By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Accept
Nerds and BeyondNerds and Beyond
  • Television
    • ABC
      • 9-1-1
      • ABBOTT ELEMENTARY
      • THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
      • THE ROOKIE
      • THE ROOKIE: FEDS
    • AMC+
      • ANNE RICE’S MAYFAIR WITCHES
    • APPLE TV+
      • TED LASSO
    • CBS
      • FBI: INTERNATIONAL
      • GHOSTS
    • DISNEY+
      • PERCY JACKSON
      • STAR WARS SERIES
    • FOX
      • 9-1-1: LONE STAR
    • HULU
    • NBC
      • NIGHT COURT
    • NETFLIX
      • BRIDGERTON
      • MANIFEST
    • MAX
    • PEACOCK
      • YELLOWSTONE
    • PARAMOUNT+
      • STAR TREK SERIES
    • PRIME VIDEO
      • THE BOYS
      • THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY
    • SHOWTIME
    • SHUDDER
    • SYFY
    • THE CW
      • ALL AMERICAN
      • ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING
      • GOTHAM KNIGHTS
      • NANCY DREW
      • RIVERDALE
      • SUPERMAN & LOIS
      • THE FLASH
      • THE WINCHESTERS
      • WALKER
      • WALKER: INDEPENDENCE
  • Movies
    • MARVEL MOVIES
    • NETFLIX MOVIES
    • PARAMOUNT+ MOVIES
    • PIXAR
    • SONY
    • SONY MARVEL
    • STAR WARS MOVIES
  • Books
    • STAR WARS BOOKS
  • Recaps
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
Search
Reading: Celebrating Focus Features’ 20th Anniversary With Our Favorite Films
Share
Sign In
Aa
Nerds and BeyondNerds and Beyond
Aa
Search
  • Television
    • ABC
    • AMC+
    • APPLE TV+
    • CBS
    • DISNEY+
    • FOX
    • HULU
    • NBC
    • NETFLIX
    • MAX
    • PEACOCK
    • PARAMOUNT+
    • PRIME VIDEO
    • SHOWTIME
    • SHUDDER
    • SYFY
    • THE CW
  • Movies
    • MARVEL MOVIES
    • NETFLIX MOVIES
    • PARAMOUNT+ MOVIES
    • PIXAR
    • SONY
    • SONY MARVEL
    • STAR WARS MOVIES
  • Books
    • STAR WARS BOOKS
  • Recaps
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2022 Nerds and Beyond. All Rights Reserved.
Nerds and Beyond > MOVIES > Celebrating Focus Features’ 20th Anniversary With Our Favorite Films
MOVIES

Celebrating Focus Features’ 20th Anniversary With Our Favorite Films

Briar
Last updated: 2022/03/11 at 1:32 PM
Briar
Share
12 Min Read
SHARE

The 20th anniversary of Focus Features is here, and we’re celebrating here at Nerds & Beyond by showcasing some of our favorite Focus Features films.

Contents
Promising Young Woman (2020)Brokeback Mountain (2005)The Big Lebowski (1998)Pride & Prejudice (2005)Atonement (2007)Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)Downton Abbey (2019)BlacKkKlansman (2018)The Dead Don’t Die (2019)Mallrats (1995)The Theory of Everything (2014)Dazed and Confused (1993)

Additional Contributors: Lindsey, Kaity, Hannah

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Focus Features

The Academy Award-winning film Promising Young Woman was a harrowing look at how sexual assault is viewed and punished (or lack thereof) in today’s society. Written and directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham, the film took us on a revenge mission for the ages as Cassie seeks out the men who ruined her best friend’s life. Fennell won Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars for the film, the first win for a woman in the category in 13 years. Another fun fact, Fennell created the playlist for the film prior to starting the screenplay.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Focus Features

Brokeback Mountain is breathtakingly stunning and painfully beautiful in a way you can only expect from leading men Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. With incredible shots of the mountains and countryside and one of the most tragic love stories of our time, this is a film that truly stays with viewers long after they’ve finished the tragic love story between Ennis and Jack. The natural and realistic feel of this movie (thanks to well-written and executed storylines and dialogue) will make you feel as if you are following these characters in real life and will break your heart with what is one of the most emotional and impactful films of the early 2000s.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Focus Features

The Coen brothers’ The Big Lebowski starring Jeff Bridges is one of the most underrated cult classics. While everyone knows The Dude, it doesn’t get its due for being a timeless representation of Americana. It may have bombed at the box office, but its legacy lives on even 20 years later. Bridges’ undeniable charisma helped turn The Dude into so much more than a slacker, he’s simply an icon.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Focus Features

Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice found itself a new film adaptation in 2005 with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as the one and only Mr. Darcy. This romantic drama follows the budding, turbulent relationship between the two in a classic enemies-to-lovers tale. Viewers are swept up in the chemistry between Macfadyen and Knightley as they perform on a sweeping backdrop of beautiful cinematography with a lovely soundtrack. While Pride & Prejudice may be a far cry from the messy, physical, intimate romances that have become commonplace on our screens today, this film is the finest example of the unmatched, charged energy that can be found in something as simple as a glance or the proximity of one’s hands. This was director Joe Wright’s first feature film.

- Advertisement -

Atonement (2007)

Focus Features

Pride & Prejudice director Joe Wright reunited with his filmmaking team and Keira Knightley in 2007 to dive into another romantic drama, Atonement. Based on Ian McEwan’s best-selling novel, Atonement takes place over the course of several decades, beginning in 1935. 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) finds herself jealous over the feelings the housekeeper’s son, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) — her crush, has developed for her headstrong older sister Cecilia (Knightley), and thus she accuses the man of a crime he did not commit. Briony will have to work to find a path to her uncertain atonement after she changes the course of three lives forever in this deep, meaningful, emotionally-fraught film. And for a fun fact about Atonement, the movie was filmed using Christian Dior stockings as a filter over the back of the camera lens for the 1935 portion of the story in order to create its beautiful glow effect!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Focus Features

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has earned its place amongst the classics list. The romantic sci-fi film is another cult classic on the list with a harrowing message: no matter how painful, maybe memories aren’t meant to be deleted because you’ll lose a piece of yourself in the process. Starring Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and Elijah Wood, this film continues to hold up against the test of time.

Fun fact about the film, the elephant parade scene in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was a real parade that was not part of the script. One afternoon on the set in Manhattan, someone noticed that the famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus was in town and was going to have its annual midnight Elephant Walk parade across 34th Street that very night. A few hours later, the cast and crew were on the scene and Joel and Clementine were at the parade.

The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)

Focus Features

The Zookeeper’s Wife is the real-life story of a working wife and mother that went on to become a hero to hundreds during World War II. Jessica Chastain portrays Antonina Żabińska alongside Johan Heldenbergh as her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński, both of whom are caretakers of the Warsaw Zoo in 1939. When Poland is invaded by Germany, the couple begins to work with the underground resistance to save Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, all while trying to stay under the radar of the Reich’s newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Daniel Brühl). A tense, heroic, and gripping story, the film is based on Diane Ackerman’s non-fiction novel of the same name, which made use of Antonina’s diaries.

Downton Abbey (2019)

Focus Features

Following the 6-season run of Julian Fellowes’ beloved historical drama Downton Abbey, a film eventually followed years after the finale. Downton Abbey originally took place between 1912 and 1926, depicting the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The film picks back up in 1927, following a royal visit from the King and Queen of England. The original ensemble cast returned for the film, which was just as lovely as the series it was based on. Fans can now look forward to the upcoming sequel film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, which is due to hit theaters on May 20.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

Focus Features

BlacKkKlansman is an Academy Award-nominated film from Spike Lee, based on the 2014 memoir “Black Klansman” by Ron Stallworth. The film is set in the 1970s and follows Stallworth, an African-American detective who sets out to expose the local Klu Klux Klan chapter. The film stars John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace, and Laura Harrier. The film is an eye-opening look at Stallworth’s story, mixed with the intricate storytelling from Lee and the incredible performances by its cast.

- Advertisement -

The Dead Don’t Die (2019)

Focus Features

In The Dead Don’t Die, Bill Murray takes you through the town of Centerville as it’s overrun with zombies, and they try to defend their town and stay alive. Rounded out with a stellar cast of Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, and Chloë Sevigny, it will take you on an adventure you won’t want to miss. 

Mallrats (1995)

Focus Features

Set in the View Askewniverse, Mallrats takes your favorite lovable characters and tells their story one day before Clerks. It’s a cult classic film that features Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Jason Lee, Jeremy London, and Shannen Doherty. If you’re a fan of Kevin Smith films, you know this one is a must-see. 

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Focus Features

Led by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, the duo leads you through the lives of Stephen Hawking and Jane Hawking. The film shows their relationship, Stephen’s work, and his ALS. The Theory of Everything was nominated for several Academy Awards, with Redmayne winning Best Actor. 

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Focus Features

All right, all right, all right, we couldn’t leave this list without mentioning Dazed and Confused. Another cult classic, Dazed and Confused is still one of the most beloved movies today. In fact, at one point Quentin Tarantino listed it on a list of his Top 10 favorite films. It may have taken place in the 70s, but this coming-of-age film still holds up even today.

The studio is celebrating with a brand new reel they’ve released, which you can see below.

They’ve also partnered with AMC Theatres, who will highlight the Focus Features’
anniversary beginning on April 29 with “Focus 20” week at select theatres nationwide. AMC will showcase seven titles from the Focus Features library, each of them receiving an afternoon and primetime screening over the seven-day period. The titles to be featured are Downton Abbey (directed by Michael Engler; September 20, 2019), Brokeback Mountain (directed by Ang Lee; December 9,
2005), Burn After Reading (directed by Ethan Cohen, Joel Coen; September 12, 2008), Darkest Hour (directed by Joe Wright; November 22, 2017), Atonement (directed by Joe Wright; December 7, 2007), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (directed by Michel Gondry; March 19, 2004), and Harriet (directed by Kasi Lemmons; November 1, 2019).

Also, Focus Features is the first film brand with a dedicated hub on Peacock. The streaming platform will collect the studio’s historically acquired specialty films in one place to direct specialty film fans.

Share this:

  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related

You Might Also Like

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Review: A Banquet For the Eyes That Will Leave You Mesmerized [Spoiler-Free]

Jack Quaid to Star in ‘Companion’ From ‘Barbarian’ Team

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ to Premiere on MGM+ Tomorrow

‘Barbie’ Trailer: Margot Robbie Visits the Real World and Has an Existential Crisis

Watch: Paramount Pictures Releases Official Trailer for ‘Sheroes’ Coming Soon

TAGGED: focus features
Briar March 11, 2022
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Reddit Copy Link Print
Share
By Briar
Briar is the owner and creator of Nerds and Beyond. She started the site in 2015 with the goal of being a unique, professional news site dedicated to all the things she loved - and providing fans with the best content available. Briar oversees the day-to-day operations and runs all of the social media. She loves all things Disney, Star Wars, Supernatural and anything tech related. You can follow her @thebriarroseee.
Previous Article
‘Human Resources’ Review: A Delightful Addition to the ‘Big Mouth’ Universe
Next Article
‘The Boys’ Season 3 Trailer Release Date Confirmed
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Stay Connected

2.6k Followers Like
35.3k Followers Follow
2.2k Followers Follow
3.8k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

Edward James Olmos To Guest Star in ‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ Season 2
DISNEY CHANNEL FANDOM MARVEL TELEVISION June 3, 2023
‘Manifest’ Recap: Season 4, Episode 20 “Final Boarding”
MANIFEST NETFLIX RECAPS TELEVISION June 3, 2023
‘Manifest’ Recap: Season 4, Episode 19 “Formation”
MANIFEST NETFLIX RECAPS TELEVISION June 3, 2023
‘Manifest’ Recap: Season 4, Episode 18 “Lift/Drag”
MANIFEST NETFLIX RECAPS TELEVISION June 3, 2023
Nerds and BeyondNerds and Beyond
Follow US

© 2022 Nerds and Beyond. All Rights Reserved.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?