Happy Anniversary! These 13 Films Hit the 20-Year Milestone in 2023

With 2023 officially upon us, it's the start of a fabulous new year — and it also reminds film aficionados and fans that many beloved projects are celebrating anniversaries.

It’s hard to imagine that cult-favorite films have been made more than a decade ago, but some are actually celebrating 20 years since their release — from romantic comedies to action-packed films alike.

So, which films are celebrating the big 2-0 in 2023? Get comfortable as we give you the full scoop.

First up we have How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. The rom-com, which was released on Feb. 7, 2003, tells the story of a self-proclaimed ladies' man and advertising executive attempting to prove that he can make a woman fall in love in less than two weeks. As expected, the film has become a cult favorite.

Next, we have Disney's Holes. The ensemble caste features Jon Voight, Sigourney Weaver, Shia LaBeouf, Khleo Thomas, and more and tells the story of young detainees tasked with digging up holes for an unknown reason at a labor-intensive detention camp. The film was released on April 18, 2003, and made more than $70 million.

Another great film that came out in 2003 — May 20, 2003 to be exact — is none other than Bruce Almighty. The film showcases Jim Carey's character, a news reporter, being given the opportunity to act as God. He sees all, hears all, and can change situations for his benefit.

Ever since Finding Nemo made its way to theaters on May 23, 2003, audiences have given producers two big thumbs up. The touching film highlights a shy and passive clownfish embarking on a journey across the ocean to find his son who was taken to Sydney after being captured in the Great Barrier Reef. Voice actors Albert Brooks as Marlin the dad, Alexander Gould as Nemo the son, and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory tell the story about facing your fears and allowing your kids to grow up.

Next we have School of Rock. The family comedy, which was released on Sept. 24, 2003, tells the story of rock musician Dewey Finn (Jack Black) becoming a substitute teacher at a posh elementary school and transforming his students into a rock band. The film made a whopping $131 million worldwide, and became a box-office hit.

Of course, we couldn't leave out Kill Bill. R&B lovers know the film to be the inspiration of SZA's smash hit of the same title, but film buffs know this to be one of Quentin Tarantino's masterpieces. Starring Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 follows the story of an assassin out for blood after waking up from a four-year coma and seeking revenge on assassins who betrayed her.

There's a reason why Elf is a popular pick for Christmas movie lists. Not only is the film hilarious, but Will Ferrell shines as "elf of the year" (if it was a true title) in a film that showcases the power of the Christmas spirit. The movie, which was released on Nov. 7, 2003, documents an oversized elf named Buddy as he embarks to NYC from the North Pole to meet his biological father who doesn't know he exists.

Next, we have Love Actually, which stars Hugh Grant and Keira Knightley. The movie follows the lives and relationships of eight couples who are trying to find their bearings all before the Christmas season in London. Love Actually was released on Nov. 7, 2003, and brought in more than $247 million at the box office.

The family film The Cat in the Hat made its domestic release on Nov. 21, 2003. The film, which marks one of Dakota Fanning's early starring roles, tells the story of two children embarking on wacky adventures with a talking cat who comes to visit them.

The Last Samurai highlights a captured American military adviser (portrayed by Tom Cruise) who embraces Samurai culture that he was hired to destroy. The film was released on Dec. 5, 2003, and grossed more than $450 million at the box office.

We always love when childhood fairy tales become huge film productions. The book-to-film adaptation Peter Pan was released on Dec. 13, 2003, and stars Jeremy Sumpter and Rachel Hurd-Wood. The film brought in more than $120 million during its time at the box office.

The Lord of the Ring: Return of the King stands as the highest-grossing film of 2003. The film is the final movie of the trilogy and tells the story of "Gandalf and Aragorn [leading] the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring," as IMDb sums it up.

Finally, we have Cheaper by the Dozen. The hilarious film tells the story of a family of 12 navigating life and the father attempting to juggle his brood and a new job in a new city. The film was released on Dec. 25, 2003, and brought in nearly $191 million.