The 2000s had some real gems, and while some of them got much-deserved attention, others just slipped under the radar. So, if you’re searching for your next watch, here are some underrated titles from the 2000s that people hardly talk about:
The Fall (2006)
An injured stuntman (Roy) tells an incredibly imaginative story to a little girl with a broken arm (Alexandria) while both are in the hospital. The plot intertwines Roy’s real-life situation in the hospital with the fictitious story he’s telling, giving the perfect combination of fantasy and drama.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A girl decides to erase memories of her ex. After finding out, he does the same in revenge. In the process, he relives his memories with her and realizes he is in love and doesn’t want to lose her. I can guarantee this is not your typical romantic drama.
City of God (2002)
Set in Rio de Janeiro, it follows some kids growing up in this rough neighborhood called Cidade de Deus, which translates to “City of God.” What’s fascinating is how the story is told—through the eyes of one of the children, who decides to chase his photography dreams.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Robert Downey Jr. plays a small-time crook who stumbles into a movie audition and accidentally nails it. Next thing you know, he’s in Hollywood and caught up in this murder mystery that’s just as confusing as it is funny. The plot keeps you guessing, and I love that.
The Prestige (2006)
In typical Christopher Nolan fashion, this doubles as a psychological journey. The story revolves around two magicians who start as friends but get seriously competitive and twisted. Their obsession with outdoing each other becomes this insane rivalry that takes over their lives.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
If you guessed that this is a Western from the title, you’d be 100% correct. This one is on the list for its cinematography, which I think was incredible. It also brilliantly combines a bit of the psychological with the typical Western, giving it more depth.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Even though this movie won three Academy Awards, I still think it isn’t talked about enough. No film has done fantasy anchored in realism as masterfully as this Guillermo del Toro masterpiece. Backed by a well-written and emotional story, it leaves you spellbound.
Waking Life (2001)
The entire film has this surreal and dreamlike animation style that’s simply mesmerizing. It’s like a mix of live-action and this fluid, almost painterly animation. You may get pulled into deep contemplations of mysteries. Sheer curiosity should get you checking this one out.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
This one is just hilarious. The story follows this super-dedicated London police officer who’s so good at his job that he’s making everyone else look bad, so they transfer him to a seemingly quiet village called Sandford. But the village isn’t as peaceful as it seems.
Moon (2009)
With all the talk about AI now, let’s throw in a film from 2009 exploring the subject. An astronaut named Sam Bell is stationed alone on a lunar base for a three-year mission, and his only companion is an AI named GERTY.
In Bruges (2008)
A crime comedy with heart, humor, and some action to spice it all up. If you enjoy dark humor, you’ll enjoy this because it does well to balance that with moments of genuine emotion and reflection, which caught me off guard.
Zodiac (2007)
Zodiac is based on true events. In my opinion, there’s something a bit more gripping about stories that are not entirely made up. The story follows three men obsessed with finding the notorious Zodiac killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Lives of Others (2006)
A Stasi officer named Gerd Wiesler is assigned to spy on a successful playwright named Georg Dreyman. But as Wiesler listens in on their lives, he starts getting involved. The Lives of Others is certainly a movie that gets one concerned about the level of invasive technology we have today.
The Fountain (2006)
This movie isn’t for everyone, but it’s a good watch nonetheless. It throws big philosophical questions at you about life, death, and love. This mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and spirituality adds up in the right amounts to create a brilliant movie.
Lost in Translation (2003)
A gem in every sense of the word. It masterfully explores themes of loneliness, cultural dislocation, and unexpected connections. Its subtle storytelling, combined with poignant performances by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, creates a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that brings the characters together soulfully.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
This movie is an unfiltered portrayal of addiction and its devastating effects. It unfolds as the characters’ lives spiral out of control. Intentional editing creates this nightmarish atmosphere that pulls you into the experiences of its characters. Weighty stuff, but a good watch.
The Science of Sleep (2006)
The story revolves around a guy named Stéphane. He returns to Paris and lands a boring job, but his mind is a whole other world. He’s a “dreamer” with a vivid imagination, and the movie dives deep into his dreamscapes.
A Single Man (2009)
Starring Colin Firth as a college professor grieving the loss of his longtime partner. Set in the early ‘60s, he has had to keep his relationship and grief hidden due to the societal norms of the time. It’s a reflective film that touches on love, loss, and the struggle for connection.
Brick (2005)
The film takes all the classic elements of film noir—the moody lighting and the snappy dialogue—and places them in a high school setting, making it an intriguing watch. It’s like watching a gritty detective story unfold in the most unexpected place.
