15 Websites From the Early 2000s You Probably Forgot Existed

From social networks to interactive games, early 2000s websites were creative, experimental, and sometimes odd. Their legacy is still felt in the design, community, and functionality of modern internet platforms.

Tricia Quitales
November 14, 2025
5 min read

15 Websites From the Early 2000s You Probably Forgot Existed — Pixabay on Pexels

The early 2000s were a formative time for the internet, full of quirky websites and innovative platforms. Many of these sites shaped how people connected, shared content, and discovered entertainment online. Over time, most have disappeared or evolved into entirely different services. Revisiting these forgotten websites offers a nostalgic look at the digital culture that influenced today’s online world.

1. 1. GeoCities

GeoCities was a popular web hosting service that allowed users to create personal websites with simple tools. Many early web enthusiasts showcased their hobbies, artwork, and personal diaries there. Yahoo acquired GeoCities, and eventually, the platform was shut down in 2009. Despite its end, GeoCities represents a foundational chapter in user-generated web content.

2. 2. Friendster

Friendster was one of the first social networking sites, predating Facebook and MySpace. Users could connect with friends, create profiles, and share updates. It quickly became popular in Asia before declining in the late 2000s. Friendster eventually pivoted to a gaming site before shutting down completely. Its influence on social networking culture cannot be understated.

3. 3. LiveJournal

LiveJournal allowed users to write blogs and participate in online communities organized by interest. Many teenagers and young adults used it to document daily life or explore niche hobbies. Its unique blend of blogging and social networking made it highly interactive. LiveJournal is still technically active but nowhere near its peak popularity. It laid the groundwork for modern blogging platforms.

4. 4. Angelfire

Angelfire was a web hosting service famous for its free websites and DIY templates. Users could create fan pages, personal portfolios, and quirky multimedia projects. The site’s HTML-based approach encouraged beginners to experiment with coding. Over time, it faded as more modern platforms like WordPress and Wix took over. Angelfire remains a symbol of early web creativity.

5. 5. MySpace

MySpace became the leading social network before Facebook took over the world. Users could customize profiles with backgrounds, music, and embedded videos. It played a key role in music promotion, helping artists reach fans directly. Privacy concerns and design issues led to its decline in the late 2000s. Despite this, it remains iconic in internet history.

6. 6. Neopets

Neopets combined virtual pet ownership with games, trading, and an online economy. Millions of users, especially children and teenagers, visited daily. The site encouraged community interaction through forums and competitions. Though it still exists, it is far less popular than during its peak years. Neopets was a pioneer in creating immersive online worlds for young audiences.

7. 7. Xanga

Xanga was a blog and social networking platform where users posted personal updates and interacted with friends. Its focus on written expression made it popular for teen and young adult communities. Members could comment, rate, and follow each other’s posts. Competition from platforms like LiveJournal and Facebook led to its decline. Xanga represents the early blogging culture of the internet.

8. 8. eBaum’s World

Website eBaum’s World was a hub for viral videos, memes, and internet humor before YouTube existed. Users submitted funny content that spread across forums and emails. The site was known for its shock value and early meme culture. Legal controversies sometimes surrounded the platform for reposted content. Its influence on online humor and viral trends is still remembered.

9. 9. Homestar Runner

Homestar Runner was a Flash-based website featuring cartoons and quirky characters. The site gained popularity through humorous animations and interactive games. Its influence extended into early web culture, inspiring countless independent animators. While less active today, it is remembered as a hallmark of Flash entertainment.

10. 10. Orkut

Orkut was a social networking site owned by Google and was very popular in Brazil and India. Users created profiles, joined communities, and shared photos. It fostered online friendships long before Instagram and Facebook dominated social media. Google eventually shut it down in 2014 due to declining usage. For many, Orkut remains a nostalgic memory of early social networking.

11. 11. Ask Jeeves

Ask Jeeves was a search engine that allowed users to ask questions in plain English. It aimed to simplify searching by responding to queries conversationally. The site eventually rebranded as Ask.com to compete with Google. Many users remember its friendly but quirky mascot, Jeeves the butler. It represents an era when search engines were trying to be more human-friendly.

12. 12. LimeWire

LimeWire was a peer-to-peer file-sharing platform mainly used to download music. It became a central hub for the digital music revolution of the early 2000s. Legal battles over copyright infringement led to its shutdown in 2010. LimeWire profoundly impacted how people accessed and shared digital media. Its legacy influenced later legal music streaming services.

13. 13. Bolt.com

One of the first social networking sites for teens, Bolt allowed users to create profiles, chat, post blogs, and share photos — years before MySpace. It shut down in 2007 after struggling to compete with newer platforms.

14. 14. Webkinz

Webkinz combined physical plush toys with an online virtual world. Each toy came with a code granting access to games and activities on the website. The brand remains active but is far less central to online culture today. It exemplifies the early integration of physical products with digital experiences.

15. 15. Newgrounds

Newgrounds was an online hub for Flash games, animations, and art. It allowed independent creators to share content directly with an enthusiastic audience. The site influenced countless animators and game developers during the early 2000s. Its community-driven approach made it a pioneer in creative online platforms.