2000s movie starting points

The 2000s produced some of MovieAnchor’s strongest long-form franchises, animated landmarks, crime dramas and nonlinear thrillers. This page is a curated route rather than a ranking.

Six strong starting points

2000 · Mystery / Thriller

Memento

Choose it for fractured chronology, memory and unreliable perspective.

Open →2000 · Action / Drama

Gladiator

Choose it for historical spectacle, revenge and public power.

Open →2001 · Animation / Fantasy

Spirited Away

Choose it for imaginative world-building and coming-of-age fantasy.

Open →2001 · Fantasy / Adventure

The Fellowship of the Ring

Choose it for epic fantasy, quest structure and deep world-building.

Open →2008 · Crime / Drama / Action

The Dark Knight

Choose it for grounded superhero crime and moral pressure.

Open →2008 · Animation / Science Fiction

WALL·E

Choose it for visual storytelling, environmental themes and gentle science fiction.

Open →

Also worth exploring

How to use this list

If you want a puzzle, start with Memento. For spectacle, choose Gladiator or The Fellowship of the Ring. For animation, Spirited Away and WALL·E represent two very different approaches. The Dark Knight is the most accessible crime-action pick.