The 2000s gave the term "movie magic" a new meaning, with unforgettable characters and special effects that pushed the limits of imagination. The decade produced several blockbusters, all of which helped inspire future generations to believe in something magical. From young men discovering their destinies to heroic journeys against the forces of darkness, 2000s Hollywood had it all. We’ll take a look at some of the most magical movies to hit the big screen during the 2000s.
Stardust
After learning about his unconventional heritage, Tristan Thorne sets out to find a gift to prove his love to his beloved. He is unwittingly drawn into a quest for the succession to the kingdom of Stormhold and the search for a star.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486655/?embedable=true
Ever wished you could be more than what you are? Stardust shows the dangers and beauty associated with a different life, especially when you don't know what’s out there. From witches to murdering princes and heavenly bodies, Stardust is a magical adventure that is sure to be forgotten.
Chronicles of Narnia
In the middle of the London Blitz, four children are sent to live in the country, where they stumble on an entirely new world. Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan discover Narnia, where they are part of an ancient prophecy and have to battle a tyrannical witch.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/?embedable=true
Across three instalments, our Heroes face different challenges and battle evil forces with the help of the great cat Aslan. Gryphons, Centaurs, Minotaurs, Fighting Rats, Trees, Dwarves, and more all help make the adventure magical and help us dream.
Eragon
Out on a hunt one night, a young boy finds what he believes to be a fancy stone, which happens to be a dragon egg. After hatching, Eragon bonds with the dragon and discovers he is the prophesied rider who will free the people of Alagaesia from the king, Galbatorix.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449010/?embedable=true
Eragon is the typical example of a fantasy adventure done right, with the all-powerful villain threatened by a young and inexperienced hero. To top it all off, there’s a badass villain that looks and acts as evil as they come.
Harry Potter
In this fictional world of magic, a young boy and his friends navigate growing up and facing challenges. After surviving the event that left him orphaned, Harry must come to terms with the fact that only he can end the Dark Lord Voldemort.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/?embedable=true
There’s hardly a child who didn't wish they were at Hogwarts, practice spells or dram of running through pillars in the early 2000s. Harry, Ron, and Hermione remain one of the most iconic Trios in the world of film.
Spiderwick Chronicles
A family moves into a new estate only to find themselves surrounded by magical creatures and are inadvertently caught in the struggle. Jared discovers the diary of Arthur Spiderwick and must keep it from the Ogre Mulgarath, or risk its secrets being used for evil.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416236/?embedable=true
The Spiderwick Chronicles puts the fate of the world in the hands of children, taking them on a magical journey like no other. The movie plays on the value of knowledge and how dangerous it can be in the wrong hands.
Lord Of The Rings
After the reemergence of an ancient evil, a group of strangers are tasked with destroying a magical ring and ending the threat. Despite their differences, suspicions and the dangers that lie ahead, our heroes put it all aside for the greater good.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?embedable=true
Peter Jackson’s trilogy on Tolkien's masterpiece remains one of the greatest adaptations on the big screen today. From immortal elves to talking trees and old wizards, the world of Tolkien has it all and continues to this day in Amazon Prime’s TheRings of Power.
The Golden Compass
In a world where the souls of man live outside the body in the form of animals (Daemons), young Lyra Belaqua struggles to find her place. After her best friend is kidnapped, she sets out to rescue him with the aid of a magical truth-telling compass.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385752/?embedable=true
Adapted from the His Dark Materials series, The Golden Compass showcases CGI that was clearly ahead of its time. With talking animals, witches, angels and a host of magical creatures on display, there’s enough magic to make everyone wonder.