5 Classic Movies Turning 20 in 2026

From 'The Devil Wears Prada' to 'Inland Empire', these 2000s hits are hitting major milestones

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:35pm

An abstract close-up photograph featuring a luxurious, high-contrast texture of shimmering sequins and crumpled velvet, evoking the timeless allure of classic Hollywood cinema.As these iconic films from the 2000s celebrate milestone anniversaries, their enduring glamour and cultural impact continue to captivate audiences.Talladega Today

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of some of the greatest movies of the 2000s, including classics like 'The Devil Wears Prada', 'The Prestige', 'Pan's Labyrinth', and 'Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby'. These films have endured as fan favorites and critical darlings, showcasing the talents of stars like Meryl Streep, Laura Dern, and Will Ferrell.

Why it matters

The 20th anniversary of these beloved films is a nostalgic milestone that will have fans revisiting the movies that defined the 2000s. From the sharp satire of 'The Devil Wears Prada' to the mind-bending surrealism of 'Inland Empire', these diverse films represent the creativity and range of the era's cinematic landscape.

The details

Each of these five films has left a lasting impact on pop culture. 'The Devil Wears Prada' boosted the careers of Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, while also delivering Meryl Streep's iconic performance as the ruthless Miranda Priestley. 'Inland Empire' showcased David Lynch's experimental filmmaking, with Laura Dern delivering a tour-de-force turn. 'The Prestige' is considered one of Christopher Nolan's best works, featuring standout performances from Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Guillermo del Toro's 'Pan's Labyrinth' blended fantasy and war drama to critical acclaim. And 'Talladega Nights' solidified Will Ferrell as a comedic force, with its hilarious take on the world of NASCAR.

  • The Devil Wears Prada premiered in theaters on June 30, 2006.
  • Inland Empire was released in the United States on December 6, 2006.
  • The Prestige hit theaters on October 20, 2006.
  • Pan's Labyrinth was released in the United States on December 29, 2006.
  • Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby premiered on August 4, 2006.

The players

Meryl Streep

An acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and multiple Academy Award wins, Streep starred as the ruthless Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada.

Laura Dern

An acclaimed American actress who delivered a tour-de-force performance as the troubled actress Nikki in Inland Empire, David Lynch's final feature film.

Will Ferrell

A beloved American comedian who starred as the NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby in the hit comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

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What’s next

Fans of these classic films can look forward to anniversary celebrations, potential re-releases, and even sequels in the case of The Devil Wears Prada.

The takeaway

These five films from the 2000s have stood the test of time, showcasing the creativity, talent, and diversity of the era's cinematic landscape. As they hit their 20th anniversaries, a new generation of viewers will have the chance to discover or rediscover these beloved classics.