Two decades ago, several comedies, which would end up becoming references in the genre, debuted in cinemas and conquered the world
In 2004, we didn’t know it yet, but some iconic comedies, which ended up becoming classics among fans of the genre, were arriving in droves in movie theaters, like Mean Girls, who immortalized several “teachings” for his audience; It is The White Girls, which is still a phenomenon among Brazilians today. Next, check out the selection of Rolling Stone Brazil of comedies released in 2004, which turn 20 years old this year:
Mean Girls
There was no way to open this list with any film other than Mean Girls. Not only because the production won a musical remake in 2024, but because it keeps its legacy alive to this day, thanks to classic catchphrases disseminated among fans of the time, which even carry the “teachings” of As Plásticas, the group of preppy girls led per Regina George (Rachel McAdams, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), like the rule that “on Wednesdays, we wear pink”.
In history, Cady Heron (lindsay lohan) is a girl raised in the African jungle by zoologist parents, who moves to the city and now needs to adapt to another type of savagery when she enters high school and is confronted by the Plastics, a group of popular girls at her new school.
WHERE TO WATCH: Netflix and Paramount+.
The White Girls
A great way to measure the success of The White Girls This is when the comedy is shown on open TV: the title soon becomes one of the most talked about topics on social media. Also marked by iconic phrases – such as “Did I say hot? I meant greasy, I hate them!” It is “Look who arrived from the favelas of Beverly Hills, the caipiranhas of Bevery Hills” -, the story of two black police officers, who disguise themselves as white preppies to carry out a mission, ended up winning over Brazilians, who still praise it today.
WHERE TO WATCH: Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and Globoplay.
Everybody almost dead
Years before Zombieland (2009) hit theaters, Everybody almost dead had already played with the horror subgenre dedicated to the undead. In the movie, Shaun (Simon Pegg) is determined to change his life, get his girlfriend back and settle down with his mother, but his plans become much more difficult when zombies start appearing everywhere.
WHERE TO WATCH: Mubi.
On the New York Pike
After starring in several films and series together, creating one of the most successful partnerships in the world of entertainment, the twins Ashley It is Mary-Kate Olsen decided to follow different paths after the launch of On the New York Pikethe last film they acted in together.
In the film, the twins end up in New York for different reasons: Jane (Ashley) wants to win a scholarship abroad and Roxy (Mary-Kate) want to find your favorite band. However, his goals end up getting mixed up in a fun adventure through one of the most chaotic cities in the world.
WHERE TO WATCH: Available to rent on Prime Video.
As If It Was the First Time
In 2004, Adam Sandler moved everyone with the story of Henry Rothwho ended up falling in love with Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), a woman whose memory only lasts for one day, due to a serious accident suffered in the past. Even with the fear of commitment and the challenge of building a life with Lucy, Henry He does everything to have several first times with the woman he loves.
WHERE TO WATCH: Prime Video and Paramount+.
I want to be with Polly
Who would have thought that Jennifer Anistonwho had just put an end to his stint in comedy Friends (1994-2004), would be able to overthrow The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – to this day one of the biggest winners in Oscar history – at the top of the box office, huh?
In I want to be with Pollywhich was a blockbuster in theaters in 2004, a New York insurance broker (Ben Stiller, Who Will Stay With Mary?) sees his life fall apart after his wife’s betrayal and, while trying to control his neuroses, he ends up discovering himself in love with his former classmate, Polly Prince (Aniston).
WHERE TO WATCH: Star+ and Globoplay.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Comedy? Romance? Drama? Regardless of gender, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindstarring Jim Carrey (Almighty) It is Kate Winslet (Titanic), ended up becoming a cult classic and, to this day, is considered one of the best films of the 21st century. In the story, a couple decides to undergo a new therapeutic treatment to erase bad memories and save their relationship. However, complications begin to arise during the process.
WHERE TO WATCH: Globoplay.
The new Cinderella
Idol of teenagers as Lizzie McGuirein the homonymous series, Hillary Duff grew up to become a star of romantic comedies. Although her career in the field was not very extensive, the actress and singer participated in one of the best productions of its kind, The new Cinderellawhich retold the story of the fairy tale about Cinderella in a more current look, which still featured the heartthrob of the time, Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill: Throws of Life), and the then queen of comedies, Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus), in the cast.
WHERE TO WATCH: HBO Max.
Suddenly 30
With Jennifer Garner (Alias: Codename Danger) It is Mark Ruffalo (Poor Creatures) as protagonists, Suddenly 30 It was born as a classic and lives, rent-free, in the hearts of fans of romantic comedies.
In the story, a 13-year-old girl, unhappy with her age and humiliated by schoolmates on her birthday, asks to become older. Miraculously, the wish is granted and, the next day, she wakes up at 30 years old, having no idea that life doesn’t get easier with time.
WHERE TO WATCH: Netflix.
Eurotrip: Passport to Confusion
Who has never thought about going backpacking with friends to see different places in the world? Well, that’s what happens in Eurotrip: Passport to Confusionbut the starting point of the story of Scott Thomas (Scott MechlowiczPower Beyond Life) is not cool at all.
After being betrayed by his girlfriend, Fiona (Kristin Kreuk, Smallville), with the lead singer of a rock band, Donny (Matt Damon, Oppenheimer), and even getting a song about the event, the boy ends up embarking on a trip through Europe without imagining the adventures he is about to experience.
WHERE TO WATCH: Globoplay.
What has been the best film of 2024 so far? Vote for your favorite!
- Wish: The Power of Wishes
- Mean Girls: The Musical
- The Rejected
- Secrets of a Scandal
- Turma da Mônica Jovem: Reflexes of Fear
- Anatomy of a Fall
- Past lives
- Poor Creatures
- Argylle: The Superspy
- The Evil That Inhabits Us
Source: Rollingstone
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
