While Disney’s animation department reached its height in the ’90s, that didn’t stop the company from going strong into the new millennium. While not every 2000s movie released by Disney was a hit, the company still released many solid films throughout the decade. Because we already looked at the best animated 2000s movies, we’re now looking at the greatest live-action films. To do this, we’ll be turning to Rotten Tomatoes.
The review aggregation website has given every 2000s film a Tomatometer Score based on the positive and negative ratings of film critics. Those with the highest scores will be earning a spot here.
With the logistics discussed, it’s time to hop back a couple of decades and let the pictures roll. Here are the greatest live-action Disney films of the 2000s, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
10 Hannah Montana And Miley Cyrus: Best Of Both Worlds Concert (2008): 73%
In this 2008 concert film, Miley Cyrus performs under her secret TV show pop star identity of Hannah Montana. She then takes the spotlight as herself, while Billy Ray Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, and more can be spotted backstage.
Though the Hannah Montana And Miley Cyrus: Best Of Both Worlds Concert easily dazzled young Cyrus fans, it also surprised more mature viewers with its energy and charm.
9 Sky High (2005): 73%
Will Stronghold tries to succeed in the Sky High superhero academy. The problem? The villainous mother of Will’s classmate, Gwen, was defeated by his father. This causes tension to bubble between the two. Will must ultimately stop Gwen’s thirst for revenge at the school dance, though this proves to be a challenge as he adjusts to his new powers.
Critics loved how Sky High incorporated a flashy premise into a relatable coming-of-age story. With smart writing and spirit, the story soared almost as high as its heroes.
8 Remember The Titans (2000): 73%
This 2000 biographical sports film retells the story of coach Herman Boone, who tries to bring a high school football team together during the ’70s in Virginia. This is no easy task, however, as tensions run high, being that the new team is the result of an all-black school and all-white school merging together.
Viewers loved Remember the Titans‘ inspirational story and strong social themes. Though a few critics thought the message was forced, others found it to be simplistic but moving.
7 The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe (2005): 76%
Disney adapted three books of C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. The first of these, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe came to the big screen in 2005.
The movie follows a set of English siblings who are sent away to a country home in the midst of World War II. Though the four struggle to adjust to this new way of life, they’re soon faced with much bigger challenges after young Lucy stumbles into the magical world of Narnia, hidden inside a wardrobe.
The enchanting special effects, compelling cast, and engrossing story left critics raving.
6 Holes (2003): 78%
Based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Louis Sachar, Holes sees a boy named Stanley being sent away to a camp in which the kids are forced to dig holes in the desert all day long. He and his friends start to uncover the sinister secrets behind the request.
Critics praised the way Holes stayed true to its source material. Additionally, the imaginative plot and intriguing themes stood strong.
5 Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003): 79%
The first film in the Pirates of the Caribbean series cruised its way into theaters in 2003.
In the original installment, Jack Sparrow stumbles into Port Royal with no crew to back him up. However, after another pirate ship raids the town that same night, Sparrow uses the opportunity to take control. He ends up teaming with blacksmith Will Turner to rescue the governor’s kidnapped daughter, Elizabeth Swan, and sail the seas yet again.
The magical special effects, swashbuckling excitement, and strong cast helped The Curse of the Black Pearl earn its multiple sequels.
4 Miracle (2004): 81%
This 2004 American sports film has the U.S men’s hockey team setting their sites on gold during the 1980 Winter Olympics. Though coach Herb Brooks’ all-star college players struggle to come together, they eventually learn to overcome their differences and beat the odds.
Miracle was stocked with nostalgia and inspiration. Kurt Russell’s performance as the coach also stood out.
3 The Rookie (2002): 84%
The Rookie managed to win over many fans.
The 2002 sports drama, based on the true story of Jim Morris, tells of a high school baseball coach who decides to try out for a major league position if his young team manages to make state playoffs.
The story was full of heart and excitement. This had moviegoers feeling the range of emotions The Rookie worked hard to invoke.
2 Bridge To Terabithia (2008): 85%
This coming-of-age fantasy follows two 12-year-old neighbors who spend time together in their made-up land of Terabithia. However, they soon learn that all the imagination in the world can’t save them from the rough realities of real life.
Bridge to Terabithia was praised for its believable leads and authentic emotions. The sweet and sad classic has withstood the test of time.
1 Freaky Friday (2003): 88%
Topping off the list as the highest-rated live-action Disney movie of the 2000s is the 2003 Freaky Friday reboot starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.
The fantasy-comedy tells of a mother and daughter, Tess and Anna, who are polar opposites, and end up mysteriously switching bodies. While mother Tess must get used to keeping up with the fast-paced life of her teenager, Anna must find a way to take on grown-up responsibilities.
The stars’ performances received much applause from critics, who felt Curtis and Lohan expertly portrayed the feisty personalities of their characters.
.item-num::after
content: ‘/ 10’;
