25 Movies Turning 25 Years Old in 2026

People who remember what life was like in the 1900s might be surprised to realize how far into the 21st century we already are. Similarly, movie fans who recall films from the 20th century will be amazed to learn that some movies that still feel new are actually over 25 years old.

It’s amazing to think that movies from 2001 are already turning 25 this year – it feels like just yesterday! Even someone like me, who avoids math at all costs, can figure that out. And it’s a surprisingly large number of films that launched major franchises still going strong today. That might explain why so many of them don’t feel like they’ve aged a quarter-century – they’ve stayed popular through constant reboots, sequels, and re-releases.

Let’s look at movies that were 25 years old in 2001 and still playing in theaters. Aside from Rocky (which hadn’t had a new film since 1990 and wouldn’t get another until 2006) and Star Wars (which technically turned 25 in 2002, but let’s not split hairs), I can’t think of any other similar cases.

Thinking about older films often feels like a sentimental trip down memory lane. But this doesn’t feel like that. Putting together this list of movies that will be 25 years old in 2026 isn’t about wishing for the past. It’s more of a surprise at how quickly time has passed, and how that makes me feel older too. Shouldn’t nostalgia be a pleasant feeling? This just makes me feel a little down.

These Movies Are 25 Years Old

Memento

Released on March 16, 2001, Christopher Nolan’s first feature film impressed viewers with its clever, non-linear storytelling.

Spy Kids

Released in March 2001, Spy Kids unexpectedly launched Robert Rodriguez – previously known for his low-budget action films – into the world of family entertainment. The movie, about a pair of young spies, became a huge success and spawned a whole franchise.

Josie and the Pussycats

Released on April 11, 2001, this movie was Universal’s attempt to capitalize on the success of The Flintstones by bringing another classic cartoon, based on Archie Comics and Hanna-Barbera’s groovy girl group, to the big screen. Starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, and Rosario Dawson, the film wasn’t initially successful, but its witty humor has gained it a dedicated cult following as a nostalgic favorite from the early 2000s.

The Mummy Returns

Released on May 4, 2001, The Mummy Returns is remembered as the first movie role for Dwayne Johnson, then known by his wrestling name, The Rock. While the film wasn’t a critical success for Johnson – and his CGI scorpion-man double wasn’t much better – it led to the prequel The Scorpion King, which helped launch his career in Hollywood.

Shrek

Released on May 18, 2001, the popular animated ogre Shrek has been entertaining audiences for a remarkable 25 years!

Pearl Harbor

Released on May 25, 2001, this large-scale war film followed Michael Bay’s blockbuster Armageddon. It helped launch the careers of Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale, alongside Ben Affleck, who was already well-known. While the movie performed well at the box office, critics weren’t impressed.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

The original Tomb Raider movie, starring Angelina Jolie, came out on June 15, 2001. That means the recent reboot, with Alicia Vikander taking on the role of Lara Croft, is already eight years old – it’s amazing how time flies!

The Fast and the Furious

Released on June 22, 2001, The Fast and the Furious unexpectedly became a massive franchise. The action thriller followed an undercover cop navigating the world of illegal street racing, and starred then-unknown actors Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. The film’s success was driven by the actors’ on-screen chemistry and exciting, fast-paced car chases. It’s hard to believe this launched such a huge series – will we ever see Fast X 2?

A.I. Artificial Intelligence

Released on June 29, 2001, this thought-provoking science fiction film was directed by Steven Spielberg, building on an original concept from Stanley Kubrick, who sadly passed away in 1999. While reviews weren’t overwhelmingly positive upon its initial release, the film has gained a strong following and is now considered a classic for its vision of a future shaped by technology.

Legally Blonde

The upcoming Elle series, a prequel to Legally Blonde, will debut on streaming in 2026. Interestingly, the original movie will be 25 years old by then – making the source material older than Reese Witherspoon’s character was when she decided to pursue a law degree! That’s quite a realization.

Jurassic Park III

Released on July 18, 2001, Jurassic Park III saw Joe Johnston direct the franchise while Steven Spielberg worked on A.I. This third installment is arguably the most straightforward action movie in the series. It features Sam Neill reprising his role as Dr. Grant, who is lured back to Isla Sorna – the dinosaur-filled island from The Lost World (a film Neill didn’t appear in) – by a couple desperate to find their lost son.

Ghost World

Released on July 20, 2001, this film came during the early days of the rise in popularity of comic book movies. Director Terry Zwigoff brought Daniel Clowes’ highly-regarded graphic novel to the big screen, and the film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. It also helped broaden Hollywood’s understanding of the possibilities for comic book adaptations.

Wet Hot American Summer

Released on July 27, 2001, I’m planning a rather unusual meal: just a can of mixed vegetables. Interestingly, the voice of the talking can of vegetables in the movie Wet Hot American Summer was H. Jon Benjamin, who later became famous for his roles in Archer and Bob’s Burgers.

The Princess Diaries

The movie The Princess Diaries came out on August 3, 2001. For years, people have wondered if a third movie will ever be made. If it happens, it will likely be more than 25 years after the original, which starred Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews.

Zoolander

Released on September 28, 2001, the movie Zoolander gifted us iconic moments like the “Blue Steel” look, hilarious breakdancing fight scenes, and the unforgettable line, “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!” This early 2000s comedy is still incredibly funny, and many fans have always wished for a follow-up. (Actually, there was a sequel!)

Mulholland Drive

Released on October 12, 2001, David Lynch’s critically acclaimed film is often considered his best work. It originally began as a TV pilot for ABC, but after the show didn’t succeed, Lynch reworked it into a movie, adding new scenes. The film went on to win Lynch the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and is frequently ranked among the greatest films of the 21st century.

Waking Life

Released on October 19, 2001, this beautifully strange animated film by Richard Linklater delves into the world of dreams. It’s structured similarly to Linklater’s earlier film, Slacker, but instead of following people around Austin, it focuses on a young character who feels stuck in a series of dreams within dreams, unable to wake up.

Donnie Darko

Released on October 26, 2001, Richard Kelly’s Donnie Darko quickly became a beloved cult classic. It was one of the last films to gain a following through late-night showings at independent theaters – within weeks of its release, it was playing to packed houses in New York City and building a dedicated fanbase with its complex and unsettling story.

Monsters, Inc.

Released on November 2, 2001, this delightful and clever movie further established Pixar as a leader in animation. The film tells the story of a monster world powered by the fear of children, and its success led to a sequel, a wide range of merchandise, and new attractions at Disney theme parks – including a roller coaster currently being built in Florida.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Released on November 16, 2001, the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (also known as Philosopher’s Stone) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. If you recall the film’s epilogue, which showed the characters as adults, that scene would be set about eight years in the past today! It really makes you think about how time flies.

Ocean’s Eleven

Originally released on December 7, 2001, this film is a classic heist movie and the first in a popular series. After a long hiatus, a new installment is reportedly in the works. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film boasts a stellar cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts.

The Royal Tenenbaums

I remember when The Royal Tenenbaums came out in December 2001 – it was a huge moment! While I’m not sure it’s Wes Anderson’s best film, a lot of fans consider it to be. More importantly, I think it’s the movie that really defined his unique look and the way he tells stories – a style we’ve seen in all his films since. It felt so new and innovative back then, but honestly, it’s been around long enough that the style is practically iconic now!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Originally released on December 19, 2001, the first film in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy arrived in theaters just before Christmas. Look out for celebrations marking this anniversary later in the year.

A Beautiful Thing

Released on December 21, 2001, this film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Directed by Ron Howard, it’s a biography of John Nash, a gifted mathematician played by Russell Crowe, who struggles with his mental health while working with the Pentagon.

Black Hawk Down

I remember when Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down landed in theaters on December 28th, 2001 – it was a real last-minute addition to the year’s releases. The film, starring Josh Hartnett – who I’d just seen in Pearl Harbor – really showcased a whole new generation of talent, with fantastic performances from Eric Bana, Ewan McGregor, and a very young Tom Hardy, among others. It’s a gripping story about a group of Army Rangers desperately trying to survive after their helicopter goes down. And it wasn’t just a critical hit; the film rightfully earned Oscars for its stellar editing and sound design.

Great Comedies That Got Bad Reviews

Caddyshack (1981)

Comedies often don’t receive much praise from critics, and many now-classic films were initially panned. A prime example is Caddyshack, a hugely popular 80s comedy that critics at the time largely disliked. Many reviews saw it as a disappointing follow-up to Animal House, which was co-written by the same person, Harold Ramis. In fact, The New York Times bluntly called it a spin-off of Animal House and even said it wasn’t as funny as Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie.

Spaceballs (1987)

I remember being a kid and absolutely loving Spaceballs. Looking back, it’s amazing it got a PG rating! There was swearing – I distinctly remember Dark Helmet yelling a frustrated curse – and plenty of silly, immature humor, like President Skroob’s antics and the constant use of a certain, rather rude nickname for the crew. Honestly, that’s probably why my parents let me watch it! While critics back then didn’t seem to get it, for me, it was pure genius. Star Wars is fantastic, but Star Wars with a healthy dose of profanity and butt jokes? Even better. Some people can keep criticizing it all day long, but they’ll never change my mind – Spaceballs is a perfect movie.

Ishtar (1987)

The 1980s saw many expensive movie failures, but few were as famous as Ishtar. This film was a comedic take on the popular Crosby-Hope “Road” movies, but its production was famously chaotic and over budget, leading to constant disagreements between director Elaine May, star and producer Warren Beatty, and star Dustin Hoffman. The financial details were murky – it wasn’t clear where the huge budget actually went! However, for most people, the money wasn’t the point. What really mattered was the fantastic comedic pairing of Beatty and Hoffman, who played two clumsy songwriters accidentally caught up in a secret conflict in the Middle East.

Home Alone (1990)

When Home Alone first came out, critics didn’t like it at all – many thought its slapstick humor was over the top. However, it became the biggest movie of 1990, and over time, it’s become a beloved Christmas tradition, like It’s a Wonderful Life, but with a lot more painful pratfalls. It’s hard to understand how anyone could give it a negative review! In fact, Roger Ebert famously only gave Home Alone two and a half stars, but then gave Home Alone 3 three stars – a truly puzzling decision.

Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)

It’s tough for any comedy to win over critics, but silly comedies especially struggle. And sequels to those? Forget about it! Hot Shots! Part Deux managed to be all three – a comedy, a silly one, and a sequel. To make matters worse, it was a parody of over-the-top 80s action movies, a genre many critics already disliked or didn’t understand. This combination practically guaranteed bad reviews, and it delivered – the film received mostly negative feedback upon release and still has a low score on Rotten Tomatoes. But despite the critical reception, Hot Shots! Part Deux remains a very funny Rambo spoof.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

When it comes to silly comedies, the movie Dumb and Dumber faced an uphill battle with critics from the start. Despite potentially being a cleverly written comedy, it wasn’t given much credit. Now, it’s remembered much more fondly. The sequel, Dumb and Dumber To, also received negative reviews, but many people actually find it funnier than critics say.

Heavyweights (1995)

While it’s not a cinematic masterpiece, Heavyweights is also a step above typical kids’ movies. The script was co-written by Judd Apatow, and the cast includes a young Kenan Thompson and Ben Stiller (around 1995) playing a character similar to his later role as White Goodman in Dodgeball. It’s a fun choice if you’re looking for something funny to watch with your kids that’s a bit different.

Billy Madison (1995)

It’s interesting to notice a trend in how critics review a comedian’s work over time: their first successful movies often get worse reviews than the ones they make later in their career. One explanation is that comedians simply get better with age and experience, and their movies improve as a result. That’s likely true to some extent. However, it also makes you wonder if critics’ understanding of a comedian’s style affects their reviews. For example, early reviews of Adam Sandler’s Billy Madison suggest some critics didn’t quite know what to make of his humor. But over time, reviews of his work generally became more positive – or at least, more understanding.

Tommy Boy (1995)

In the 1990s, TV critics weren’t always impressed with Saturday Night Live, and movie critics were even harsher on the show’s cast when they started appearing in films. While some SNLrelated movies and comedies weren’t very good, others were genuinely hilarious. Tommy Boy*, starring Chris Farley as the clumsy heir to a brake-pad company, is a perfect example. He’s forced to go on a sales trip with his cynical coworker (David Spade) to save the family business. Despite its comedic moments – including the famous “Tommy want wingy!” line – the movie received negative reviews, which doesn’t make sense to me.

MouseHunt (1997)

By the 2010s, director Gore Verbinski had gained a dedicated following among film enthusiasts who appreciated his unique and popular blockbusters like The Ring, Rango, and the Pirates of the Caribbean films. However, his first film, the quirky comedy MouseHunt, hasn’t received the same recognition – perhaps because it’s a very silly, slapstick movie. It follows two brothers (played by Nathan Lane and Lee Evans) as they desperately try to catch a mouse that’s causing chaos in their inherited mansion. Filled with hilarious physical comedy and surprisingly good special effects, the film feels like a Looney Tunes cartoon come to life, and Verbinski brought his signature technical skill to the concept. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth checking out.

Dirty Work (1998)

Norm Macdonald didn’t receive the recognition he deserved during his life. Despite being let go from SNL, possibly because his humor was too unique, he consistently created good work in different forms until his death in 2021, though it often received negative reviews. His one attempt at being a movie star, the film Dirty Work, currently has a low score of 21% on Rotten Tomatoes. In it, Norm plays a man who starts a business helping people get revenge, alongside his friend Artie Lange. The film was directed by Bob Saget, another talented but often overlooked figure from the 90s. While Dirty Work isn’t a cinematic masterpiece and some jokes are definitely edgy, it’s surprisingly funny – often much funnier than many comedies that did receive critical praise – and Norm is fantastic in it. (Seriously, though, what was up with those huge shirts?) I need to watch Dirty Work again soon.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

When The Big Lebowski came out in 1998, many critics were confused. It followed Fargo, which had been the Coen brothers’ biggest critical success, earning numerous Oscar nominations. Some reviewers didn’t understand why the Coens would make a quirky, rambling comedy about a laid-back detective after such a highly praised and serious film. Over time, and when viewed separately from the impact of Fargo, The Big Lebowski began to be appreciated for its unique and unconventional style.

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

With actors in their thirties playing high schoolers, random jokes, and even a talking can of vegetables, Wet Hot American Summer definitely confused a lot of critics. But audiences loved it! It’s become known as one of the funniest and most bizarre comedies of the 2000s.

Jackass: The Movie (2002)

It’s understandable that Jackass isn’t for everyone, particularly professional film critics. The original movie’s Rotten Tomatoes score of 49% shows a pretty even split between positive and negative reviews. Interestingly, the first Jackass film – which many consider the funniest – actually has the lowest score of all the movies in the series. The newest one, Jackass Forever, scored an 86 – almost twice as high! Perhaps critics became more accepting of the show’s crude humor over time, especially as younger reviewers who grew up with the TV series and films started offering their opinions.

The Break-Up (2006)

Let’s be honest, The Break-Up is awkward and intentionally so. It’s not your typical feel-good romantic comedy; it focuses on the messy and painful reality of a couple, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, splitting up. But really, what did you expect from a movie with that title? I find the idea of a ‘break-up’ movie strangely appealing. Maybe it’s just my wife and I – we still quote lines like ‘Baby wanted 12!’ and ‘Mind meld! Mind meld!’ – but I think it’s actually a pretty funny and memorable movie. Critics didn’t seem to agree, though; it only has a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Hot Rod (2007)

Critics didn’t quite understand Hot Rod when it first came out, much like they didn’t get Adam Sandler’s Billy Madison. The movie’s humor is definitely unusual, but it’s also really funny – so funny, in fact, that Hot Rod has become a major cult comedy from the 2000s. The Lonely Island’s later success helped bring attention back to this early film, and many fans were surprised to discover how unfairly it had been reviewed. The common reaction was simply, “Why did critics dislike this so much?”

The House Bunny (2008)

It’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling off the role in The House Bunny – the movie about a 27-year-old former Playboy Bunny who ends up as the house mother for a group of quirky sorority sisters. Anna Faris is hilarious in the lead, delivering what many consider one of the best comedic performances in recent years. The supporting cast, including Emma Stone and Kat Dennings, is also strong, helping Faris guide the sisters through the ups and downs of college life. Despite all this, surprisingly, over half of the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are actually negative.

Step Brothers (2008)

I was really surprised to see that Step Brothers has a negative score on Rotten Tomatoes. I remember everyone enjoying Anchorman and Talladega Nights, and I thought Step Brothers was just as popular. It seems not everyone agreed, though the film has gained a dedicated following over the years. Many fans consider it to be the most unique and representative work of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s comedic style. But I guess not all critics can appreciate a great Catalina Wine Mixer!

Semi-Pro (2008)

Okay, so Semi-Pro definitely has one of the lowest scores on this list, which is kind of funny because it’s probably the one I’ve seen the most! It’s a Will Ferrell comedy where he plays the owner and star player of a really bad basketball team, the Flint Tropics. He’s trying to get them good enough to join the NBA. Honestly, the score doesn’t shock me – critics usually only love his movies when he works with Adam McKay. But even so, this one is so funny! There are tons of hilarious scenes and the supporting cast is amazing – Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin, Will Arnett, and a whole bunch of other comedy greats. It’s honestly up there with some of his best work. And… he sings a song called “Love Me Sexy.” Seriously, “Love Me Sexy!” Are you not entertained?!

MacGruber (2010)

Both critics and audiences largely rejected the movie MacGruber. It only earned $9.3 million in theaters, failing to make back its $10 million production cost. It seems people weren’t interested in seeing the SNL sketch about a clumsy action hero expanded into a full-length film. However, MacGruber wasn’t simply a longer version of the sketch; it was a satire of action movies in general, and it contained some truly outrageous and memorable comedy. The negative response to the film is incredibly frustrating, to the point where I just want to repeatedly write ‘KFBR392’ as a form of stress relief.

2026-01-08 22:35