Culturally speaking, lots happened in the early 2000s, and even in 2002, specifically. The early 00s were a time of rapid change in the film, music, and entertainment industry, with many TV shows and movies taking more experimental routes with their techniques and storylines, providing consumers with some real innovative classics that have stood the test of time and remained as shining examples of a job well done.
There were so many good movies that came out during 2002 that it would honestly be impossible to list them all, especially considering how many of these movies were culturally significant or unconventional in just the right way so as to break boundaries and allow their respective genres to evolve. These are the most essential movies of 2002, which every cinephile should watch at least once in their lifetime, if not for the films’ quality, for how huge they were, and to an extent, still are.
10
‘The Ring’
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Based on a Japanese horror film of the same name, The Ring is about a ghost girl who drowned in a well, and begins exacting her revenge via an old, beat-up VHS tape. Anyone who plays the tape is treated to a creepy video, followed by an image of a pale ring of light. This is then supplemented by a phone call from the drowned girl herself, informing the person that they only have seven days to live.
The original Japanese movie is one of the most frightening horror movies of all time, and while this Western remake isn’t quite as terrifying as the first, it’s still a pretty darn scary movie, and is not for the faint of heart. The eerie “seven days” phone call has become a pop culture icon, and the movie is widely regarded as being one of the most memorable, if not one of the best ghost films ever made. It’s a very important horror movie that needs to be seen by any self-proclaimed horror buff.
9
‘Ice Age’
Directed by Chris Wedge
The first installment in the Ice Age series of animated films grew to become a beloved and nostalgic source of entertainment for kids and adults alike. If the title weren’t enough of an indication, this film takes place in the Ice Age, following a misfit band of creatures consisting of a prehistoric sloth, a sabretooth tiger, and a wooly mammoth, who put aside their inherent differences after they find an orphaned human baby, intent on returning him to another group of humans.
Not only does this movie establish a series of running gags that occur throughout the series, but it also features some brilliant and, let’s face it, relatable punchlines thanks to the chemistry between the main characters. Aside from this, however, this movie has some really endearing and emotional moments about social outcasts choosing their family and finding peace with each other for a common goal. It’s one of those movies that can keep adults entertained just as much as it can keep kids happy.
8
‘The Bourne Identity’
Directed by Doug Liman
The first in a series of several films based on a book series by Robert Ludlum, The Bourne Identity stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a CIA operative who is rescued from the ocean one night, unconscious, and with no memory of how he got there. Though he seems to be having trouble remembering who he is or what he’s supposed to be doing, not everyone is so unlucky, with multiple assassins being sent after Bourne for some unknown purpose.
This action-packed spy thriller kickstarted the franchise, having some pretty wild and creative fight sequences in it as Bourne slowly discovers who he is and what his mission is. It’s a lot more gritty than other spy thrillers, with a serious, modern tone, and an aesthetic that oozes with the energy of the early 00s. Any fan of political thrillers or action fans will be sure to adore this movie, as it’s become a classic of the spy movie genre.
- Release Date
-
June 14, 2002
- Runtime
-
119 minutes
- Writers
-
Tony Gilroy, W. Blake Herron
7
‘Minority Report’
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Minority Report is sort of an underrated gem in the vast reportoire of director Steven Spielberg, but that’s exactly why it demands to be seen. This cyberpunk film takes place in the distant future, a dystopian world loaded with crime. Even all of the world’s advanced technology isn’t enough to completely eradicate criminal activity, so a new plan is devised. The police decides to use three beings known as PreCogs, who can see into the future, to prevent crimes from happening before they have a chance to actually unfold.
It’s a really creative “what if” premise about a bleak, yet intriguing potential future, told through the lens of veteran actor Tom Cruise, who plays Police Chief John Anderton. It’s not just an action film, but it has elements of mystery to it, as well, as well as crime drama and police procedurals. Based on a Philip K. Dick novella, Minority Report is one of the finest sci-fi/cyberpunk stories ever told, and you should give it a chance if you haven’t already.
6
‘8 Mile’
Directed by Curtis Hanson
8 Mile is the biographical music film about Detroit rapper Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers. Eminem plays a fictionalized version of himself, making his film debut as Jimmy Smith Jr. a blue collar worker with little direction or prospects in life who dreams of becoming a famous rapper. This movie is the origin of what might just be Eminem’s most famous track: “Lose Yourself,” which isn’t just a meme due to its lyrics about “mom’s spaghetti,” but it’s also a really good and catchy song, too.
The movie examines the intricacies of growing up in low-income neighbourhoods in Detroit, the doubt and pressure that comes with the hip-hop industry, as well as the cutthroat competition from other aspiring rappers, with the only way to succeed being to tear the others down. It’s a movie about a struggle that many in impoverished American communities know all too well, even aside from its hip-hop narrative, yet it’s become a staple of music-themed movies that really deserves a watch.
5
‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’
Directed by Chris Columbus
The second installment in the beloved Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets follows Daniel Radcliffe as the eponymous Harry, who returns to the Wizarding World for his second year of study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Much like last year, things are more dangerous than they should be, as a new evil is rising, and students are mysteriously being found petrified–alive, but stiff as statues. Now, Harry must find out who or what is causing this, and why.
In terms of faithfulness to the original books by J. K. Rowling, this is arguably the closest, and is a favourite amongst fans because of this. It is sweet and earnest, speaking to the joys of youth and Harry’s love of discovering the world of magic, along with the power of friendship, unity and courage. Harry Potter is a modern phenomenon, and all of its films are absolutely essential to watch, not just due to their quality, but due to how much of an influence on pop culture they really had.
4
‘Spider-Man’
Directed by Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man was the first live action film to star the web-slinger ever made, with Tobey Maguire taking the reins as Peter Parker/Spider-Man himself. The movie explores the origins of the superhero, as well as his battle to protect New York from the destructive rampage of the villainous Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), as well as Peter’s pursuit of love in the form of classmate Mary-Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst).
There have been multiple live action Spider-Man flicks in the years since the release of the first, but Maguire’s Spidey will always reign supreme, and not only for nostalgia purposes. It’s not just a superhero flick, it’s a story of love, broken friendships, self-discovery, and the power within, as well as being a coming-of-age movie. Sony isn’t doing too well with its Spider-Man franchise films for the time being, but they really hit the nail on the head with this first one.
3
‘Star Wars: Episode II–Attack of the Clones’
Directed by George Lucas
Star Wars: Episode II–Attack of the Clones is a bit of a polarizing film–some hate it, some adore it, and for various reasons. The second prequel film, this movie features the beginning of the conflict known as the Clone Wars, which were previously only mentioned in the original trilogy, and it brings this conflict to life in a glorious way. Using more modern filming techniques and CGI, the movie creates massive and impressive battle sequences between the Republic’s clones and the Separatist’s battle droids.
So many new characters and concepts are introduced in this film, such as Hayden Christensen‘s legendary and highly-memeable portrayal of Anakin Skywalker, along with Sir Christopher Lee as Count Dooku, and even Mace Windu’s (Samuel L. Jackson) unique purple lightsaber, the first of its kind in the films. Even if it’s far from the best Star Wars film, it’s got plenty of enjoyable moments, all the same, and is a crucial piece of the overall story.
2
‘Lilo & Stitch’
Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
With a live action remake fresh out of the theatres, what better time to rewatch the original Lilo & Stitch than now? Most people know the story of this iconic Disney flick at this point: a troubled and orphaned young Hawaiian girl named Lilo (Daveigh Chase), who is living with her older sister, hopes to adopt a dog from the local shelter, only to adopt Stitch (Chris Sanders), an alien species created as a result of a dangerous experiment. Despite Stitch’s apparent violent and aggressive nature, he and Lilo become fast friends.
A story of responsibility, social isolation, family life, and above all, friendship, Lilo & Stitch is one of the greatest animated Disney movies ever made, and it’s not even a musical, as animated Disney flicks tend to be. Taking place in an oft-overlooked part of the world, featuring relatable characters and slice-of-life conflicts (aside from the aliens), Lilo & Stitch is great for both kids and adults, and will always be considered way better than the recent remake.
1
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’
Directed by Peter Jackson
The second film in the critically-acclaimed The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers keeps the momentum of the first film and delivers more adventure, better action, and more heartfelt storytelling. The Fellowship has been fragmented, and in their various pursuits, they find new enemies and new allies, culminating at an epic showdown. The final battle, known as the Battle of Helm’s Deep, is one of the greatest battle sequences ever committed to film, and is easily the best in the trilogy, which is really saying something.
The Lord of the Rings is an absolutel cultural behemoth, which is why one will likely earn a weird look or two if they tell someone they haven’t seen it. The scale of these films, combined with the performances of its actors, its visuals, and its storyline are pretty much perfect all around, and is a wonderful tribute to the author of the novels, J. R. R. Tolkien. If you haven’t seen this movie for some reason, this is your sign to do so–just be sure to watch the first movie before the second.