2006 Movies

In 2006, cinematic gems emerged that shaped our film experiences. Our Plex database brings these titles together, neatly cataloged for your convenience. The database offers an easy-to-navigate platform for accessing and revisiting these timeless works.
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Browse 7,211 titles in our 2006 Movies Database

The Best Movies of 2006

This selection of movies perfectly encapsulates the myriad themes and narrative styles that graced the silver screen during that period. Here are the highlights:

Casino Royale

Heralding a fresh era for the James Bond franchise, Casino Royale marked Daniel Craig's debut as the iconic MI6 agent. The film combined high-octane action sequences with a more grounded narrative, distancing itself from the series' campier past. As a reboot and origin story for Bond, the film appealed to a new generation of viewers while retaining the series' core elements. Casino Royale rekindle excitement for the 007 franchise, standing tall as one of the greatest action films of all time.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat, a faux journalist from Kazakhstan, introduced us to a unique blend of humor and social commentary. The film's narrative explored the cultural landscape of the early 21st-century U.S., revealing problematic attitudes toward race and prejudice. Borat combined shock humor with clever narrative devices, cementing its status as a landmark in comedy cinema.

Children of Men

Depicting a dystopian future set in 2027, Children of Men explored a chilling reality where humanity has become infertile. The protagonist is entrusted with safeguarding a pregnant woman in a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Known for its tense narrative, stunning action sequences, and eerily plausible depiction of a dystopian world, Children of Men ranks among the finest sci-fi films of the past few decades.

Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine breathed fresh life into the road movie genre. It chronicled the journey of an eccentric family embarking on a trip to California for a beauty pageant. Humor and heartfelt moments interspersed the family's eventful journey, creating a dramedy that remains memorable long after the credits roll. With stellar performances by an ensemble cast, Little Miss Sunshine became a staple of comedic family drama.

The Lives of Others

The Lives of Others, winner of the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, centered on themes of surveillance and voyeurism. Set in East Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall, it depicted the life of a secret police agent assigned to eavesdrop on a couple. It's a slow-burning thriller with a captivating narrative, culminating in a poignant finale.

Paprika

As one of the greatest anime films ever created, Paprika delivered a visually stunning exploration of dreams and the human psyche. The narrative revolved around a device that allowed therapists to enter their patient's dreams—a premise that resulted in a visually enchanting and intellectually engaging film.

The Host

The Host, a work of director Bong Joon-ho, introduced the world to a monstrous creature terrorizing South Korea. The narrative focuses on a family risking their lives to save their daughter, who was abducted by the creature. The Host skillfully weaved together elements of drama, horror, and humor, making it one of Bong Joon-ho's most notable works.

Pan's Labyrinth

Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasy epic, Pan's Labyrinth, took audiences on a surreal journey into a young girl's fantasy world. Set in 1940s Spain, the film juxtaposed harsh reality with a darkly imaginative alternate world, creating a deeply immersive cinematic experience. Pan's Labyrinth remains a testament to del Toro's unparalleled craftsmanship.

The Departed

Martin Scorsese's The Departed, a gripping crime thriller set in Boston, featured an undercover cop and criminal, both unaware of each other's true identities. The film earned Scorsese his only Best Picture win at the Oscars, with its electrifying narrative, unexpected plot twists, and stellar performances.

United 93

United 93 provided a real-time portrayal of the events on United Airlines Flight 93 during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The film chronicled the passengers' brave attempt to regain control of the aircraft from the hijackers. With its authentic representation and emotionally charged narrative, United 93 remains a profound tribute to the passengers who averted a potentially catastrophic event.

2006 Movies & Industry Highlights

One of the most significant milestones of 2006 was the 20th anniversary of Pixar, an animation giant in the industry. The anniversary was marked by the release of their seventh film, Cars, a family-friendly animation that grossed around $462 million worldwide, an achievement worth celebrating.

Spotlight on American Cinema

The American film industry also had its share of high points and lows. M. Night Shyamalan, known for The Sixth Sense, experienced a stumble with Lady in the Water. In contrast, Martin Scorsese delivered a powerful performance with The Departed, a crime thriller featuring Jack Nicholson, which quickly became a favorite.

Political films like Syriana and Good Night, and Good Luck, as well as personal dramas like Little Miss Sunshine, Little Children, and The Squid and the Whale, were among the standout American films of the year. On the other hand, Oliver Stone's World Trade Center received mixed reviews.

Global Highlights

Asian cinema delivered a collection of elegant thrillers and horror flicks, while Europe showcased its own significant contributions. France led the way with Caché by Michael Haneke, a film that sparked widespread discussion.

The best Eastern European film was The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, a poignant look at the Romania left behind by Ceausescu. On the censorship front, the award of 18 certificates by the BBFC to Shortbus and Destricted edged cinema closer to the abolition of censorship.

Box Office Milestones

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, released by Buena Vista, stood out as the highest-grossing film, earning over a whopping $1 billion. Following closely were The Da Vinci Code with about $760 million, Ice Age: The Meltdown with roughly $661 million, and Casino Royale with around $606 million.

Sony Pictures set a record of its own, grossing over $3 billion in annual worldwide box office revenue for the first time in its history. This milestone firmly entrenched Sony Pictures' position as a major player in the global film industry.