Top Drama Movies from the 2000s

Let's star the list of the greatest drama movies from 2000 to 2009!

Ten years of fantastic movies, and here is an article devoted just to them.

Remember the moments that made you cry or feel something deep in your heart.  These great dramas showcase some fantastic actors and actresses and will undoubtedly go down in history as the best.

And, even if not everyone agrees, I'll stand up and say they made a lasting impression with me.

Men of Honor (2000)

Carl Brashear was the first African American Navy Diver, and he is determined to fight for this opportunity, even if everyone else seemingly wants him to fail. This is Brashear's story, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. truly captures his emotions in this gripping film. Costarring Robert De Niro.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett star as best friends who join the war in the wake of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the attack nobody saw coming. Truly an all-star cast, with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Kate Beckinsale costarring, Pearl Harbor is a fictional romance tail set in a heartbreaking time of our nation's history.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

In the 1950's, women married their husbands and cared for their families, and most of the young girls attending Wellesley College held this same belief system. That is until very modern and free-thinking Katherine Ann Watson, played marvelously by Julia Roberts, becomes their new art teacher. Can she help change their minds?  Some of the students include characters portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Mystic River (2003)

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Mystic River spirals from a childhood tragedy that follows three men throughout their lives. Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon star, a true display of current acting talent. Years later, and after much time apart, the three friends must reunite after Jimmy's (played by Sean Penn) daughter Katie is murdered. Will Jimmy seek his own form of revenge?

A History of Violence (2005)

Viggo Mortensen stars as Tom Stall, your everyday neighbor who suddenly becomes a hero through committing an act of violence, or as other would call it an act of self defense. But everyone has a history, and will Tom's time in the spotlight bring about his own? Some things are meant to stay as secrets.

The Departed (2006)

The genius that is Martin Scorsese does not disappoint with this remarkable film starring Leonardio DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg and Jack Nicholson (just to name a few!) The South Boston police sends in a young cop to try and bring down the organized crime that is taking over the city. Will the mob find out who is really working for who? Or has somebody else been fooling all of us along the way, too?

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Keke Palmer shined as Akeelah, an eleven-year-old girl, who does not live the easiest life. She is a smart girl, and after winning her school spelling bee, and having a helpful coach, she finds herself on her way to the Scipps National Spelling Bee. Akeelah needs to find her own confidence and let go of her past before she can make it, though.

An American Crime (2007)

You'll barely recognize the Juno star, Ellen Page, in this film based on the tragic true story of a teenage girl who has been tormented by the family who was supposed to care for while her parents traveled as carnival workers. The ending will haunt you and make you question how people could behave in such horrific ways.

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

Based on Audrey Niffenegger's bestselling novel, this film stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, who are two lovers, wanting to live a regular life together. That is a hard thing to do when your husband cannot help but slip from the present at the most random times. Sometimes... love really is all you need.

The Blind Side (2009)

All American NFL star, Michael Oher, inspired the film The Blind Side. As a teenager, he was a young man who needed a family. Leigh Anne Tuohy, played exceptionally well by Sandra Bullock, opens her heart and her home to "Big Mike," and even lends a hand with his desire to play football. One of the most inspiring films I have ever seen.

* Created October 9th, 2010 KG