20 Most Rewatchable Movies Of The 2000s

10. School of Rock (2003)

Even though Tenacious D has been around since the mid-nineties, most of our introductions to Jack Black’s musical prowess came via Richard Linklater’s family comedy School of Rock.

Black stars as down-on-his-luck guitarist Dewey Finn, who, having just been kicked out of his band, finds himself threatened with eviction from his best friend Ned Schneebly’s (Mike White) living room. Desperate for any kind of gig so long as it pays, Dewey impersonates Ned and stands in as a substitute teacher at Horace Green Elementary School. He soon discovers the kids he’s in charge of have some serious musical talent, and so assembles a new band – the titular School of Rock – to take to Battle of the Bands.

Nobody expected this film from Linklater, given he had spent the preceding decade and a half making the kind of low-budget, indie features that you would sooner find at Cannes than the local Odeon. Yet his fundamental skills as a director shine through in a picture that has absolutely no artsy frills, and is just a great example of good, strong filmmaking. Black carries the thing, providing the movie’s heart and humour, and support from White, Sarah Silverman, Joan Cusack, and, of course, the kids – many of whom had never acted before, and bring an earnest authenticity to proceedings – provide all the right counterpoints to make this a film to remember.

It doesn’t matter if you’re eight, 18, or 80, you’ll always make time to watch School of Rock.