7 Movies From 2002 That All 1990s Kids Still Love Today

Image: Universal Published Nov 10, 2026, 1:38 PM EST James Hunt is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in Newcastle, UK. A journalism graduate with an NCTJ qualification, he has well over a decade of experience in online entertainment media. He's had thousands of articles published, received millions of views, and led coverage on everything from the latest blockbuster movies to the Oscars to bingeworthy and prestige TV shows. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Looking back on it some 24 years later, 2002 was a pretty strong year for cinema, and one that, much like with the movies of 2001, very much helped to shape what the landscape looks like today. Superhero blockbusters were becoming bigger than ever, fantasy adventures were transporting audiences to extraordinary worlds, with both of those highlighting the value and viability of franchises and IP. Meanwhile, Disney was delivering animated classics that would not only remain childhood favorites, but spawn a billion-dollar live-action remake. There was also plenty of room for ridiculous comedies and feel-good stories. More than 20 years later, many of these movies are still regularly revisited by the generation that first watched them back in the day as kids or teenagers. To be clear, this is not about the best movies of 2002, as I don't think many '90s kids were watching City of God or The Pianist at the time (unless I was just really sheltered). Instead, this is about the perennial favorites for youngsters from that era. Whether they were discovered in theaters or repeatedly played on DVD, these seven movies from 2002 have stood the test of time... or at least they have when viewed through a very nostalgic lens. Spider-Man After X-Men brought superhero movies into the 2000s, and before the MCU turned them into $35 billion empire, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man showed exactly how great a superhero movie could truly be. Starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, the 2002 blockbuster tells the character's iconic origin story, including being bitten by a radioactive spider, the death of his Uncle Ben, and becoming an awe-inspiring hero while still being an awkward teenager. Spider-Man's balance of Spidey, the superhero, and Peter, the teenager, was absolutely perfect, with Maguire finding just the right blend to make both of them feel believable and likable. Willem Dafoe is another major highlight, delivering an unforgettable performance as Norman Osborn, better known as the Green Goblin, who remains one of the best comic book movie villains. The movie also features the famous upside-down kiss between Spider-Man and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), which became one of the most recognizable romantic moments in superhero cinema. Rearrange the movies into the correct US release order. Things got even better with Spider-Man 2, but this still deserves so much praise in its own right. With its brilliant action sequences that elevated notions of what the genre was capable of, memorable characters, a stunning suit design, Danny Elfman's fantastic score, and so much more, Spider-Man remains a defining movie for an entire generation. It's easy to see why Maguire's version of Peter Parker still has so many fans, and why his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home years later was so exciting. Scooby-Doo: The Movie For anyone who grew up watching Scooby-Doo cartoons, seeing Mystery Inc. brought to life in a live-action movie was a pretty exciting prospect. Released in 2002, Raja Gosnell's Scooby-Doo reunited Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and their talking canine companion for an adventure that captured much of the original show's appeal. The casting was a major part of the movie's success, with Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini, and Matthew Lillard taking on the iconic roles. Lillard was particularly well suited to Shaggy, capturing his nervous personality and endless appetite with impressive enthusiasm. The story takes the gang to Spooky Island, where they investigate a mysterious threat and attempt to solve another supernatural mystery. It's fun, colorful, just the right amount of spooky, and occasionally ridiculous, but that's exactly what a Scooby-Doo movie should be. For 1990s kids, the film offered a chance to see familiar childhood characters in an entirely new setting, and its nostalgic appeal has only grown over the years. 8 Mile Eminem was already one of the biggest musicians in the world when he made his acting debut in 8 Mile. Directed by Curtis Hanson, the 2002 drama follows Jimmy Smith Jr., aka B-Rabbit, a struggling rapper living in Detroit who hopes to escape his difficult circumstances through music. Inspired by Eminem's own background, the film offers a gritty look at the music scene and, in a broader sense, anyone trying to make something better of their lives. The movie, and Eminem as an actor, are both better than anyone reasonably expected. His performance feels authentic, particularly when Jimmy struggles with his confidence and the pressure of competing in Detroit's underground rap scene. The film's battle sequences are among its strongest moments, building towards an incredibly satisfying final showdown. However, the movie also shines in its romance, with the rapper developing good chemistry with the late, wonderful Brittany Murphy, and also shows a sweeter side in Rabbit's relationship with his little sister, Lily. Then there's "Lose Yourself,: which became one of Eminem's signature songs and is practically impossible to separate from the movie. It works well as a time capsule back to that era for a generation obsessed with Marshall Mathers III's music, but it's also a compelling underdog story that still resonates beyond its musical origins. Lilo & Stitch After the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Mouse House's animated output was fading again by the early 2000s. The Emperor's New Groove and Atlantis: The Lost Empire both underperformed at the box office, with the latter also receiving mixed reviews, so the studio really needed a hit, and what it got was a new, true classic with Lilo & Stitch. The story follows Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl who adopts an unusual creature named Stitch, believing him to be a dog. Unfortunately, her new companion is actually an alien experiment designed to cause destruction, and keeping him out of trouble proves rather difficult. That is what gives the movie so much of its weird, wild energy and hilarious comedy, but it's the bond between the two title characters that makes it really special. Both characters are outsiders, struggling to find somewhere they belong, and their unlikely friendship provides some genuinely emotional moments. The movie also explores Lilo's relationship with her older sister Nani, who is desperately trying to keep their family together. Its message about 'ohana', meaning family, remains one of Disney's most memorable themes. Add in the beautifully animated Hawaiian setting, Elvis Presley soundtrack, and Stitch's wonderfully chaotic personality, and it's easy to understand why this classic continues to have such a devoted following. Bend It Like Beckham Gurinder Chadha's Bend It Like Beckham is a British gem from the early 2000s, and while its title may reflect the nation's obsession with Becks at the time, its story still resonates today. The comedy-drama follows Jess, a young British-Indian woman whose passion for football clashes with her family's traditional expectations. While her parents want her to pursue a more conventional future, Jess dreams of playing professionally and isn't prepared to give up on that ambition. Parminder Nagra is excellent in the leading role, while Keira Knightley brings plenty of energy to the character of Jules, the teammate who introduces Jess to competitive women's football. Their friendship is at the heart of the movie, although the story also explores cultural identity, family expectations, romance, and the difficulties of pursuing something that others don't necessarily understand. It's an uplifting story with plenty of humor and genuinely likable characters. With women's football enjoying greater popularity than ever, Bend It Like Beckham also feels particularly relevant today (so much so there's even talk of a sequel). There aren't many great football (or "soccer") movies, but this, just like its titular footballer whipping a ball into the box, delivers perfectly. Jackass: The Movie Image: Paramount Like many, I was probably a little too young to be watching Jackass when I did, and like many, that's part of why it held so much appeal. For those of us growing up in the early 2000s, it was practically essential viewing, and so when it transitioned to the big screen, it was obviously a must-watch. Critics may not have loved it, as though this is a movie that could even be reviewed in the traditional sense, but it hit the nail on the head (and knowing the crew, probably some other places) with its target demographic. While some of 2002's biggest releases were concerned with epic adventures and saving the world, Jackass: The Movie had considerably simpler ambitions. Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, and the rest of the crew wanted to see just how much punishment they could put themselves through for the entertainment of others (and, of course, themselves). Naturally, the results were as ridiculous as anyone could have hoped as, from painful physical challenges to deeply questionable practical jokes, the movie delivered a constant stream of chaos and carnage. The Jackass movie sequels were perhaps more innovative, but this perfectly captured what made the TV show great, and made it feel even bigger. Even now, stunts like the golf carts, the rent-a-car crash-up derby, the butt X-ray, and the golf course air horn are as funny to adults as they were to a teenager then, and some of the franchise's very best. Its humor certainly wasn't for everyone, but that's never stopped Knoxville and co, with the lovable bunch of idiots still offering big screen delights more than 20 years later. The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers Image: New Line Cinema Peter Jackson had an enormous task following The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, but The Two Towers proved that the middle chapter of a trilogy could be just as exciting as its beginning. Released in December 2002, the fantasy epic continued Frodo and Sam's journey towards Mordor while following Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they became caught up in the growing conflict. While the characters were split, all the heart and spirit of the original movie remained intact, while some incredible new layers were added. One of the movie's biggest achievements was introducing audiences to Gollum, brought to life through Andy Serkis' groundbreaking motion-capture performance, and becoming one of the most fascinating and complex characters in the entire saga. However, it's the Battle of Helm's Deep that really steals the show. The enormous siege remains one of the most impressive sequences ever committed to screen, and what's crucial is that for all the jaw-dropping spectacle, which still holds up perfectly today, it never loses sight of the characters at the heart of it. For 1990s kids who spent their childhood imagining themselves in Middle-earth, The Two Towers was an extraordinary cinematic experience, and it retains every ounce of the magic almost a quarter of a century on.