Movies

10 Best 2000s Gems to Watch on HBO Max This June

10 Best 2000s Gems to Watch on HBO Max This June
Image credit: Universal Pictures, HBO

Max has your next movie night covered.

Every month, streaming platforms get ready to treat their subscribers to tons of new content, and HBO Max is no different. While House of the Dragon fans get ready to see the Targaryen family back on the battlefield on June 16, everyone else will have the time of their lives scrolling through all the newly added movies.

If you are looking for something to watch and have a lot of nostalgia for the 2000s, be sure to check out some of the hits listed below.

America's Sweethearts (2001)

Starring Julia Roberts, Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and John Cusack, this movie is a perfect example of a 2000s romcom, with little plot sense, but some fun twists, a romantic premise, and great chemistry between the leads. The movie was a commercial success and remains a good choice for those looking for something lighthearted.

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

One of the many adaptations of Audrey Niffenegger's 2003 novel of the same name, this movie stars Eric Bana as Henry DeTamble, a time-traveling librarian, and his one true love, who becomes his wife, Rachel McAdams as Clare Abshire. Although it's not the most popular attempt to adapt the novel, it's still a nice watch after a long day at work.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie was a hit in the early 2000s and still holds up today. The story of powerful warriors in search of a stolen sword and their unlikely acquaintance is packed with action and wuxia martial arts, making it extremely engaging and motivating thanks to all the adventure the characters embark on.

The Invention of Lying (2009)

You might think a world full of people who only tell the truth would be a perfect place to live, but it's not as nice as it seems from afar. When hopeless Mark Bellison becomes the first person ever to glitch out of the system and learn how to lie, he uses his newfound power to build a path to success he never dreamed of before.

Mamma Mia! ( 2008)

This musical needs no introduction. Starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård, among many other wonderful actors, this movie pays tribute to the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA. Today, the film is universally known and recognized as one of the best comfort movies to re-watch.

Splice (2010)

Even though the movie was a box office bomb, the sci-fi story was highly praised by critics and ended up with a 75% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The story of a young scientist couple who attempt to introduce animal features into human DNA and create a human-animal hybrid may be just what you're looking for.

Open Water (2003)

If you are afraid of water, but enjoy a good horror movie, this 2003 hit is a perfect choice for you. You can leave all the lights on because the story of two divers who end up far from their crew and surrounded by sharks is terrifying enough to give you nightmares even if you watch it in the middle of the day.

Sugar (2008)

This is a sports drama that will not leave anyone indifferent. Following a Dominican pitcher from San Francisco named Miguel Santos, also known as Sugar, the film delves deep into the issues of discrimination, poverty, and crime among minorities. As Sugar paves his way to success, he must face some of the toughest questions about himself.

Into the Blue (2005)

The action thriller starring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba is a perfect choice for anyone experiencing 2000s nostalgia, as it perfectly captures the overall vibe of the era. Is it the best movie ever made? It's definitely not. But it is fun, fast-paced, and nostalgic enough to entertain the viewers of 2024.

Wanted (2008)

With a cast full of A-listers like James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie, this movie will at least be eye candy for all fans. However, the story of Wesley Gibson, who joins a secret society of assassins known as the Fraternity, is thrilling and exciting in its own right. So, be sure to add it to your movie night list.