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Ready to try naming the IMDB Most Popular Movies By Year – Choose Letter or IMDB Most Popular Votes By Year – Choose Year for a year in the 2000’s? You’ll need to know these films, the top 10 of the 2000’s in terms of total IMDB votes.
The Dark Knight (2008) – 2,851,386 votes
Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight* redefined superhero cinema in 2008, bringing a gritty realism and complex moral themes that resonated with audiences worldwide. The film follows Batman (Christian Bale) as he confronts the anarchic Joker (Heath Ledger), whose chaotic schemes threaten Gotham City. Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker won him a posthumous Oscar and has become iconic. Through intense action and psychological depth, *The Dark Knight* explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the thin line between order and chaos, making it one of the most acclaimed movies of the decade.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – 1,993,965 votes
Peter Jackson’s *The Fellowship of the Ring*, released in 2001, marked the beginning of an epic fantasy trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. It tells the story of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he embarks on a journey to destroy the One Ring, an artifact of immense power. Joined by a diverse group of allies, Frodo faces danger from the dark lord Sauron and his minions. With groundbreaking visual effects, stunning landscapes, and a deep respect for Tolkien’s world, the film captivated viewers and set a new standard for fantasy cinema.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – 1,965,897 votes
The concluding chapter of the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy, *The Return of the King*, was released in 2003 and won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This epic finale sees Frodo nearing the end of his journey to Mount Doom, with the fate of Middle-earth hanging in the balance. As war erupts, friendships are tested, and the courage of every character is put to the ultimate test. Jackson’s masterful storytelling and commitment to Tolkien’s vision make *The Return of the King* a monumental achievement in film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – 1,772,305 votes
In *The Two Towers* (2002), the second installment of the trilogy, the journey continues with Frodo and Sam facing perilous challenges. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli fight to defend Rohan against Saruman’s forces. The film’s climactic Battle of Helm’s Deep is widely regarded as one of the greatest battle sequences in cinematic history. With its expanded storylines, detailed character development, and striking visuals, *The Two Towers* builds on the momentum of the first film, deepening the stakes and tension.
Gladiator (2000) – 1,608,565 votes
*Gladiator* (2000), directed by Ridley Scott, tells the tale of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a betrayed Roman general who rises as a gladiator to avenge his family and seek justice. The film’s sweeping score, impressive visuals, and historical drama captivated audiences, earning it five Academy Awards. Crowe’s powerful performance and Scott’s depiction of the brutal world of ancient Rome made *Gladiator* a defining film of the decade, blending spectacle with an emotional narrative of revenge and redemption.
Inglourious Basterds (2009) – 1,571,967 votes
Quentin Tarantino’s *Inglourious Basterds* (2009) takes viewers into an alternate World War II, where a group of Jewish-American soldiers, led by Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), plot to kill Nazi leaders. Known for its sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and memorable characters, the film introduced audiences to the menacing Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), who won an Oscar for his performance. Blending dark humor, intense scenes, and a unique narrative, Tarantino crafted a war film like no other, filled with tension and style.
Batman Begins (2005) – 1,568,960 votes
*Batman Begins* (2005), directed by Christopher Nolan, revitalized the Batman franchise by exploring the origin story of Bruce Wayne’s transformation into the Dark Knight. With Christian Bale in the lead role, the film delves into Wayne’s motivations and training, emphasizing themes of fear, justice, and morality. Grounded in realism and psychological complexity, *Batman Begins* was a bold departure from previous Batman films and set the stage for Nolan’s acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
The Prestige (2006) – 1,431,624 votes
Christopher Nolan’s *The Prestige* (2006) stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians locked in a dangerous feud. Set in Victorian England, the film examines obsession, deception, and sacrifice as both men strive to outdo each other with increasingly daring tricks. Known for its twists, intricate storytelling, and atmospheric visuals, *The Prestige* is a captivating tale that keeps viewers guessing until its surprising conclusion. The film’s exploration of rivalry and ambition adds depth to its thrilling narrative.
The Departed (2006) – 1,413,851 votes
Martin Scorsese’s *The Departed* (2006) is a gripping crime thriller set in Boston, where an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a mole within the police (Matt Damon) play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. With a stellar cast, including Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg, and Scorsese’s skillful direction, the film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity. Winning four Oscars, including Best Picture, *The Departed* is praised for its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and gritty atmosphere.
Avatar (2009) – 1,380,241 votes
James Cameron’s *Avatar* (2009) revolutionized filmmaking with its groundbreaking use of 3D and visual effects. Set on the lush alien moon of Pandora, the film follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic Marine who becomes part of an indigenous tribe through an “avatar” body. The film’s environmental themes and immersive visuals captivated audiences, making *Avatar* the highest-grossing film of its time. Its technical achievements and detailed world-building have left a lasting impact on cinema.
