2004 Movies

In 2004, the film industry introduced us to a diverse range of films. The Plex Movies Database has been diligently designed to offer a seamless list of these movies. In this database, you'll find straightforward links to each 2004 film, enabling quick and easy access.
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The Best Movies of 2004

2004 gave us an array of cinematic gems that continue to amaze, inspire, and engage. The list explores the best films of 2004, highlighting their distinctive aspects and why they remain etched in film history.

The Incredibles

Directed by Brad Bird, this Pixar-animated feature showcases a fascinating blend of human-style family dynamics and Marvel-style superheroes. The Incredibles sparks discussions around societal norms and individuality through its captivating plot and relatable characters. The beauty lies in Pixar's ability to seamlessly blend high-end animation technology with a rich narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Before Sunset

This romantic drama, directed by Richard Linklater, revisits Celine and Jesse's lives nine years after their initial rendezvous. Before Sunset encapsulates love and disappointment, serving as an intimate portrayal of adult relationships. Its simplicity masks its profound narrative, making it a masterpiece worth revisiting.

Spider-Man 2

This sequel stands as a testament to Sam Raimi's directing prowess, outdoing its predecessor with a gripping adventure and an unforgettable villain - Doc Ock. Spider-Man 2 successfully combines the thrill of a superhero movie with a compelling narrative, proving that popcorn flicks can be more than just mindless fun.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

As one of the best films in years, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind redefines the boundaries of romantic comedy. Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ingeniously interweaves futuristic neuroscience with the angst of love and loss. Michel Gondry's brilliant visual creativity, combined with stellar performances from Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, creates a masterpiece that resonates long after the credits roll.

Million Dollar Baby

Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby is a shining example of classic filmmaking, prioritizing narrative depth over flamboyant special effects. The film tells the stirring tale of a determined woman boxer, Maggie (Hilary Swank), her reluctant trainer Frankie (Clint Eastwood), and their shared journey towards self-discovery. This film touches hearts through its genuine portrayal of characters and their challenges.

Kinsey

Bill Condon's Kinsey stands out among biopics, dissecting the life and work of mid-century sex researcher Alfred C. Kinsey. The film effectively explores the complexities of human behavior, scientific zeal, and the blurred lines between moral fallibility and marital loyalty.

Kill Bill: Vol. 2

In Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Quentin Tarantino brilliantly develops Uma Thurman's bride character by adding a backstory and giving her a worthier fight. Tarantino's character-driven narrative combined with David Carradine's charismatic villain make this sequel a visceral treat.

Finding Neverland

Marc Foster's Finding Neverland offers an enchanting glimpse into the life and mind of J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. The brilliance of Johnny Depp's performance, the authentic production values, and the seamless blend of reality and magic make this film a heartwarming cinematic experience.

Sideways

Sideways presents an introspective journey of two failing artists navigating through life's challenges. This well-crafted tale of self-exploration and friendship showcases brilliant performances and an empathetic depiction of human obsessions and failures, making it a true gem of 2004.

The Aviator

Martin Scorsese's The Aviator magnificently portrays the tumultuous life of Howard Hughes, a pioneer in aviation and filmmaking. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a captivating performance as Hughes, and Scorsese's grandiose filmmaking style further elevates this film to new heights.

Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle, directed by Stephen Chow, is a delightful medley of humor, action, and fantastical elements.

Crash

Crash explores the complex canvas of human interactions, misunderstandings, and connections in the bustling landscape of a city. The narrative skillfully weaves together an array of characters and their experiences, creating a vivid tapestry of emotions, conflicts, and revelations.

Drawing the audience into a world where prejudice and kindness coexist, where lives crash into each other in unpredictable ways, the film poignantly showcases the tumultuous nature of urban life. The characters' journeys unfold against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal biases, painting a compelling picture of humanity in all its flawed yet captivating glory.

2004 Movie & Film Industry Highlights

High-Grossing Films: A Showcase of Creativity

2004's cinema landscape was dominated by a host of films that appealed to a wide spectrum of audiences. Among these, Shrek 2 from DreamWorks led the pack, grossing over $928 million globally. Other box office successes included Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from Warner Bros. and Spider-Man 2 from Sony Pictures/Columbia, which earned about $795 million and $788 million, respectively.

Further, The Incredibles from Buena Vista, The Passion of the Christ from Icon/Newmarket, The Day After Tomorrow from Fox, Meet the Fockers from Universal, Troy and Ocean's Twelve from Warner Bros., and Shark Tale from DreamWorks all raked in substantial revenues, demonstrating the global appeal of these releases.

In particular, Shrek 2 set a new record for the total gross by an animated film, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing animated film of that time. However, this record would later be surpassed by Toy Story 3 in 2010.

Biopictures: A Noteworthy Trend

The year's most prominent genre was the biopic. Numerous biopics made their mark in 2004, including Alexander, The Aviator, Beyond the Sea, Finding Neverland, Hotel Rwanda, Kinsey, Motorcycle Diaries, and Ray. These films celebrated individuals from various walks of life - entrepreneurs, playwrights, singers, sex researchers, composers, and politicians.

Industry Highlights: Setting Records and Changing Trends

In the realm of records and trends, Spider-Man 2 set new precedents. It reached a $200 million domestic gross in just eight days and hit the $300 million mark in just 19 days. Also, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban topped the international revenues chart with $546 million, surpassing Shrek 2's $487.5 million.

Notably, The Passion of the Christ emerged as the first blockbuster motion picture of 2004 and became the highest-grossing R-rated film domestically. Similarly, Meet the Fockers surpassed the previous year's Bruce Almighty to become the highest-grossing comedy film.