7 Overlooked Comedy Films from the 2000s That Deserve Another Look

      EJ Moreno reflects on a selection of neglected comedies from the 2000s…

      It often seems that films from the 2000s are among the most overlooked in cinema history. Positioned between the blockbuster surge of the 90s and the billion-dollar wave of the 2010s, many 2000s projects have faded into the background, particularly in the comedy genre, which has gradually lost its appeal since the 80s.

      Upon revisiting the 2000s, it's clear that there were some major comedy successes: titles like Old School, Mean Girls, Superbad, and The Hangover remain unforgettable classics. Unfortunately, numerous good and mediocre films have been completely forgotten by audiences.

      This list aims to highlight a mix of the best and worst comedy films from the 2000s that you may have overlooked. Share with us which of these was a hidden gem for you during that decade…

      A Guy Thing

      In the early 2000s, you couldn't go wrong with the combination of Jason Lee, Julia Stiles, and Selma Blair. This trio consistently delighted their fans, particularly in the realm of comedies. Regrettably, A Guy Thing failed to meet the standards one would expect from such a talented cast. The jokes miss the mark, the romantic element is minimal, and it feels as if their talents could have been better utilized elsewhere.

      Its forgotten status stems from its overall mediocrity, settling for yet another unremarkable rom-com rather than something more compelling. During this time, Lee, Stiles, and Blair appeared in significantly more entertaining films in the same genre, making the mediocrity of this one painfully obvious. When Paul (Lee) mistakenly believes he slept with Becky (Stiles), the usual antics ensue, leaving Blair to carry much of the comedic weight.

      Though it may not feature prominently in discussions, A Guy Thing suffers primarily from the early 2000s cringe factor. The whole "guy thing" theme feels profoundly outdated, contributing to its obscurity.

      Black Knight

      If you grew up in the 1990s, you would recognize the dominance of Martin Lawrence. He ruled television with his hit series Martin and starred in memorable comedy films like Big Momma’s House and Bad Boys. He seemed unstoppable, but in 2001, this often-overlooked failure stalled his progress. It took Lawrence some time to recover from this setback.

      Jamal (Lawrence) is a theme park worker who finds himself transported to medieval England. The film is riddled with clichéd jokes, and every plot twist is predictable. What’s disappointing is that the premise had potential, and the medieval theme was popular, as evidenced by the cult classic A Knight’s Tale released the same year. It’s unfortunate that a decent concept and a talented comedian were squandered on this uninspired film.

      Black Knight significantly hampered Martin Lawrence's career and undermined Gil Junger's prospects in the comedy genre. No one could exit this film unscathed, and it’s safe to say most would prefer to forget about it.

      Charlie Bartlett

      During that awkward transition between Netflix mailing DVDs and the rise of online streaming, Charlie Bartlett was released and quickly became obscured. It’s unfortunate because this film stands out as one of the most sincere comedies of the 2000s. It filled a niche during the era of Juno and (500) Days of Summer. Its heartfelt narrative felt refreshingly unique at the time, providing a new perspective on adolescent drug comedies and dramas.

      Interestingly, this film also played a crucial role in Robert Downey Jr.'s comeback in Hollywood. Released just before Iron Man, it showcased RDJ's resurgence in the independent film world, helping him regain his superstar status. He elevates this modest comedy to must-see cult classic status, alongside notable performances from Kat Dennings and the late Anton Yelchin.

      Charlie Bartlett deserved much more recognition than it received; it's timeless, effortless, and irresistibly charming. In a cynical comedic landscape, this film's dark yet heartwarming charm hit the mark perfectly.

      The Animal

      Famous for his collaboration with Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider once enjoyed a brief moment of fame in pop culture. While he produced several enjoyable films featuring memorable characters (with The Hot Chick being particularly underrated), not all of his early 2000s projects were successful; The Animal from 2001 is a prime example of his weaker contributions.

      Schneider commits wholeheartedly to his comedic roles, which is commendable. It benefitted both his cameo appearances in Sandler’s films and his own projects like Deuce Bigalow. Unfortunately, no amount of effort could salvage The Animal. While humans pretending to be animals once elicited laughter, by the new millennium, it had grown tiresome. You’d struggle to recall a single joke even after multiple viewings.

      However, The