Nothing like the anniversary of one of your favorite movies, to make you feel like like your AARP card is coming in the mail any day now. Think about it, a movie that you adored when you were younger and seems like it just came out just yesterday. It’s now celebrating 20 years since it’s release.
No matter how many times we say “time flies,” it doesn’t really sink in until a movie milestone hits, along with a hard-hitting reality check. It happens with not only movies, but when we hear about iconic albums turning 20. For example, albums turning 20 this year: Beyonce’s ‘Dangerously in Love,’ 50 Cent’s ‘Get Rich or Die Trying,’ ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys,’ and Jay-z’s ‘The Black Album,’ just to name a few.
There are also a lot of TV shows turning 20 this year. We had the first of three seasons of ‘Chapelle Show’ make it’s debut. Also ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ which I feel seems older, came out in 2003. I didn’t watch it when it originally aired, but did binge-watch ‘One Tree Hill’ which debuted in 2003. Other shows turning 20: The Bachelorette, The O.C., and The Ellen Show.
There were also some other big pop culture moments in 2003. Apple launched iTunes, and also introduced their 3rd generation iPod, getting rid of the scroll wheel. Britney Spears became the youngest singer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 21, the first issue of Teen Vogue came out, Wicked debuted on Broadway, and it was officially announced that Friends would be ending.
So let’s get to movies. There were so many that came out 20 years ago and we decided to share some of our favorites that are turning 20 this year. Let’s get scrolling!
Mystic River
“Another movie that kicked off a solid franchise: The Denis Lehane book to movie franchise. Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn and Tim Robbins all NAILED their roles of Boston dudes that grew up together, have all been through s**t and then reconnect in a pretty messed up way. It’s one of those weird movies that moves slow, but keeps you on the edge of your seat w suspense. Which is basically a specialty of every Dennis Lehane book based movie.” – Ramiro
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 29: (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER AND US TABS OUT) Actor Sean Penn, winner of Best Actor in a Lead Role for “Mystic River” and actor Tim Robbins, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Mystic River” pose backstage during the 76th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California.
Kill Bill: Volume 1
” Quentin Tarantino came through on this one! From Uma Thurman to Vivica Fox to Lucy Liu, the casting was phenomenal. The writing and directing was even better. And the action and gore is still unmatched.” – Leroy
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 3: Actress Uma Thurman arrives at the screening of the Quentin Tarantino’s film “Kill Bill” at the Adriano Cinema October 3, 2003 in Rome, Italy.
The Matrix Reloaded
“If I’m going to be honest, the expectations weren’t that high. However, I probably went to see that movie at least ten times, and visually, it was unbelievable! Matrix Reloaded set the tone and gave us a glimpse at the future of CGI. If I see it on TV today, I’ll still sit down and watch it.” – Leroy
Keanu Reeves during “The Matrix Reloaded” Premiere – Black Carpet at Mann Village Theater in Westwood, California, United States.
28 Days Later
“If you enjoy The Walking Dead, World War Z or The Last of Us then you need to thank 28 Days Later because THIS is the movie that revived the Zombie genre! It is TREMENDOUS!! If your image of zombie movies is shuffling, groaning and brain dead corpses, think again. The virus that causes the outbreak is called “Rage”, and that’s exactly how the zombies act. It’s edge of your seat, it’s scary and it’s action packed. 20 years and countless zombie movies later, this is still my favorite.” – Ramiro
(left-right) Director Danny Boyle, stars of the film Naomie Harris and Cillian Murphy, and producer Andrew Macdonald flanked by men in chemical warfare suits at the premiere of ’28 Days Later’, at the new Odeon Kingston cinema. * The new cinema in surrey is the largest Odeon in the UK.
Honey
“This movie gets a bad wrap for horrible acting and horrible plot but I love it! The dancing is amazing and Jessica Alba is adorable! Oh and can’t forget about Lil’ Romeo.” – Melissa
Jessica Alba, Missy Elliott, Tweet and Joy Bryant during “Honey” – New York Premiere – Inside Arrivals at Chelsea West Theater in New York City, New York, United States.
Bad Boys II
“It’s one of the only movies I can remember where the soundtrack played a huge in motivating people to go see the movie. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence didn’t disappoint as expected, and for sure helped solidify Bad Boys as a solid franchise.” – Leroy
WESTWOOD, CA – JULY 9: (L-R) Actors Martin Lawrence and Will Smith attend the “Bad Boys II” movie premiere at the Mann’s Village theatre on July 9, 2003 in Westwood, California.
