The Six Best Films That Turn 20 In 2024

Can you believe it? Some of our favorite movies are hitting a pretty big milestone this year – they’re turning 20! That’s right, in 2024, these cinematic gems are officially two decades old. It feels like just yesterday we were all glued to the screen, experiencing these stories for the first time. But time flies when you’re having fun, and these films definitely delivered on the fun front.

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane and celebrate six fantastic movies that are celebrating their 20th birthday this year. Get ready for some nostalgia, maybe a little bit of awe, and definitely a renewed appreciation for these cinematic treats.

The Incredibles

Talk about a superhero family! The Incredibles burst onto the scene in 2004, and it’s still one of the most talked-about animated films ever. This movie is just pure joy. It’s about the Parr family – Bob, Helen, and their super-powered kids, Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack. They’re all trying to live a normal life, but being superheroes makes that really hard, especially when you have a super-speedy kid who can’t sit still or a teenager who can turn invisible when she’s embarrassed. We see Dad, Mr. Incredible, stuck in a boring office job, dreaming of his glory days. Then, a mysterious message pulls him back into the action. What’s amazing about this film is how it perfectly blends high-octane action with relatable family struggles. Who hasn't had a secret desire to be a bit more than they are? Or struggled to keep their family from driving each other crazy, even with superpowers?

“When everyone’s super, no one will be.”

This line, though seemingly about superheroes, really speaks to the film’s theme of finding your unique place.

The animation is stunning, the characters are hilarious and endearing, and the story is surprisingly smart. It’s a fantastic reminder that even in the most extraordinary circumstances, family is what truly matters.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

This one is a bit of a mind-bender, but in the best possible way. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is about Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski, a couple who decide to undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a painful breakup. Sounds a bit drastic, right? But the movie takes us inside Joel’s mind as he relives his memories of Clementine, only this time, he’s trying to hold onto them. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet look at love, loss, and the messy, complicated nature of relationships. You see all the good and the bad, the hilarious moments and the heartbreaking ones, all jumbled together. What’s so captivating is how it makes you think about your own memories and what you’d keep or lose if you had the chance. It's a reminder that even the painful memories shape us and are part of who we are.

“I could die right now, Clem. I mean that. I’m just… happy. I’ve never felt that before. I’m just exactly where I want to be.”

A simple yet incredibly powerful line about finding pure happiness.

The performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are absolutely phenomenal, showing a depth that many hadn't seen before. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Mean Girls

Oh. My. God. Can you even believe Mean Girls is turning 20? This movie is an absolute cultural phenomenon. It’s a sharp, witty, and hilarious look at the cliques and hierarchies of high school. Cady Heron, a homeschooled teen, finds herself navigating the treacherous social waters of North Shore High. She makes friends with Janis and Damian, who warn her about the terrifyingly popular “Plastics” – Regina George, Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith. Cady then gets drawn into their world, and let’s just say things get… complicated. The dialogue is pure gold, full of unforgettable lines that have become part of our everyday language. It’s a comedy that’s as insightful as it is funny, exploring themes of conformity, identity, and the consequences of trying to fit in.

“The limit does not exist.”

This iconic line isn't just about math; it’s about pushing boundaries!

It’s endlessly quotable, endlessly rewatchable, and still feels relevant today. Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert are all brilliant. It’s the perfect movie for a girls’ night in, or honestly, any night.

Spider-Man 2

Before we had all the different Spider-Men swinging around, there was Spider-Man 2. This film is often hailed as one of the best superhero movies ever made, and for good reason. Peter Parker is struggling. He’s trying to balance his life as a regular guy with his responsibilities as Spider-Man, and it’s taking a toll. He’s losing his powers, his relationships are suffering, and he’s questioning if he can even be Spider-Man anymore. Then, the formidable Dr. Octopus arrives, ready to cause some serious trouble. What makes this movie so special is its focus on Peter’s personal struggles. It’s not just about punching villains; it’s about the emotional weight of being a hero. The action sequences are spectacular, of course, but it’s the heart and the soul of the story that truly shine through. Tobey Maguire gives a fantastic performance, really capturing Peter’s exhaustion and determination.

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

Okay, this one’s a classic, but it’s the driving force behind Peter’s journey.

It’s a story about sacrifice, doubt, and ultimately, finding the strength to do what’s right, even when it’s incredibly difficult.

The Notebook

Get your tissues ready! The Notebook is the ultimate romantic drama, and it’s celebrating 20 years of making us swoon and cry. This movie tells the epic love story of Noah and Allie, their passionate summer romance, and the obstacles they face. It’s told through the eyes of an elderly gentleman reading a story from a notebook to his wife in a nursing home. We see their youthful love, their separation due to social differences, and their eventual reunion. It’s incredibly heartwarming and also incredibly heartbreaking. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is undeniable, making their love story feel so real and so intense. It’s a film that reminds us of the enduring power of true love, even through the toughest of times. It’s a beautiful, sweeping romance that has captured hearts for two decades.

“If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.”

A simple declaration of devotion that still melts hearts.

It’s a film that proves some love stories are just meant to be, no matter what.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

For something a little more… action-packed, we have Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1. This is a stylish, over-the-top, martial arts revenge flick that’s pure cinematic adrenaline. The Bride, played brilliantly by Uma Thurman, wakes up from a four-year coma and discovers her former assassin squad, the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, tried to kill her and her unborn child. She’s not happy. Armed with a samurai sword and an unwavering determination, she sets out to get revenge on all of them, one by one. The film is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with incredible fight choreography, a killer soundtrack, and Tarantino’s signature quirky dialogue. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, packed with unforgettable characters and explosive action. It’s a celebration of martial arts cinema, revenge plots, and the sheer power of a woman scorned.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

This old saying gets a whole new, very bloody, meaning here.

It’s a feast for the eyes and a thrilling experience that’s still just as exhilarating today.

So there you have it – six incredible films turning 20 in 2024. Whether you’re looking for laughs, tears, thrills, or a good old dose of nostalgia, these movies have something for everyone. It’s a great year to revisit these classics and see them with fresh eyes!