By Luke Paglia · Managing Editor
As we welcome back the Grove City College Class of 2001, take a trip back in time to see what movies topped the charts 25 years ago.
The No. 1 highest-grossing movie in the United States in 2001 was “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” One of the most successful movie franchises of all time debuted on the big screen in 2001, and its success didn’t stop there. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter kept coming back up until the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” in 2011. Despite coming out 25 years ago, this movie has not lost its luster and is a fan favorite and go-to classic when it gets a bit colder outside.
The year 2001 was filled with a lineup of legendary movies still beloved today. This includes the commencement of the Lord of the Rings movie franchise with “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” Arguably two of the greatest fantasy movie franchises began in 2001, and both continued to be wildly successful throughout the years and are still regarded as some of the greatest movies of all time.
While the top two highest-grossing movies of 2001 explored two of the most well-known worlds of fantasy literature and cinema, this year also saw animated comedies become childhood classics for many.
The inception of the Shrek franchise began in 2001 with “Shrek.” The beginning of this grumpy, green ogre’s story introduced us to its great characters like Shrek, Fiona and his hilarious sidekick, Donkey. The Shrek franchise has been coming out with movies ever since, with “Shrek 5” confirmed to be in the works.
Another kids’ classic from 2001 is “Monsters, Inc.” The big, fluffy Sully and little, green Mike took the screen for the first time in 2001 and saw a highly anticipated return in 2013 with a prequel to the first movie, “Monsters University.”
These four films led the box office for 2001, but many other incredible films came out that year.
A thrilling heist series began with “Ocean’s Eleven” in 2001. “Jurassic Park III” released this year, continuing the iconic franchise. The psychological, dramatic biopic “A Beautiful Mind” debuted in 2001, along with the satirical comedy “Legally Blonde.”
