Upcoming shows like The Outlaws and A League of Their Own are the main focus of many Amazon Prime subscribers this summer but that doesn’t mean the streaming service is lacking great movies to check out. Since there aren’t many original new releases on the platform, you have to dive into their extensive back catalog.
That’s especially the case for films from the 2000s with classics like Gladiator, Shaun of the Dead, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Looking even closer at the list of available movies, you’ll find some underrated and overlooked movies from the era that are worth checking out.
The Quiet (2005)
In 1999, Jamie Babbit directed the cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader and she followed it up several years later with The Quiet. Unlike the comedic take of her first film, The Quiet is much more of a psychological thriller with plot points that stick with you for days after you finish it.
The story centers on a deaf teen who is sent to live with her godparents and ends up learning all of the secrets of the family, including controversial relationships. The film wasn’t appreciated by critics initially but has become more accepted over the years and has a strong cast led by Elisha Cuthbert.
Antwone Fisher (2002)
Everyone knows Denzel Washington as one of the most accomplished actors of all time but he also has an impressive career as a director. In fact, Washington even once directed an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. He made his debut behind the camera here with Antwone Fisher.
Inspired by a true story, the film focuses on a man in the navy who must visit a psychiatrist after a violent outburst. It struggled at the box office but was met with positive reviews. Along with directing, Washington also plays a key role as Dr. Jerome Davenport, the psychiatrist.
Black Snake Moan (2006)
Pulling its title from a 1927 song of the same name, Black Snake Moan is another film that felt pretty controversial at the time of its release. The plot centers on a man who attempts to “cure” a woman of her nymphomania by holding her captive in his home.
Ultimately, the movie struggled commercially but did better when it comes to critics. Despite being overlooked by many, it does feature Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, and Justin Timberlake, giving it some impressive talent to lead it.
JCVD (2008)
By the time the 2000s rolled around, Jean-Claude Van Damme was no longer one of Hollywood’s top action stars. However, that didn’t stop him from figuring out a way to turn that into something special for the camera as he played a version of himself in 2008’s JCVD.
The indie flick follows him as an out-on-his-luck former action star whose personal life is in shambles as he gets caught up in a heist at a post office. The surreal nature of the film and Van Damme’s performance helped it become one of the actor’s only certified fresh projects on Rotten Tomatoes.
Spun (2002)
When it comes to music videos, there aren’t many names more prominent than Jonas Åkerlund. He directed videos for the likes of Madonna, Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones, and more, and he has won multiple Grammy Awards for his efforts.
In 2002, Jonas Åkerlund made his feature film debut as the director of Spun, a comedic crime drama focusing on a wild three days in the life of a man who gets involved in the world of meth dealing. Jason Schwartzman, Brittany Murphy, John Leguizamo, and more round out a strong cast.
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)
After years of appearing in more serious, dramatic roles, Jim Carrey seemed to be returning to his comedic roots at the tail end of the 2000s. He followed up Yes Man with I Love You Phillip Morris, which is based on a pretty absurd true story.
The plot spans the ’80s and ’90s as it centers on a con artist (Jim Carrey) who falls in love with his fellow criminal (Ewan McGregor) and their relationship over the years, which includes several escapes from prison. There is some controversy surrounding the actual people involved but the movie itself is still worth a look.
Bottle Shock (2008)
Following his tragic passing, Alan Rickman fans all around the world made sure to go back and watch his incredible filmography. There are classics like the Harry Potter franchise, Die Hard, and more but there are also some hidden gems like Bottle Shock.
Based on a 1976 wine competition known as the “Judgment of Paris,” the film depicts the events that led to California wine defeating its counterpart from France. With a lackluster box office intake and mixed reviews, it was overlooked but with Rickman, Chris Pine, Rachael Taylor, and more, there are plenty of reasons to watch.
Whip It (2009)
Sports films are common, though the majority center on baseball, football, and popular sports of that nature. Something like roller derby is rarely the subject of a movie but that changed with Whip It in 2009, as it focused on a ragtag women’s team.
Led by the talented Elliot Page and including Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, and Drew Barrymore (who also directed the movie), Whip It is a fun, whimsical, and engaging flick. It was up for a handful of notable awards as part of its impressive set of reviews.
Drillbit Taylor (2008)
Comedy movies in the back half of the 2000s basically always had Judd Apatow attached in some shape or form. He produced Drillbit Taylor, which was unfortunately overshadowed by the likes of Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Knocked Up from the same era.
The story centers on three high school freshmen who hire a bodyguard to protect them from bullies, only for the bodyguard to actually be a homeless man lying about his skills. Though overlooked, Drillbit Taylor is hilarious and includes Owen Wilson, Leslie Mann, Josh Peck, and more.
Chocolate (2008)
Far too often are international films ignored by American audiences, leading to something as enjoyable as Chocolate being seen by so few people. This Thai martial arts movie features impressive fight choreography, a solid story, and loads of action.
Also known as Zen, Warrior Within, this film sees an autistic girl with martial arts skills go on a revenge quest to settle debts for her sick mother. This is one of those cool movies that will likely be something you want to watch over and over.
