The 2000s were a defining era for cinema. Early on, the decade launched fantasy film franchises, includingHarry Potter,The Lord of the RingsandPirates of the Caribbean, which continue to inspire entertainment, from adapted TV series to video games to new installments in cinema. The turn of the century also marked achievements in action films, with legendary characters like Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). The revitalization of fantasy and action genres and the novelty of computer animation are notable on their own, but none of these movies would be here without the brilliant actors who took on those roles.
From the young trio of wizards in Harry Potter,played byDaniel Radcliffe,Emma WatsonandRupert Grint, to established actors likeTom HanksandMeryl Streep, the 2000s boasted countless stars that defined the decade.These are the biggest movie stars of the 2000s, ranked by their prominence throughout the decade, their movies' success, and their performances in these movies.
10Orlando Bloom
Best 2000s Movies: ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy (2001-2003)
Orlando Bloomrose to global fame in the early 2000s, largely due to his roles in two blockbuster franchises. As Legolas inThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, Bloom captivated audiences with his portrayal of the stoic archer, bringing physicality and emotional depth to the character. He also starred as Will Turner inPirates of the Caribbean, anchoring the franchise opposite the flamboyant Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Bloom’s work inKingdom of HeavenandTroysolidified his niche in epic historical dramas.
Bloom thrives in an ensemble cast. The peak of his career was definitely the 2000s, and he has never really reached that level of fame or acclaim since. WhileLegolas is arguably Bloom’s most notable roleacross his career,his talent shines through his ability to merge action, emotion and charm, making him a consistent presence in blockbusters and smaller projects.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
9Nicole Kidman
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Moulin Rouge!' (2001)
As a rising star in the ‘90s,Nicole Kidman’s career in the 2000s validated her reputation as a versatile and daring actress. Her Oscar-nominated role inMoulin Rouge!showcased her vocal talents and earned her critical acclaim. The same year, she starred in the atmosphericThe Others, giving an emotional and suspenseful performance. Kidman’s portrayal of Virginia Woolf inThe Hoursremains one of her most acclaimed performances, earning her the 2003 Oscar for Best Actress.
Throughout the decade, Kidman demonstrated range and commitment with films like the experimentalDogville, the historical epicAustralia, and the satirical sci-fi comedyThe Stepford Wives. Today, Kidman remains one of the most daring and consistently interesting actresses of her generation. Most recently, she starred in the erotic thrillerBabygirlfrom A24, for which she won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.A hallmark of Kidman’s careerisher blend of emotional complexity, fearlessness, and authenticity, qualities that shined in her work throughout the 2000s.
Moulin Rouge!
8Russell Crowe
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Gladiator’ (2000)
Entering the 2000s with momentum fromL.A. Confidential,Russell Crowequickly cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most commanding actors. His Oscar-winning portrayal of Maximus inGladiatorremains iconic, mixing physicality with emotional depth. Crowe followed this success with a nuanced performance as mathematician John Nash inA Beautiful Mind, a performance that earned him a third Oscar nomination.
Crowe’s versatility shone inCinderella Man, where he transformed into Depression-era boxer James Braddock with remarkable authenticity. In3:10 to Yuma, he brought depth and charisma to the role of an outlaw.American Gangsterfurther showcased his range across genres. Whether leading epic dramas or exploring offbeat comedic roles,Crowe continues to captivate audiences with his intensity. He is still a successful working actor, but the 2000s surely were his greatest epoch.
7Tom Cruise
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Minority Report’ (2002)
Following success in the ‘80s and ‘90s,Tom Cruise solidified his status as an action iconin the 2000s. His work onMinority ReportandWar of the Worldsshowed his skill in anchoring thought-provoking sci-fi narratives with emotional depth. Meanwhile, his Oscar-worthy portrayal of a calculated assassin inCollateraldemonstrated his range, delivering an uncharacteristically chilling and precise performance.
The 2000s saw the continuation and growth of theMission: Impossiblefilm series that Cruise continues to star in as recently as July 2023, with another installment in the works for May 2025. Cruise continues to dominate the box office and redefine action cinema. Indeed, he is among the rare actors who have been continuously on top for four decades and counting. With ventures into unexpected genres like his comedic turn inTropic Thunder,Cruise proves himself a dynamic performerwhose dedication and physical prowess keep him at the forefront of global stardom.
6Matt Damon
Best 2000s Movies: ‘Bourne’ Film Series (2002 - present)
Matt Damon solidified his reputation as a leading actor during the 2000s with his versatility leading to commercial and critical success. He headlined two blockbuster franchises, portraying the amnesiac assassin Jason Bournein theBournefranchiseand conman Linus Caldwell in theOcean’strilogy. Damon’s range extended to acclaimed dramas likeThe Departed, where he duplicitous performance as an undercover cop.
These roles showcased Damon’s talent for mixing intelligence and physicality, drawing praise for his nuanced performances. Damon has maintained his status as one of Hollywood’s most consistent talents. He had just as great a time in the 2010s as he did in the 2000s. However,the noughties were the time when he truly became a movie star. Damon’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to balance blockbuster roles with intimate, character-driven narratives, maintaining both box-office success and critical acclaim.
The Bourne Identity
5Will Smith
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Ali’ (2001)
Following his time onThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airand ‘90s movie successes likeMen in BlackandIndependence Day,Will Smithexpanded his range with the biopic Ali, earning critical acclaim and his first Oscar nomination. He brought charm to sci-fi inI, Robot, excelled in romantic comedy withHitch, and delivered an emotional, Oscar-nominated performance inThe Pursuit of Happynesswith his son,Jaden Smith. Smith was outstanding inI Am Legend, carrying the film solo, whileHancockhilariously demonstrated his ability to subvert superhero tropes.
Smith’s blend of humor, emotional depth, and blockbuster appeal defined the decade and cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most prolific stars. It’s even more impressive, considering he was also one of the biggest movie stars of the ’90s. Today, Smith remains a star and even won a Best Actor Oscar forKing Richard, even if the infamous slap at the 2022 Oscar derailed his career a bit. Still,his 2000s-era performances propelled his reputation as an actor on the silver screen.
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4Leonardo DiCaprio
Best 2000s Movie: ‘The Departed’ (2006)
Leonardo DiCaprio’s career in the 2000s showcased histransformation from a heartthrob into a dramatic heavyweight, marked by collaborations with acclaimed directors and a commitment to complex roles. DiCaprio worked withMartin ScorseseinGangs of New YorkandThe Aviator. His work inThe DepartedandBlood Diamondfurther highlighted his ability to explore emotionally complex and intense characters, with both performances earning critical praise.
DiCaprio’s roles in the 2000s established him as a well-known actor capable of balancing emotional depth and charisma, becoming a fixture in modern cinema’s most compelling narratives. In recent years, DiCaprio has continued to push artistic boundaries with transformative performances. Known for embracing challenging roles and collaborating with visionary directors,DiCaprio remains a cinematic forceand an icon of American cinema with a tremendous legacy.
The Departed
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)
Following a fruitful career in the ‘90s,Brad Pittshowcased hisversatility, charisma, and ability to tackle diverse roles across genresin the 2000s. In theOcean’strilogy, Pitt’s portrayal of Rusty Ryan exemplified his charm and comedic timing, anchoring an ensemble cast. His dramatic depth shone inBabel, whileThe Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonshowcased his emotional range. Pitt also embraced dark humor inBurn After Readingand intensity inThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
Pitt’s films of the 2000s, includingMr. and Mrs. SmithandInglourious Basterds, emphasize his knack for both leading and ensemble roles. He received the most acclaim during this decade, even earning an Oscar nod forBenjamin Button. In recent years, Pitt has reached new career heights, balancing charismatic and introspective performances.Pitt’s dedication to both artistic and commercial excellencetranslates into great critical and commercial success, branding him as a versatile and enduring talent.
Inglourious Basterds
2Angelina Jolie
Known for ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ (2001)
Angelina Jolieentered the 2000s having just given a phenomenal, Oscar-winning performance inGirl, Interrupted. In the 2000s, Jolie achieved the status of a bonafide movie star. Her titular role inLara Croft: Tomb Raiderproved her ability to transform into a physically demanding action heroine, earning her global fame. She explored diverse genres, excelling in action withMr. and Mrs. Smith, drama with her Oscar-nominated turn inChangeling, and animation with the highly successfulKung Fu Panda.
Jolie’s performances often drew praise for their intensity and charisma, with her talent being the highlight of the movie. She remains relevant as both a movie star and a prestige actress; just last year, Jolie starred as opera singer Maria Callas in the Netflix biographical dramaMaria, and is currently predicted to earn her third Oscar nomination for the role. Notably, she also starred as the eponymous character inMaleficentand its sequel. Today,Jolie is renowned for her dynamic screen presenceand ability to balance strength with sensitivity.
1Johnny Depp
Best 2000s Movie: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)
Following his success in the ’90s, Johnny Depp’s career in the 2000s epitomized his mastery of eccentric and multifaceted roles, propelling him to global stardom. His Oscar-nominated portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow inPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearlredefined the swashbuckler genre with its blend of charm, unpredictability, and wild and epic energy. Depp’s range was equally evident inFinding NeverlandandSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, for which he earned additional Oscar nominations.
Other darkly imaginative films, like the haunting children’s stop-motion animationCorpse BrideandCharlie and the Chocolate Factory, both in 2005, highlighted Depp’s talent for transforming unconventional characters into icons of cinema. Depp’s dedication to complex, often challenging roles has kept him in the spotlight. His career took a substantial hit in the last decade due to personal struggles and increasingly unreliable behavior both in front and behind the camera. However,Deep remains the ultimate star of the 2000s, thanks to bold artistic choices and unmatched versatility.
