With the start of a new year approaching, many of us will reflect on fond memories, not-so-good memories, and important moments in our lives. It’s a time to reminisce about the past while looking forward to the future. A new year should bring new opportunities. It should bring innovation and creativity. Nevertheless, most of us can’t help but look back at the places, people, or things that brought us joy in previous years. This notion is especially true for movies.
Every year, movie buffs excitedly await the new films being released each month. Around this time each year, when one year is wrapping up and another is about to begin, nostalgia settles in. We reflect on whichfilms and performances were the bestthat year. We think back to incredible films that will celebrate a milestone birthday and remember what made us love these films from the start. The new year marks the 20th birthday of many films, so we’re looking back at some great movies from2005that are turning 20 in the upcoming year.
10’Batman Begins'
Batman Begins
The beginning of Christopher Nolan’s celebrated Batman trilogy,Batman Begins, is finally celebrating 20 in the coming year. It was Christian Bale’s first outing as the Caped Crusader, and it is often regarded as one of the best portrayals of the comic book character. It was another origin story for the character that most people already knew. Still, the combination of Bale’s performance and Nolan’s script and direction made it stand out among other Batman adaptations.
The Start of an Acclaimed Trilogy
Released in the summer of 2005, the success ofBatman Beginspaved the way for the critically acclaimed fan-favorite filmThe Dark Knightto take the world by storm just three years later. Although he wasn’t allowed to drive the Batmobile, Bale did most of his own stunts, adding to the exciting atmosphere of Nolan’s Gotham. The movie also features strong performances from frequent Nolan collaborators Cillian Murphy and Michael Caine as Dr. Jonathan Crane and Alfred, respectively.
Batman Begins vs The Batman: How Each Film Reintroduces the Character
Batman Begins and The Batman are both fantastic entries into the Batman mythos, with each movie reintroducing the character in distinct ways.
9’V for Vendetta'
V For Vendetta
Another comic adaptation,V for Vendettawas directed by the Wachowskis and starred Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving in the leading roles. With heavy themes involving tyranny and fascism, the movie follows a solo freedom fighter who goes only by the alias “V” (Weaving) as he attempts tooverthrow the tyrannicalBritish government. After bonding with a young woman named Evey (Portman), V enlists her help in taking down the corrupt government and restoring freedom to the people of Great Britain.
Relative Themes Today
Unfortunately, the themes of corruption and greed are still relevant 20 years later, making the film’s legacy even more prominent. Part of the reason it still feels relevant today is that its dystopian setting isn’t highly futuristic or stylized. Instead, it takes place in a near future that looks like our present and showcases what corrupt governments are capable of doing.
8’The Corpse Bride'
Corpse Bride
Although it often gets lost in the shadows of other Tim Burton works,The Corpse Brideis one of his best. Set in a Victorian village in the late 1800s, the film follows a man named Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) and a woman named Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson) who are betrothed. The Everglots need the money from the dowery, otherwise they will be out on the streets. Meanwhile, the Van Dorts want to be in high society. When Victor goes into the woods to practice his vows, he finds himself married to a corpse bride, while a new suitor pursues Victoria on the other side.
Beautiful Gothic Animation
The Nightmare Before Christmasis often considered Burton’s best work (although he did not direct the movie, Henry Selick did), but The Corpse Brideshows off his most bizarre and creative work. Burton is known for whimsical, off-beat, otherworldly stories; this wonderful animated film has it all. Between the lovable characters, gorgeous animation and cinematography, and the beautifully gothic setting, it is truly one of his best even 20 years later.
7’The Exorcism of Emily Rose'
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Directed bySinisterandThe Black Phonedirector Scott Derrickson,The Exorcism of Emily Roseis an intriguing blend ofreligious horrorand courtroom drama. When a college student named Emily (Jennifer Carpenter) dies after a ritual exorcism is performed on her, everyone blames her death on the priest who performed it, Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson). A lawyer from a major firm, Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) is assigned his case, but proving his innocence won’t be easy when no one wants to believe what the Father says to be true.
A Successful Blend of Horror and Drama
Horror and drama are two genres that can be blended well together, but blending a story about demonic possession into a legal drama is not a common practice. Yet, the movie works well because of this mix. The horror elements are utilized expertly to show the fear and turmoil Emily faced in the weeks before her death. The courtroom scenes add a layer of humanity to her story that gives insight into what happened to Emily in a more grounded way. Linney gives a solid performance as a no-nonsense lawyer who begins to question her non-belief, but it’s Carpenter’s truly convincing performance that makes the film as genuinely unnerving as it is.
6’Brokeback Mountain'
Brokeback Mountain
Starring the late Heath Ledger and a younger Jake Gyllenhaal, Ang Lee’sBrokeback Mountaintakes place in the mountains of Wyoming in the summer of 1963. Two cowboys, JackTwist (Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Ledger), find work and friendship on a sheep farm. What started as a friendship evolved into a much more profound bond that needed to be kept a secret from their families.
A Devastating Tale
Released in December 2005,Brokeback Mountainearned eight Oscar nominations at the 2006 ceremony and won three, including Best Director for Ang Lee. Both Gyllenhaal and Ledger were nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor respectively, and Michelle Williams was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Even in the mid-2000s, there was controversy and stigmas surrounding relationships between men, so the film felt bold and groundbreaking in many ways. The performances are outstanding, and the film takes the time to explore how a homophobic society has devastating effects on both the LGBTQ+ community and their families.
5’The Descent'
The Descent
Neil Marshall’sThe Descentis absolute nightmare fuel for anyone who is claustrophobic or likes exploring cave systems. A year after a tragic accident involving her husband and young daughter, Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) heads to the Appalachian Mountains with her friends to explore a recently discovered cave system. When part of the cave collapses and blocks their exit, the friends soon learn that they are not the only ones trapped down there.
Claustrophobic Nightmare Fuel
If you have ever had any thoughts of going on a caving expedition, put this movie on and those thoughts will surely never enter your mind again. Aside from theextremely claustrophobic environmentof the film, the dark tunnels and eerie sound design are enough to haunt anyone’s dreams even 20 years later. As if the film wasn’t uncomfortable enough, the shift it makes about halfway through brings it to another level of horrifying. The characters also make the movie interesting, as some character decisions will have you seething, while others will have you cheering.
StreamThe Descenton Prime Video, Tubi, or Hoopla
4’Kiss Kiss Bang Bang'
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Shane Black’sKiss Kiss Bang Bangis a hilarious and well-written dark comedy/crime thriller with an excellent cast. It follows a New York petty thief named Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) who gets sent to L.A. after accidentally auditioning for a movie. Sent there to study under a private eye named Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), the unlikely duo wind up investigating the real murder of a Hollywood actress with the help of Harry’s former high school crush, Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan).
A Hilarious Murder Mystery
Like most of Shane Black’s films,Kiss Kiss Bang Bangis set against the backdrop of Christmas, which enhances the dark comedy aspect of the story. RDJ excels in this role as a clumsy, awkward, man with little going on in his life. Just three years before he first donned the Iron Man suit, RDJ was already exercising the witty comedic chops he has become known for. Kilmer is also excellent as a private investigator with little to no regard for anyone else’s opinion who begrudgingly solves a murder mystery with someone he thinks isn’t too bright. With a tight script and enjoyable performances from the entire cast, the movie is just as fun as it was in 2005.
3’Pride and Prejudice'
Pride and Prejudice
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved novels, Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation ofPride and Prejudiceis one of the best romance films of all time. Set in Victorian England, the story followsyoung Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), one of five girls who is expected to marry a well-to-do man in society. When Elizabeth meets a wealthy bachelor named Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), she finds herself both utterly appalled by him yet completely transfixed by him. Although she is from a lower class, Mr. Darcy finds himself falling in love with her.
The Standard for Romance Stories
Even if romance or period dramas aren’t typically something you are interested in, it’s hard not to fall completely in love with this movie and the story it tells. The performances by Knightley and Macfadyen are undeniably wonderful, with palpable chemistry that is felt through the screen. They convey so much with just the slightest touch or brief glances, particularly the infamous hand-flexing scene. For a film with very little physical touch, it is unbelievably romantic thanks to Austen’s writing and the leads' incredible performances.
2’Hard Candy'
Hard Candy
An underrated gem featuring strong performances from Elliot Page (then Ellen Page) and Patrick Wilson,Hard Candyis a tight thriller that takes place mostly in one location. The film follows Hayley (Page), a precocious teenage girl who meets up at a café with a fashion photographer named Jeff (Wilson), who she met online. After an impromptu photoshoot at his place, Jeff thinks he’s in for a good night, but he’s in for a surprise.
Shocking Yet Satisfying
Hard Candytakes twists and turns that are equally shocking as they are satisfying. Although it’s not a typical role, Page shines as this character and goes to unexpected places. Wilson plays an excellent slimeball who masquerades as a good guy. Hayley comes across as an entitled teenager and Jeff thinks he’s a decent man, but rooting for Hayley is really the only option once you understand where the film is going. If this film hasn’t been spoiled for you in the past two decades, go in blind and let the twists and turns unfold.
StreamHard Candyon Prime Video, Tubi, or Hoopla
The 10 Best Revenge-Themed TV Series of the 21st Century (So Far)
Revenge storylines have made their place in television, and these are the best examples the 21st century has to offer thus far.
1’Lady Vengeance'
Lady Vengeance (2005) Movie Poster
Lady Vengeance
The third and final film in legendarySouth Korean director Park Chan-wook’s thematic revenge trilogy,Lady Vengeancepacks an emotional yet fierce punch. Wrongfully accused of child abduction and murder, single mother Lee Geum-ja (Lee Yeong-ae) is forced to spend 13 years in prison. Determined to make the man responsible for the horrific crime pay, she forms an infallible plan for retribution with the help of her former cellmates. However, when she has a chance to reconcile with the daughter who was taken from her all those years ago, she is torn between her need for atonement and her thirst for vengeance.
A Superb Tale of Vengeance and Penance
Oldboy, the second film in the revenge trilogy, is usually considered Park Chan-wook’s best film and is a highly regarded film overall.Lady Vengeanceoften lives in its shadow, but is just as phenomenal as its predecessor. The performances are superb, especially from Yeong-ae, andOldboy’s Choi Min-sik is excellent as a character quite different from Oh Dae-su.
The script is as detailed and intricate as one would expect from Chan-wook and the editing is incredibly inventive. The central story is obviously heavily focused on revenge, but themes of forgiveness, penance, and longing also play major roles in the film.Lady Vengeanceis a perfect film to watch if you are new to Korean cinema or love a good revenge story, but it is also simply an incredible film.
StreamLady Vengeanceon Kanopy or Tubi
