Some things really just sneak up on you and make you feel your age. Like this set of movies that feel like one of those you just watched in the theaters just a couple of years ago, but nope. These favorites are actually turning 20 this year.
2001 was actually a really big year for the film industry. So many movie franchises and series were launched that year, and you can actually say that you grew up with those films and their characters. Do you feel old yet?
Legally Blonde
Yes, it has been nearly 20 years since sorority leader Elle Woods proved to her misogynist ex-boyfriend that she can do anything she puts her mind to — including getting into law school, because what, like it’s hard?
Released on July 13, 2001, Legally Blonde taught you that you can be anything you want to be, no matter how unlikely it may seem, and that you should always remember the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance, so you can solve murders anytime.
There are currently talks of a third movie in the works, with Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor to write the script and Reese Witherspoon reprising her role as the sassy attorney.
The Princess Diaries
The ultimate makeover the world has ever witnessed is almost 20 years old. Based on the book of the same name by Meg Cabot, The Princess Diaries follows the story of an ordinary teenager who discovers she’s the long-lost heir to the throne of a small country. And on August 3, 2001, we saw awkward and dorky Mia Thermopolis turn into the regal but still quirky Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Princess of Genovia, and we all subsequently fell in love with Anne Hathaway.
The 2004 sequel also bore witness to the first time Julie Andrews, playing Mia’s grandmother Queen Clarisse Renaldi, sang on film after her throat surgery. And when she went down a slide like she was snowboarding on a mattress — iconic.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Who doesn’t know Harry Potter? A lot of people say that they grew up with this book and film series, and well, you’re not wrong. We really did grow up with Harry and his friends. Released on November 14, 2001, the first film in the series would become the highest-grossing film of that year and launch the careers of many young actors and actresses into stardom. Nowadays, you can’t separate Daniel Radcliffe’s face from Harry Potter’s.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
It has been almost 20 years since the release of the glorious saga surrounding the One Ring to Rule Them All. Released on December 19, 2001, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was the second highest-grossing film of 2001, behind only the first Harry Potter film. That means millions of people all over the world sat through three hours and forty-eight minutes of film at a time when long films weren’t popular. That proves the strength and numbers of the fans of Tolkien — and how long they’ve waited for an adaptation.
The Fast and the Furious
We’ve been watching fancy car fights on film for 20 years, can you believe that? One of the highest-grossing franchises in film history saw its beginnings in the release of The Fast and the Furious on June 22, 2001. It would be a while before the original cast comes together again (eight years later, to be exact). But on average, the franchise released one movie every two to three years, which means we’ve seen 9 Fast and Furious full-length films. This year, another installment in the franchise entitled F9 will be released after several delays from its original April 2019 release date.
Spy Kids
If the films had continued, Carmen and Juni Cortez would probably be officially joining their parents in the spy business. Released on March 30, 2001, Spy Kids was probably what made most kids of that time want to become a spy. Or an action star. The graphics may look a little outdated today, but back then, it was cool and innovative, especially the third film, where they made use of a special 3D projector that didn’t require red-blue lenses.
Monsters, Inc.
The film that made kids scared but also undeniably curious about what’s inside their closets at night, Monsters, Inc. is turning 20 years old. Released on November 2, 2001, Monsters, Inc. opened with the highest ticket sales ever for an animated film and was the third highest-grossing film of the year. A prequel film called Monsters University was released last 2013, while a series called Monsters at Work is set for launch this year.
Shrek
Yes, it has been nearly 20 years since we first saw the iconic Shrek film. The fairytale film has become embedded in pop culture so much that people of all ages know about it. The first film was received with critical acclaim and it was even named the Best Animated Feature Film in the Oscars. Since then, there have been three more main films and a spin-off, all of which were released to box-office success.
Which of these movies was your favorite? Tell us below!
