as possibly the most affecting portrayal of addiction to date. Based on the Hubert Selby Jr. book of the same name, Darren Aronofsky’s film explores more than just the heroin addictions of Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans’ characters. Ellen Burstyn’s obsession with being on television and fitting into her red dress is haunting, and there’s no questioning why the role earned her an Academy Award nomination.

The work behind the camera was equal to the all-around horrifying performances, as Darren Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique added to the story in how every shot was framed, the choreography of the characters’ movements, and the use of sound effects and split screens. The score was worthy of praise all on its own, with "Lux Aeterna" — the song that played over the climax of the film — leaving such an impression that it has gone on to be re-orchestrated for several other movie and video game trailers. 

Combine all of this and add a little of Christopher McDonald’s Tappy Tibbons J.U.I.C.E., and you’ve got a real feel-bad movie that may never fully leave you.

23. Oldboy (2003)

Because many have such good storylines, South Korean films have become some of the biggest international movies.. A few examples could be Parasite and The Wailing. One movie in particular stands above many of them, and that's Oldboy. 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film is loosely based on the Japanese manga of the same name and focuses on Dae-su, a man imprisoned in a cell that looks like a hotel room, for fifteen years, without knowing who the person was behind his capture. But when he gets his chance at freedom, he makes it his mission to find out who committed the crime all those years ago – only to find out there is much more to his imprisonment than he thought. 

Oldboy is incredible. The action scenes are probably some of the best recorded on a movie screen and have been imitated many times – just the corridor fight scene itself is enough to satisfy any action-movie fan. The story is intriguing all the way until the end, which will blow the minds of first-time viewers. Truly, Oldboy is a staple of the South Korean film industry – and a fantastic movie of the 2000s. 

22. Collateral (2004)

Michael Mann had already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest directors in the world of crime thrillers, but he further made a case for himself with his 2004 thriller, Collateral. Clocking in at exactly two hours, this cool, violent, and ruthless neo-noir classic not only sees one of the best Jamie Foxx performances with his portrayal of cab driver Max (a role that should have earned him an Oscar), it also introduces one of Tom Cruise’s most unhinged characters: Vincent, a mysterious and deadly assassin.

Cruise, who was coming off movies like Minority Report and The Last Samurai, is incredibly refreshing as the film’s antagonist, and it shows a side of the star that audiences don’t get to see as much. Seeing the actor’s undeniable charm and big-screen energy used to breathe life into someone who is pure evil is quite the experience, and really messes with the viewers’ mindset. In addition to actors like Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem, and Jada Pinkett Smith, the movie also treats the city of Los Angeles less like a backdrop and more as another character, one that feels more alive as the story goes on, much like Mann’s 1995 heist film, Heat.

21. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Since the early days of moviemaking, Walt Disney’s viewpoint of the fairytale has had a stake in popular culture. It’s G-rated, soft and sweet, and there’s always a happy ending. Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth brings to life a fairytale that redefined what a fantasy movie can look like with its distinct and unforgettable vision. Set in 1944 Spain as the country picks up the pieces of the Spanish Civil War, the R-rated fantasy film follows a young girl named Ofelia as she faces the violent reality of the Francoist period and stumbles upon a dark wonderland in the shadows (or at least the shadows of her imagination). 

As del Toro was coming off two more commercial movies in Blade II and Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth is a breathtaking highlight in an all-time great filmmaker’s career. Across two hours, the Spanish-language movie brings to life an extraordinary vision that beautifully balances being twisted and innocent all at once with memorable horror, gore, mythical creations and a ton of gorgeous practical creature effects. How does he balance a magical quest with political drama? Some especially memorable words in Pan’s Labyrinth answers that question: If “door is locked,” one must “create your own.” In a landscape where fairytales can be predictable, del Toro opened a wonderfully defiant world of his own with Pan’s Labyrinth.

20. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) And Vol. 2 (2004)

After turning the heist movie on its head with 1992’s Reservoir Dogs, and changing the way audiences perceive movies in general (and winning a screenwriting Oscar) with 1994’s Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino very quickly made himself into one of the most unique and esteemed icons of the medium. However, after releasing his 1997 Elmore Leonard adaptation, Jackie Brown, we would not see him direct anything for another six years. Little did we know that he was planning to come back with something big — so big, that just one movie was not enough to tell the story. Based on a character Tarantino created with star Uma Thurman on the Pulp Fiction set, Kill Bill follows a deadly assassin initially known only as The Bride — one of the greatest female action heroes — who wakes up from a four-year coma with a furious urge to punish those who tried to put her to sleep permanently, with her former boss (David Carradine) being the primary target. 

For years, it was debated whether or not the stylistically disparate halves of the story — with Vol. 1 being an ode to ‘70s kung fu movies and Vol. 2 counting as Tarantino’s first western, essentially — should count as one film. Well, even if the director had never officially clarified that he does see Kill Bill as one movie, we still would have designated one spot for both volumes of this exquisitely crafted, gorgeously choreographed, visually and emotionally breathtaking epic on this list, because that is the only way to experience "the whole bloody affair.” 

• A Kill Bill Quote To Remember: “That's right. I killed your master. And now I'm gonna kill you too, with your own sword, no less, which in the very immediate future, will become... my sword.” (The Bride)

19. Training Day (2001)

In 100 years, when film historians look back to determine why Denzel Washington was considered one of the best actors of his generation, director Antoine Fuqua's Training Day should be at the top of any screening list. Detective Alonzo Harris is a special kind of monster, and Washington’s work offers incredible escalation and power. At first, he just seems like a hardened detective who has made some scary discoveries about how best to patrol the city of Los Angeles, but he becomes a whole different kind of beast by the end – one that King Kong ain’t got nothin’ on.

But while Training Day features an all-time great performance from one of the all-time great actors, not to be ignored is just how terrific the movie as a whole is. Ethan Hawke is also at the top of his game as up-and-coming officer Jake Hoyt, who faces death and peril as he slowly understands the real game that Alonzo is playing, and David Ayer’s screenplay is special – packing the believable character arcs and growing stakes into a limited 24-hour time frame. Even on the tenth viewing it is successful at raising your pulse and getting you to invest in the protagonist’s peril, and that’s the mark of a truly great thriller.

• A Training Day Quote To Remember: “You gotta control your smiles and cries, because that's all you have and nobody can take that away from you.” (Jake Hoyt)

18. The Wrestler (2008)

Still considered one of the best movies of 2008 more than a decade later, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a grueling battle royale of emotions that doesn’t pull any punches with its story about a broken-down professional wrestler looking for one last shot at redemption. Channeling both the triumph and tragedy, and the agony and ecstasy of putting one’s life on the line day-in and day-out for decades, Mickey Rourke gave audiences the performance of a lifetime with his portrayal of washed-up wrestler, Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a one-time larger-than-life titan caught somewhere between his past and uncertain future.

There are a lot of parallels between the character and Rouke’s own journey in this semi-autobiographical drama, which adds a tremendous amount of depth to not only his performance, but also the movie in general. Though wrestling is often considered a fake sport, Rourke’s performance and Aronofsky’s commitment to portraying the industry in an honest and genuine light is incredibly real. The physical, mental, and emotional pain can be felt in each of Randy’s movements, heard in his voice, and seen in his eyes as the former champ wrestles in high school gyms and attempts to make ends meet by taking on shifts at a local grocery store deli. Then there are the religious allegories that are explored through Randy’s character, as well as Marisa Tomei’s Cassidy, which make it all even more potent.

• A The Wrestler Quote To Remember: “I'll tell you somethin', I hate the fuckin' 90's.” (Randy Robinson)

17. Finding Nemo (2003)

Pixar has created some of the greatest animated films of all time, and Finding Nemo may be the studio’s true crowning achievement. It is as beautifully animated as it is emotionally powerful. The undersea world of Nemo is gorgeous simply to look at, and that’s just as true today as it was when the film was released. 

2003's Finding Nemo’s voice casting is second to none. Nobody does neurotic like Albert Brooks. Nobody can play clueless like Ellen DeGeneres. Nobody plays a tough guy of questionable sanity like Willem Dafoe. These are the actors you would cast if you were telling this story in live-action, and they bring it all to the voice performances in a way that truly brings these characters to life.

And Finding Nemo is able to balance its emotional extremes perfectly. We’re used to Pixar movies making us cry but years before Up, Finding Nemo opened with an incredibly heartbreaking moment. But after that, it’s able to be hilarious, scary, and even exciting. Finally, it concludes with the sort of resolution that stands the test of time, as young children will see the film and relate with Nemo, then grow up, and begin to understand Marlin in a new way.  Nemo does it all, not bad for a clownfish with a bad fin. 

• A Finding Nemo Quote To Remember: “Of course I like you. It’s because I like you, I don’t want to be with you. It’s a complicated emotion.” (Marlin)

16. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

“I think this just might be my masterpiece.” That’s the final line in writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and coming as it does at the end of 153 minutes of perfection, it’s hard not to read it as a message directly from the filmmaker to the audience. In 2009, Tarantino was coming off of a low point in his career with the disappointing theatrical release of Grindhouse, but his follow-up is a phenomenal World War II epic that only he could make: Nazi-killing action packaged in a love letter to cinema.

Two stories – the revenge of Mélanie Laurent's Shosanna Dreyfus and the mission of the titular troop – play out in parallel with equal captivating energy right up until they collide in the (literally) explosive finale. While there isn’t a star in the expansive ensemble who doesn’t deliver a memorable performance (from Brad Pitt to Michael Fassbender to even Mike Myers), there isn’t a person who can watch the film and not walk away mesmerized by the work done by Christoph Waltz in his star-making turn as Hans Landa. It’s not an easy thing to blend a vibe of dastardly evil with sharp charisma, but Waltz is a force in the role, and it remains the best thing he has done in his career.

• An Inglourious Basterds Quote To Remember: “Well, you don't got to be Stonewall Jackson to know you don't want to fight in a basement.” (Lt. Aldo Raine)

15. Spirited Away (2001)

Studio Ghibli is one of the world's most-known anime film studios. Co-founded by legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki, the studio has created some of the best anime films of all time, one of which is Spirited Away – which Hayao Miyazaki directed. 

Spirited Away is about a journey into the spirit world following the young Chihiro. Taking place in Japan, we follow the little girl, who happens to be moving to a new neighborhood with her family. When her parents decide to take a shortcut to their new home and explore what looks to be an abandoned amusement park, Chihiro is forced to go along. However, there's magic everywhere, and her mom and dad turn into pigs against their will for eating a gluttonous feast. For her to get them back, she must work for the spirits in the bathhouse, so they can return to the human world. 

The premise itself sounds like a lot at first, but it's become Studio Ghibli’s – and Hayao Miyazaki's – highest-grossing film. It’s also the only anime film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the only hand-drawn film (so far) to accomplish the task. The movie features themes about love and learning to grow up and be brave. It's the perfect gateway movie into the anime film – indeed, one of the best movies of the 2000s. 

• A Spirited Away Quote To Remember: “I don't need any help; this place is full of soot.” (Kamaji)

14. The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige is a battle of wills between two talented and irreparably flawed magicians, who can’t stay out of each other’s lives. Their differing roles in a shared tragedy push them apart and then repeatedly back together, as their initial determination to succeed steadily gives way to an obsession for vengeance. That obsession drives them to sacrifice and abandon everything healthy about their lives until they’re each left with only a singular drive to sabotage the other.

Based on that description, The Prestige sounds like a really dark movie. In many ways, it is, but in director Christopher Nolan’s hands, it’s also often really fun. It has a sense of wonder and mystery about it, as it not only dives into the idiosyncrasies of magic but also the exciting possibilities of science in the 1890s and early 1900s. It was a time and place in which anything felt possible, and you really feel that hopeful uncertainty thanks to a timeline that jumps to and fro and fantastic performances from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and a perfectly cast David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Like a great magic trick, the first time you watch The Prestige, you’re fascinated by the spectacle and simply along for the ride. Then every time you rewatch it afterwards, you’re blown away by all the subtle skill required to pull it off.

• A The Prestige Quote To Remember: “Nobody cares about the man in the box.” (Robert Angier)

13. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Looking back, 2007 was one of the best movie years in recent memory, considering classics like No Country For Old Men, Zodiac, and Superbad all premiered on the big screen. But one of the biggest, baddest, and most arresting of those releases was Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. An epic period drama about oilman Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) doing everything in his power and stepping on anyone in his way in his quest for wealth in the early 20th-century oil boom, the movie is a deep and vast exploration of a man’s psyche and desire to become the biggest player in the game.

While Day-Lewis’s performance is tremendous and more than deserving of the Oscar he received, it’s made even better thanks to his character’s conflict with Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a religious zealot who is just as tenacious and hungry for power as his counterpart. Several of the movie’s most iconic scenes (like the oil-town baptism and shocking ending sequence) are the result of the actor’s tremendous chemistry and ability to play off each other’s words. The pair, who get along like oil and holy water, create a dynamic that’s not quite a battle between good and evil, but instead something much deeper than that, which adds another level to this incredible cinematic achievement.

• A There Will Be Blood Quote To Remember: “You're an orphan from a basket in the middle of the desert, and I took you for no other reason than I needed a sweet face to buy land.” (Daniel)

12. In Bruges (2008)

Prior to 2008, Martin McDonagh was established as a talented and popular playwright, but he had ambitions to make his way into movies. In 2004, he directed the incredible short film Six Shooter (which won an Academy Award), and then he moved to features. He made his debut with In Bruges, and anyone who saw it instantly recognized McDonagh’s potential to become one of the best filmmakers working today (potential he has made good on with the genius of Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin).

In Bruges takes a high concept premise – two hitman hide out in Belgium waiting for instructions after a job goes bad – and weaves a remarkable meditation on life and death. It’s a dark comedy (and a hilarious one at that), but it has a beautiful blend of tones that radiate from the genius work of stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. Farrell and Gleeson have a unique chemistry that works on both comedic and dramatic levels (it’s far from a mystery why McDonagh reunited them for The Banshees of Inisherin) and the bizarrely rage and logic-filled energy that Fiennes brings in the third act is icing on the cake.

• An In Bruges Quote To Remember: “I kinda like hearing people having sex. Means at least somebody around here's happy.” (Ray)

11. Almost Famous (2000)

If a 15-year-old going on tour with a raucous rock band wasn’t enough of a hook, Almost Famous also happens to have one of the most memorable posters/ DVD box covers of all time. It focuses on the enigmatic Penny Lane, the heroine of Cameron Crowe’s film, whom everyone loves to love and admire and most don’t bother to understand. With distinct shades and tendrils of blonde hair, she draws you into her world of Humble Pie and heartbreak, and in between commentary on what made the ’70s the ’70s and a slick soundtrack including Led Zeppelin, The Who and of course Elton John, she helps turn the film into one of the best of the 2000s.

It’s a career-defining performance for Kate Hudson, and she’s not the only one who delivers. Jason Lee grows a mustache and long hair to fall into his hilarious lead singer role while Billy Crudup is similarly unrecognizable as the talented and moody Russell Hammond. Patrick Fugit plays William Miller, younger than most but wiser than some, and he finds a terrific foil in Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays famed music writer Lester Bangs. Throw in great work from Frances McDormand, Zooey Deschanel and even Jimmy Fallon and it’s a masterclass of terrific performances. If it’s been a while since you’ve revisited the movie, maybe throw on some purple-tinted sunglasses and kick back to the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” Settle in, you’re almost home.

• An Almost Famous Quote To Remember: “If you never take it seriously, you never get hurt. If you never get hurt, you always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends.” (Penny Lane)

10. No Country For Old Men (2007)

No matter what kind of film genre is up for discussion, the power and breadth of the Coen Brothers' filmography is worthy of inclusion, and they don't make 'em much better than 2007's No Country for Old Men. An adaptation of Carmac McCarthy’s 2005 novel that’s every bit as faithful as it is chilling, the film meticulously dips its toes most heavily into the cinematic waters of crime thrillers and westerns. That said, Javier Bardem’s unflinching hitman, Anton Chigurh, would be at home in any horror narrative, with his Two-Face-esque coin flips and an unstoppable drive that rivals Jason Voorhees or Michael Meyers. At least if a big ol’ stack of cash was also their end goal.

Despite being one of Joel and Ethan Coen’s driest films regarding their signature screwball humor, the movie is an exercise in tension that thrives on its lack of levity, though it’s hard not to smile whenever Woody Harrelson is on the screen in any capacity. With a stellar cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt and more, No Country for Old Men is, to date, the only Coen brothers masterpiece to win them the Oscars for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture, with Bardem taking the gold for Best Supporting Actor. It’s not the awards that best signify its impact, however, but the bolt pistol gripped in Chigurh’s ever-steady hand.

• A No Country For Old Men Quote To Remember: “Well all the time ya spend trying to get back what's been took from ya, more is going out the door. After a while you just have to try to get a tourniquet on it.” (Ellis)

9. Memento (2000)

Talk about a movie that you definitely need to watch without your phone in your hand. Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a mind-bending combination of different angles that demands and deserves your entire attention. The story is told backward, broken up by clips of a black and white, forward-moving montage of a mysterious one-sided phone call in a hotel, led by Guy Pearce, whose character Leonard, also happens to have anterograde (or short-term) amnesia, stopping our protagonist from creating new memories as he looks for his wife’s killer, who also gave him this debilitating injury.

As mentioned, Nolan basically begins at the end and works his way back, for the most part. The juxtaposition of the timelines bring the audience into the obvious confusion that Leonard lives with every day. "Even if you get revenge, you're not going to remember it," he's told by his new friend Teddy (played by Joe Pantoliano) but his reply shows just how far his love and determination will go, stating "My wife deserves revenge whether or not I remember it."  Toss in Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) to add some confusing sympathy (or treachery) and you will probably want a second viewing just to wrap your mind around what you might have initially dismissed as unimportant plot points from this Nolan classic. You’ll notice that Nolan has popped up numerous times on this list (and rightfully so) and he has also once again recently hit it out of the park with 2023’s Oppenheimer.  

• A Memento Quote To Remember: “So you lie to yourself to be happy. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all do it.” (Teddy G.)

8. Wall-E (2008)

Do you know who is a genius? Sound designer Ben Burtt. You might not know his name, but you certainly know the movies he contributed to over the years, including Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and 2009’s Star Trek. Burtt designed the “vocals” for R2-D2, Darth Vader’s heavy breathing, and the “voice” of E.T. But, his work truly soared when he lent dialogue to the adorable Waste Allocation Load Lifter assigned to an abandoned Earth. MIraculously, the first half of Pixar’s ingenious WALL-E works as a silent film, following our main character as it goes about its daily routine with a pet cockroach in tow. WALL-E’s life is upended when another robot named EVE arrives, searching for any sign of life. 

From there, the fate of humanity starts to be revealed, and it’s rather grim. Director Andrew Stanton’s animation for the film ranks as some of Pixar’s most magnificent, embracing the scorched orange of a deserted Earth and then painting with vivid colors for WALL-E’s eventual outer-space adventure. The environmental messages of the film are important without ever being preachy. And, the eventual romance felt and shared by WALL-E and EVE will lift every single heart, with the lovers sharing hardly any words. 

• A Wall-E Quote To Remember: “I see the ship's log is showing that today is the 700th anniversary of our five year cruise. Well, I'm sure our forefathers would be proud to know that 700 years later we'd be... doing the exact same thing they were doing.” (Captain B. McCrea)

7. The Departed (2006)

There are crime films and then there are Martin Scorsese crime films, and when it comes to The Departed, the director doesn’t let us down. A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, the 2006 movie gives us a range of characters to root for, root against or simply watch just to see what they’ll do or say next. That includes Leonardo DiCaprio’s undercover cop character Billy Costigan, Matt Damon’s sneaky, spying Colin Sullivan, Jack Nicholson’s mob boss character Frank Costello, and Vera Farmiga’s well-meaning therapist Dr. Madolyn Madden. To say that things get complicated might be understating it, but it’s the complexity of the characters and their roles in this story that makes The Departed such a fantastic and gripping movie from beginning to end. 

In a way, it’s all business for everyone involved, but it’s also personal for each character on some level or another. It’s impossible not to feel anxious for DiCaprio’s character as he attempts to navigate the criminal world without being caught for who he really is, just as it’s impossible not to grow increasingly frustrated by Matt Damon’s character for posing as an upstanding law enforcer who’s actually up to no good. It’s thrilling, stressful, riveting and ultimately satisfying, and that’s not even factoring in Mark Wahlberg’s character every time he has something to say (that’s just a bonus). 

• A The Departed Quote To Remember: “You know what I like about restaurants? . . . You can learn a lot, watching things eat.” (Frank Costello)

6. Best In Show (2000)

Nobody does mockumentaries like Christopher Guest, and 2000’s Best in Show is an absolute masterclass. The mundane musings of everyday conversation combine with outlandish characters and awkward situations to deliver one of the best movies of the decade. The dog show is the event that brings these unique and individually brilliant characters under one roof, but it’s no Maguffin. As bonkers as each dog-lover’s trip is to get to the show, everything is turned up to 11, if you will, when they all come together, and the event itself is perfectly colored by Fred Willard’s commentary.

There’s a reason this phenomenal cast has stuck together to appear in other projects. The chemistry between Eugene Levy’s Gerry and Catherine O’Hara’s Cookie (with her “hundreds” of boyfriends) left people begging for more, which they got in A Mighty Wind. Jennifer Coolidge was excellent in her attempts to substantiate her marriage to her ancient sugar daddy husband by saying they bonded over a love of soup and the ability to “not talk or talk forever.” The genius casting of John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean gave audiences the married couple they never knew they needed. 

Best in Show exploits the banal in some situations while heightening reality in others, to where Harlan Pepper naming nuts and the couple describing how they met at Starbucks (but two different Starbucks) land laughs just as hard as Gerry’s literal two left feet or Cookie walking with her knee out of socket.

• A Best In Show Quote To Remember: “Why don’t they put the bloodhound — put on one of those Sherlock Holmes hats and put a little pipe in his mouth? Are they ever allowed to do anything like that? Dress up the dog in a funny way? It would really get the crowd going. You know what I mean? The Sherlock Holmes hat with a pipe. I don’t know if you could make it look like smoke is coming out of the pipe.” (Buck Laughlin)

5. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s greatest accomplishment, and that’s saying a lot. The director has spent countless hours analyzing the compulsion that drives people to seek the truth – be it lawyers parsing through statements to figure out who invented Facebook (The Social Network), or detectives tracking a serial killer who is inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins (Seven). But Zodiac is Fincher’s magnum opus, an engrossing true-crime thriller based on the books of Robert Graysmith tracking the diligent work of three men consumed by the search for the identity of the Zodiac Killer. 

Jake Gyllanhaal serves as the ideal audience surrogate, a puzzle designer for the San Francisco Chronicle who gets swept up in the mystery of the serial killer, who antagonized the police and the media as he committed vicious murders around San Francisco in the 1970s, Fincher painstakingly recreates the time period with breathtaking visuals and top-notch costuming and set design. His emphasis on the bustle of a newsroom is particularly spot on. The film also lingers in the haze of fear, anxiety, and suspense that comes from a killer on the loose. But it’s the supporting roles of Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, as well as an inability to truly deliver a concrete ending, that makes Zodiac such a rewatchable movie, and a captivating masterpiece.

• A Zodiac Quote To Remember: “I am not the Zodiac. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” (Arthur Leigh Allen)

4. Mean Girls (2004)

From wearing pink on Wednesdays to shouting “You go Glen Coco” it’s undeniable that Mean Girls has seriously influenced pop culture over the last (almost) two decades. So, “get in loser,” it’s time to appreciate this beloved coming-of-age comedy from Tina Fey.

This movie is a classic teenage tale about a girl who moves from Africa to the United States where she experiences the rude awakening that is high school by way of The Plastics. While it’s your typical coming-of-age story, it’s infused with the signature sense of humor from Fey – who was in the midst of her legendary run at Saturday Night Live – and it shows the high school experience in a totally unique way with a cast of characters played by actors who have since become icons. 

Not only did the film solidify Lindsay Lohan as an early 2000s star, it also simultaneously jumpstarted the careers of many in the Mean Girls cast, including little known actresses like Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried. On top of that, its legacy has lived on, as it was adapted into a Broadway musical, and is eventually coming back to the screen with an adaptation of said stage production. To say this film is a quintessential 2000s classic almost feels like an understatement because of the lasting impact it has managed to have on people of all ages since its release in 2004. 

• A Mean Girls Quote To Remember: "She doesn't even go here!" (Damian)

3. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

You could argue that Jim Carrey makes much better dramatic movies than he does comedic features. And that opinion is coming from someone who adores Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, as well as Dumb & Dumber. But when you factor in the dramatic detours he embarked on for The Truman Show, Man on the Moon, and this incredible romance, you begin to wonder how many Oscars Carrey might have if he got the industry to treat him seriously, instead of talking out of his ass (literally). 

Carrey and Kate Winslet are magnificent as Joel and Clementine, two soul mates who undergo a radical procedure to have their memories of each other erased after a bitter argument. Only screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) could keep such a twisty premise from flying off the rails. And while the side-mission actions of the memory technicians can get a little silly, we remain wholly invested in Joel and Clementine’s complicated journey because of the heartbroken and beautiful chemistry shared between Carrey and Winslet. It’s a real challenge presented to these stars, as we’re not supposed to know whether Joel and Clementine are better off together or apart. But the satisfying resolution says as much about fate as it does about the existence of true love, so long as we remember how and when to look for it.

• An Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind Quote To Remember: “Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.” (Joel Barish)

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

It’s been said before, but it’ll be said again – The Dark Knight is one of the greatest superhero films (and one of the greatest movies) ever made. Christopher Nolan’s ambition as a filmmaker has been well-noted, but even he outdid himself with his 2008 follow-up to 2005’s Batman Begins. The second chapter in the journey of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne sees the iconic DC Comics hero going up against the dangerous and unpredictable Joker. All the while, the Caped Crusader and his allies must also contend with mob bosses and Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s honorable district attorney who becomes the deformed Two-Face.

Where does one even start when it comes to singing this movie’s praises? There’s the impeccable screenplay, massive set pieces, engrossing score and much more. Yet I suppose what stands out the most are the performances, especially that of the late Heath Ledger. The actor, who posthumously won an Oscar for his work, fully committed to his role as the Clown Prince of Crime and is absolutely mesmerizing. His villainous turn is just one of the many reasons why Nolan’s film is a thrilling and compelling piece of work that’s still incredibly entertaining now, over a decade later.

• A The Dark Knight Quote To Remember: “Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just...do things.” (The Joker)

1. City Of God (2002)

Making its Brazil and festival run in 2002 and eventually hitting theaters in the U.S. and elsewhere  in the year that followed, Fernando Meirelles’ City of God, based on Paulo Lins’ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, served as an inflection point in the world of cinema and served as a preview of what the the next few years would look like. Told through the eyes of young photographer Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), the movie explores the life of street kids in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela in Rio de Janeiro, an expansive slum filled with endless supplies of drugs, ruthless gangsters, and corrupt cops who allow the madness to continue. One of the most violent movies of the 2000s, City of God is a lesson in brutality, especially whenever depicting the exploits of Li’l Dice (Douglas Silva), a ruthless and sociopathic young criminal who stops at nothing in his quest for complete control. Oddly enough, the older version of the character known as Li’l Ze (Leandro Firmino) never comes off as cold blooded as his younger self, which further illustrates the movie’s point about youth and violence. 

At the same time, City of God is also one of the most beautiful movies of the 2000s, and not just on an aesthetic level (though César Charlone’s cinematography is out of this world). The endearing spirit of those who wish to escape a life of crime, ranging from Rocket to the ill-fated drug dealer Benny (Phellipe Haagensen), adds a level of heart and soul one may not expect from a two-hour crime drama about young criminals with short fuses and, in many cases, tragically  shorter lifespans. 

• A City Of God Quote To Remember: “You need more than guts to be a good gangster; you need ideas.” (Rocket)

How we put this list together

Using a combination of internal recommendations and other best of lists, we compiled a spreadsheet of all the movies from the 2000s that we considered to be culturally relevant and/or critically well-reviewed. We pushed together some multi-part movies like Kill Bill and Lord Of The Rings and then had our staff of almost 30 go through and assign a score for each movie they’ve seen based on their own personal opinions. We disqualified any movies that didn’t get a minimum number of ratings and dropped the lowest score for each, as if we were judging a figure skating competition. We then ordered the top 100 based on average score and had someone who gave that movie a particularly high score write up a paragraph explaining what’s so great about it. This rigorous scientific process resulted in Idiocracy being slotted at 101, an omission I’m still furious about.

Time is a funny thing. One moment, the world finds itself inexplicably taken by the holiday movie phenomenon that is Love Actually and, the next thing you know, we’re all on the cusp of celebrating its 20th anniversary. That little factoid might have you wondering where the time went, and it’s part of the reactions to actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s engagement to fellow thespian Talulah Riley, ex-wife of businessman Elon Musk.

The tech magnate and tons of others have been responding on social media, and quite a few seem shocked by the news. Let’s start with the announcement itself, as Thomas Brodie-Sangster took to his personal Instagram to share his excitement, with the help of the following photo and caption: 

Even I, a person who is still very much aware of Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s role on Game of Thrones and his voice work on Disney’s Phineas and Ferb, can still find some shock in this photo. I mean, look at it again! The man’s piloting a gondola, all grown up and ready to get married! Where has the time gone?

Anyway, let's move onto the reactions to this coupling. We’ll start with Elon Musk’s tweet. Don’t worry, no one’s being challenged to cage matches here, as the X CEO used his own platform to share a quite brief stamp of approval:

That’s a pretty simple and sweet response from the Telsa CEO, and it’s nice to see Ms. Riley’s ex-husband being so supportive of her new chapter in life. Now, let's get to the more hysterical responses to this coupling. 

As it turns out, most people can’t get over seeing the now-33-year-old Thomas Brodie-Sangster all grown up, as they best remember his character Sam -- the young lovesick boy who’s trying to impress an American girl in Love Actually. User “maidensheildio” conveyed that very sentiment, as they posted a photo of Brodie-Sangster from that very Richard Curtis-directed picture, along with this message: 

Again, one would think that the public is aware of the fact that the actor is now a full-fledged adult and has Game of Thrones, a stint as a member of The Queen’s Gambit cast and more credits under his belt. (I mean, that Anya Taylor Joy-led series, which is streamable with a Netflix subscription, was a prolific hit.) Apparently, all roads lead to Love Actually in this case, though, as evidenced by ex-New York Post writer Helen Kennedy’s contribution to the conversation: 

If you happen to know a fan of the 2003 rom-com who's currently using the internet, you may want to reach out to them and see if they're ok. I say that, because here's another example of someone's brain being broken by the development. "Feistyfrank" rounds out this chorus of disbelief with a pretty extensive dive into Mr. Brodie-Sangster's CV: 

To the credit of "feistyfrank," at least they cited other roles I've mentioned. Honestly, when you take the entire Brodie-Sangster body of work into account with this news, it's even more of a supposed mind-blower. Particularly when you remember that he was, in fact, the voice of Disney's Ferb of Phineas and Ferb fame.

Thankfully, someone else shares my continued confusion as how so many people have the character of Sam as their reference point. User "kaytaylorrea" was truly doing the work of the gods when they posted a series of photos from the star's other projects, asking this simple question: 

Considering these reactions to this engagement news, people might still find themselves shocked at the age gap between Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Keira Knightly when they actually filmed Love, Actually. But allow me to blow your mind in a nerdier way, as there’s a connection between Brodie-Sangster and Talulah Riley that most may not realize. They were both guest stars on Doctor Who. Season 3’s two-parter “Human Nature” and “The Family of Blood” saw Thomas playing a young man at boarding school, preparing to ship off to World War I. Not to be outdone, Talulah had her own two-episode arc in Season 4, courtesy of “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Damned.” 

Ok, so it might not be as shocking as comparing his growth through the ages, but it’s still another sweet thread that binds these lovebirds. In any case, we here at CinemaBlend send our congratulations to the happy couple! 

You can rent or buy Love Actually using Prime Video, and read up about the movie on our list of holiday-themed films that aren't technically Christmas movies.

‘Tis the season to get deeply invested in random facts about some of our favorite holiday movies. This year, so far, the Internet has been astounded about a Home Alone plot point explaining how the family forgot Kevin, debated whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and engaged in the time-honored tradition of throwing out wild age-related Love Actually stats. 

It’s a particular fact about Keira Knightley and Thomas Brodie-Sangster that’s making the rounds again this week, but I honestly think there's a second wrinkle to this shocking stat that people aren't really talking about enough. Let's discuss.

The Love Actually Stat About Keira Knightley And Thomas Brodie-Sangster People Just Cannot Get Over

Here’s the gist: For the last several years, around the holidays fans have been reminding those who revisit Love Actually that there is in fact only a five-year difference in age between Thomas Brodie-Sangster (who was 13 when the movie filmed) and Keira Knightley (who was only 18 at the time). The viral tweets are often surprising to people, as Brodie-Sangster’s character is dealing with a middle school crush while Knightley’s character is married and dealing with some attention from her husband’s pal in the film. 

The stat first rolled around thanks to this viral tweet, but every year it's surprising to a whole new slew of people. 

In the time since, fans are continually doing the mental math for the 2003 Christmas movie and, as one Twitter user put it, it’s “breaking [their] brain.” Another Twitter user also noted “Just learned that Keira Knightley was only 18 when they filmed Love Actually. This is the most shocking revelation since finding out Thomas Brodie-Sangster was 15 in Nanny McPhee.”

Granted, while Brodie-Sangster looked young for much of his childhood career, and while these fan reactions are amusing, it is startling to think the two were only a few years apart when the movie filmed. However, if you've followed interviews about the iconic holiday film regularly, perhaps the Pirates of the Caribbean star's age shouldn't come as such a shock. In fact, Knightley has been open about still being a teenager while starring in Love Actually. She's said in the past she wore a hat in one awkward scene to try and hide an acne outbreak she was dealing with on her forehead. 

She was actually closer in age filming Love Actually to Thomas Brodie-Sangster than she was to Chiwetel Ejiofer, who played her husband in the film and Andrew Lincoln, who was even older and pining for her in the film. Which brings me to my next point. 

Maybe We Should Be Talking About The Age Gap Between Keira Knightley And Andrew Lincoln

We're sitting here discussing how Thomas Brodie-Sangster looked super young filming Love Actually while Keira Knightley (presumably) played up in age, but can we talk about how Chiwetel Ejiofer was 26 when the movie filmed and The Walking Dead vet Andrew Lincoln was already 30? There was actually a bigger gap between Knightley and Ejiofer (8 years) and Knightley and Lincoln (12 years) than there was between her and the younger actor. 

I know it's calling acting for a reason, but the fact that Andrew Lincoln is a solid 12 years older than Knightley at the time the movie was filming adds a whole 'nother layer to their oft-roasted scene. As you may well remember, Lincoln's character Mark is kind of rude to Knightley's Juliet, but she later realizes it's because he's in love with her. Toward the end of the movie, he shows up at the house she shares with her husband and quietly drops cards revealing a message ending with, 'To me, you are perfect.'

In the time since, Andrew Lincoln has referred to himself as a "weird stalker guy" and the moment has been roasted online and even spoofed elsewhere, such as on SNL. Still, love it or hate it, 20 years later, people are still talking about this scene. With the age difference in mind, it feels even more absurd. 

Despite all of this BTS info about the casting, Love Actually remains one of the most popular Christmas movies streaming, a head scratcher Keira Knightley has said she can't figure out. Catch it on Peacock with a subscription.  

In the early 2000s, Disney took a wild chance turning one of its theme park attractions into a summer blockbuster adventure. It was an especially risky move for the House of Mouse to make, considering it was also a pirate movie, and to that date, the most recent theatrical pirate outings had done nothing but fail. But Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was a blockbuster and worldwide phenomenon that spawned a billion-dollar franchise (you can see our ranking of all the Pirate films), turning the cast into overnight stars. One of the series’ actors, Keira Knightly, was confident the movie was bound to be a flop. 

In a recent ABC News 20-year retrospective of the film Love Actually, Diane Sawyer sat down with many people responsible for creating the critically and fan-revered romantic classic to understand its lasting success. The film’s director, Richard Curtis, recalls meeting actress Kiera Knightly (who plays Juliet in the movie) before her meteoric Hollywood rise and the thoughts she shared with the filmmaker about her upcoming swashbuckling film. Curtis told Sawyer:

Who can blame the young actress for assuming the Pirates movie would fail? Before the release of the Gore Verbinski-directed action movie, the last big pirate film to be released theatrically was the box office mega bomb Cutthroat Island. The Renny Harlin film is considered responsible for causing pirate movies to go dormant until The Pirates films revived the genre.

It’s easy to look back now and laugh at Keira Knightley’s feelings at the time. She became a massive star thanks partly to the first three Pirates movies. Knightley will likely not return in future Pirates films, but the franchise refuses to die. There have already been five films in the main series, and there have been rumors of a potential reboot or remake for years. In recent months, the project furthest along was a spinoff starring Margot Robbie, but the actress says the studio isn’t interested in moving forward with her idea. 

While we don’t know everything, what we do know about the future of The Pirates franchise is that, despite online petitions and vocal fans, Disney has expressed confidence in the series moving forward without Johnny Depp as Captain Jack. Undoubtedly, the company will not let its billion-dollar franchise flounder for very long. I’m sure some take on the property will hit theaters in the not-too-distant future. 

Only time will tell if a Depp-less Pirates movie will be worth wild for Disney. Perhaps, in its second iteration, the series will be that flop Knightley was certain The Black Pearl would be. Or maybe, Disney will take another chance, and it will pay off with high seas thrill ride audiences will flock to like they did with the first Pirates film. Until then, we will have to enjoy rewatching the original movies, all available streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Pirates of the Caribbean fans might also be interested in our list of the 11 best pirates movies and where to watch them. 

It’s been almost 20 years since Love Actually came out, and it’s safe to say that in that time, it’s joined the ranks of classic Christmas movies… for adult audiences, that is. While we haven’t quite the full two decades since the world was first exposed to this festive comedy packed with love stories, reporter Diane Swayer recently spoke with various actors and behind-the-scenes talent about their experience working on the movie and their thoughts on its longevity. In the midst of shooting this special, Sawyer got to drop a great Love Actually-related quip after police threatened to arrest her.

After airing on ABC News’ 20/20, The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually:  20 Years Later – A Diane Sawyer Special is now available for Hulu subscribers to watch. Among the people Diane Sawyer interviewed for the special was Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Sam, the stepson of Liam Neeson’s Daniel. The two characters memorably had a scene on a bench next to the River Thames where Sam told Daniel he was in love with his American classmate, so Sawyer decided to chat with Brodie-Sangster on that same bench. Unfortunately, the interview abruptly ended when a producer informed Sawyer that police were threatening to arrest the crew because they didn’t have the “proper permit” to shoot there, but that set the famous journalist for this great joke:

In case it’s been a while since you’ve seen Love Actually, towards the end of this popular romantic comedy, Sam raced through an airport as security chased after him so he could say goodbye to Olivia Olson’s Joanna, the girl he loves, before she departed for the United States. Neither Sam nor Daniel actually uttered the words “Now we run” in Love Actually, but it was a fitting quip for Diane Sawyer to drop when the threat of arrest was on the table. Before they left the area though, Sawyer and Thomas Brodie-Sangster tried to grab some pizza, as that was what the latter had for lunch on the day he shot the bench scene with Liam Neeson. They had to suffice with paninis instead.

Love Actually was Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s film debut, having previously appeared in TV movies like The Miracle of the Cards and Bobbie’s Girl. Nearly 20 years later, the actor’s credits include Nanny McPhee, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, the Maze Runner movies and The Queen’s Gambit. It says something, though, that Brodie-Sangster first movie is still where plenty of people arguably know him best from, so even at 32 years old, he still finds himself talking about Love Actually. Other notable actors who appeared in Love Actually included the late Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson (who really went through a breakdown during the movie), Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, Laura Linney, Martin Freeman and Hugh Grant (who still hates his character’s dance scene, for those wondering).

If you’re now in the mood to stream Love Actually, make sure you have a Peacock subscription. Thomas Brodie-Sangster most recently played Malcolm McLaren in Pistol, the miniseries about the Sex Pistols, which can be watched on Hulu once you’re done with Diane Swayer’s special.

Love Actually has become a holiday viewing tradition for many and stands as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time, thanks to its ensemble cast, multiple interconnecting storylines, and eternally quotable dialogue. There’s one scene that lives in infamy probably more than any other, however, and that’s the one where David the Prime Minister celebrates his verbal bashing of the US president with an impromptu dance party. It turns out that Hugh Grant hated that scene — a fact that stands true as the beloved movie it set to celebrate its 20-year anniversary. The actor will, however, take credit for one “genius” addition to the number.

Hugh Grant was one of several Love Actually actors who spoke with Diane Sawyer for The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later. The actor’s grumpiness was well-documented by writer and director Richard Curtis, co-star Emma Thompson, and even Grant himself, particularly when it came to that dance. Grant told Sawyer: 

Hugh Grant has had 20 years to ruminate on the popular dance number to “Jump” by The Pointer Sisters, which his character broke into after publicly dismantling Billy Bob Thornton’s United States president. It’s obvious from the way Grant can immediately point out the scene’s flaws that he’s given it some thought over the past two decades. At least there’s one part of the scene he can take pride in, and he definitely should, because the Prime Minister being caught in the middle of his celebration is such a classic moment.

That doesn’t make his overall feelings about it any warmer, as he said on the ABC special:

Richard Curtis seemed to know people would like it, and despite Hugh Grant’s initial refusal to do the scene, the director stood his ground, ultimately pulling rank on the actor. Curtis recalled: 

Longtime fans of the movie would likely say it was well-worth the director’s fight, but Richard Curtis did admit to thinking it was “agonizingly embarrassing” when he saw Hugh Grant filming the dance number.

Love Actually doesn’t seem to be losing popularity anytime soon, and unfortunately for Hugh Grant, that dance may stick with him for another two decades. You can check out the actor in these great performances by Grant that you probably missed, and If you want to give the classic rom-com a rewatch, Love Actually can be streamed with a Peacock Premium subscription.  

British politics has been having a bit of a wild time of late as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has officially stepped down from that role, leaving the position vacant. Who will take over as the new PM isn’t clear at the moment, but if anybody is curious what Twitter thinks, they are officially in favor of appointing Hugh Grant. He did such a fantastic job in the gig in Love Actually, after all.

Many actors have played the British Prime Minister on the screen but it seems that Hugh Grant’s version of the character from the popular romantic Christmas movie has become a front runner among those that would like to see life imitate art. Tweets suggesting Grant as the new PM have become very popular on the social media site.

In the super popular, for some reason Love, Actually, Hugh Grant plays a brand new Prime Minister who is just taking office during the holidays. He has a bit of trouble finding his footing, but he eventually gives a rousing speech that puts the American President in his place and gets the support of the British people in a big way. He’s also able to find love along the way.

Hugh Grant is one of those actors that it seems it can actually be difficult not to like. He just seems so generally pleasant to be around, which is not a feeling one tends to get from politicians. It’s no wonder people would like to see that character become Prime Minister, because to be fair, it’s not really Grant people want to see in the role, it’s that character.

It’s all in good fun, of course. Nobody is really hoping Hugh Grant becomes the Prime Minister. That would be crazy, right? Well, maybe not as crazy as it might seem. As one person notes on Twitter, Grant, who played the villain in the globally adored Paddington 2, would not be the first person in that film to obtain an executive office of a country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the voice of Paddington in Ukraine, so maybe there’s a connection. 

Of course, speaking of Paddington, he’s also a pretty popular character in the UK, and everywhere else, right now, so it looks like, if Twitter is going to decide the next Prime Minister, Hugh Grant is going to have his work cut out for him. For what it’s worth the actor probably won’t mind, as Hugh Grant loves Paddington 2 as much as anybody. 

Whoever the next PM is, it probably won’t be Hugh Grant. Maybe, if the person wants to get the public on their side, however, they should consider dancing to the Pointer Sisters. It worked for Grant. 

There is no way of getting around it, Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of the best living actors, and one who can easily bounce from playing a shoe-obsessed drag queen with an entrepreneurial spirit to an unlawfully enslaved person on a 12-year crusade to secure his freedom, and a vengeful and overzealous sorcerer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe without even so much as batting an eye. Yeah, he’s that good.

So good, in fact, that it is hard to settle on one, two, or even 10 of Chiwetel Ejiofor's best movies and we had to go and make a longer-than-usual list of his great performances that should all be required viewing for anyone who appreciates films that are better than just great. Let’s dive in...

12 Years A Slave (2013)

After being kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1840s Washington, D.C., talented violinist Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) spends the next 12 years of his life enduring hardships and atrocities no person should endure, while never letting go of his fight for survival, freedom, and reunion with his family back home.

Steve McQueen’s masterpiece, 12 Years a Slave, features one of the most outstanding and heartbreaking performances of Ejiofor’s career, one that sticks with you nearly a decade after its release. The actor’s take on the historical character is so raw and real you almost forget you’re watching an actor and not the real person.

Stream 12 Years a Slave on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy 12 Years a Slave on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.

American Gangster (2007)

The lives of Harlem drug dealer Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and NYPD detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) become intertwined as the former falls under the watchful eye of the latter over the course of a sprawling drug investigation.

The American Gangster cast is full of talented actors from top to bottom, and this includes Chiwetel Ejiofor and his portrayal of Frank’s brother and right-hand man, Huey Lucas. And even though he’s not front and center throughout Ridley Scott’s crime epic, Ejiofor further cemented his place in Hollywood with this gripping and unforgettable performance.

Stream American Gangster on Peacock.
Rent/Buy American Gangster on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Love Actually (2003)

Nine stories of varying levels of interconnectivity play out over the course of the holiday season, where people explore new beginnings, fresh starts, and one final shot at love before it’s too late. 

One of the best parts of Richard Curtis’ 2003 Christmas classic Love Actually is the story involving a love triangle shared by Juliet (Keira Knightley), her husband Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and his best friend Mark (Andrew Lincoln), who is madly in love with the new bride. It is hard not to feel bad for Peter throughout the course of this story, but it is somewhat comforting to know he has no knowledge of his friend’s obsession with his wife.

Stream Love Actually on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Love Actually on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Children Of Men (2006)

After a mysterious pandemic leaves the human population infertile and on the brink of disaster, Theo Faron (Clive Owen) finds himself in the middle of the fight for survival when he is tasked with escorting a young refugee with a history-changing secret to safety.

Chiwetel Ejiofor absolutely shines in Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 dystopian thriller, Children of Men, with his portrayal of Luke, a colleague of Theo’s ex-wife Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore) whose role in the plan to deliver Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to safety isn’t what it seems. And plus, he’s at the center at the movie’s most thrilling sequence, the one-shot escape scene.

Rent/Buy Children of Men on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Kinky Boots (2006)

With his family’s shoe factory on the verge of going out of business, Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) teams up with Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a daring and confident drag queen, to come out with a line of kinky footwear in hopes of reversing their fortunes.

Ejiofor is to die for in Julian Jarrold’s 2006 comedy, Kinky Boots, and it's undoubtedly one of the actor’s most confident and lovable characters yet. The way he handles himself as Lola never comes off as anything but genuine. But, he should have won the Golden Globe if we’re being honest.

Stream Kinky Boots on Showtime.
Rent/Buy Kinky Boots on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Martian (2015)

After it is discovered that astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is not actually dead but fighting to survive alone on the surface of Mars, a global rescue operation is booted up to pull off the impossible and bring him home.

Ridley Scott's The Martian is a team effort through and through, and everyone gets time to shine in this thrilling astronaut drama, including Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Vincent Kapoor, the man in charge of NASA’s Mars program. It is also funny seeing the actor share the screen and work with Benedict Wong just one year before they’d do it again in Doctor Strange.

Rent/Buy The Martian on Amazon.
Get it on 4K/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) goes from having everything he could want in life to having nothing at all after losing the ability to use his hands following a near-fatal accident. But, his fortunes are changed when the meets a powerful sorcerer who can give him what he lost and more.

Although not the best Marvel movie, Doctor Strange does lay a great deal of groundwork for what was to follow in the MCU, as well as introduced several memorable characters, including Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). We’ll avoid all the details of his arc for those who haven’t seen the movie, but it is a tremendous turn with a prospect of an interesting future, especially in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, one of most anticipated 2022 movies.

Stream Doctor Strange on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Doctor Strange on Amazon.
Get it on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Dirty Pretty Things (2002)

Okwe (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is an illegal immigrant living in London who makes his living driving a cab during the day and working at a hotel at night. If life couldn’t be any more complicated enough for the young man, things take a turn when he discovers a human heart clogged in the toilet of one of the hotel’s rooms.

Although he had appeared in a number of movies and shows by this point, Ejiofor became a force to be reckoned with thanks to his brilliant performance in Stephen Frears’ incredible 2002 thriller, Dirty Pretty Things, a movie that also starred French superstar Audrey Tautou.

Stream Dirty Pretty Things on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Dirty Pretty Things on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.

The Old Guard (2020)

When a group of centuries-old mercenaries with amazing regenerative powers learns they are being hunted by a mysterious organization, they do everything in their power to preserve their secret, their lives, and the only family they’ve ever known.

There is just so much to love about Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2020 Netflix superhero film, from its thrilling story, exceptional cast, and all those incredibly choreographed and painful-looking action sequences. But, one aspect that grounds the movie and gives it a lot of heart is Chiwetel Ejiofor’s portrayal of James Copley, a former CIA agent who goes to very extreme (and questionable) lengths to come to terms with his own grief. Let's hope this is the same when the upcoming The Old Guard 2 lands on the streamer.

Stream The Old Guard on Netflix.

Amistad (1997)

In the aftermath of a slave uprising aboard a ship heading from Cuba to America, those involved are held prisoner and forced to go trial in 19th-century Connecticut. When the matter reaches new levels and becomes one of the biggest topics of discussion, everyone from freed slaves (Morgan Freeman) to a former President of the United States (Anthony Hopkins) become involved.

Although Steven Spielberg’s historical drama is mostly remembered for the performances by Freeman, Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey, and Djimon Hounsou, there is a tremendous early show of talent by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays James Covey, the man who served as an interpreter for the defendants during the heated trial. 

Stream Amistad on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy Amistad on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.

Tsunami: The Aftermath (2006)

Set in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that claimed the lives of more the 227,000 people, the stories of multiple survivors, government officials, and journalists are told in great detail as they fight for survival and understanding against a ticking clock.

Bharat Nalluri’s 2006 two-part disaster film Tsunami: The Aftermath (which came out more than a half-decade before the emotionally taxing The Impossible) features a tremendous cast who tell all sides of the tragic story, including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sophie Okonedo, who play a married couple searching for their young daughter who was swept away in the wave. The way in which Ejiofor captures the pain, confusion, and anger of a father searching for his missing child is gut-wrenching to say the least.

Stream Tsunami: The Aftermath Part 1 on HBO Max.
Stream Tsunami: The Aftermath Part 2 on HBO Max.
Buy Tsunami: The Aftermath on Amazon.
Get it on DVD on Amazon.

As you can see by the sheer number of impressive roles that touch just about every genre, there’s a strong case to be made for Chiwetel Ejiofor being one of the all-time greats. Let’s just hope he finally receives an Oscar and Golden Globe one of these days. If not that, maybe he'll receive some accolades for his performance in Showtime's The Man Who Fell to Earth, just one of the major series coming to the 2022 TV schedule.

April 2022 is bringing more than just showers and promises of flowers to the Netflix streaming lineup. Backing in a truck load of new surprises and old favorites, it’s a garden that’s truly going to grow for loyal subscribers. However, as fresh content like The Bubble and the long-awaited second season of Russian Doll arrive, fans also have to say goodbye to some of the best Netflix shows on the platform, with ending series such as Ozark and Grace and Frankie.

Before we go too far, feel free to refresh yourself with Netflix’s March 2022 schedule. March has been and still is a pretty amazing month for new content, and you don’t want to miss out on anything. That being said, April 2022 does have all three of Wesley Snipes' Blade movies, as well as Love Actually on its docket. So from this point on, it’s time to look a little bit into the future, and see what's in store for Netflix subscribers!

New On Netflix Available April 1: Blade Movies, Judd Apatow's The Bubble, Love Actually, And More

If you were left laughing hysterically by the trailer for Judd Apatow’s The Bubble, then you’ll be able to see the all-star cast that includes Karen Gillan, Pedro Pascal, and Keegan Michael-Key make their way through that very pandemic movie shoot. Though as far as blockbusters are concerned, all three Blade movies are here to keep Marvel fans entertained while waiting to see how the MCU will handle the Daywalker.  

Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood - NETFLIX FILM
Battle: Freestyle - NETFLIX FILM
The Bubble - NETFLIX FILM
Captain Nova - NETFLIX FAMILY
Celeb Five: Behind the Curtain - NETFLIX COMEDY
Forever Out of My League - NETFLIX FILM
Get Organized with The Home Edit: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES
The Last Bus - NETFLIX FAMILY
Tomorrow - NETFLIX SERIES
Trivia Quest - NETFLIX SERIES (new episodes daily)
A Cinderella Story
Abby Hatcher: Season 2
Any Given Sunday
Argo
Blade
Blade II
Blade: Trinity
The Blind Side
Blow
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Catch and Release
CoComelon: Season 5
Delta Farce
Eagle Eye
Four Brothers
Full Metal Jacket
Grown Ups
Heartland Season 14
Her
How to Train Your Dragon
Love Actually
Molly's Game
Monster-in-Law
New York Minute
The Nut Job
Polly Pocket: Season 4: Part 1: Summer of Fun
Puss in Boots
The Rental
The Ring
Rumor Has It…
Saving Private Ryan
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Shrek Forever After
Something's Gotta Give
We The Animals

New On Netflix The Week Of April 3: Better Call Saul Season 5, Metal Lords, And More

While we only know some of the details for Better Call Saul Season 6, there’s now an opportunity for fans of Bob Odenkirk’s Breaking Bad spinoff to relive the penultimate season in all its glory. If youthful rebellion is a little more your speed, then you should check out the movie Metal Lords, where high school misfits (including Knives Out and IT's Jaeden Martell) band together to rock out.

Better Call Saul: Season 5 - 4/4/22
Ronny Chieng: Speakeasy - NETFLIX COMEDY - 4/5/22
Furioza - NETFLIX FILM - 4/6/22
Green Mothers' Club - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/6/22
Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/6/22
Michela Giraud: the Truth, I Swear! - NETFLIX COMEDY - 4/6/22
The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On - NETFLIX SERIES (new episodes weekly) - 4/6/22
Queen of the South: Season 5 - 4/7/22
Return to Space - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/7/22
Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/7/22
Barbie It Takes Two: Season 1 - 4/8/22
Dancing on Glass - NETFLIX FILM - 4/8/22
Dirty Lines - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/8/22
Elite: Season 5 - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/8/22
Green Eggs and Ham: Season 2 - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/8/22
Metal Lords - NETFLIX FILM - 4/8/22
Tiger & Bunny 2 - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/8/22
Yaksha: Ruthless Operations - NETFLIX FILM - 4/8/22
My Liberation Notes - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/9/22
Our Blues - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/9/22

New On Netflix The Week Of April 10: Nightcrawler, Our Great National Parks, And More

Jake Gyllenhaal’s compelling and crazy performance in Nightcrawler will be available for any Netflix loyalists who want to dive into the deep end of L.A.’s seedy underbelly. Should you want something more scenic, the new series Our Great National Parks is also debuting, with narration from President Barack Obama set to accompany the lovely natural splendor on display.

The Call - 4/10/22
Nightcrawler - 4/10/22
Hard Cell - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/12/22
The Creature Cases - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/12/22
Almost Happy: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/13/22
Our Great National Parks - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/13/22
Smother-in-Law - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/13/22
Today We Fix the World - NETFLIX FILM - 4/13/22
Ultraman: Season 2 - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/14/22
Anatomy of a Scandal - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/15/22
Choose or Die - NETFLIX FILM - 4/15/22
Heirs to the Land - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/15/22
Mai - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/15/22
One Piece Film Z - 4/15/22
Strawberry Shortcake Berry in the Big City: Season 1 - 4/15/22
LEGO Friends: Girls on a Mission: Seasons 1-4 - 4/16/22
Man of God - NETFLIX FILM - 4/16/22
Ouija: Origin of Evil - 4/16/22
Van Helsing: Season 5 - 4/16/22

New On Netflix The Week Of April 17: Pacific Rim: The Black Season 2, Russian Doll Season 2, And More

Two is a lucky number this week, as a pair of second seasons strike it big for streaming. Pacific Rim: The Black is returning for one final round of battle in the world of that beloved franchise, while Natasha Lyonne is also returning (sans Kaiju) with the latest season of Russian Doll, which hopefully won't be its last.

Battle Kitty - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/19/22
Pacific Rim: The Black: Season 2 - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/19/22
White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/19/22
The Marked Heart - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/20/22
Russian Doll: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/20/22
The Turning Point - NETFLIX FILM - 4/20/22
Yakamoz S-245 - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/20/22
All About Gila - NETFLIX COMEDY - 4/21/22
He's Expecting - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/21/22
Along for the Ride - NETFLIX FILM - 4/22/22
Heartstopper - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/22/22
Selling Sunset: Season 5 - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/22/22
The Seven Lives of Lea - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/22/22

New On Netflix The Week Of April 24: Ozark Season 4 Part 2, Grace And Frankie's Final Season, And More

Leave it to Netflix to save the goodbyes for the end of the month. April will see not only the Jason Bateman/Laura Linney crime thriller Ozark’s conclusion, but we’ll also see the final bow of Grace and Frankie’s seventh and final season. Gather your tissues, you might just find yourself crying by time both these shows call it curtains.

Big Eyes - 4/25/22
David Spade: Nothing Personal - NETFLIX COMEDY - 4/26/22
Bullsh*t The Game Show - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/27/22
The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 4/27/22
Silverton Siege - NETFLIX FILM - 4/27/22
Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles - NETFLIX FAMILY - 4/28/22
Bubble - NETFLIX ANIME - 4/28/22
Grace and Frankie: Season 7 - The Final Episodes - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/29/22
Honeymoon with My Mother - NETFLIX FILM - 4/29/22
Ozark: Season 4 Part 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 4/29/22
Rumspringa - NETFLIX FILM - 4/29/22
YOUTH v GOV - 4/29/22

New On Netflix TBD April 2022

Here are the stragglers for the April 2022 Netflix schedule, which are awaiting specific debut dates on the calendar.

Hold Tight - NETFLIX SERIES
The Taming of The Shrew - NETFLIX FILM

Netflix subscribers have a lot to look forward to in the month to come. We didn't even go over everything above, as classics like Saving Private Ryan and hot new originals like The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On are also in play. Don't forget to check the schedule frequently, as all titles are subject to changes in availability. 

As we march into the future of 2022’s streaming landscape, the old has seemingly become new again. Hulu’s April 2022 lineup has me feeling a bit nostalgic, as quite a few throwbacks are headed to the platform in the month to come. All four Twilight movies, Looper, and plenty more old favorites are coming online to brighten the day of lucky viewers that find them.

However, don’t count out the new shows on the block, as The Kardashians is set to make its big debut, and The Dropout is set to close its limited series run in the same month. If you need to catch up with March’s additions to the Hulu library, you can divert to that listing for a moment. Otherwise, it’s time to jump into the April 2022 titles that’ll have you checking whether or not your Hulu subscription is current. 

New On Hulu Available April 1: The Twilight Movies, Love Actually, And More

It may not be the holidays, but Love, Actually is heading to Hulu. It's OK, we won't tell if you flip this one on in the near future, as it's too lovely to ignore. Then again, all four Twilight movies are freshly migrating to a new streaming home, as well as Jack Nicholson's Wolf. If that's not a crossover we'd pay money to see, I don't know what is.

ALL INCLUSIVE (2008) - 4/1/22
ANTZ (1998) - 4/1/22
ARMORED (2009) - 4/1/22
AUSTENLAND (2013) - 4/1/22
BATTLESHIP (2012) - 4/1/22
BLIND DATE (1987) - 4/1/22
BLUE STREAK (1999) - 4/1/22
BOYS ON THE SIDE (1995) - 4/1/22
BRIGSBY BEAR (2017) - 4/1/22
CASESE QUIEN PUEDA (2015) - 4/1/22
CASPER (1995) - 4/1/22
CHEECH AND CHONG'S NEXT MOVIE (1980) - 4/1/22
CHEECH & CHONG'S GET OUT OF MY ROOM (1984) - 4/1/22
CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997) - 4/1/22
COPYCAT (1995) - 4/1/22
CRANK (2006) - 4/1/22
DEATH AT A FUNERAL (2010) - 4/1/22
DEFINITELY, MAYBE (2008) - 4/1/22
THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (2005) - 4/1/22
EYES WIDE SHUT (1999) - 4/1/22
THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT (2012) - 4/1/22
FLY AWAY HOME (1996) - 4/1/22
GET HIM TO THE GREEK (2010) - 4/1/22
GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (2011) - 4/1/22
HANNA (2011) - 4/1/22
HOT SHOTS! PART DEUX (1993) - 4/1/22
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK & LARRY (2007) - 4/1/22
IN THE ARMY NOW (1994) - 4/1/22
INSOMNIUM (2017) - 4/1/22
INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED (2013) - 4/1/22
THE INTERNATIONAL (2009) - 4/1/22
JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES (1998) - 4/1/22
JUST MY LUCK (2006) - 4/1/22
KNOWING (2009) - 4/1/22
KUSAMA: INFINITY (2018) - 4/1/22
LADRONES (2015) - 4/1/22
LOOK WHO'S TALKING (1989) - 4/1/22
LOOPER (2012) - 4/1/22
LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) - 4/1/22
MADE IN AMERICA (1993) - 4/1/22
MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS (2010) - 4/1/22
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S DIRTY MOVIE (2011) - 4/1/22
THE NEGOTIATOR (1998) - 4/1/22
NIGHT RAIDERS (2021) - 4/1/22
OPEN RANGE (2003) - 4/1/22
PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED (1986) - 4/1/22
PHANTOM (2013) - 4/1/22
POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (1990) - 4/1/22
THE POWER OF ONE (1992) - 4/1/22
PRACTICAL MAGIC (1998) - 4/1/22
RADIO (2003) - 4/1/22
RAMONA AND BEEZUS (2010) - 4/1/22
RUNAWAY JURY (2003) - 4/1/22
THE RUNAWAYS (2010) - 4/1/22
SCOOBY-DOO (2002) - 4/1/22
SCOOBY-DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED (2004) - 4/1/22
SHREK (2001) - 4/1/22
SHREK 2 (2004) - 4/1/22
THE SIEGE (1998) - 4/1/22
SINGLE WHITE FEMALE (1992) - 4/1/22
SNAKEHEAD (2021) - 4/1/22
STAY (2005) - 4/1/22
THE TAILOR OF PANAMA (2001) - 4/1/22
THAT'S MY BOY (2012) - 4/1/22
THINK LIKE A MAN (2012) - 4/1/22
THREE FUGITIVES (1989) - 4/1/22
TWILIGHT (2008) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON (2009) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (2010) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, PART 1 (2011) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, PART 2 (2012) - 4/1/22
VERTICAL LIMIT (2000) - 4/1/22
WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY (2007) - 4/1/22
WATCHMEN (2009) - 4/1/22
WOLF (1994) - 4/1/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 3: The Dropout: Limited Series Finale, Let The Right One In, And More

The limited series run of The Dropout is set to end this week, concluding the much buzzed about drama starring Amanda Seyfried. Meanwhile, if you're still hung up on the subject of vampires, Let The Right One In offers a slightly more sinister take on the bond between a boy and the night stalker he's befriended. Blood seems to be a binding thread on the Hulu platform at the current moment, so do with that as you wish. 

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: Complete Season 2 (DUBBED) - 4/3/22
Madagascar: A Little Wild: Complete Season 7 - 4/4/22
The Croods: Family Tree: Complete Season 2 - 4/5/22
MONSTER FAMILY 2: NOBODY'S PERFECT (2021) - 4/5/22
The Hardy Boys: Complete Season 2 - 4/6/22
The Dropout: Limited Series Finale - 4/7/22
Platinum End: Complete Season 1 (DUBBED) - 4/7/22
AGNES (2021) - 4/7/22
Woke: Complete Season 2 - 4/8/22
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (2008) - 4/8/22
AMERICAN SICARIO (2022) - 4/9/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 10: The Kardashians: Series Premiere, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Complete Season 11, And More

Reality TV fans, rejoice! This week in April brings a bounty of two heavy hitting titles returning that hemisphere, starting with the complete Season 11 run of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Though if you've been missing The Kardashians and their antics in front of the camera, the family's new Hulu original series will take its first bow only a couple days later.  

THE HATING GAME (2021) - 4/10/22
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Complete Season 11 - 4/11/22
The Family Law: Complete Season 1 - 4/13/22
To Tell The Truth: Season 8 Premiere - 4/13/22
The Kardashians: Series Premiere - 4/14/22
BLACK DEATH (2010) - 4/15/22
COMPLIANCE (2012) - 4/15/22
DRUNK STONED, BRILLIANT, DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON (2015) - 4/15/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 17: Mayans M.C.: Season 4 Premiere, In The Heart Of The Sea, And More

The adventures of Mayans M.C. continue to roll out on FX, as the Sons of Anarchy prequel series enters its fourth season. Undoubtedly ready to drop more dark cliffhangers like the ones seen in Season 3, the road ahead only promises to get rougher as time goes on. At least it takes place on dry land, which cannot be said about the harrowing true story that inspired Moby Dick, told in director Ron Howard's seafaring epic In The Heart of the Sea.

Mayans M.C.: Season 4 Premiere - 4/20/22
CAPTIVE AUDIENCE (2022) - 4/21/22
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (2015) - 4/23/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 24: Holey Moley: Season 4 Premiere, And More

Finally, if you're looking for some big-time escapism on the Hulu streaming platform, you're going to be able to find it in a big way. Returning for its own fourth season is the ABC mini golf competition bonanza Holey Moley, which trades in ridiculous sportsmanship and even more outrageous commentary.

Holey Moley: Season 4 Premiere - 4/27/22
Under the Banner of Heaven: Series Premiere - 4/28/22
CRUSH (2022) - 4/29/22
PERMANENT (2017) - 4/29/22

Vampires, motorcycles, and outrageous plays at glory. It’s all waiting for you on Hulu in the month of April 2022. If that’s not enough, then maybe you should check next month’s complete lineup again, as you’ll find movies like Crank, Watchmen, and both of the James Gunn scripted Scooby-Doo movies are also on the way. Until next time, remember that these titles are subject to change and availability, and that you should always stream responsibly.

When I think of queens of period dramas, one of the first names that comes to mind is Keira Knightley. From her early times in film to some of her latest ventures, Knightley has consistently proven that she is the ultimate actress when it comes to compelling period pieces that scream emotion and will surely make you cry. 

However, Knightley is known for far more than just her period pieces, as she’s been in fantasy movies, fun teen films, and more that have become classics over her multiple-decade career. Here are some of Keira Knightley’s best movies that you can stream or rent right now, and one you could buy. 

Princess Of Thieves (2001)

While Keira Knightley had made a couple of minor appearances in movies prior to this one, Princess of Thieves was really one of her breakout roles. This fun TV movie tells the untold story of another version of Robin Hood - his daughter. But, when her father is captured by the obtuse rulers of the kingdom, she takes it upon herself, with the help of others, to bring back the rightful ruler, as well as take back her father. 

I always looked at Princess of Thieves as sort of training for Keira’s big role in Pirates of the Caribbean (which we’ll talk about later). What I really love about this is that it shows even when she was younger, Knightley was a badass at acting, delivering excellent scenes and some super fun fight sequences that remind me of old Robin Hood movies, which makes it even more enjoyable to watch. 

Buy the Princess of Thieves DVD on Amazon.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Another breakout role for Keira Knightley, Bend it Like Beckham is a fun teen comedy with romance and sports. In this movie, a young Indian woman has grown up with strict parents, and even though she has come of age, they still won’t let her live her life and allow her to do what she loves the most - play soccer. Soon, an ally emerges and convinces her to join a semi-pro team after seeing how good she is at the game - all while keeping it a secret from her family. 

Ever since Ted Lasso released on Apple TV+, I’ve gotten myself into a cycle of watching sports comedies for fun, and Bend it Like Beckham is perfect. I can see why Keira Knightley ended up getting more attention after this role, as her relationship with Jess in the movie feels like a real friendship and it’s all about the two of them trying to support each other despite the consequences. 

Stream Bend It Like Beckham on HBO Max.
Rent Bend It Like Beckham on Amazon.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean Franchise (2003 - 2017)

Now this is where Keira Knightley exploded onto the scene. Pirates of the Caribbean, loosely based on the theme park ride of the same name, follows pirates as they travel across the Caribbean seas, ravaging, scavenging, and drinking their way to glory, including the famous Jack Sparrow. 

Keira Knightly, for several Pirates of the Caribbean movies, played Elizabeth Swann, a young woman who was fascinated with the idea of pirates since she was a young girl, and she is a badass in these movies. Before many major movies with women as superheroes or action heroes, there was Elizabeth Swann, this amazingly independent and skilled fighter who still finds love, and that's something that I always loved as a child and still do to this day. Only Keira Knightley could play such a fascinating character; one that I’ve truly grown fond of more and more. 

Stream The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise on Disney+.
Rent The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise on Amazon.

Love Actually (2003)

If you want to see a great romantic comedy that’s mixed with some Christmas cheer, check out Love Actually. Here, we follow the lives of several different couples, who are all struggling with their own personal issues as the holidays loom. 

The Love Actually cast has so many stars in it it’s always hard to focus on one specific performance, but truly, it’s one of the best Christmas movies out there, and Keira Knightley’s role is just as iconic as you would expect it to be. That scene with her and Mark (Andrew Lincoln) is probably one of the most recognizable scenes from modern movies. I think all of us sort of dream that our perfect match would stand outside our door and profess their love for us. Ah, guess I’ll have to keep dreaming. 

Stream Love Actually on Amazon.
Rent Love Actually on AppleTV.

Pride And Prejudice (2005)

Pride and Prejudice, based on the novel of the same name, is a classic enemies to lovers story where two very different people must move past their own prides and prejudices in order to realize their true feelings. 

This is what I mean when I say Keira Knightley is a queen of period dramas, because she just acts so well in these movies. Her facial expressions and ability to show emotion makes her perfect for these sorts of movies that are often focused on love or wanting to overcome adversity. I will always love the relationship that she builds with Mr. Darcy and think that it’s one of the best romances out there. 

Stream Pride and Prejudice on HBO Max.
Rent Pride and Prejudice on Amazon.

Atonement (2007)

The critically-acclaimed movie, Atonement, is another great drama with a fantastic list of stars, including Keira Knightley. The drama follows what can happen when a crime occurs, and how the effects of that crime can still cause harm even years later, starting all the way back in the 1930s and moving onward. 

Keira Knightley’s performance is one of the many reasons to watch Atonement, as she again brings her all to the performance and shows just how great of an actress she really is. Her scenes with Saorise Ronan, in particular, are some of the standouts. The score is also fantastic - and if you don’t believe me, believe that it won the Academy Award for Best Original Score. 

Rent Atonement on Amazon.

The Duchess (2008)

If you’re looking for another great Keira Knightley period piece, check out The Duchess. Based on a real-life Duchess, Georgiana Cavendish, the film examines her life from when she was a young woman, to her marriages, and to the rest of her life, which ended in tragedy. 

Fun fact - Georgiana was actually the great-great-great-great aunt of Princess Diana, and Keira Knightley does a fantastic job portraying a young woman whose life was turned upside down. Something else that I love about this movie is the costume design, which was phenomenally done and really added to every scene that Knightley was in, further making her portrayal that much more realistic. 

Stream The Duchess on Paramount Plus.
Rent The Duchess on Amazon.

Anna Karenina (2012)

Another excellent period piece performance from Keira Knightley, Anna Karenina follows the titular character, who is a socialite and the wife of a senior statesman. Everything changes when she meets Count Vronksy, and heads into an affair that will change her life forever.

This is one of my personal favorite Keira Knightley performances, as she skillfully performs as Anna while also crafting a beautifully tragic love story that will make anyone’s heart clench, alongside her on-screen love interest, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Like the last entry, the costume design in this movie is also brilliant as hell, and makes the movie that much better. 

Stream Anna Karenina on HBO Max.
Rent Anna Karenina on Amazon.

Begin Again (2014)

As someone who adores some of the best movie musicals, Begin Again is such an underrated one. Keira Knightley stars as an undiscovered singer / songwriter who has been with her partner for some time. When he finds success, which leads to infidelity, she tries to begin her life again without him - and starts by meeting a record producer who's looking for a new singer. 

I love Begin Again. Both Knightley and Mark Ruffalo (who plays her love interest) have such amazing chemistry and really help create a meaningful love story, not only about romantic love but familial love, as well. Something I also adore about this film is that it’s about finding that feeling of belonging. Anyone at any point in their life can begin again, and that’s exactly what her character eventually does. 

Stream Begin Again on Netflix.
Rent Begin Again on Amazon.

The Imitation Game (2014)

The Imitation Game is a war drama that tells the story of Alan Turing, one of the grandfathers of the computer, and how he and his team of brilliant minds worked together to crack codes and reveal messages that could be used to aid the Allies during World War II. 

Keira Knightley portrayed Joan Clarke, a real life cryptanalyst who aided Alan Turing and was actually his partner for a time before they separated after he revealed he was homosexual. While many would probably think that Pride & Prejudice is Knightley’s best role, I will always think The Imitation Game is where she truly brought her acting skills to the table. There’s something so compelling about her performance as Joan that gets me every time I watch the movie, and her interactions with Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Alan, are some of the best in the film and make it that much more entertaining to watch. 

Stream The Imitation Game on Amazon.
Rent The Imitation Game on Apple TV.

Colette (2018)

Last, but not least, let’s take a look at Colette, one of Knightley’s latest entries. Colette documents the life of real French novelist, Colette, otherwise known as Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, following how her rise to fame as a writer started with her husband, and she later created her own success. 

As someone who hadn’t heard of the author prior to the movie, I quite enjoyed Colette and all of the drama it had to offer, and Keira Knightley once again rocked it in a period piece where she was able to display a full range of emotions. Even if the film didn’t break the bank at the box office, it was still a great movie that showcases the power of Knightley’s acting skills. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out. 

Stream Colette on Hulu.
Rent Colette on Amazon.

With so many amazing movies under her belt, one can only wonder what Keira Knightley is going to do next. Until we find out, I think I’ll just re-watch Pirates of the Caribbean for the umpteenth time. Anyone want to join me?  

If you are reading this, chances are you have watched Silent Night already, and you’re looking for more movies like it. At first, you would think that Camille Griffin’s Christmas black comedy about a family celebrating one final holiday before the end of the world would be in a category of its own, but there are movies out there that share a few similarities. Below is quick yet comprehensive list of movies from genres ranging from dystopian thrillers to end-of-the-world movies, and much much more. Let’s bring in the holiday cheer with an eclectic bunch…

Love Actually (2003)

Written and directed by Richard Curtis, the 2003 Christmas romantic comedy Love Actually follows a dozen or so characters seeking love and new beginnings around the holidays. With a who’s who of British acting talent from around the turn of the 21st Century, this beloved comedy is as entertaining as it is maddening at times.

Why it’s worth checking out: Okay, you are probably trying to figure out what Silent Night and Love Actually have in common besides both featuring Keira Knightley. But, there a few things both movies have, like the way they tackle the United Kingdom’s love of all things Christmas and those group suicides in the final act (just kidding about that part). All joking aside, Camille Griffin has gone on the record to say her pitch reference was Love Actually meets Melancholia.

Rent/Buy Love Actually on Amazon.

Melancholia (2011)

Lars Von Trier’s 2001 psychological drama, Melancholia, follows a broken family, played by Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Kiefer Sutherland, as they prepare for a planet to crash into Earth, a collision that will wipe out all life. The movie also touches on depression, marital issues, and existential dread in the face of death.

Why it’s worth checking out: One of the things that works best with Melancholia is the way in which it plays with your expectations. Even though the movie tells you explicitly that the world is coming to an end, you have this thought in your head the whole time that something is going to work out and all will be saved. Like Silent Night,  though, there is no such luxury or escape from death and the movie is about coming to terms with your own, inevitable mortality.

Stream Melancholia on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Melancholia on Amazon.

Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (2012)

The 2012 end-of-the-world romantic comedy Seeking a Friend for the End of the World follows Dodge Petersen (Steve Carell) and Penny Lockhart (Keira Knightley), two neighbors who strike up a close-knit friendship over the course of three weeks while they await an asteroid crashing into the planet. As they attempt to make amends with their pasts and leave nothing unsaid, the pair become inseparable. 

Why it’s worth checking out: A lot of the drama in Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is similar to that seen in Silent Night. Both movies feature characters who are dying to fulfill their dreams and say things they’ve always wanted to get off their chest. And, while both are crude and have unsavory characters, they delicately touch on how people will do anything to share one last tender moment before their demise.

Stream Seeking a Friend for the End of the World on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Seeking a Friend for the End of the World on Amazon.

The Lobster (2015)

Released in 2015, Yorgos Lanthimos’ dystopian romantic black comedy The Lobster is one of the most surreal movies you’ll see, and follows a man named David (Colin Farrell), who has 45 days to fall in love or he’ll be forced to spend the rest of his life as an animal of his choosing. 

Why it’s worth checking out: This truly bizarre movie, even when compared to the rest of Yorgos Lanthimos’ work, is something to behold. Like Silent Night, it finds the perfect combination of comedy and abject horror. There are times throughout both movies where the subject matter would be too much to take if it weren’t for expertly timed hilarious moments.

Stream The Lobster on Showtime.
Rent/Buy The Lobster on Amazon.

Children Of Men (2006)

With society on the brink of chaos following years of infertility caused by a mysterious pandemic, Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a revolutionary-turned-bureaucrat is given the remarkable task of escorting a pregnant woman (the first in nearly 20 years) to safety. If the human race is to survive to see a better tomorrow, this broken man with a dark past must succeed.

Why it’s worth checking out: Although it’s not a Christmas movie and doesn’t focus on an end-of-the-world type situation, Children of Men leaves you with similar feelings as Silent Night, because of mysterious forces, characters with nihilistic views, and the balance between hope and dread. All of this creates one of the best movies on Amazon Prime.

Stream Children of Men on Amazon.
Rent/Buy Children of Men on Amazon.

Contagion (2011)

The world is thrown into chaos in Contagion when a deadly and fast-moving virus spreads across the globe, killing tens of millions. Steven Soderbergh’s sobering pandemic thriller shows just how quickly things can go awry when the natural order of the world is brought to an end.

Why it’s worth checking out: Like Silent Night, this 2011 thriller is absolutely terrifying in its depiction of a world-ending event and just how quickly humanity can crumble. No one is safe in Contagion, and that is shown time and time again with deaths of major characters, played by actors who you would think were invincible.

Stream Contagion on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Contagion on Amazon.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Taika Waititi’s 2019 dramedy Jojo Rabbit follows a young boy who is torn between staying true to the Nazi Germany regime, and his love for his mother (Scarlett Johansson), who is hiding a young Jewish girl in their home. Over the course of the movie, Jojo turns to his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Waititi) for companionship and guidance. 

Why it’s worth checking out: Although he plays an entirely different character in Jojo Rabbit than he does in Silent Night, Roman Griffin Davis is the moral center of each film. Despite barely being a teenager, the young actor carries himself like a seasoned pro at this point, and is in full command of his emotions and the screen throughout both performances.

Rent/Buy Jojo Rabbit on Amazon.

Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve’s breathtaking and thought-provoking sci-fi alien drama, Arrival, follows linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) as she attempt to communicate with extraterrestrials that have landed on Earth. Louise and her team race against time (and the threat of global war) to understand the aliens and to figure out why they came to Earth in the first place.

Why it’s worth checking out: Just like Silent Night, Arrival is one of those movies where it’s better to know little to nothing at all going in, which allows you to be genuinely surprised by its twists and turns. It’s far more dramatic than Camille Griffin’s Christmas black comedy, but the film’s conversations about exploring the danger and beauty of the unknown make it a great companion piece. 

Stream Arrival on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Arrival on Amazon.

Take Shelter (2011)

Jeff Nichols’ 2011 psychological thriller Take Shelter follows Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon), a man who is driven to brink of madness after having nightmares and experiencing hallucinations of the apocalypse. In an attempt to protect his wife (Jessica Chastain) and daughter (Tova Stewart), Curtis builds a storm shelter, which puts his marriage in a tough spot and makes him the laughing stock of town.

Why it’s worth checking out: One of the best Michael Shannon movies, Take Shelter does a tremendous job of showing just how far someone will go to protect the ones they love from suffering. And, like Silent Night, this 2011 thriller has one of those endings that will have you talking about it for hours.

Stream Take Shelter on Starz.
Rent/Buy Take Shelter on Amazon.

Brazil (1985)

In an attempt to escape his boring life as a bureaucrat, Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) drifts off into a daydream world in which he becomes the hero he could never be in reality. But, as he continues to dive deeper and deeper into this fantastical world, Sam begins to lose his grasp on reality and his sanity begins to suffer.

Why it’s worth checking out: Brazil is without a doubt one of the most bizarre movies set during the Christmas season and uses the holiday in such a manner that is rarely seen. If you were a fan of how Silent Night used Christmas as a way to bring everyone together for the apocalyptic ride, then you have to watch Terry Gilliam’s sci-fi cult classic.

Stream Brazil on Tubi.
Rent/Buy Brazil on Amazon.

This Is The End (2013)

And then there is This is the End, the 2013 end-of-the-world comedy written and directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. This crude, hilarious, and gory as all hell doomsday film follows Jay Barauchel, James Franco, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Rogen, and other notable stars playing caricatures of themselves attempting to survive the apocalypse at Franco’s mansion. 

Why it’s worth checking out: This is the End plays like Silent Night if you took out all of the niceties, drama, and children, and instead had a group of man-children trying to save themselves from the inevitable. It has laughs and surprises around every corner and somehow manages to have a lot of heart.

Stream This is the End on Starz.
Rent/Buy This is the End on Amazon.

Well, this should be a good place to start if you want more movies like Silent Night. However, in the event you want more ways to kill a few hours, check out our list of the best movies on Netflix, which is full of great options. 

Fans of holiday romantic comedies, rejoice because Netflix’s Love Hard is one to add to your seasonal rotation. Iconic favorites Love Actually and Die Hard are referenced frequently throughout the film (as you can guess from the title) and it includes a sweet nod to Love Actually’s poster scene. The cast of Love Hard shared what additional rom-com scenes they want to recreate in a sequel, along with a great idea for the title.

Love Hard follows Natalie (Nina Dobrev), a Los Angeles-based writer who meets her perfect match on a dating app and flies across the country to meet him. She arrives to find out she’s been catfished, which leads to a hilarious, honest and heartwarming journey. Nina Dobrev shared her favorite rom-com scenes with CinemaBlend:

Who doesn’t love a Matthew McConaughey rom-com? She’s not wrong about him being in all the movies - we like to call this time period the McConnessance - but I love that Nina Dobrev also revealed the perfect title for the sequel to Love Hard which is Die Actually. As it’s another merging the titles of Love Actually and Die Hard, Netflix couldn’t possibly go with any other title for the sequel, and even though I’m not sure how this title could inform the plot picking up where the previous left off, I now need this sequel to happen.

Jimmy O. Yang, who plays Josh the catfisher, also shared the classic rom-com scenes he would like to recreate in a sequel. He imagined his character getting another epic moment, and it’s great. Here’s what Yang told CinemaBlend:

There’s no doubt in my mind that he could pull that off. Darren Barnet, who plays the other leading man in Love Hard chose my personal favorite rom-com scene, and I agree they should re-create this one if Netflix greenlights a sequel. Here’s what he chose:

This makes me want to go dig my boombox out of storage at my parent’s house. Darren, if you’re reading this, feel free to hold one outside my window. We have the same dream! 

Honestly, any of the scenes the cast mentioned would be great to see recreated by their characters. Love Hard wraps up at the end but still leaves speculation for where these characters go next, and I’d love to see them return. Love Hard begins streaming on Netflix November 5. 

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Over the years, Billy Bob Thornton has played everything from a thief conning his way through the holiday season in Bad Santa to the man behind one of the most unbelievable plans to save the world in Armageddon and just about everything in between. The Academy Award winner, who can do everything from act to write and direct, as was the case with Sling Blade, has built up a respectable filmography throughout this career, and it doesn’t look like he plans on slowing down anytime soon. So, before he goes off and makes another thriller or drama we’ll surely be talking about for years to come, here is a quick rundown of the best Billy Bob Thornton movies and how you can watch them.

Sling Blade (1996)

When Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) is released from a mental hospital decades after killing his mother, he forms an unlikely bond with Frank Wheatley (Lucas Black), a young boy still coming to terms with his father’s suicide. While Frank, his mother Linda, (Natalie Canerday), and Vaughn Cunningham (John Ritter) are accepting of Karl and his tormented past, others in the small Arkansas town, like Doyle Hargraves (Dwight Yoakam), aren’t as welcoming to then mentally disabled man.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Billy Bob Thornton not only starred in Sling Blade but he also directed and wrote the 1996 drama, taking home an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his efforts. The film was based on a short called Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade that Thornton wrote and directed two years earlier. On top of that, Sling Blade also tells a beautiful and at times harrowing story about second chances and understanding set in the American South.

Stream Sling Blade on HBO Max.

Rent/Buy Sling Blade on Amazon.

Buy Sling Blade on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Bad Santa (2003)

As far as anyone is concerned, Willie T. Stokes (Billy Bob Thornton) is nothing more than a foul-mouthed and persistently hungover mall Santa who takes the holiday season one bottle of cheap booze at a time. Unbeknownst to the shoppers and management at various shopping centers throughout town, Stokes and his partner Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox) are actually prolific con artists with an annual tradition of robbing stores blind on Christmas Eve. Well, that is until Stokes meets and befriends a young boy (Brett Kelly) who could bring on a Christmas miracle.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Bad Santa has become one of the most iconic holiday movies of the 21st Century though it shouldn’t be confused with something you could share with the family next Christmas Eve. And despite the drinking, debauchery, and thievery, there’s a heartfelt story about redemption even for the crudest and drunkest of mall Santas.

Rent Bad Santa on Amazon.

Buy Bad Santa on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Armageddon (1998)

With a planet-killing asteroid set on a collision course with Earth, NASA executive Dan Truman (Billy Bob Thornton) comes up with a far-fetched plan that just so happens to be humanity’s only chance of survival: send a group of roughnecks from an offshore oil rig led by Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) to drill into the surface of the rock and blow it up with a nuclear bomb.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Released the same summer as another end-of-the-world asteroid movie, Michael Bay’s Armageddon is a stylized and unrealistic popcorn movie that makes you say “To hell with it, let’s have a good time,” and it does just that. One thing that makes the movie so enjoyable 22 years later (well, besides the guy yelling about his phonebook) is the insanely stacked cast, which includes Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Steve Buscemi, Owen Wilson, Michael Clarke Duncan, and more.

Stream Armageddon on Peacock.

Rent/Buy Armageddon on Amazon.

Buy Armageddon on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Friday Night Lights (2004)

When their star player, Boobie Miles (Derek Luke) sustains a season-ending injury in the opening game, the Permian High School Panthers, head coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) leads the team on improbable campaign to the state championship game. But not if the team’s families and town of Odessa, Texas, don’t fall apart first.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Before it was adapted into a successful television series, Friday Night Lights, which was based on the H.G. Bissinger’s 1990 non-fiction novel of the same name, told one of the greatest football stories ever brought to the big screen. With outstanding performances from its large ensemble case, a gripping and highly emotional story, and an amazing soundtrack by Texas post-rock outfit Explosions in the Sky, there’s are plenty of reasons it’s one of the best sports movies of all time.

Stream Friday Night Lights on Starz*_._

Rent/Buy Friday Night Lights on Amazon.

Buy Friday Night Lights on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.*

Monster’s Ball (2001)

Hank Grotowski (Billy Bob Thornton) and Leticia Musgrove (Halle Berry) are a grieving widower and widow who strike up an improbable bond shortly following the death of their children. They find comfort, security, and solace in one another, but when Hank, a prison guard, learns he was witness to the execution of Leticia’s husband on death row, the relationship, and their lives become all the more complicated.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Monster’s Ball is mostly remembered for showcasing the Oscar-winning performance of Halle Berry, which was the first and only (as of 2021) time an African-American woman has taken home the Academy Award for Best Actress. This emotional and intimate story about two people from different walks of life finding love again in one another is truly something to behold.

Stream Monster’s Ball on Showtime.

Rent/Buy Monster’s Ball on Amazon.

Buy Monster’s Ball on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

A Simple Plan (1998)

The lives of Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton), his brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and their friend Lou Chambers (Brent Briscoe) are forever changed when they find a crashed plane with a dead pilot and $4 million in cash. What starts out as a simple, yet morally complicated plan quickly unfolds into something that could further complicate not only their lives but everyone they know.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Directed by Sam Raimi, A Simple Plan is a dark and twisted take on the crime noir genre that gets rid of darkened city streets for rural Minnesota and all its mysteries. The film would go on to receive two Academy Awards, including a nod for Billy Bob Thornton in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Stream A Simple Plan on Paramount+.

Rent/Buy A Simple Plan on Amazon.

Buy A Simple Plan on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)

Ed Crane (Billy Bob Thornton), a small-town barber in 1940s California, has grown tired of his life after discovering his wife Doris (Frances McDormand) has been carrying on with an extramarital affair. To get back at his wife, her lover, and to spice up his seemingly normal and quiet life, Ed comes up with a blackmail scheme. What starts out as a relatively simple revenge plot quickly unfolds into something no one, not even Ed, could have ever expected.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, and shot by the incomparable Roger Deakins, The Man Who Wasn’t There is what would you come to expect from the visionary filmmaker brothers and a cast that also includes Richard Jenkins, Tony Shalhoub, James Gandolfini, and a young Scarlett Johansson, and it doesn’t let down.

Rent/Buy The Man Who Wasn’t There on Amazon.

Buy The Man Who Wasn’t There on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Primary Colors (1998)

When Jack Stanton (John Travolta), a Democratic governor from an unnamed southern state announces his candidacy for President of the United States, his campaign puts together a remarkable, diverse, and somewhat morally-bankrupt team of advisors including his wife, Susan (Emma Thompson), political strategist Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton), and the idealistic Henry Burton (Adrian Lester). Told through a comedic lens, the film explores the ups, downs, and compromises one must take to lead a successful campaign.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Loosely based off the 1992 Clinton Campaign, Primary Colors takes stories and people tied to the successful Presidential bid and turns it up by a few degrees. Billy Bob Thornton, whose character was based on Louisiana political strategist James Carville, is outstanding as a ruthless political insider who wants nothing more than to get a win for his boss, no matter what it takes.

Stream Primary Colors on Hulu.

Rent/Buy Primary Colors on Amazon.

Buy Primary Colors on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

One False Move (1992)

Three ruthless criminals — Ray Malcolm (Billy Bob Thornton), Lila “Fantasia” Walker (Cynda Williams), and Lane “Pluto” Franklin (Michael Beach) — go into hiding in a rural Arkansas town after pulling off a series of violent crimes in Los Angeles. While the trio initially think they’ve escaped consequences for their actions, they quickly realize how wrong they are after they fall in the crosshairs of Sheriff Dale “Hurricane” Dixon (Bill Paxton).

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Another movie on this list written by Billy Bob Thornton, One False Move, which was directed by Carl Franklin, is a hard-hitting and complex crime thriller with its fair share of secrets. Plus, who doesn’t love Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton sharing scenes together.

Stream One False Move on Starz.

Rent/Buy One False Move on Amazon.

Buy One False Move on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Tombstone (1993)

Tired of being gunslingers in the American West, Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell), his brothers, Morgan (Bill Paxton) and Virgil (Sam Elliott), and best friend Doc Holiday (Val Kilmer) move to Tombstone, Arizona, with hopes of starting a new and less bloody life as businessmen in the boomtown. Trouble, however, isn’t far behind in the form of the Cowboy gang, a ruthless band of outlaws hellbent on making life difficult for everyone in their path.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Tombstone is the one of the best cowboy movies of the late 20th Century and one that is just beloved now as it was upon its release nearly 30 years ago. One thing that makes the movie so great is its outstanding cast, which happens to include Billy Bob Thornton as the foul-mouthed card dealer Johnny Tyler who just stands there and bleeds.

Rent/Buy Tombstone on Amazon.

Buy Tombstone on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

Love Actually (2003)

Told through nine interconnected stories of romance, loss, and new beginnings during the holiday season, Love Actually paints a beautiful picture of Great Britain during the holidays and how anything can happen on Christmas if you believe in love.

Why it’s one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best movies: Billy Bob Thornton is only in Love Actually for a few minutes, but he makes the most of his time on screen as U.S. President, the bullish American commander-in-chief who thinks he railroad British Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant) in every way possible. This tension leads to one of the best character stories in Richard Curtis’ 2003 modern Christmas classic.

Stream Love Actually on IMDbTV.

Rent/Buy Love Actually on Amazon.

Buy Love Actually on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

BONUS: Fargo Season 1 (TV Series) (2014)

The first season of the FX anthology series adaptation of Joel and Ethan Coens’ Fargo centers on the story of Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), a mysterious hitman who crashes his car in the small town of Bemidji, Minnesota, and proceeds to become involved in the lives of the local townsfolk, sometimes with disastrous results.

Billy Bob Thornton, who previously worked with the Coen brothers and who also appeared in a crime drama set in Minnesota, would end up winning a Golden Globe in the Best Actor — Miniseries or Television Film category with multiple other nominations. The dark, mysterious, and deadpan nature of Thornton’s character makes this an easy binge.

Stream Fargo Season 1 on Hulu.

Rent/Buy Fargo Season 1 on Amazon.

Buy Fargo Season 1 on DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon.

As you can see, the list of best Billy Bob Thornton movies is a varied bunch, with everything from sports dramas to crime thrillers, and just about everything in between. With other projects in the works, including The Gray Man from the Russo Brothers, expect to see Thornton pop up in some of the most exciting 2021 movies as well as all the upcoming 2022 new movie releases.

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Among the most influential names in physical comedy (from Charlie Chaplin to Chris Farley), Rowan Atkinson easily deserves a place on that list. The British writer, actor, and producer earned it the moment he made his debut as Mr. Bean - a character he created in the late 1980s with filmmaker Richard Curtis, who would later cast his longtime writing partner in films of his own, such as 2003's Love Actually. That is just one of the many Rowan Atkinson movies and TV shows that are a must for any fan of this iconic and (by today’s standards) somewhat underrated talent, starting with another one of he and Curtis’ greatest achievements.

Blackadder (Hulu)

The bumbling schemes of the self-centered, sniveling Duke of Edinburgh (Rowan Atkinson) and his descendants are the focus of this long-running collection of miniseries.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Originally a Shakespearean satire from creator Richard Curtis, Blackadder evolved into an entire franchise of hilarious tales of revisionist history (and even a rewrite of A Christmas Carol) all with star and co-writer Rowan Atkinson in common.

Stream Blackadder on Hulu.

Rent Blackadder on Amazon.

The Thin Blue Line (Amazon Rental)

An uptight British inspector struggles to maintain order at the police station he is in charge of, in spite of the bumbling members of his staff.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: One of the writers of Blackadder, Ben Elton, would go on to create The Thin Blue Line (not to be confused with the Errol Morris documentary) - a send up of crime TV shows that ran for two season in the mid-1990s and stars Rowan Atkinson in the lead as, surprisingly, one of the more competent characters of the cast.

Rent The Thin Blue Line on Amazon.

Hot Shots! Part Deux (Amazon Rental)

A former U.S. Air Force pilot (Charlie Sheen) must take on a series of increasingly absurd action movie cliches in order to retrieve a rescue team that was sent in to locate a rescue team that was sent to find a group of soldiers held captive in Iraq.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Speaking of send-ups, one of the most unapologetically consistently insane parody movies of all time is 1993’s Hot Shots! Part Deux, the sequel to the 1991 hit from one of the directors of Airplane!, which stars Rowan Atkinson as a POW Charlie Sheen’s character is sent in to rescue.

Rent Hot Shots! Part Deux on Amazon.

Four Weddings And A Funeral (Amazon Prime, Showtime, Pluto TV)

A young, British bachelor (Hugh Grant) attends several social occasions over a short period of time, becoming more convinced of his feeling toward an American woman (Andie McDowell) each time.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Imagine what would happen if Mr. Bean became a wedding officiant and you would essentially have Rowan Atkinson’s scene-stealing performance in Four Weddings and Funeral - the classic 1994 romantic comedy which earned Atkinson’s frequent collaborator, Richard Curtis, an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Stream Four Weddings And A Funeral on Amazon Prime.

Stream Four Weddings And A Funeral on Showtime.

Stream Four Weddings And A Funeral on Pluto TV.

Rent Four Weddings And A Funeral on Amazon.

Love Actually (Netflix, IMDb TV)

A washed up pop star (Bill Nighy), a pair of stand-ins for a pornographic film (Martin Freeman and Joanna Page), the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant), and many others each have unique and disastrous experiences with love during Christmastime in London.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Writer and director Richard Curtis cast his friend Rowan Atkinson in another scene-stealing role as a persnickety jeweler in Love Actually, which is also one of the best romantic comedy movies ever made, in my opinion.

Stream Love Actually on Netflix.

Stream Love Actually on IMDb TV.

Rent Love Actually on Amazon.

Rat Race (HBO Max)

A disgraced former NFL referee (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a woman (Whoopi Goldberg) meeting her long-lost daughter for the first time, a family man (Jon Lovitz) who can barely afford to take his family on vacation, and other strangers try to be the first to reach a $2 million prize hidden in New Mexico.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Imagine if Mr. Bean was a narcoleptic, Italian Las Vegas tourist and you would essentially have his fittingly zany character in Rat Race - an unofficial modern update of It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, from another one of the Airplane! directors, Jerry Zucker.

Stream Rat Race on HBO Max.

Rent/buy Rat Race on Amazon.

The Lion King (Disney+)

A lion (Matthew Broderick) returns to his home in the African Pride Lands to reclaim the throne from his corrupt uncle after learning the truth behind his father’s death.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Rowan Atkinson lends his voice to one of the most acclaimed Disney animated movies, 1994’s The Lion King, as comic relief: Zazu, the red-billed hornbill who serves as Mufasa’s royal advisor.

Stream The Lion King on Disney+.

Buy The Lion King on Amazon.

The Witches (Amazon Rental)

While on a holiday with his grandmother, a young boy discovers that their hotel is the site for a gathering of evil witches whose leader (Anjelica Huston) turns him into a mouse after they catch him spying.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Imagine if Mr. Bean was an uptight hotel manager and you would essentially have Rowan Atkinson’s role in 1990’s The Witches as Mr. Stringer, whom Stanley Tucci would play for the HBO Max exclusive update of the Road Dahl novel in 2020.

Rent The Witches on Amazon.

Scooby-Doo (HBO Max)

Years after Mystery Inc. disbanded so its members could go their separate ways, Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (Linda Cardellini), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby are brought together to investigate strange behavior happening on Spooky Island.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: Again, if Mr. Bean were the eccentric owner of a horror-themed amusement park on a tropical getaway destination, you would, essentially, have Atkinson's role as Emile Mondavarious (or so he claims to be) in 2002’s live action Scooby-Doo movie - yet another spooky, but relatively family-friendly adventure based on a beloved property.

Stream Scooby-Doo on HBO Max.

Rent Scooby-Doo on Amazon.

The Johnny English Movies

A fatal attack at a funeral for a late spy allows a wannabe MI6 agent (Rowan Atkinson) the chance to finally live his dream by stopping a ruthless French entrepreneur (John Malkovich) from usurping the British throne, protecting the Chinese Premier from international assassins, and coming out of retirement to hunt down an elusive hacker - all while making a series of disastrous mistakes along the way.

Why they are worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: In this case, if Mr. Bean were James Bond you'd (more than just essentially) have Rowan Atkinson’s role as the title character of this trilogy of spy movie send-ups that begins with 2003’s Johnny English, is reborn with 2011’s Johnny English Reborn, and strikes again with Johnny English Strikes Again in 2018, with some of the comedian’s most fun work all the way through.

Stream Johnny English on Hulu.

Rent Johnny English on Amazon.

Stream Johnny English Reborn on HBO Max.

Rent Johnny English Reborn on Amazon.

Rent Johnny English Strikes Again on Amazon.

Never Say Never Again (Amazon Rental)

An aging 007 is reinstated and tasked with hunting down his old nemesis, Ernst Blofeld, before he causes a disaster with stolen nuclear warheads.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: What is fascinatingly coincidental about Rowan Atkinson’s role as a bumbling sorta Bond in the Johnny English movies is that he appears alongside the late Sean Connery in 1983’s Never Say Never Again - which is technically a James Bond movie - as an incompetent representative of the British Embassy with a ridiculous name (Nigel Small-Fawcett) years before he became a household name.

Rent Never Say Never Again on Amazon.

Mr. Bean Movies And TV Shows

Aided by his own dim wit and his only friend (a stuffed bear named Teddy), an immature adult loner (Rowan Atkinson) struggles to achieve simple, day-to-day tasks while living in London, when hired to bring a valuable painting to a Los Angeles, on a trip to France, and wherever else he ends up.

Why they are worth checking out if you like Rowan Atkinson: What did make Rowan Atkinson a household name was playing the brilliantly funny, internationally recognized title “hero” of the original Mr. Bean TV show from 1990 to 1995, which led to appearances as the goofy man-child in numerous specials, advertisements, two movies (the simply titled Bean in 1995 and 2007’s Mr. Bean’s Holiday), and an animated series in 2002 for which Atkinson also returned to voice the character.

Stream Mr. Bean on Amazon Prime.

Stream Mr. Bean on Hulu.

Stream Mr. Bean on Pluto TV.

Stream Mr. Bean on Tubi.

Buy Mr. Bean on Amazon.

Rent Bean on Amazon.

Rent Mr. Bean’s Holiday on Amazon.

Stream Mr. Bean: The Animated Series, Season 3 on Amazon Prime.

Stream Mr. Bean: The Animated Series on Tubi.

Buy Mr. Bean: The Animated Series on Amazon.

Apparently, Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis are preparing to bring Mr. Bean back again for a new series that would feature a grumpier, elder version of the character called Old Bean. This could officially be the last that we see of the character because, according to The Sun, the responsibility and effort required to play him has driven Atkinson to “look forward to the end of it.” Luckily, the countless and consistently hilarious moments we have had with Atkinson as the character are already worth a lifetime.

Conventional wisdom would tell us that horror releases would most likely do their best if released in the month of October. Then again, if you’re a true fan of frightening and fiendish things, Netflix’s July 2021 new releases like the Fear Street trilogy and Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness are a welcome sight. But don’t worry, because if you’re not into the scary stuff, there’s still plenty of other titles to look forward to including fan-favorites like The Karate Kid, Django Unchained and the Twilight Saga. Take a look at when everything new will be hitting the streaming service this summer.

In addition, if you want to see the rundown of what was added to Netflix in June 2021, you can take a look at those titles through the link below.

Premiering On Netflix - Week Of July 1

Audible - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 7/1/21

Dynasty Warriors - NETFLIX FILM - 7/1/21

Generation 56k - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/1/21

Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway - NETFLIX ANIME FILM - 7/1/21

Young Royals - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/1/21

Air Force One - 7/1/21

Austin Powers in Goldmember - 7/1/21

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery - 7/1/21

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me - 7/1/21

The Best of Enemies - 7/1/21

Boogie Nights - 7/1/21

Born to Play - 7/1/21

Bureau of Magical Things: Season 1 - 7/1/21

Charlie's Angels - 7/1/21

Congo - 7/1/21

Dennis the Menace - 7/1/21

The Game - 7/1/21

Hampstead - 7/1/21

The Karate Kid - 7/1/21

The Karate Kid Part II - 7/1/21

The Karate Kid Part III - 7/1/21

Kung Fu Panda - 7/1/21

Kung Fu Panda 2 - 7/1/21

Life as We Know It - 7/1/21

Love Actually - 7/1/21

Mary Magdalena - 7/1/21

Memoirs of a Geisha - 7/1/21

Midnight Run - 7/1/21

Mortal Kombat (1995) - 7/1/21

No Strings Attached - 7/1/21

Not Another Teen Movie - 7/1/21

Ophelia - 7/1/21

Sailor Moon Crystal: Seasons 1-3 - 7/1/21

She's Out of My League - 7/1/21

Spanglish - 7/1/21

Star Trek - 7/1/21

The Strangers - 7/1/21

Stuart Little - 7/1/21

Supermarket Sweep: Season 1 - 7/1/21

Sword of Trust - 7/1/21

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - 7/1/21

Terminator 2: Judgment Day - 7/1/21

Underworld - 7/1/21

Underworld: Awakening - 7/1/21

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - 7/1/21

What Dreams May Come - 7/1/21

Why Do Fools Fall in Love - 7/1/21

ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE - 7/1/21

The 8th Night - NETFLIX FILM - 7/2/21

Big Timber - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/2/21

Fear Street Part 1: 1994 - NETFLIX FILM - 7/2/21

Haseen Dillruba - NETFLIX FILM - 7/2/21

Mortel: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/2/21

Snowpiercer - 7/2/21

Grey's Anatomy: Season 17 - 7/3/21

Premiering On Netflix - Week Of July 4

We The People - NETFLIX FAMILY -7/4/21

You Are My Spring - NETFLIX SERIES -7/5/21

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson: Season 2 - NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL -7/6/21

Brick Mansions -7/7/21

Cat People - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY -7/7/21

Dogs: Season 2 - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY -7/7/21

The Mire: '97 - NETFLIX SERIES -7/7/21

The War Next-door - NETFLIX SERIES -7/7/21

Major Grom: Plague Doctor - NETFLIX FILM -7/7/21

This Little Love of Mine -7/7/21

Elize Matsunaga: Once Upon a Crime - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY -7/8/21

Home Again -7/8/21

Midnight Sun -7/8/21

RESIDENT EVIL: Infinite Darkness - NETFLIX ANIME -7/8/21

Atypical: Season 4 - NETFLIX SERIES -7/9/21

Biohackers: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES -7/9/21

The Cook of Castamar - NETFLIX SERIES -7/9/21

Fear Street Part 2: 1978 - NETFLIX FILM -7/9/21

How I Became a Superhero - NETFLIX FILM -7/9/21

Last Summer - NETFLIX FILM -7/9/21

Lee Su-geun: The Sense Coach - NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL -7/9/21

Virgin River: Season 3 - NETFLIX SERIES -7/9/21

American Ultra - 7/10/21

Premiering On Netflix - Week Of July 11

Ridley Jones - NETFLIX FAMILY - 7/13/21

A Classic Horror Story - NETFLIX FILM - 7/14/21

The Guide to the Perfect Family - NETFLIX FILM - 7/14/21

Gunpowder Milkshake - NETFLIX FILM - 7/14/21

Heist - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 7/14/21

My Unorthodox Life - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/14/21

Private Network: Who Killed Manuel Buendía? - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 7/14/21

A Perfect Fit - NETFLIX FILM - 7/15/21

BEASTARS: Season 2 - NETFLIX ANIME - 7/15/21

Emicida: AmarElo - Live in São Paulo - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 7/15/21

My Amanda - NETFLIX FILM - 7/15/21

Never Have I Ever: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/15/21

The Beguiled - 7/16/21

Deep - NETFLIX FILM - 7/16/21

Explained: Season 3 - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY (NEW EPISODES WEEKLY) - 7/16/21

Fear Street Part 3: 1666 - NETFLIX FILM - 7/16/21

Johnny Test - NETFLIX FAMILY - 7/16/21

Twilight - 7/16/21

The Twilight Saga: New Moon - 7/16/21

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - 7/16/21

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 - 7/16/21

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2 - 7/16/21

Cosmic Sin - 7/17/21

Premiering On Netflix - Week Of July 18

Milkwater - 7/20/21

Chernobyl 1986 - NETFLIX FILM - 7/21/21

The Movies That Made Us: Season 2 - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 7/21/21

One on One with Kirk Cameron: Season 1 - 7/21/21

Sexy Beasts - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/21/21

Too Hot to Handle: Brazil - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/21/21

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans - NETFLIX FAMILY - 7/21/21

Still Working 9 to 5 - 7/22/21

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop - NETFLIX ANIME - 7/22/21

A Second Chance: Rivals! - NETFLIX FAMILY - 7/23/21

Bankrolled - NETFLIX FILM - 7/23/21

Blood Red Sky - NETFLIX FILM - 7/23/21

Kingdom: Ashin of the North - NETFLIX FILM - 7/23/21

The Last Letter From Your Lover - NETFLIX FILM - 7/23/21

Masters of the Universe: Revelation - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/23/21

Sky Rojo: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/23/21

Charmed: Season 3 - 7/24/21

Django Unchained - 7/24/21

Premiering On Netflix - Week Of July 25

The Walking Dead: Season 10 - 7/25/21

Wynonna Earp: Season 4 - 7/25/21

All American: Season 3 - 7/27/21

Mighty Express: Season 4 - NETFLIX FAMILY - 7/27/21

The Operative - 7/27/21

Bartkowiak - NETFLIX FILM - 7/28/21

Fantastic Fungi - 7/28/21

The Flash: Season 7 - 7/28/21

The Snitch Cartel: Origins - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/28/21

Tattoo Redo - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/28/21

Too Hot to Handle: Brazil - NETFLIX SERIES (NEW EPISODES) - 7/28/21

Resort to Love - NETFLIX FILM - 7/29/21

Transformers: War for Cybertron: Kingdom - NETFLIX ANIME - 7/29/21

Centaurworld - NETFLIX FAMILY - 7/30/21

Glow Up: Season 3 - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/30/21

The Last Mercenary - NETFLIX FILM - 7/30/21

Myth & Mogul: John DeLorean - NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY - 7/30/21

Outer Banks: Season 2 - NETFLIX SERIES - 7/30/21

The Vault - 7/31/21

Premiering On Netflix - July TBD

Cheech & Chong's Still Smokin

Feels Like Ishq - NETFLIX SERIES

How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast): Season 3 - NETFLIX SERIES

Netflix’s Movie Highlights For July 2021

The wait is finally over, friends! Netflix’s Fear Street Trilogy is finally going to be unleashed upon the public, over three consecutive weeks. Based on R.L. Stine’s classic literary franchise, the towns of Shadyside and Sunnyvale find themselves at the center of an insidious evil that’s definitely not PG-rated. So you may want to watch these terrifying films before showing them to your children.

You could say the same about our next Netflix original film, except when it comes to Karen Gillan and her Gunpowder Milkshake ensemble, that R-rating is for action packed brutality. While there’s no curses here, there is Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Angela Bassett, and Michelle Yeoh packing so much firepower, their enemies may as well be milkshakes. It’s gonna get real pulpy, real fast and the results look quite exciting.

Some months, the Netflix originals are more exciting than some of the classics heading to the subscription streamer. July of 2021 will not be one of those months. In fact, tons of franchise films will be hitting the streaming, including the whole of the Austin Powers and Twilight Saga, as well as the aforementioned The Karate Kid. Overall, there's a lot to look forward to on the movie front.

Netflix’s TV Highlights For July 2021

Speaking of waits that have felt like an eternity, Netflix’s breakout comedy I Think You Should Leave finally returns for Season 2! With Tim Robinson and his usual gang of comedic performers bringing their unique brand of humor back to the streaming world, there’s no telling what memes will result from this round. And should Bart Harley Jarvis rear his dastardly head, you know what to shout. Virgin River and Outer Banks will also be back, so if you are a fan, be sure to get those dates onto your calendar.

Circling back to the world of horror, we’ve still got a couple months until Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City makes its way to theaters. But that shouldn’t stop you from digging into the further adventures of Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield’s battle against the undead. As the Netflix original series Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness debuts in its first season in July, creatures season is opening a little earlier than expected; so you’d better be prepared.

If you’re a Netflix subscriber, July 2021 is quite a frightening place to be. Of course, what’s even scarier is looking for a title you’re excited to watch, and not finding it. So be sure to check this schedule often, as all titles are subject to change and availability. We’ll see you again around this time next month, when August 2021’s Netflix lineup will be revealed like a dark and terrible secret. Good luck keeping the lights on until we meet again.

For 17 years now, Richard Curtis' Christmastime romantic comedy Love Actually has brought joy, heartache, awkwardness, lobsters, and one of the most aggressive yet best-timed turtleneck sweater zip-ups in cinematic history. Over the course of two-hour collection of intertwining stories leading up to a Christmas no one will ever forget, we love, loathe, and love to loathe an assortment of iconic characters played by the likes of Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, and Emma Thompson (god bless her and her broken heart here). But deciding on which of the nine stories features throughout the movie is best is no easy task. Trust me, I know…

In recent days, I have conferred with everyone from editors and video producers here at CinemaBlend and my wife to come up with the best possible ranking of the major character stories in Love Actually. And that was after spending way too much time watching Andrew Lincoln aggressively zipping his sweater and having one of the most iconic fits of angsty rage on the streets of London, going back and trying to come to terms with Laura Linney's story, and finding myself distracted by making yet another Christmas playlist centered around the greatest moments in this quintessential early 2000s romanic comedy. Here's how things shook out…

9. John And Judy

Starting things off, we have the story involving John (Martin Freeman) and Judy (Joanna Page), two stand-ins for sex scenes on the set of a movie who strike up a relationship after spending countless hours going through the motions. This story comes in at the bottom of the pack, not because it's a terrible story lacking humor, but because there's just not a lot there. All off the other stories featured in Love Actually have heart or at least stakes, but this one is lacking in both of those categories as well as depth.

8. Juliet, Peter And Mark

You would think that having one of the central stories of Love Actually this far down on the list would be a mistake, but hear me out. Sure, Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter's (Chiwetel Ejofor) wedding ceremony serves as one of the major central points in the movie where several storylines intertwine, and then Mark (Andrew Lincoln) admitting that he doesn't hate his best friend's wife but is actually in love with her (in a pretty creepy way) is a highly-emotional point in the movie, but all of this is just damn ridiculous. And once you look past the "Sweater Zip Heard Around The World" this storyline is just about a terrible person being an awful friend and being a jerk because he's too afraid to say how he feels.

7. Colin, Tony And The American Girls

Colin's (Kris Marshall) journey to Wisconsin (of all places to choose from in the United States) to meet American girls who he thinks are obsessed with British men isn't the most romantic, rational, or realistic story in Love Actually, but in a movie that's admittedly excessively sappy in pretty much every storyline, this one works because it's hilarious, not overly pretentious, and honestly defies expectations. After striking out with multiple women (including the caterer), even Colin's best friend, Tony (Abdul Salis) doesn't think that Colin will have a successful trip. But when he gets to Wisconsin (again, WISCONSIN), Colin is actually right and swoons several girls at the bar. And while it seems like it's a dream and Colin is going to wake up at any moment, the epilogue proves this is a reality and not some fantasy.

6. Sarah, Karl And Michael

One of the most maddening and excessively awkward storylines in Love Actually is the one involving Sarah (Laura Linney) an American living in England with her mentally ill brother Michael (Michael Fitzgerald). And while the strained relationship shared by the siblings brings some weight and realism to the movie, Sarah's obsession with her coworker Karl (Rodrigo Santoro) but failure to communicate is infuriating at every step. When Michael calls and then calls again while his sister and her love interest are finally hooking up, all Sarah had to do was tell Karl "Hey, I've got to handle this but can we go on an actual date at some point?" would have prevented this melodramatic failed attempt at love from becoming just so much. It's beautiful that she prioritizes her brother's needs, but frustrating that she can't also have some love in her life. Her failure to communicate makes me want to skip this story every time, and I LOVE Laura Linney.

5. Daniel, Sam, Joanna And Carol

It's time for the heavy hitters of Love Actually, and what better way to start this section off than with a story about a widower trying to connect with his stepson following the death of his wife and the boy's mother. I could watch an entire movie of Daniel (Liam Neeson) and Sam (Thomas Sangster) waxing poetic about the pitfalls of love over numerous romantic dramas in the lead-up to the big Christmas pageant where the young boy wants to impress his crush Joanna (Olivia Olson) before she goes back to America. From "Bye Bye Baby" at the funeral to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" during the pageant (even with those weird kids dancing), this entire storyline is one of the best. And then Daniel being able to find new love with Carol (Claudia Schiffer) is the icing on the Christmas cake.

4. Jamie And Aurélia

Depending on who you ask, the story of Jamie (Colin Firth) and Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz) falling in love despite not being able to speak the same language is either the best or worst stories in Love Actually. And while there's an argument to be made for both, it's honestly somewhere towards the middle of the pack with a slight lean towards the better of the nine stories told here. Watching the British writer trying to get over a failed relationship only to fall for his Portuguese housekeeper is one of the more charming and heartfelt sections of the movie, especially the drive home after the pages in the water incident where they profess their love but neither speaks the same language. There are also comical scenes when Jamie seeks out Aurélia with her family as well as the "I hate Uncle Jamie" moments earlier.

3. David And Natalie

Sometimes all you need is a passionate love story filled with attraction, a more humorous spin on the failure to communicate, and a strained relationship with a foreign superpower, and the story involving British Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant) and 10 Downing Street staff member Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) has all of that and more. There is an attraction throughout this entire chapter of Love Actually, but things come to a head when the US President (Billy Bob Thornton) make a move on Natalie, resulting in David becoming quite enraged at his foreign ally, and kicking off the final section where he seeks out Natalie and surprises random Londoners in the process. Combine that with the iconic kiss at the conclusion of the Christmas pageant and Hugh Grant's narration at the opening of the movie and you have yourself a near-perfect story.

2. Billy Mack And Joe

The tale of aging rock and roller Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) and his longtime friend and manager Joe (Gregor Fisher) doesn't tie in with the other characters in the movie (though his version of "Love Is All Around" is featured heavily on radios and TV sets throughout) but it remains one of the best in the entire movie. Watching the aging Billy Mack get a new lease on stardom by topping the pop charts is hilarious, unpredictable, and a bit asinine, and sets up one of the most fulfilling endings. Instead of staying at a Christmas party with all those young people who don't care for him, Billy Mack shows up at his oldest and dearest friend's house to get drunk and watch porn. I mean, who doesn't love watching Bill Nighy being Bill Nighy in a Richard Curtis romantic comedy?

1. Harry, Karen And Mia

And then coming in at the top of the list is the heartbreaking story of Karen (Emma Thompson) learning that her husband Harry (Alan Rickman) is having an affair with his secretary Mia (Heike Makatsch) in the most heartbreaking of ways. From the moment we see Harry go through the process of purchasing a necklace for Mia (though Rowan Atkinson's character adds some comedic relief here), we know he's gone too far and that there's no going back.

After Karen pokes around in her husband's coat and finds the necklace she thinks it's for her, only to be let down on Christmas Eve when the present she thinks is a necklace is actually a Joni Mitchell CD. Restraining herself, Karen goes to the bedroom to cry it out before confronting her husband with one of the most tragic comments in any romantic comedy and says he's made a joke of her and their marriage.

This story works so well for numerous reasons: there's a defined villain tempting the previously faithful husband, Emma Thompson's portrayal of a woman in the midst of the biggest crisis of her life, and her ability to put on a happy face and act like nothing is wrong in front of her children, her peers, and everyone at the Christmas pageant. And it leaves the viewer wondering what's next for the couple.

Richard Curtis' Love Actually remains one of the most heartwarming, heartbreaking, and sidesplitting romantic comedies of the past 20 years and is filled with great stories, characters, and situations that have us coming back time after time, even if it disappears from streaming services around this time every year. Which of these stories do you look forward to the most when you put on Love Actually? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to complete the poll down below.

This poll is no longer available.

If you don’t have a holiday tradition that involves watching romantic comedies, now is the perfect time to start one. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hallmark, Lifetime, and many other premium channels and streaming services offer a variety of romantic comedies and maybe even some of the best romantic Christmas movies. Romantic films may not fall precisely into the Christmas movie standards, but many have some of the key elements of the holidays: love, hope, and big gestures of affection. 

For this list, I picked some romantic comedies that involve the Christmas season but in some cases, aren’t considered Christmas movies, such as You’ve Got Mail and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Nonetheless, most of these movies eventually mention or reach Christmas but the holiday may not be the main focus of the films. This list consists mostly of well-known films, including some of the best Christmas movies and the best rom-coms of all-time, but there are a few lesser known holiday romantic movies on this list. 

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, an adult orphan who works at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) token booth. Every day, she watches her crush Peter (Peter Gallagher) board the L-train. One day, Peter is mugged and put into a coma. Lucy rescues him and accompanies him to the hospital. A nurse mistakenly identifies Lucy as Peter’s fiancé. She then spends Christmas with his family.

While You Were Sleeping is one of my favorite romantic comedies. It’s the '90s-ness of it, Bill Pullman’s attainable sex appeal, Sandra Bullock’s girl next door on-screen persona, and the adorable plot line that has made this part of my holiday tradition. In my opinion, it’s also one of Sandra Bullock’s most memorable roles. While You Were Sleeping’s unapologetic optimism makes it an intoxicatingly  charming movie.

Stream While You Were Sleeping on Disney+. 

Christmas In Connecticut (1945)

Barbara Stanwyck plays a woman who writes a column all about her life as a married farm wife with a child. She lives the ideal American life in Connecticut. But it’s all a lie. She’s really a single woman without a child or a farm. Elizabeth Lane (Stanwyck) must find a husband, child, and a farm soon because she’s having a young soldier and her publisher over for Christmas. Christmas in Connecticut’s cast also includes Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet, Reginald Gardiner, and S.Z Sakall.

Christmas in Connecticut is a sweet film. It starts with a love at-first-sight encounter between Elizabeth and Jefferson (Dennis Morgan). We then watch as they try to deny their growing attraction. Jefferson denies it because he believes Elizabeth is married, and she does because she wants to keep up her lie. When the two finally reveal the truth about their feelings, it’s wonderful and pure. Christmas in Connecticut sets the right mood for a Christmas movie marathon because of its fun and jolly tone.

Rent or buy Christmas in Connecticut on Amazon.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan team up with Nora Ephron again for You’ve Got Mail. Despite Hanks and Ryan pairing with Ephron, this movie feels completely different from Sleepless in Seattle. In You’ve Got Mail, Hanks and Ryan play business rivals trying to corner the book market. Hanks plays Joe Fox, a man who runs Fox Books, a discount bookstore similar to Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Ryan plays Kathleen Kelly. She owns a small, but popular, independent bookstore. The two first meet online in an over-30s chat room. They form a bond online but despise each other in person.

You’ve Got Mail takes place during the holiday season, but doesn’t make the holidays the big focal point of the story. The focus is on these two people who have a genuine bond but need to let go of all their real-life issues to find a true connection. Both You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle work as movies to watch around Christmas because they’re all about the unpredictable and guiding power of love, and isn’t that one of the biggest foundations of the holidays?

Stream You’ve Got Mail on Tubi. 

Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually features an ensemble cast and tells different interconnecting stories of love, mainly set in London. It takes place in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday. The Love Actually cast includes the late Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, and Laura Linney.

Love Actually showcases an array of love stories: romantic ones, heartbreaking ones, cute ones, quirky ones, etc. It includes a love story for all types of romantic movie fans, even the cynical ones. Love Actually is also a good Christmas movie because it explores themes like family, new beginnings, loss, hope, and holiday cheer. It’s basically the quintessential Christmas romantic movie.

Stream Love Actually on Netflix. 

Let It Snow (2019)

Let It Snow is a Netflix original movie that focuses on different teen love stories. Some of the stories involve best friends finally admitting their romantic feelings for each other, a girl being bold and going for the girl that she likes, a girl meeting a pop star and having an amazing, life-changing day with him, and even a girl meeting Joan Cusack dressed in tinfoil.

Let It Snow is based on a book written by Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle. It differs from the book in a lot of ways but keeps that young adult fiction vibe with the big declarations of love, events happening at a party, and friendship as the center of some of the stories. It’s a simple and sweet film that goes nicely with a hot cup of cocoa.

Stream Let It Snow on Netflix.

The Holiday (2006)

Nancy Meyers directed this holiday home swapping movie. It stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Jude Law. The women decide to exchange their homes for the holidays to escape their troubles. Iris (Kate Winslet) heads off to Los Angeles and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) flies off to London.

The Holiday is a more serious romantic comedy in that it’s not filled with the same whimsical nature as many romantic comedies, instead, it deals with four people who have had their hearts broken and must now build themselves up to love again. The Holiday is a good film to watch if you want a holiday-themed romantic comedy that strays a little from the romantic movie formula.

Stream The Holiday on AMC+. 

Last Christmas (2019)

Emilia Clarke stars in Last Christmas as a woman named Kate who works as a Christmas elf. She survived a potentially fatal heart condition but now she can’t seem to get her life together. She meets a man named Tom (Henry Golding) who helps her start to piece her life back together.

As someone who really enjoys Paul Feig films, and would gladly sign up for anything involving Emma Thompson, Last Christmas was never going to be terrible in my eyes. It’s a little sad, and the ending was spoiled for me ahead of time, but I think it works as a romantic comedy and a Christmas movie. It’s funny and a bit outlandish, but also about personal growth and finding a purpose—major holiday film topics.

Stream Last Christmas on Prime. 

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

The original The Best Man crew reunites for this holiday-themed sequel. Mia (Monica Calhoun) makes sure that the friends gather for a holiday week full of activities to bond them. Things are far from what Mia hopes because there are lingering tensions and new secrets that could disrupt this already fractured group. The Best Man Holiday cast includes Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, and Regina Hall.

The Best Man Holiday at its core is a movie about friendship. There are plenty of romantic pairings, but the foundation of the film is how friendship helps these characters when they need it the most. It’s nice to see a romantic comedy and Christmas movie that’s about friendship above all.

Stream The Best Man Holiday on Peacock. 

Last Holiday (2006)

Queen Latifah plays Georgia, a woman who learns that she only has a few weeks to live. In Last Holiday, Georgia decides to start living, so she quits her job and heads to the Czech Republic to have a fantastic adventure full of food, gambling, and generosity.

Georgia’s luck starts to change once she accepts that she’s going to die. She gains confidence and embraces new experiences. Last Holiday barely acknowledges the Christmas season. The only real evidence of it is the background decorations, and at one point, the characters  mention New Year’s Eve. Despite the lack of a dominant Christmas presence, the film strongly emphasizes the universal holiday messages of kindness, hope, and belief. Additionally, the film could use the term holiday to mean vacation, as in the last vacation. 

There is a romance between Georgia and Sean (LL Cool J), but the main romance of this movie is with Georgia and learning to love herself.

Stream Last Holiday on Paramount+.

Serendipity (2001)

Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack star in Serendipity. Jonathan Trager (Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Beckinsale) meet one Christmas Eve in New York City. They have instant chemistry and spend a few hours together. Jonathan wants them to exchange contact information but they’re both in relationships.  She doesn’t think the time is right. Instead, Sara convinces Jonathan to let the universe decide their fate. She writes her name and number in a used book and he does the same with a $5 bill. If they’re meant to be, they’ll find these things again.

Serendipity is a movie all about the possibility that the universe guides you to your soulmate. It’s a nice message for people who are hopeless romantics but single during the holidays. According to Cusack and Beckinsale’s characters, just ask the universe and you'll find your person.

Stream Serendipity on Max. 

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Bridget (Renee Zellweger) is humiliated at her parent’s New Year’s Eve party by Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a man her mother wanted her to date. Bridget Jones’s Diary then tells the story of the rest of the year leading up to the next holiday season. Jones finds herself in a love triangle with Darcy and her boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant).

Bridget Jones’s Diary has two sequels, so it’s a great film to turn into a full Christmas day marathon all about Jones and her romantic struggles. 

Stream Bridget Jones’s Diary on Paramount+.

Happiest Season (2020)

Happiest Season is an LGBTQ+ romantic movie that takes place during the holiday season. Abby (Kristen Stewart) plans to spend the holidays at her girlfriend’s parent’s house. The major issue is that Abby’s girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) hasn’t come out yet to her family. 

The film blends comedy and drama while showcasing this queer Christmas story. It has all the important holiday themes, such as family, love, being true to oneself, and embracing love fearlessly. 

Stream Happiest Season on Hulu.

Love Hard (2021)

Netflix brings back the art of catfishing in this holiday rom-com. Natalie (Nina Dobrev) decides to step out of her comfort zone by traveling to the hometown of someone she has connected with online. She soon discovers that he’s not who she thought. Natalia and Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) strike a deal to help each other both get what they want for Christmas.

In spite of the nefarious premise, Love Hard is a charming holiday movie. Dobrev and Yang deserve credit for this because their chemistry works so well. You end up rooting for them hard. 

Stream Love Hard on Netflix. 

The Holiday Sitter (2022)

The Holiday Sitter is Hallmark Channel’s first gay-led Christmas movie. The film delivers all the familiar Hallmark themes, including a workaholic falling for a small-town boy. However, this movie goes a little deeper with stories of adoption, divorce, and money issues. Nevertheless, it keeps its holiday whimsy. 

Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa’s chemistry makes this film worth watching during the holidays. You can’t help but want to see more of their relationship development after it ends. This film is cheesy in the way Hallmark does best with a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Buy The Holiday Sitter on Amazon.

Your Christmas or Mine? (2022)

This wonderful Prime Original movie follows couple James (Asa Butterfield) and Hayley (Cora Kirk) as they plan to spend Christmas apart, but end up switching Christmases. She goes to his home and he goes to her home. They realize the major differences in their holiday celebrations and families. 

Hayley and James spend most of the movie apart but it’s a great family movie that showcases the complicated family dynamics. Additionally, even with limited on-screen time with the leads together, I really enjoyed their romance. Their quirky personalities meshed together well. 

Stream Your Christmas or Mine on Prime. 

Christmas movies and romantic comedies are similar in that they both believe in the whimsical, magical, and unstoppable power of love. This is what makes them a good pair, and the right combination to get into the spirit of the holidays.

Have you been sitting on your HBO Now or HBO Go account for what seems like forever, looking for something new before you end up starting The Wire for the fourth time? Don't worry, we've all been there before, but fear not because I've put together a list of the best movies that are streaming on HBO and the premium channels multiple platforms.

This list of awesome action movies, comedies, tales of romance, horror classic, and some big budget science fiction flicks will surely give you at least one option to prevent you from digging deeper and deeper into the endless abyss that is HBO's movie library. Pop some popcorn, turn down the lights, and sit back and relax because we're going to the movies…

Us (2019)

Jordan Peele's 2019 followup to Get Out, Us follows Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o) and her family as they visit the beach town where she grew up, only to come face to face with a group of masked strangers who look oddly familiar.

Stream it on HBO here.

Die Hard (1988)

You could argue whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie until we're all blue in the face, but one thing that's for sure is that this 1988 explosive and iconic action movie featuring Bruce Willis as New York cop John McClane whose attempt to pick up his wife from work ends with a lot of shooting, some bonds, and a towering inferno.

Also Try: Die Hard 2, Die Hard With A Vengeance

Stream it on HBO here.

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

Powerful attorney (and former youth hockey star) Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) is knocked down a few pegs after he is pulled over for driving under the influence and forced to coach an inner-city youth hockey team in the family sports classic The Mighty Ducks.

Also Try: Home Alone 2: Lost In New York

Stream it on HBO here.

Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott's classic horror film set in space follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo after it receives a distress call from a distant planet. Watch out because this chiller is terrifying, especially when you remember that no one can hear you scream in space.

Also Try: Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection

Stream it on HBO here.

Love Actually (2004)

With an ensemble cast too long to type out, the 2004 British holiday classic Love Actually follows nearly a dozen different characters as they all seek love and companionship around Christmas. And with such grand love stories, you don't have to wait for Christmas to watch this one again.

Also Try: How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Notting Hill, Reality Bites

Stream it on HBO here.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum picks up right where the second movie in Keanu Reeves' most recent blockbuster franchise left off with the most sought after hitman in the world on the run from his old friends and allies.

Stream it on HBO here.

Fight Club (1999)

After two new friends start an oddly therapeutic underground fighting group, things start to get out of hand rather quickly in David Fincher's 1999 cult classic Fight Club. Just make sure to not break the first rule of fight club...

Stream it on HBO here.

The Others (2001)

Starring Nicole Kidman in one of the most chilling performances of her career, The Others follows a mother during World War II after her family moves into an old English house that has its share of secrets and unwelcome inhabitants.

Stream it on HBO here.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now tells the story of an army captain sent into the heart of the jungle to locate and neutralize an unhinged and dangerous superior officer.

Stream it on HBO here.

Armageddon (1998)

Michael Bay's 1998 disaster blockbuster Armageddon offers a look at a scenario in which offshore oilmen are better equipped to the destroy an asteroid before it hits the planet than say a group of NASA astronauts.

Also Try: War Of The Worlds, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, The Day After Tomorrow

Stream it on HBO here.

Boys Don't Cry (1999)

Boys Don't Cry tells the heartbreaking true story of a young transgender man searching for love, and himself, in rural Nebraska. Based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena as portrayed by Hilary Swank, who took home Academy Award for Best Actress in 1999.

Stream it on HBO here.

For Love Of The Game (1999)

Kevin Costner plays an aging pitcher who thinks back on the "one who got away" while he's in pursuit of the perfect game in the 1999 romantic baseball hybrid For Love Of The Game.

Also Try: 61*

Stream it on HBO here.

Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Darren Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream probably isn't the happiest movie to watch, but this brutal and pessimistic look at addiction is definitely one you'll never forget.

Also Try: The Diving Bell And The Butterfly

Stream it on HBO here.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

As a poor young man in Mumbai answers question after question on a television quiz show, he looks back on this life and and his long-lost love that he has to find in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire.

Stream it on HBO here.

A Star Is Born (2018)

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga appear as star-crossed lovers in the 2018 remake of the classic Cinderella story A Star Is Born. Bring the tissues because this one is an emotional gut-punch.

Also Try: Moulin Rouge, Chocolat

Stream it on HBO here.

The Town (2010)

Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, and Jeremy Renner star in Affleck's love letter to the city of Boston and the notorious bank robbers who call New England home in The Town.

Also Try: Prisoners, Gangs Of New York

Stream it on HBO here.

Big (1988)

After a young teenager wishes to be big, his wish is granted. But when he is transformed into a fully grown man (Tom Hanks), he soon realizes that being an adult isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

Also Try: All Of Me, Arthur, Defending Your Life

Stream it on HBO here.

Bridesmaids (2011)

Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph prove that you don't have to be a man to lead a rude and crude comedy in the 2011 hit Bridesmaids.

Also Try: Good Boys, Grandma's Boy

Stream it on HBO here.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Emma Stone star in the surprisingly funny and heartfelt 2001 romance Crazy, Stupid, Love. about a middle-aged man trying to get his groove back with the help of a ladies man who ends up being closer to home than he thought.

Also Try: Bye Bye Love, The Family Stone

Stream it on HBO here.

The Nice Guys (2016)

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling star as two down on their luck private detectives on the trail of a missing girl in the Shane Black-directed dark comedy The Nice Guys.

Stream it on HBO here.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Before he was earning Oscar buzz for his turn as a obsessive gambler in Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler was first viewed as a serious actor following his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love about a lonely man who falls in love with a mysterious woman.

Also Try: Muriel's Wedding

Stream it on HBO here.

Raising Arizona (1987)

Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter star as a couple on the rocks who snatch a baby from a local celebrity in the Coen brothers' 1987 offbeat comedy Raising Arizona.

Also Try: A Fish Called Wanda

Stream it on HBO here.

Casino Royale (2006)

The James Bond franchise was in need of a serious facelift and that's exactly what it got with Daniel Craig's debut as 007 in the 2006 spy thriller Casino Royale. See where it all started for Craig's Bond before he calls it quits following the release of No Time To Die.

Also Try: Fast Five

Stream it on HBO here.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Fans of the iconic rock band Queen, or at least their flamboyant and troubled lead singer Freddie Mercury will enjoy the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which takes audiences on the hard to believe journey from the formation of the band all the way to their legendary Live Aid performance in 1985.

Also Try: Blinded By The Light**,Yesterday

**Stream it on HBO here.

Shazam! (2018)

If you like comic book movies and Big, then Shazam! is the movie for you. When BIlly Baston has a chance encounter with a sorcerer, he is given the ability to turn into an all-powerful, and fully grown, superhero by saying one word: Shazam!

Also Try: Bruce Almighty

Stream it on HBO here.

The Land Before Time (1988)

The Land Before Time (and its countless sequels) is a cherished animated classic about a young brontosaurus who sets out on one of the most epic prehistoric adventures alongside his growing cast of friends and the terrifying T-Rex who wants nothing more than to stop the young dino in his tracks.

Also Try: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, The Wizard, Babe

Stream it on HBO here.

Hugh Grant has had a long and celebrated career in film. At one point he was the king of romantic comedies, starring in projects Bridget Jones' Diary, Notting Hill and Sense and Sensibility. He's also a part of the Christmas Holidays for his work in Love, Actually-- once again playing a charming and handsome leading man. But Grant has gotten the chance to play a villain or two throughout the years, a task that he truly enjoys. And that includes his morally grey scene stealer Fletcher in Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen.

Director Guy Ritchie has returned to the crime drama with The Gentlemen, a move that should make cinephiles happy. This marks Hugh Grant's second movie with the filmmaker, after previously appearing in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. I had the chance to speak with the cast of The Gentlemen ahead its release, where Grant explained why he loves playing bad guys so much. Check out our conversation below.

Well, there you have it. It looks like playing bad guys is simply more fun for most actors. And according to Hugh Grant, it's even an easier job for him. Considering how adept Grant is at transforming into characters, this says quite a lot.

Hugh Grant is an actor known for mostly playing charming, befuddled, leading men. But he's also gotten to play a few bad boys. The 59 year-old actor finds that particular experience cathartic, probably because he's nothing like the bad boys he's played like The Gentlemen's Fletcher. This new character is a scheming scene-stealer, who drinks like a fish and has a mouth like a sailor. It's a great role for Grant, and the trailers alone highlight how much he enjoyed playing Fletcher on set from

The Gentlemen is filled with morally grey characters, so Hugh Grant's particular character fits right in. Guy Ritchie's crime dramedy isn't one that is filled with good guys. Instead, they're mostly criminals who are competing to acquire the U.K. drug empire owned by Matthew MccCounaghey's Mickey. Each member of the cast is manipulative and violent, dropping countless C-bombs along the way. And Hugh Grant's Fletcher is definitely no exception in this regard.

Guy Ritchie is a director with a very specific vision, and it's clear that he and Hugh Grant have a good working relationship. But while Grant's character Waverly was quick witted and capable in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., he wasn't really a bad guy. But he's just as foul-mouthed and conniving as everyone else in The Gentlemen.

Of course, Hugh Grant isn't the only "nice guy" actor who is able to flex some more villainous muscles in The Gentlemen. Actor Henry Golding was also thrilled to be playing this type of character. Golding first became famous for his prince charming role in Crazy Rich Asians, and he's gone on to star in two Paul Feig movies: A Simple Favor and Last Christmas (which he filmed at the same time as The Gentlemen). But the latter projects marks his first time playing a more volatile character.

The Gentlemen is in theaters now. Be sure to check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Despite the fact Keira Knightley stars in one of the most definitive romantic movies of the 2000s, Love Actually, she doesn’t actually know why people love the Christmas-oriented movie. In fact, when asked about it during a recent interview, she deferred, explaining that, yes, she’s only seen Love Actually the one time.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun, the actress admitted she hadn’t seen Love Actually since the premiere, which happened all the way back in 2003, when Keira Knightley was still a fresh-faced 18-year-old in Hollywood. Of course at that point, Knightley had already been acting since she was a young woman in the nineties and her role in Love Actually came the same year that she first portrayed Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. So it wouldn't be a shock if that's the movie from 2003 that really sticks in her mind.

However, clearly Keira Knightley is still asked about Love Actually on a semi-regular basis. The actress spoke out around this time last year about filming the movie as a teenager and why it was actually “horrible.” She said at the time her acne breakouts were bad and that’s why she had to where that big, black hat in one memorable scene.

Fans have fond memories of Love Actually thanks to that iconic scene actually involving Kiera Knightley in which Andrew Lincoln (of The Walking Dead fame) describes her as “perfect.” (Lincoln himself has called his character “a stalker.”) I also feel it's popular simply because of all of its interwoven stories acted expertly by its incredibly well-thought-of cast, not to mention its Christmas theme. However, Kiera Knightley is simply not in that boat with the rest of us.

She also talked about how surprised she is about Love Actually’s trajectory, given it seems to be more popular now than it was back in 2003, also noting that her North American fans really are the ones who are more obsessed.

At the end of the day, Love Actually is still popular all these years later and has become a movie that gets brought up in interviews to the likes of Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and, yes, Keira Knightley.

Related: Why Emma Thompson’s Love Actually Breakdown Was So Real

Even if she hasn’t seen the flick in 15+ years, questions about it probably aren't going to go away anytime soon. She’ll just have to wait it out until another romantic ensemble classic comes fans way and they forget about Love Actually (which might be a pipe dream). For now, if you want to stream Love Actually, you can catch it on HBO Go and Now.

In the years since its 2003 release, Love Actually has rapidly become one of the most beloved holiday films of this century. With its charming, star-studded cast -- including Hugh Grant -- it’s easy to understand why. But even if the actors can understand the movie’s everlasting appeal, there was at least one scene that Hugh Grant absolutely hated filming -- and it happens to be one of his character’s most iconic moments.

On December 23, The BBC will air a new documentary called Hugh Grant: A Life On Screen. The retrospective follows the actor’s career, and features interviews with Hugh Grant himself, as well as the filmmakers and actors he’s worked with over the years. In one segment of the documentary, Love Actually is highlighted. And the actor opened up about his performance, and the film’s infamous “dancing” scene.

In Love, Actually, Hugh Grant plays David, a (fictional) newly elected Prime Minister of the UK struggling to find his footing. After weathering criticism from all angles, he silences his critics by standing up to the (fictional) President of the United States’ bullying tactics during a joint press conference. Then, David celebrates his hard-won political victory by shimmying and shaking through 10 Downing Street to the Pointer Sisters’ "Jump (For My Love)," until he’s caught by his secretary.

The scene is easily one of the most iconic in Richard Curtis’ ode to holiday romance. But according the documentary, Hugh Grant said that filming the moment was “absolute hell.” He was uncertain the scene would work. When he learned they’d be shooting the scene, he remembers:

In Hugh Grant: A Life On Screen, his Love Actually co-star Colin Firth confirms that the actor was not looking forward to getting his groove on for the scene. And Hugh Grant recalls that the dance itself was mostly improvised, though Richard Curtis insists that the actor, in fact, rehearsed ahead of time.

Hugh Grant’s initial concerns about his Love Actually dancing proved to be for nothing, which is probably a relief. This is one of the first times the actor has discussed the film’s legacy since its 2003 release. In 2017, he joined many of his castmates in a special television sequel, Red Nose Day Actually, to raise money for Comic Relief. In the short film, he reprised both his role as David and the infamous dance -- though in that case, he loses his footing and ends up tripping down the stairs.

Hugh Grant: A Life on Screen airs as a part of BBC’s Christmas programming, and can be seen on the channel on December 23 and December 26.

2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming was inspired by John Hughes films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and with Peter Parker taking a much-needed vacation to Europe in this year's Spider-Man: Far From Home, you can’t help but be reminded of the 2004 R-rated comedy EuroTrip. But it is another film from the early 2000s providing inspiration here. Take a look below to see Tom Holland, with hope and agenda, going full Love Actually ahead of Far From Home’s release.

I’m not sure what Love Actually has in common with Spider-Man: Far From Home beyond having scenes set in London, but unlike Andrew Lincoln’s unrequited love for Keira Knightley in the former film, Tom Holland’s grand gesture is one you’ll want to take him up on. That’s because this video from the actor’s Instagram brings awareness to a Spider-Man: Far From Home contest with a far better prize than a weird pity kiss from your best friend’s wife.

The contest offers one lucky winner and a guest a trip to the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Far From Home. The prize includes round-trip airfare from anywhere in the world, a swanky hotel stay, $1,000 in spending money and the chance to walk the red carpet at the premiere and take a photo with Tom Holland. The winner and their guest also get attend the premiere afterparty as Tom Holland’s guests.

What's perhaps most exciting of all, besides getting to see Spider-Man: Far From Home of course, is the opportunity to meet acclaimed actor Jake Jillenhal or is it Gylnhal? That spelling bit was easily the funniest part of this video, and as someone who has to write Jake Gyllenhaal’s name on occasion (and double check it every time), I sympathize completely. It’s the double ‘L’ and the double ‘A’ that makes it tricky.

Anyone who wants to enter this contest and have Tom Holland say ‘To me, you are perfect…ly the winner of this contest’ has to click on the link in his Instagram bio or head over to Crowdrise. That might have been too much work for the guy in the video, but once you do that, tickets to enter are only $10.

The contest will raise funds for The Brothers Trust charity that Tom Holland runs with his family. The Brothers Trust uses Tom Holland's celebrity and influence to help raise funds for various charities, with an eye towards those charities that get drowned out in the non-profit sector and those that most effectively use donations and funding. In other words, charities where the bulk of the money goes to those who need it and not towards administration of the charity itself.

Using the contest to raise money for charity is certainly in keeping with the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’s efforts to do good, and at only $10 a ticket, it’s a great opportunity for MCU fans to get a chance to attend the premiere of the last Phase 3 movie and the concluding chapter of The Infinity Saga.

Spider-Man: Far From Home swings into theaters on July 2. Check out our 2019 Release Schedule to keep track of all the big movies headed your way this summer season.

'Tis the season to analyze our favorite Christmas movies! If you've tired the annual debate about whether Die Hardis a film for the holiday season, here's another to ponder in the 2003 modern classic Love Actually, which has been the subject of numerous conversations over the last 15 years.

Remember that heartbreaking moment between Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman's characters when her husband, Harry, gives her, Karen, the Joni Mitchell CD instead of the necklace she thought was going to unwrap? One Twitter user has pointed out another reason to cry about the scene besides it revealing he was cheating on her. Take a look:

When @heyspacebones, (who was likely doing their yearly rounds of Christmas classics along with the rest of us) tweeted this out, it went viral and started quite the controversial conversation on Twitter about the little detail.

If you can't recall the scene, Harry and Karen are sitting with their children near the Christmas tree opening presents when Karen grabs ahold of one she thinks she know the contents of. Earlier in Love Actually Karen finds a beautiful necklace in his coat pocket, assuming it was her Christmas gift.

It's not though, it's Joni Mitchell's 2000 album "Both Sides, Now," which Harry says is to further her emotional education. Karen then politely excuses herself to her bedroom where she take a moment to cry it out before calmly returning to her children.

While on the surface the scene just exposes Harry for the filthy cheater he is, it could also indicate that he doesn't know her at all and is even more thoughtless than he clearly seems. Some users spoke out about how the album Karen receives is a special orchestral release of "Both Sides, Now," making it somewhat thoughtful to the fan while others agree it shows the character's further carelessness.

Interested in weighing in yourself? Check out the scene in question from Love Actually:

Whatever your conclusion may be, it's quite the raw and emotional scene in an otherwise feel-good film. Emma Thompson has previously said that the performance is so believable because it was relatable to her. Thompson was once married to actor/director Kenneth Branaugh, but he cheated on her with actress Helena Bonham Carter. Yikes. At least the immensely-talented actress could turn her heartbreak into an iconic scene.

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely leaning toward Harry's thoughtlessness as to why she unwraps "Both Sides, Now." It adds an additional painful sting to the weight of the scene, and offers a bit of heartbreak that does sometimes come around during the holiday season amidst the joy and gifts. And as we saw in Love Actually's ending, it doesn't look like their marriage was going to be fixed.

It's officially Christmastime, which means Love Actually is definitely playing right now on someone's screen. Keira Knightley was literally deemed "perfect" as Juliet, but the actress herself was feeling very flawed during shooting. As a teen, she had typical acne issues -- hence the hat, which wasn't a trendy fashion choice. Let Knightley explain:

That is kind of hilarious. Is it surprising to anyone else that she was only 17 when she filmed this movie? It's weird when you think about her character getting married at the start of the film. But considering she carried the name Juliet -- of Shakespearean fame -- and was adored/stalked by her husband's best friend, it's humanizing to think of the very normal girl behind that worship.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms star shared her story with BBC Radio 1 (via ET), laughing at how different her memories are vs. what the fans think about when they watch the film:

And now we have a new appreciation for that hat. Love Actually is considered one of the best romantic comedies of all time, but it's amazing how much angst was going on behind-the-scenes. Keira Knightley's skin issues are one thing, but we were heartbroken to read about the real pain behind Emma Thompson's famous breakdown scene.

It has been 15 years since Love Actually first came out, and made more than $246 million around the world, off a reported $40 million budget. Several stars, including Keira Knightley, reunited in 2017 for the Red Nose Day Actually short film as a mini sequel to the feature. It was shown that Juliet was still married to Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Mark (Andrew Lincoln) was still showing up at their door with cue cards.

Keira Knightley shot to fame in 2002 with Bend It Like Beckham, and really took off in 2003 with both Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. In addition to the Nutcracker movie, the two-time Oscar nominee is also promoting her starring role in Colette. Here's what's still coming to theaters this year, and what you can look forward to in 2019.

Richard Curtis' 2003 film Love Actually is a modern Christmas classic and a widely loved, feel-good film. Most of its various narratives have happy and upbeat conclusions, affirming the power of love and that there's someone for everyone. But, it's easy to forget that the story of Alan Rickman's Harry and Emma Thompson's Karen does not have a happy ending. This story delivered an emotional gut punch when Karen realizes on Christmas that the necklace she found in her husband's jacket was not meant for her. She retreats to her bedroom and breaks down into tears. The scene comes off as incredibly raw and emotional, and that's because it was, as Emma Thompson explained:

Like many great actors, Emma Thompson was drawing from personal experience to inform her performance. In this case, as she told Yahoo Movies UK, she knew what it was like to have her heart broken by an unfaithful spouse. Emma Thompson was once married to actor/director Kenneth Branagh, who cheated on her with Helena Bonham Carter. So in this scene, she knew exactly how her character felt and simply had to think of her own experience to conjure the emotion necessary for the scene. It is, of course, unfortunate that Emma Thompson went through such heartbreak in her own life, but that is just one of the many ways that art imitates life, which is why this is the most real-feeling moment in a largely sugar-sweet film. It is something people can relate to, and therefore they feel Karen's pain. You can watch the scene from Love Actually below to see the Oscar-winning actress deliver some impressive method acting.

What is so powerful about this scene is that Karen leaves her family by the tree and steals away for a brief moment to be vulnerable and let her emotions out, letting the tears flow that couldn't be held back a moment longer. Then after her breakdown, she wipes her eyes, collects herself and goes back to her family, bearing the burden of her unhappiness alone so that her family could remain intact. The use of the Joni Mitchell song Both Sides, Now, which is both story and soundtrack, also adds to the emotional weight of the scene.

The Love Actually story got something of a sequel in the charity short film Red Nose Day Actually. However, due to the passing of the marvelous Alan Rickman, the Karen and Harry story was not continued, and sadly, it sounds like pure happiness was not in the cards for those two characters. At least Karen still had her family, unlike Andrew Lincoln's character Mark, who was left holding a bunch of signs. There are plenty of movies hitting the theater this year, and with any luck, many of them will also have the kind of brilliant performances like the one Emma Thompson gave in Love Actually. You can check them out in our release schedule.

November is almost over. There's a chill in the air and we've turned our clocks back one hour, so you know what that means: holiday movie season is finally upon us! Inside you'll find information on when you can hunker down to watch all the holiday movies television has to offer this year. We've compiled a schedule of returning holiday favorites and new made-for-TV movies that will help you get into the spirit of this most festive time of year. So, grab some hot cocoa and your favorite blanket and prepare to binge your butt off!

Remember, all times are in Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted. Also, many of these movies will air at additional times, but we've only included the premiere date and time of those movies, so check your local listings for repeat airings. Be sure to bookmark this schedule, since we'll be adding to it as information becomes available. Now, on to the good stuff!

Friday, November 24

7:30 a.m. - Arthur Christmas - Freeform

8 a.m. - A Christmas Story 2 - CMT

Noon - Love Actually - CMT

3 p.m. - The Holiday - CMT

5 p.m. - The Perfect Christmas Present - Hallmark Movies

8 p.m. - Finding Santa - Hallmark

8 p.m. - Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town - ABC

8 p.m. - Frosty the Snowman - CBS

8 p.m. - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - NBC

8:30 p.m. - Frosty Returns - CBS

8:30 p.m. - Trolls Holiday Special - NBC

9 p.m. - A Bramble House Christmas - Hallmark Movies

Saturday, November 25

8 a.m. - A Nutcracker Christmas - Hallmark Movies

6 p.m. - Christmas with the Kranks - Lifetime

8 p.m. - The Christmas Train - Hallmark

8 p.m. - Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire - CBS

8 p.m. - Wrapped Up In Christmas - Lifetime

8:30 p.m. Robbie the Reindeer: Legend of the Lost Tribe - CBS

9 p.m. The Story of Santa Claus - CBS

Sunday, November 26

7 a.m. - Engaging Father Christmas - Hallmark Movies

9 a.m. - Holiday Road Trip - ION

11 a.m. - A Golden Christmas - ION

1 p.m. - Home for Christmas Day - Hallmark Movies

1 p.m. - A Golden Christmas 2 - ION

3 p.m. - Golden Christmas 3 - ION

5 p.m. - All I Want for Christmas - ION

7 p.m. - A Cinderella Christmas - ION

8 p.m. - Switched for Christmas - Hallmark

8 p.m. - A Very Merry Toy Store - Lifetime

9 p.m. - A Joyous Christmas - Hallmark Movies

9 p.m. -- Snowmance - ION

11 p.m. - A Christmas Kiss II - ION

Monday, November 27

1 a.m. - A Perfect Christmas List - ION

7 a.m. - Home Alone - Freeform

9 p.m. - Angry Angel - Freeform

Tuesday, November 28

7:30 a.m. - Home Alone: The Holiday Heist - Freeform

12:30 p.m. - Snowglobe - Freeform

2:35 p.m. - The Mistle-Tones - Freeform

6:45 p.m. - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Freeform

8 p.m. - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - CBS

8:55 p.m. - Four Christmases - Freeform

Wednesday, November 29

7:30 a.m. - Jack Frost (1998) - Freeform