These Beloved Films Are Turning 20 This Year And Oh, How Time Flies
'Shrek,' 'The Princess Diaries,' and 'Bridget Jones's Diary' are all turning 20 - feel old yet? I do.
20 years ago this week Shrek was released in cinemas. Apparently, the years really do start comin’ and they don’t stop comin’. I am a sucker for marinating in a little nostalgia. So. I thought I’d investigate what other beloved films are turning 20 years old in 2021.
The following adored films will follow in the footsteps of Shrek and celebrate their 20th birthdays this year. Come with me on a little tour back in time, through the 2001 cinema-scape.
20 years ago today, Dreamworks released one of the best fantasy tales of all time.
Happy 20th anniversary, 'Shrek'! pic.twitter.com/EMD0PqmfPO
— Geeks of Color #BlackLivesMatter (@GeeksOfColor) April 22, 2021
* SHREK CAME OUT 20 YEARS AGO!???? pic.twitter.com/lr1QHlXzl4
— ??????,?????????. ? (@StevieDerrick_) April 23, 2021
The Princess Diaries
Released in September of 2001, The Princess Diaries will be turning 20 this year. The modern fairytale starred Anne Hathaway as a high schooler turned Princess of Genovia, Mia Thermopolis. But it was equally loved for Dame Jullie Andrews’ performance as everyone’s favourite royal grandma, Queen Clarice.
Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone
That’s right, the first Harry Potter film is 20 this year. The Harry Potter film franchise has defined two decades of cinema and is loved by billions. Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone is one of my earliest memories of going to the movies because I remember being so frightened by the chessboard scene, I put my head between my legs for the whole sequence.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
The iconic rom-com starring Collin Firth, Renée Zellweger, and Hugh Grant was a modern re-telling of Pride and Prejudice and is still a big mood. Following hopelessly single 30-something, Bridget Jones diarises her hilarious romantic exploits and desperation to improve herself. 20 years on, and it all rings eerily true.
Spy Kids
The Spy Kids franchise convinced a generation of children that ‘child spy’ was a legitimate career choice. Well, maybe just me, but man was I disappointed to find it wasn’t an option. After their parents go missing, the first Spy Kids film followed siblings, Carmen and Juni on a globetrotting search for their parents as they discover the truth of their parents “jobs.” I hold this film personally responsible for my obsession with spies 20 years on.
Legally Blonde
Regularly heralded as one of the most feminist comedies of ’00s, Legally Blonde will also be blowing out 20 candles this year. In case you didn’t know and needed a pick-me-up, Legally Blonde 3 is officially on its way. But the original film, aging graciously after 20 years? What, like it’s hard?
Moulin Rouge!
A favourite for those who love melodrama, musicals and heart-aching romance, Baz Luhrman’s adored epic musical tragedy came out in May of 2001. In fact, the Ritz Cinema in Sydney is showing Moulin Rouge! in its 35mm glory next month, if you’re looking to celebrate.
A Knight’s Tale
Starring Australia’s own Heath Ledger, A Knight’s Tale is, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest period romances of all time. Its use of modern music and bright costuming to elevate a medieval tale of romance, jousting and mistaken identity to rock n roll status would be imitated in period dramas for years to come. 20 years on and still legendary.
Amélie
changed how Paris was portrayed in cinema forever. The quirky urban fairytale of the titular Amélie and her search for love and friendship has enchanted viewers for 2 decades and lingers fondly in the minds of many cinephiles for its timelessness.
Spirited Away
The film company, Studio Ghibli has charmed film lovers for decades with their stunningly animated tales that inspire audiences to find the fantastical in the ordinary. Spirited Away is one of the Studio’s most popular and cherished for reasons too many to count here, and it’s officially turning 20 this year.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Yes, this year marks 20 years of Middle Earth on the big screen. In 2001. Peter Jackson released the first instalment of his award-winning Lord Of The Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring. Thank goodness Amazon’s remake got canned.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
This film is one of Disney’s most underrated animated films. Turning 20 this year, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is singlehandedly responsible for my obsession with heists, archeology, and the ancient legend of the lost city.
Josie and the Pussycats
Based on the Archie Comics, Josie and the Pussycats is quintessential early ’00s viewing. Though the film received mixed reviews back in 2001, the comedy-musical mystery is iconic for its cheesy irony and paved the way for other shows inspired by Archie Comics such as Riverdale.
Fast And Furious
The first Fast and Furious film came out on the 20th September 2001. In June of this year, the franchise’s 9th instalment, F9 will hit theatres. Whatever you feel about the films’ unrelenting vehicular action, there’s something to be said for the series’ ongoing survival.
Monsters, Inc
Last, but certainly not least, Monsters Inc. Released on Boxing Day 2001, Monster’s Inc was and is beloved for making us all want to be friends with the monsters under our beds and behind closed doors, and also teaching us an all too important lesson about the evils of corporate greed.
And there you have it. What were your favourite films of 2001?
Merryana Salem (she/they) is a proud Wonnarua and Lebanese–Australian writer, critic, teacher, researcher and podcaster on most social media as @akajustmerry. If you want, check out their podcast, GayV Club where they gush about LGBT rep in media. Either way, she hopes you ate something nice today.