"The early 2000s gave us some cinematic gems still making the rounds in social media memes and TikTok stitches from Harry Potter to Napoleon Dynamite to Shrek, just to name a few. But 20 years ago, we weren’t catching movie clips on TikTok or streaming them on our phones or Smart TVs. Rather, we probably were waiting by the mailbox for a Netflix DVD, stopping by the Redbox kiosk, or heading to the movie theater to catch the latest flicks.
For a little throwback fun, we’ve rounded up family movies that turn 20 in 2024. The year 2004 launched plenty of films available to stream for your next family movie night—or your next throwback movie night in with your girlfriends. From animated favorites to teen comedies to action/adventure flicks. Need a recommendation on what to watch right away? The highly anticipated musical sequel of Mean Girls is on its way on January 12, 2024, so it might be the perfect time to rewatch the original yourself, along with these other 2004 family movies turning 20 this year.
2004 Family Movies Turning 20 This Year
Animated Movies from 2004
The Incredibles
Rated: PG | Where to watch: Disney+
In The Incredibles, the Parr family is supposed to hide their superpowers because society has outlawed them, but they have been called to revive their heroic abilities in order to save the world. Blending satisfying action with the meaningful bonds that keep families close, these movies give kids—every parent’s little superheroes—a sense of purpose for sharing the special abilities they possess. Note: The Incredibles opens with a scene that touches on suicide, so if this is something you’re being sensitive about with your child, it may not be suitable for them.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
Rated: PG | Where to watch: Prime Video
SpongeBob entered our lives in 1999, becoming a pop culture mainstay along with his best bud Patrick Star, the Krusty Krab restaurant, and myriad characters throughout the years. Fans got to see SpongeBob SquarePants in a big-screen adventure in one of the most fun 2004 family movies turning 20 when he and Patrick try to save Mr. Krabs—and the world—from Plankton’s evil plan.
More Animated Movies from 2004
- Shark Tale – PG
- Shrek 2 – PG
- Garfield: The Movie – PG
- The Lion King 1 1/2 – G
- Mulan 2 – G
Live-Action Comedies and Rom-Coms
Napoleon Dynamite
Rated: PG | Where to watch: Hulu
Break out your “Vote for Pedro” shirt and fire up this cult classic. The misfit star helps a new kid run for class president in their small-town high school. Full of classic one-liners and iconic dance moves, this quirky movie is a can’t-miss. Rewatching this sleeper hit is even more fun with your kids! Even though you may have to have a conversation about Uncle Rico’s bust-enhancing pamphlets.
13 Going on 30
Rated: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Netflix
Like most teens, Jenna wants to grow up fast. After a humiliating experience at her 13th birthday party, she wishes that she were 30. Learning that you should be careful what you wish for, Jenna wakes up the next morning as a full-fledged adult with no memory of anything that happened after her 13th birthday. Being 30 seems like a dream come true, but grown-up life turns out to be a lot more complicated than she bargained for.
More Comedies from 2004
- A Cinderella Story – PG
- Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen – PG
- The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement – G
- Ella Enchanted – PG
- The Prince & Me – PG
- White Chicks – PG-13
- Barbershop 2: Back in Business – PG-13
- Mean Girls – PG-13
- 50 First Dates – PG-13
Live-Action Dramas and Adventure Movies
National Treasure
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Disney+
Spawning a film trilogy, the first National Treasure adventure movie starred Nicholas Cage as a treasure-hunting historian who sets out to find an important relic. Clues lead them to discover the map to the treasured relic hidden on the back of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Paramount+ and Prime Video
Described as a “dark comedy,” Oscar-winning Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is not for highly sensitive children, as the plot includes orphaned children falling under the care of a nefarious villain played by Jim Carrey, out to steal the family fortune. But some kids may love seeing the main characters emerge resourceful and resilient after going through—you guessed it—a series of very unfortunate events.
More Live-Action Dramas and Adventure Movies from 2004
- Miracle – PG
- Finding Neverland – PG
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – PG
- Friday Night Lights – PG-13
- Spider-Man 2 – PG-13
- Ocean’s 12 – PG-13
- Catwoman – PG-13
- The Notebook – PG-13
- Ray – PG-13
- Hidalgo – PG-13
Holiday Movies from 2004
The Polar Express
Rated: G | Where to Watch: Rent on Prime or AppleTV
Based on the bestselling book, this now-classic holiday movie stars Tom Hanks as the train conductor of The Polar Express, which picks up children and takes them to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Christmas With the Kranks
Rated: PG | Where to Watch: Netflix
This year, Luther and Nora Krank have decided to forgo the usual holiday festivities and have opted instead for a tropical cruise. Their neighborhood isn’t going to let them off so easy, though, and the Kranks quickly become the (negative) talk of the town. When their daughter abruptly decides to return home for the holidays, they must alter their plans dramatically.
