25th Anniversary of 2001 Movies: The Legendary Hits Turning a Quarter-Century

It's hard to believe, but the films that defined the early millennium are officially hitting the 25-year mark. Back in 2001, Netflix still mailed DVDs to your doorstep, and a trip to Blockbuster was the ultimate weekend highlight. Today, in 2026, we look back at a year that launched some of the most enduring franchises in cinematic history.

25th Anniversary of 2001 Movies: When Wizards and Hobbits Took Over

According to industry reports and Getty Images archives, 2001 was a creative peak for CGI and fantasy. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone introduced us to the Boy Who Lived, kicking off an eight-film franchise that remains a global phenomenon. Simultaneously, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring redefined epic filmmaking, proving that J.R.R. Tolkien's complex world could live on the big screen.

Animation also saw a major shift with Shrek. DreamWorks turned the traditional fairy tale on its head, making a lovable green ogre an instant icon. Interestingly, producer John H. Williams was inspired by his own children who read the original book in preschool—a small spark that led to a massive family movie staple.

Pink Power and Street Racing: Modern Icons Born

Beyond fantasy, 2001 gave us Legally Blonde, where Reese Witherspoon proved that ambition and pink go hand-in-hand. Meanwhile, The Fast and the Furious launched a high-octane brotherhood between Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. This single film about illegal street racing evolved into a sprawling saga with 11 installments to date.