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The 2000s were a defining era for cinema. Early on, the decade launched fantasy film franchises, including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, which continue to inspire entertainment, from adapted TV series to video games to new installments in cinema. The turn of the century also marked achievements in action films, with legendary characters like Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). The revitalization of fantasy and action genres and the novelty of computer animation are notable on their own, but none of these movies would be here without the brilliant actors who took on those roles.
From the young trio of wizards in Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, to established actors like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, the 2000s boasted countless stars that defined the decade. These are the biggest movie stars of the 2000s, ranked by their prominence throughout the decade, their movies' success, and their performances in these movies.
10 Orlando Bloom
Best 2000s Movies: 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy (2001-2003)
Image via Warner Bros.
Orlando Bloom rose to global fame in the early 2000s, largely due to his roles in two blockbuster franchises. As Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Bloom captivated audiences with his portrayal of the stoic archer, bringing physicality and emotional depth to the character. He also starred as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean, anchoring the franchise opposite the flamboyant Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Bloom’s work in Kingdom of Heaven and Troy solidified his niche in epic historical dramas.
Bloom thrives in an ensemble cast. The peak of his career was definitely the 2000s, and he has never really reached that level of fame or acclaim since. While Legolas is arguably Bloom's most notable role across his career, his talent shines through his ability to merge action, emotion and charm, making him a consistent presence in blockbusters and smaller projects.
Release Date December 19, 2001
Runtime 178 Minutes
9 Nicole Kidman
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Moulin Rouge!' (2001)
Image via Paramount Pictures
As a rising star in the ‘90s, Nicole Kidman's career in the 2000s validated her reputation as a versatile and daring actress. Her Oscar-nominated role in Moulin Rouge! showcased her vocal talents and earned her critical acclaim. The same year, she starred in the atmospheric The Others, giving an emotional and suspenseful performance. Kidman's portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours remains one of her most acclaimed performances, earning her the 2003 Oscar for Best Actress.
Throughout the decade, Kidman demonstrated range and commitment with films like the experimental Dogville, the historical epic Australia, and the satirical sci-fi comedy The Stepford Wives. Today, Kidman remains one of the most daring and consistently interesting actresses of her generation. Most recently, she starred in the erotic thriller Babygirl from A24, for which she won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. A hallmark of Kidman's career is her blend of emotional complexity, fearlessness, and authenticity, qualities that shined in her work throughout the 2000s.
Moulin Rouge!
Release Date June 1, 2001
Runtime 127 Minutes
8 Russell Crowe
Best 2000s Movie: 'Gladiator' (2000)
Image via DreamWorks Distribution
Entering the 2000s with momentum from L.A. Confidential, Russell Crowe quickly cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most commanding actors. His Oscar-winning portrayal of Maximus in Gladiator remains iconic, mixing physicality with emotional depth. Crowe followed this success with a nuanced performance as mathematician John Nash in A Beautiful Mind, a performance that earned him a third Oscar nomination.
Crowe’s versatility shone in Cinderella Man, where he transformed into Depression-era boxer James Braddock with remarkable authenticity. In 3:10 to Yuma, he brought depth and charisma to the role of an outlaw. American Gangster further showcased his range across genres. Whether leading epic dramas or exploring offbeat comedic roles, Crowe continues to captivate audiences with his intensity. He is still a successful working actor, but the 2000s surely were his greatest epoch.
Release Date May 5, 2000
Runtime 155 minutes
Writers David Franzoni , John Logan , William Nicholson
7 Tom Cruise
Best 2000s Movie: 'Minority Report' (2002)
Following success in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Tom Cruise solidified his status as an action icon in the 2000s. His work on Minority Report and War of the Worlds showed his skill in anchoring thought-provoking sci-fi narratives with emotional depth. Meanwhile, his Oscar-worthy portrayal of a calculated assassin in Collateral demonstrated his range, delivering an uncharacteristically chilling and precise performance.
The 2000s saw the continuation and growth of the Mission: Impossible film series that Cruise continues to star in as recently as July 2023, with another installment in the works for May 2025. Cruise continues to dominate the box office and redefine action cinema. Indeed, he is among the rare actors who have been continuously on top for four decades and counting. With ventures into unexpected genres like his comedic turn in Tropic Thunder, Cruise proves himself a dynamic performer whose dedication and physical prowess keep him at the forefront of global stardom.
6 Matt Damon
Best 2000s Movies: 'Bourne' Film Series (2002 - present)
Image via Universal Studios
Matt Damon solidified his reputation as a leading actor during the 2000s with his versatility leading to commercial and critical success. He headlined two blockbuster franchises, portraying the amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne in the Bourne franchise and conman Linus Caldwell in the Ocean’s trilogy. Damon’s range extended to acclaimed dramas like The Departed, where he duplicitous performance as an undercover cop.
These roles showcased Damon's talent for mixing intelligence and physicality, drawing praise for his nuanced performances. Damon has maintained his status as one of Hollywood’s most consistent talents. He had just as great a time in the 2010s as he did in the 2000s. However, the noughties were the time when he truly became a movie star. Damon's enduring appeal lies in his ability to balance blockbuster roles with intimate, character-driven narratives, maintaining both box-office success and critical acclaim.
The Bourne Identity
Release Date June 14, 2002
Runtime 119 minutes
Writers Tony Gilroy , W. Blake Herron
5 Will Smith
Best 2000s Movie: 'Ali' (2001)
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
Following his time on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and ‘90s movie successes like Men in Black and Independence Day, Will Smith expanded his range with the biopic Ali, earning critical acclaim and his first Oscar nomination. He brought charm to sci-fi in I, Robot, excelled in romantic comedy with Hitch, and delivered an emotional, Oscar-nominated performance in The Pursuit of Happyness with his son, Jaden Smith. Smith was outstanding in I Am Legend, carrying the film solo, while Hancock hilariously demonstrated his ability to subvert superhero tropes.
Smith’s blend of humor, emotional depth, and blockbuster appeal defined the decade and cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most prolific stars. It's even more impressive, considering he was also one of the biggest movie stars of the '90s. Today, Smith remains a star and even won a Best Actor Oscar for King Richard, even if the infamous slap at the 2022 Oscar derailed his career a bit. Still, his 2000s-era performances propelled his reputation as an actor on the silver screen.
4 Leonardo DiCaprio
Best 2000s Movie: 'The Departed' (2006)
Image via Warner Bros.Pictures
Leonardo DiCaprio’s career in the 2000s showcased his transformation from a heartthrob into a dramatic heavyweight, marked by collaborations with acclaimed directors and a commitment to complex roles. DiCaprio worked with Martin Scorsese in Gangs of New York and The Aviator. His work in The Departed and Blood Diamond further highlighted his ability to explore emotionally complex and intense characters, with both performances earning critical praise.
DiCaprio's roles in the 2000s established him as a well-known actor capable of balancing emotional depth and charisma, becoming a fixture in modern cinema’s most compelling narratives. In recent years, DiCaprio has continued to push artistic boundaries with transformative performances. Known for embracing challenging roles and collaborating with visionary directors, DiCaprio remains a cinematic force and an icon of American cinema with a tremendous legacy.
The Departed
Release Date October 6, 2006
Runtime 151 minutes
Writers William Monahan , Alan Mak , Felix Chong
3 Brad Pitt
Best 2000s Movie: 'Inglourious Basterds' (2009)
Image via The Weinstein Company
Following a fruitful career in the ‘90s, Brad Pitt showcased his versatility, charisma, and ability to tackle diverse roles across genres in the 2000s. In the Ocean’s trilogy, Pitt's portrayal of Rusty Ryan exemplified his charm and comedic timing, anchoring an ensemble cast. His dramatic depth shone in Babel, while The Curious Case of Benjamin Button showcased his emotional range. Pitt also embraced dark humor in Burn After Reading and intensity in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
Pitt’s films of the 2000s, including Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Inglourious Basterds, emphasize his knack for both leading and ensemble roles. He received the most acclaim during this decade, even earning an Oscar nod for Benjamin Button. In recent years, Pitt has reached new career heights, balancing charismatic and introspective performances. Pitt's dedication to both artistic and commercial excellence translates into great critical and commercial success, branding him as a versatile and enduring talent.
Release Date August 21, 2009
Runtime 153 minutes
2 Angelina Jolie
Known for 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' (2001)
Angelina Jolie entered the 2000s having just given a phenomenal, Oscar-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted. In the 2000s, Jolie achieved the status of a bonafide movie star. Her titular role in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider proved her ability to transform into a physically demanding action heroine, earning her global fame. She explored diverse genres, excelling in action with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, drama with her Oscar-nominated turn in Changeling, and animation with the highly successful Kung Fu Panda.
Jolie's performances often drew praise for their intensity and charisma, with her talent being the highlight of the movie. She remains relevant as both a movie star and a prestige actress; just last year, Jolie starred as opera singer Maria Callas in the Netflix biographical drama Maria, and is currently predicted to earn her third Oscar nomination for the role. Notably, she also starred as the eponymous character in Maleficent and its sequel. Today, Jolie is renowned for her dynamic screen presence and ability to balance strength with sensitivity.
1 Johnny Depp
Best 2000s Movie: 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' (2003)
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Following his success in the '90s, Johnny Depp’s career in the 2000s epitomized his mastery of eccentric and multifaceted roles, propelling him to global stardom. His Oscar-nominated portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl redefined the swashbuckler genre with its blend of charm, unpredictability, and wild and epic energy. Depp’s range was equally evident in Finding Neverland and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, for which he earned additional Oscar nominations.
Other darkly imaginative films, like the haunting children’s stop-motion animation Corpse Bride and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, both in 2005, highlighted Depp’s talent for transforming unconventional characters into icons of cinema. Depp’s dedication to complex, often challenging roles has kept him in the spotlight. His career took a substantial hit in the last decade due to personal struggles and increasingly unreliable behavior both in front and behind the camera. However, Deep remains the ultimate star of the 2000s, thanks to bold artistic choices and unmatched versatility.
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