Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
Whether you can wrap your head around it or not, it is 2024. The future is now.
Artificial intelligence is the town's talk, and I assume SkyNet is uncomfortably close to up and running. Computers have been in our pockets for decades, and the average price of a Big Mac is almost $6.
Time moves fast, and just in case your body hasn't already told you — I recently found out the hard way the human body warranty expires at 40 — you're getting old. Well, at least some of us are. In fact, my 20-something niece recently debated whether rubber tires were common in the early '80s. That made me feel ancient.
All that said, I'm here to make you feel even older with some movie titles that seem like we watched in the theater just yesterday — but they're turning 20 this year.
"The Passion of the Christ"
Release date: Feb. 25, 2004
This movie was a huge deal when it came out and continues to spark conversation. The controversial film from pre-controversial director Mel Gibson was the highest-grossing R-rated film for years. It seemed to be all people could talk about for months after its release.
This means we have been talking about this movie for 20 years.
"13 Going on 30"
Release date: April 23, 2004
I still prefer "Big," but I have to admit I like "13 Going on 30." Mark Ruffalo is great, and it's hard not to like Jennifer Garner. She seems to be a lot of fun to hang out with. As a college student in my early 20s, I told people I only watched this movie when it came out to hang out with girls, but I actually liked it.
It's been 20 years since I tried to impress girls in college as I watched this movie. My word, have things changed.
"Mean Girls"
Release date: April 30, 2004
You have been quoting "Mean Girls" for 20 years, and guess what? That's fine because this movie is a riot and still makes me laugh. This movie has stood the test of time, and my 13-year-old daughter claims it is her favorite.
To celebrate its 20th birthday, "Mean Girls" is getting a musical remake and should hit theaters this month.
"The Notebook"
Release date: June 25, 2004
Remember when I wrote that I lied and told people I only watched "13 Going on 30" to hang out with girls? Well, that really was the case with "The Notebook." This movie never clicked for me. I guess I'm not much of a romantic, but who cares what I think? Millions of people have adored this movie for 20 years, and I bet they'll continue to do so for 20 more.
"Napoleon Dynamite"
Release date: Aug. 27, 2004
Few movies are more of a cult classic than "Napoleon Dynamite." The movie took the world by storm and continues to divide audiences today. You either love or hate the quirky comedy but, regardless of your stance, you have seen it and know all about it. I challenge you not to see a Napoleon or Pedro each and every Halloween — and they often range from little kids to adults.
"Napoleon Dynamite" and I have a unique history, as it was the first movie I saw in a movie theater following my 2-year church mission. I can still remember the smell of popcorn and the excitement as the house lights went down and the screen came to life. Thankfully, the film was hilarious for me and made for a great "welcome back" to the theater.
"Friday Night Lights"
Release date: Oct. 8, 2004
No, I'm not talking about the "Friday Night Lights" with Coach Taylor and Riggins; I'm talking about the "Friday Night Lights" with Coach Gaines and Boobie Miles. The true story of a high school football team in the Lone Star state came out 20 years ago.
While the TV show is more beloved than the movie, the movie started the whole thing. So, give it some credit.
"The Grudge"
Release date: Oct. 22, 2004
It was a chilly October day in 2004 when my friend Jeremy and I got into his car and drove to Logan to visit our high school friends, Caroline and Natalie, for the weekend and take in the sights and sounds of Utah State.
We decided to see a movie one night, and "The Grudge" is the one we picked. Jeremy and I tried to act like the tough guys and say we weren't scared. But, truth be told, we both laid on our friends' living room floor in our sleeping bags and didn't sleep a wink that night. I can still hear that guttural crackle in my brain and, 20 years later, I can finally admit I got scared that night.
"The Incredibles"
Release date: Nov. 28, 2004
It's been 20 years since one of the greatest superhero movies was released, and I'm not talking about "Spider-Man 2."
"The Incredibles" is 20 this year, and I have to say this movie still holds up. Brad Bird and Pixar made an animated masterpiece with this movie, and it is timeless. It has aged well, and kids born decades after its release love this movie and still sleep in Mr. Incredible PJs.
These weren't the only big-ticket movies in 2024. Here are some other notable titles celebrating the big 2-0 in 2024:
"Shrek 2"
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
