Charlie’s Angels, released in theaters on November 3, 2000, features an unstoppable trio—Natalie Cook (Cameron Diaz), Dylan Sanders (Drew Barrymore), and Alex Munday (Lucy Liu)—working as private investigators for the mysterious Charles “Charlie” Townsend (voiced by John Forstyhe), who guides them through a speaker with help from their quirky liaison Bosley (Bill Murray).
When software genius Eric Knox is kidnapped, the Angels are tasked with his rescue. Their mission uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving Knox’s revolutionary voice-recognition technology and a ruthless villain, Roger Corwin (Tim Curry), who plans to weaponize it through his satellite company.
The Angels navigate a whirlwind of espionage with dazzling infiltration scenes, gadgetry, and stylized fight sequences. Along the way, personal relationships and betrayals surface, adding emotional depth amid the explosive action. The movie balances humor, suspense, and camaraderie, with memorable moments including an ongoing flirtation subplot and signature teamwork that highlight the Angels’ unique strengths.
Sam Rockwell, Kelly Lynch, Matt LeBlanc, Luke Wilson, Tom Green, Crispin Glover, Melissa McCarthy and LL Cool J round out the supporting cast.
Charlie’s Angels was a bold blend of action and comedy that rejuvenated the classic 1970s Aaron Spelling TV series for a new generation.
The film was notable for its ensemble cast of strong female leads—Diaz, Barrymore, and Liu—who delivered a blend of charisma, toughness, and humor that helped redefine action heroines in early 2000s Hollywood.
Murray’s Bosley provided a fan-favorite balance of dry wit and heart, while the film’s slick direction kept the pace high and visuals glossy.
Its success led to a franchise revival, spawning sequels and reboot attempts.
Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz in Charlie’s Angels (Photo/Sony Pictures)
Reception for Charlie’s Angels
Charlie’s Angels grossed $40.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $264.1 million worldwide.
Legacy
Charlie’s Angels is remembered as a vibrant pop-culture milestone that combined femme fatale allure with blockbuster spectacle, paving the way for more female-driven action films in mainstream cinema. It retains a charm as a stylish, unabashedly fun escapade blending spy thriller tropes with a distinctly 2000s flavor.
This version of Charlie’s Angels remains a sprightly mix of action, humor, and star power that encapsulates a key moment in early 21st-century Hollywood blockbuster history. It is a must-watch for fans of kinetic, female-led adventure films with a splash of ’90s-2000s pop culture flair.
