30 Things We Miss About the Early 2000s
Everyone reminisces about the 1990s. Yeah, it was a great decade. Many of our favorite movies are from that decade, and it was when music was revolutionized. We got bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Spice Girls, and so many more. It’s alright to miss the ‘90s, but what about the 2000s? Specifically, the early 2000s.
The early 2000s was a magical time period. It had the best movies, music, and life influences. The kids that grew up in the 2000s would forever be changed by the way the world was. It was a short period of pure happiness and carefree child-like experiences. Naturally, I miss everything from those years from the bleached denim to the bad highlights. However, some things hit me in the heart every time I think about the days gone by.
These are some sights, smells, and sounds that make me wish I could go back and relive the early 2000s all over again. If there were 30 things that I could bring back from that time, this would be them. Is there anything that you think should have made the list? Do you miss anything that’s on there now?
Click “Let’s Begin” to start the slideshow.
Blockbuster
There was nothing quite like strolling the aisles of Blockbuster just to check out your favorite movie for the 100th time.
Justin Timberlake's Curls
I still don’t understand why he looks back on this hair era with embarrassment. He rocked it.
Low Gas Prices
Gas was almost always under $2 per gallon. You could fill up nearly any tank on $20. Now $20 isn’t a full tank for most vehicles.
MTV
When it was still worth watching and full of the original Real Worlds and tons of Carson Daly.
Youth
Oh sweet, sweet innocence. I’ll always miss my blissful ignorance about life.
Hanging Up Dramatically
Does anyone else miss slamming the phone down when they were angry? Pressing the end call button doesn’t have the same cathartic effect.
Queen-of-Pop Britney
I have never wanted to be like a celebrity as much as I did when Britney was a rhinestone-bikini-clad role model.
Early Social Media
The early years of social media shaped so many personalities and paved the way for the new age of digital media. Myspace allowed users to express themselves however they wanted for the first time.
Unbreakable Phones
Remember when you dropped your phone and didn’t immediately panic? Me, too. Nokia brick phones were basically unbreakable.
SATC
Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda taught me what it was like to live in New York City – even if it was a little ridiculous at times. Where are the girls?!
AOL Messenger
I spent hours chatting with my friends at school, but I couldn’t wait to get home to talk to them on AIM. #RIPAIM.
All the Lils
Lil Kim. Lil Romeo. Lil Bow Wow. Easily the pinnacle of pop music. Oh how we miss you all.
Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie is the definition of courage and bravery. She mixed prints, wore crazy colors, and her hair was always on fleek. The Lizzie McGuire Movie was everything we needed at that age.
The Weakest Link
You had to think fast or you’d be cut. I can still hear the host saying “You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye.”
All Denim Outfits
So easy to put together. So comfy. JT and Brit were the ultimate fashion inspo, and we were all envious of their style.
Early Nickelodeon
Early Nick defined childhood for so many kids across the United States. From Angry Beavers to All That and The Amanda Show – it was all fantastic.
Boy Bands
Boy bands can’t stick around nowadays, and they don’t have the same flair N’Sync and Backstreet Boys had.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston
Why couldn’t they stay together forever? They were #goals when the hashtag was called “pound.” Long live Braniston!
Delia Fashion Catalogue
Even if you didn’t order anything from the Delia catalogue, it was basically a wishlist of everything you wanted.
Xtina's First Album
Pure gold. Is any song as classic as “Genie in a Bottle?”
Not Being Recorded
The 2000s were the days when you could do something stupid, and you didn’t end up on YouTube. There was no such thing as a “viral video.”
Being Phone-less
I remember a day when everyone didn’t stare down at the phones all the time. Friends talked to each other and people didn’t panic when they didn’t have the cell with them.
Mix CDs
Giving your friend (or crush) a mix CD was the ultimate message. You filled it with songs you thought they’d like that expressed the perfect message.
Original Movie Ideas
Tired of remakes and sequels? Same. The 2000s were the golden age of film that gave us great ideas like American Psycho, Mean Girls, Memento, Donnie Darko, Shaun of the Dead, and Almost Famous.
Juicy Couture
Juicy was absolutely everywhere. You couldn’t walk down the street without seeing someone wearing a velour tracksuit.
LAN Parties
Before Wi-Fi was such a huge thing, friends had to get tighter for LAN Parties. Everyone brought their console or PC and hooked it up to play together.
Y2K Panic
The world was just fine, but that didn’t stop the massive panic. Who said computers weren’t capable of making it through 2000?
Mall Culture
Even if we didn’t buy anything, it was fun hanging out with your friends at the mall. Now, no one goes to the mall, and they’re starting to close down.
Aaliyah
Aaliyah was already a star, but she could have been so much more. She was a great actress and singer, and we’ll always remember her.
Teen Movies
The 2000s brought us some of the best teen movies that have ever graced the screen. Mean Girls, The Princess Dairies, Bring It On, Freaky Friday, and 13 Going on 30 were some of the best teen films ever.
