Revisiting the Best Movies from 2004

The year is 2004. The world is different, but great films are still being made. In fact, some of the best movies from 2004 are still worth watching today. Here are a few of our favorites: The Incredibles, The Passion of the Christ, and Spider-Man 2. If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure to add them to your watch list!

The Passion of the Christ – Mel Gibson’s controversial religious epic was one of the highest-grossing films of 2004

Released in 2004, Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ was a controversial and hard-hitting religious epic. Its success was immediately apparent when it broke box office records to become one of the highest-grossing films of that year – but its impact did not end there. It caused quite a stir for its explicit portrayal of Christ’s suffering, reenacting the events leading up to his crucifixion in extreme detail that some viewers found too intense. Despite this criticism, others embraced the film as a powerful example of their faith on the big screen, showcasing how expansive scope can be achieved with dedication and creativity. As Mel Gibson once said, “I wanted to think about my subject matter more deeply…by making a movie about it” – and he certainly achieved his goal!

The Incredibles – Pixar’s superhero family adventure was a critical and commercial success.

Released in 2004, The Incredibles was an instant classic – a delightful mix of superhero action and family comedy from the visionaries at Pixar. The film followed the Parr family on their high-stakes mission to prove that being “super” is nothing to be ashamed of. Written and directed by Brad Bird, with stunning animation and a pitch-perfect voice cast, this dynamic adventure delighted audiences worldwide – claiming the title of the highest-grossing animated feature in history and one of the most beloved films ever. Whether you enjoyed its sensational zaniness or awe-inspiring action sequences, there’s no denying that The Incredibles was a modern masterpiece!

Spider-Man 2 – Sam Raimi’s sequel to his 2002 hit featured more action and drama than its predecessor

When Sam Raimi returned to helm Spider-Man 2, he had a mission – deliver an amazing sequel that was bigger and better in every way. And he most certainly succeeded! Everything from the action sequences to the dramatic plot was expertly woven together to deliver an intensely gripping movie experience. Just when you thought Spider-Man’s first outing couldn’t be topped, this second installment raised the bar by introducing more compelling characters and interesting twists that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Spider-Man 2 truly cemented Sam Raimi’s place among the greats of filmmaking with its larger-than-life scope and unforgettable moments. If you missed it, it earns its spot as a must-see!

Fahrenheit 9/11 – Michael Moore’s documentary about the Bush administration and the War on Terror won the Palme d’Or at Cannes

Michael Moore‘s famous documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 rocked the film world when it won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2004. The documentary is a hard-hitting critique of the Bush administration’s handling of the War on Terror. It was considered so thought-provoking that it earned Moore one of the highest honors in cinema. Despite its success with Cannes, many sought to discredit Fahrenheit 9/11 as biased “propaganda,” though this did not overshadow its groundbreaking impact. Ultimately, industry professionals and moviegoers recognized Michael Moore’s decision to take a bold stand against his time’s political climate.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy – Will Ferrell’s comedy about a 1970s news anchor became a cult classic

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, released in 2004, is one of Will Ferrell‘s most iconic comedy films. Taking viewers to the 1970s, the movie follows news anchor Ron Burgundy as he struggles with his ego and identity. The comedic charm and pure absurdity of Anchorman have kept people talking for over a decade, cementing it as a cult classic that audiences from all walks of life can enjoy. The star-studded cast is cast perfectly; from Christina Applegate to Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, no moment fails to entertain. It’s a wild ride through mischief and hilarity – you won’t regret enjoying this classic piece of cinematic history!

These five movies were some of the most popular and successful films of their respective years, and they all have something in common: they were directed by men. This is not to say that there are no great female directors, but that Hollywood (and the movie-going public) seems more receptive to male direction. And while this imbalance may be partly because there are fewer female directors working today, it’s also true that many women who do direct face greater challenges when it comes to getting their films made and seen. Here’s hoping that upcoming years will see a more even representation of both sexes behind the camera.