The Early Years (1996–2001) is the first compilation album by American Christian rock band Skillet, released on July 27, 2010.

It includes songs from Skillet's first four studio albums: Skillet (1996), Hey You, I Love Your Soul (1998), Invincible (2000), and Alien Youth (2001).

Two music videos, "Best Kept Secret" and "Gasoline", are also included in the compilation.