Movies of the 2000's That Deserve a Rewatch (or Two): My Top Picks! 🍋🎬

I want to be entertained, people! I love movies, music, and series. For me, the ideal vacation is a staycation binge-watching a series or catching up on classic flicks. Since the pandemic, my habits have changed. I used to be the one sneaking into the movie theater the week after a release, just late enough to avoid the crowd but early enough to avoid spoilers. These days, I’ve embraced streaming with the patience of a Zen master. If it’s not included in my subscription, I’ll wait. I'm not the first to watch like I used to be, but hey, it’s all about savoring the good stuff!

Thinking about my top three movies of the 2000's, the ones I can watch over and over without getting tired. I realized something: I have a soft spot for action comedies and rom-coms. Yes, they’re pretty predictable, but they have just enough spontaneity, charming actors, and witty banter to keep me hooked. Please, try and debate me on it!

So, I’m rolling out my top 3 with the exclusive Citrus Rating System to help you decide if they’re worth a watch (spoiler: they are).

1. All About the Benjamins (2002)

Rating: Refreshing – A Solid Worth the Watch

Ah, "All About the Benjamins." This gem of a flick stars Ice Cube as Tyson Bucum, a tough-as-nails bounty hunter, and Mike Epps as Reggie Wright, the hapless man on the run. The dynamic duo is completed by Eva Mendes as Reggie’s girlfriend, Gina. Together, they stumble upon a criminal diamond heist, all while betting on winning the lottery with Gina's mama's lucky numbers.

This movie serves up a cocktail of laugh-out-loud antics and over-the-top action sequences that only the early 2000s could concoct. Makes you want to watch it with a friend just to swap insider jokes on the taglines. One of my favorite scenes? Reggie and the grannies in those bikini body tees at the corner store; comedy gold! This film is the perfect tropical escape when winter has you in a chokehold. Trust me, this one's worth sipping slowly, like a tall glass of lemonade on a hot day.

2. 50 First Dates (2004)

Rating: Refreshing – A Solid Worth the Watch

50 First Dates is the ultimate rom-com for those who love to see two people fall head over heels… over and over again. Starring Drew Barrymore as Lucy Whitmore and Adam Sandler as Henry Roth, this movie is an enchanting, island-style love story. Rob Schneider adds to the chaos as Ula, a quirky, childlike character who pushes scenes forward with a touch of sweet stupidity. Set in a close-knit, local Hawaiian community, the setting itself feels like a warm, sunny day.

Henry is the island’s resident lady killer, a one-and-done kind of guy who charms tourists just passing through. But everything changes when he meets Lucy at a local diner. Henry decides she’s different...someone worth the effort. Little does he know, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss and relives the same day, every day. With

determination that borders on the hilarious, Henry makes it his mission to make Lucy fall in love with him again... and again... and again. Some days she falls head over heels, and other days, she’s ready to wield a baseball bat at this "strange man" she doesn’t recognize. Because stranger danger is real. With Sandler and Barrymore's undeniable chemistry, what more could you want? It’s pure, unadulterated fun.

3. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Rating: Zesty – A Must Watch

Now, hear me out: "Josie and the Pussycats" was a movie ahead of its time, and I will stand by that! Starring Rachael Leigh Cook as Josie, Tara Reid of American Pie fame as Melody Valentine, and the ever-fabulous Rosario Dawson as Valerie Brown, this film offers a quirky, self-aware take on the commercialization of pop culture. Supporting roles from Parker Posey, Alan Cumming, Missi Pyle, and even Carson Daly add to the delicious chaos.

Why does it get a Zesty rating, you ask? Because it has all the girl power points! Josie’s the practical one who works on cars; Valerie is the voice of reason, and Melody is the innocent optimist. Don’t even get me started on how hilariously over-the-top the plot is: murder, kidnapping, fame, existential crises. Set against a backdrop of glitzy branding and over-the-top trendiness. If made today, it would swap out the retail logos for social media influencers, capturing the existential dread of modern teen culture. This movie is the perfect nonsense-filled, laugh-out-loud escape from reality — everything cinema should be!

What Are Your Top Movies of the 2000s?

So, do we agree, or am I alone on this citrusy island? What are your go-to flicks from the 2000s that you can watch over and over again? Drop a comment, and let’s debate! Because if there’s one thing I love as much as a great movie, it’s a juicy conversation!