The 2000s were packed with unforgettable movies. They’re the kind you shelled out cash twice for — once to watch in theaters and later again to add to your DVD collection. They’re the movies that open your eyes to the talents of incredible actors who manage to transport you into a completely different reality for two hours at a time.
The list of undeniable talent during the 2000s is long, so we’ve only highlighted a few in this list. You’re likely to find your favorite actor included. To compile this information, we reviewed IMDB’s list of movies per actor and noted some of their biographical information as well. Discover the top movie stars of the 2000s and enjoy a short stroll down memory lane as we spotlight some of their best work from that decade.
1. Angelina Jolie
ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 24: Angelina Jolie attends the red carpet of the movie Eternals during the 16th Rome Film Fest 2021 on October 24, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for RFF)
The 2000s were ultra-busy for Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie. Kicking it off with “Gone in 60 Seconds”(2000), she wasted no time moving on to her next role as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001). That same year, she starred alongside Antonio Banderas in “Original Sin” (2001). Proving her prowess, Jolie hopped from action to drama and romance to a thriller with “Taking Lives” (2004). Born in Los Angeles, Jolie was never too far from Hollywood productions. Her acting career began early, and by the 1990s, she was a household name. Today, she is known not just as an award-winning actress but also as a producer, director, and humanitarian.
2. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington arrives at the premiere of Flight in 2012.
In 2000, Denzel Washington starred in “Remember the Titans” (2000) before moving on to an award-winning role in “Training Day” (2001). He played “The Manchurian Candidate” (2004) and went on to play an A.T.F. agent in “Déjà Vu” (2006) before starring in “American Gangster” (2007). Born in Mount Vernon, NY, Washington was first interested in journalism and attended Fordham University. However, after graduating, he went to San Francisco, where he enrolled at the American Conservatory Theater. After only a year, he had gotten his first paid acting job. He graced the big screen for the first time in 1981 and has since played various roles, many of which are widely recognized as iconic. He continues his acting career today, with his most recent movie, “The Equalizer 3” (2023), playing on the ever-popular streaming service Netflix.
3. Tom Cruise
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Tom Cruise attends the UK Premiere of Mission: Impossible - Fallout at BFI IMAX on July 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
No one can deny Tom Cruise’s prolific career, which started long before the 2000s. However, he was steadfast during that decade, starting with “Mission: Impossible II” (2000) and “Vanilla Sky” (2001). He portrayed John in the action and crime movie, “Minority Report” (2002) and made an appearance in “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002) before taking the lead role in “The Last Samurai” (2003). He took charge in the apocalyptic sci-fi film “War of the Worlds” (2005) before returning to the well-regarded action/adventure series to star in “Mission: Impossible III” (2006). Cruise was born in Syracuse, NY, and at age 11, his mother moved him and his siblings to Louisville, KY, and later to Glen Ridge, NJ. His career started when he realized his love for the stage at age 16. He gave himself a 10-year deadline to reach his goal of a successful acting career, and during that time, he garnered the interest of filmmakers. Shortly after, he rose to fame.
4. Johnny Depp
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 18: Actor Johnny Depp attends the premiere of Disneys Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales at Dolby Theatre on May 18, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Known for his eclectic film choices and versatile talents, Johnny Depp started gracing the big screen nearly two decades before the 2000s. However, this decade saw him starring in a range of films, some filled with drama and romance while others were steeped in crime and mystery. Depp starred in “Chocolat” (2000) a year before the hit film, “Blow” (2001), in which he starred alongside Penelope Cruz. Later, he made waves in the action/fantasy franchise, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003). His reputation was cemented when he explored several more adventurous roles, including his depiction of “Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005). Depp was born in Owensboro, KY, but his family moved often during his early life until age seven, when they landed in Miramar, FL. Depp was a troubled kid who sought out substance use and engaged in self-harm early on. He led a rather reckless life for a few years until he was introduced to Nicolas Cage, who saw his potential. He took a few roles working as an extra before he landed a notable role in 1984. The acting bug had gotten him.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Actor Leonardo DiCaprio poses for a photo following a Divest-Invest new conference on September 22, 2015 in New York City. Leonardo DiCaprio joined leaders from the financial, faith and environmental spaces to announce major new divestment commitments and release a comprehensive data of assets divested to date. The group also announced commitments to also invest in clean energy alternatives. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Starting an acting career during childhood is no easy feat, but Leonardo DiCaprio managed well. He had plenty of high-rated films under his belt before he starred in “The Beach” (2000), an adventure/romance film. Two years later, he was in the biographical film “Catch Me If You Can” (2002), starring alongside Tom Hanks. He kept taking leading roles in a plethora of films in the following years, including “Gangs of New York” (2002), “The Departed” (2006), “Blood Diamond” (2006), “Shutter Island” (2010), and “Inception” (2010). DiCaprio is an Oscar-winning actor who was born in Los Angeles, CA. He knew early in life that he had an interest in acting and dropped out of high school to focus on acting auditions. Though he considered quitting after a few stumbling blocks, he kept at it, earning spots on television and later in film.
6. Brad Pitt
Hollywood’s heartthrob, Brad Pitt, was a well-known actor before the 2000s when he starred in “The Mexican” (2001) and “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001). A few years later, he starred in “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004) and “Troy” (2004), and later opposite Angelina Jolie in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (2005). Three years later, he starred in movies that grossed over $120 million: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) and “Inglorious Basterds” (2009). Pitt was born in Shawnee, OK, but grew up in Springfield, MO. During college, his major was journalism, specifically with a focus on advertising. However, he left without graduating and moved to California, where he supported himself with odd jobs until his acting career took off.
7. Halle Berry
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry made her debut as Storm in “X-Men” (2000) before taking her role as Ginger in “Swordfish” (2001). The following year, she starred in “Die Another Day” (2002) before moving on to “X2” (2003). She received a “Worst Actress” award for her film “Catwoman” (2004) and later starred in “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006). Berry has a solid sense of humor and a passion for acting, living out her roles to get to the essence of her characters. She was born in Cleveland, OH, and grew up in Oakwood, OH, where she first got a taste of the spotlight at age 17 when she won a pageant. This led to a modeling career, eventually getting her an acting job. Her drive earned her a strong reputation, which meant doors kept opening, leading her down the road to success.
8. Julia Roberts
‘Pretty Woman,’ Julia Roberts is known for her everlasting smile and acting chops. In the early 2000s, Roberts took on the role of Erin in “Erin Brockovich” (2000) before joining Brad Pitt in “The Mexican” (2001) and “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001). She starred in the aptly named film, “Mona Lisa Smile” (2003) and later in “Closer” (2004) before following up with “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004). Roberts was born in Smyrna, GA, and her initial dream was far from becoming a praised actress. Her interest was veterinary medicine. However, her brother’s success as an actor stirred something in her, and she decided to give it a shot. In 1988, she got her first big break, but audiences fully embraced her until she starred opposite Richard Gere in 1990.
9. Russell Crowe
Starting the decade off strong, Russell Crowe starred as Maximus in the film “Gladiator” (2000) before playing the role of Terry Thorne that same year in “Proof of Life” (2000). A year later, he wowed audiences as John Nash in “A Beautiful Mind.” In 2007, he starred alongside another big name noted in this list, Denzel Washington, when he played Richie Roberts in “American Gangster.” Crowe was born in 1964 in Wellington, New Zealand, and was first a big name in Australian theaters. However, he consistently played roles in award-winning films and became known internationally. The 2000s turned him into an A-list celebrity in Hollywood, and in 2001, he was presented with an Oscar award.
10. Keira Knightley
In the early 2000s, Keira Knightley played the role of Frankie in the mystery/thriller, “The Hole” (2001), before taking on a more comedic role as Jules in “Bend it Like Beckham” (2002). The following year, she acted alongside Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) before taking the role of Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride and Prejudice” (2005). Knightley was born in 1985 in Richmond, England, and began her acting career at age six, three years after she requested her first agent. When her request was granted, she went on to perform in her first TV role, followed shortly thereafter by multi-scene performances.
11. Tom Hanks
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 16: Tom Hanks attends the European premiere of Disney and Pixars Toy Story 4 at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on June 16, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney and Pixar)
Born in Concord, CA, Tom Hanks experienced a lot of inconsistencies when moving from step-family to step-family. It’s a family experience he describes as “fractured.” Later in his life, he had no acting experience, so he was unable to get a role in a college play. But he was determined and went on to audition for a community theater play, where his acting career began. By the 2000s, he had already taken on major roles and was well-known for his talent. When the decade started, he starred in “Cast Away” (2000) and later acted alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in “Catch Me If You Can” (2002). A few years later, he starred in “The Da Vinci Code (2006) and finished off the decade with “Angels & Demons” (2009).
12. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock at a screening of Gravity on October 10, 2013.
Known as ‘the girl next door,’ Sandra Bullock was born in Arlington, VA, though she spent large chunks of her childhood in Nuremberg, Germany. She started performing early as part of a chorus and later took on an acting role, where she displayed both her singing and acting talents. After studying acting in college, Bullock moved to NY to pursue her career. When the 2000s started, she kicked off the decade with two films, “Gun Shy” (2000) and “Miss Congeniality” (2000). Two years later, she starred in “Two Weeks Notice” (2002), and three years after that, she starred in “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous” (2005). Before the decade ended, she finished strong alongside Ryan Reynolds in “The Proposal” (2009).