Entertainment
22 Years Later, These Are the 10 Best Movies of 2004
There are some years when people can say, “Wow, that was a great year for movies,” which typically means that there are a plethora of great movies released that year—2026 actually being one of them, in fact. One of the best examples of these kinds of years is none other than the likes of 2004—a year filled with incredible movie-going experiences and even some of the best movies out there.
Almost hitting the midpoint of the decade of the 2000s, this year is absolutely filled to the brim with amazing movies. So much so, in fact, that people will most likely have quite the debate over what the “correct” answers are. It’s hard to say such a thing, but there are definitely a select few movies released this year that stand out among the rest.
10
‘Before Sunset’
Romantic films have a special place in many people’s hearts, and one of the best in 2004 is none other than Before Sunset. Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and directed by Richard Linklater, this project is one that has gone down as a favorite for some romance movie fans, and that’s for very good reason.
Before Sunset follows Hawke’s character, Jesse, and Delpy’s, Celine, meeting on a train in Europe and spending a night together in the romantic city of Vienna. There’s a slight bittersweet feeling to it, though, as they realize that they will probably only have this night together. A romantic movie really depends on the main actors’ chemistry, and thankfully, for Before Sunset, Hawke and Delpy have incredible chemistry and make the love here feel all the more palpable.
9
‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’
The love for Harry Potter is so real, and a favorite selection in the films’ eight-movie series is none other than the third one, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Alfonso Cuarón‘s direction feels distinct and gives this third entry a lot of identity—taking a departure from the colorful, childlike themes of the first two, opting for a darker one to fit the more serious plot line.
When a terrifying prisoner from the prison known as Azkaban, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), escapes, he reportedly has it out for the young wizard, putting him at risk. However, things are never as they seem in the world of Hogwarts, and Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and co. soon discover that Sirius Black may not be who everyone says he is. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban takes some time to really hone in on Harry’s personal history, making this entry feel incredibly important.
8
‘Spider-Man 2’
Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man franchise is one of the most beloved superhero trilogies of all time. They were a huge part of defining what a good superhero movie looks like, with Spider-Man 2 being considered one of the greatest superhero flicks ever made to this very day. While the first Spider-Man was very comic book-inspired, Spider-Man 2 takes the time to get more grounded and introspective, looking deep within the mind and life of Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), begging the question: Is being Spider-Man worth it if it destroys the life of Peter Parker?
Not to mention, Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) is known as one of the best Spider-Man movie villains of all time thanks to how well he was developed and the way he challenges Peter’s personal character arc. Not only is Spider-Man 2 known as one of the best superhero movies out there, but it’s also a perfect example of how to produce a great sequel film.
7
‘Kill Bill: Volume 2’
Quentin Tarantino has been known as an all-time film director for decades now, and one of his most iconic franchises comes in the form of Kill Bill. While the first movie was good—great, even—its Kill Bill: Volume 2 that is the definitive Kill Bill movie. This second entry takes everything that worked about the first and improves on it tenfold.
While Kill Bill: Volume 1 was fast-paced with action for days, it’s Kill Bill: Volume 2 that takes more time to slow down and produce more character development and a deeper, more complex story. It is hard to deny that this second movie just has more to chew on and, in turn, gets audiences more emotionally invested in the plot at hand.
6
‘Million Dollar Baby’
Boxing movies hold a very special place in a lot of people’s hearts—the Rocky franchise, Creed franchise, Southpaw, etc.—because of the fact that they commonly use action to help drive plot and character. Whenever a character steps into the ring, it’s a character moment—moving their arcs forward via their actions in the fight—and that makes all the intense action feel earned and worth watching. Million Dollar Baby is another great example of these exact reasons boxing movies are so successful.
Million Dollar Baby, at its heart, is a story about the human condition, connection with others, and the bond between fathers and daughters. The two main characters, Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood)—who lost his own daughter—and Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank)—who lost her father—are abundantly compelling protagonists. Both Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank give phenomenal, raw performances, and its all-around an incredible underdog story, making this an emotionally compelling and thrilling flick.
5
‘Vera Drake’
While many know actor Imelda Staunton as the ever-hated Harry Potter character, Dolores Umbridge—hated for the best reasons, because her performance is just that good—one of her best performances comes in the form of Vera Drake in the identically titled movie, Vera Drake. She portrays a secret abortionist in 1950s Britain, and when the authorities find out what she’s doing, everything she loves is put on the line.
Vera Drake does two exceptional things: It doesn’t preach to the audience, and it doesn’t judge its main character. For a film with a synopsis like this, those are incredibly important things to capture—there are no easy answers in Vera Drake. This flick doesn’t just have great performances, but it tells a profound story about a woman of pure heart and is abundantly thought-provoking.
4
‘Hotel Rwanda’
Exactly two months after Vera Drake was released, the war thriller Hotel Rwanda came out. Starring actor Don Cheadle—commonly known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s James “Rhodey” Rhodes—in a role that is unlike what people typically expect from him. This proved to be for the better, though, because he completely caught people off guard with how genuine, raw, and honest his performance is.
Hotel Rwanda is based on the true story—taking place during a real-world tragedy—of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina as he protects over 1,000 refugees in his hotel during the Rwandan genocide. Hotel Rwanda does not pull its punches in the slightest and makes sure the audience knows and understands the impact and terror of that tragedy, which makes Hotel Rwanda a really impactful watch.
3
‘The Incredibles’
Pixar always seems to cook when they create one of their iconic animated features, and one of the best is easily the likes of The Incredibles. This story of a realistically messy family, the bond between said family, the cost of arrogance, and the struggles of growing up is one that is beloved across the entire world. It’s, without a doubt, one of the greatest superhero movies ever made.
The Incredibles has a great villain—one of the best in superhero cinema—and highlights, as stated, what the cost of arrogance is (due to him being created by Mr. Incredible’s (Craig T. Nelson) own arrogance as a younger hero). What made this project so special at the end of the day, though, is the extremely complex writing behind every character and the plot itself. This “kids movie” is a story that everyone can relate to and is so much more.
2
‘Shrek 2’
While Spider-Man 2 can be considered one of the best sequels of all time, there’s genuinely zero question that Shrek 2 is one of, if not the best, movie sequels ever made. While Shrek was an astounding movie, Shrek 2 takes everything that worked and makes something even better. This movie feels impossible to beat at times.
Shrek 2 is a heartfelt story about being who you are and not needing to change for another person to love you. This, combined with the hilarious humor and fairy tale satire at play, makes Shrek 2 one of the most fun flicks to watch with friends, family, or even alone. There’s always room for Shrek 2. It’s even got a killer soundtrack behind it—Guardians of the Galaxy-level quality.
1
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’
Actor Jim Carrey is known worldwide as a comedic actor—even considered to be “boxed in” to it—but he doesn’t get enough credit for the dramatic performances he can give. The best dramatic performance Carrey has ever delivered is, without a doubt, in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This movie is one of the most heartbreaking films out there.
The best aspect of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the way it honestly looks at human relationships, dissecting them down to their bare, rawest parts. Heartbreak is, well, heartbreaking, and that is the core of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s all about how bad relationships and memories help shape the person one is, and while they wish to forget them, they’re actually essential.
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