Over the past two decades, the landscape of cinema has transformed dramatically, shaped by everything from the rise of streaming platforms to the dominance of superhero blockbusters. In this era of constant change, which films truly stand out? Which cinematic achievements released since January 1, 2000, possess the enduring quality, artistic vision, and cultural impact to be considered the very best of the 21st century so far?
To answer this question, a major publication embarked on an ambitious project: polling more than 500 of the most influential figures in the film world. Directors, actors, cinematographers, and other notable industry professionals from Hollywood and around the globe were asked to cast their ballots, identifying the films they believe are the greatest of the new millennium.
The result is a definitive list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century, reflecting the diverse tastes and insights of those who create the films we love. Esteemed voters included Oscar-winning directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Barry Jenkins, and Guillermo del Toro, alongside acclaimed actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Julianne Moore. Their combined perspectives offer a unique and authoritative look at the films that have defined this era.
The compiled list celebrates films across genres and styles, showcasing works that deliver unforgettable stories, feature powerful performances, exhibit groundbreaking technical artistry, and resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike. Here is a glimpse into the lower ranks of this prestigious countdown, revealing some of the incredible movies that industry experts consider essential viewing.
The Countdown Begins: Films 100-61
This initial section unveils films ranked from 100 down to 61, offering a diverse snapshot of the cinematic excellence recognized by the poll.
100. Superbad
Greg Mottola, 2007
Every generation finds its defining teen comedy, and for the 21st century, that mantle belongs to “Superbad.” Penned by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this hilariously profane yet endearingly sweet script follows two high school friends determined to lose their virginity before graduation. Director Greg Mottola elevated the antics with stylish retro titles and uproarious sequences. Praised as a casting triumph, the film introduced audiences to the significant talents of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Emma Stone. Julianne Moore was among the film’s voters.
99. Memories of Murder
Bong Joon Ho, 2005
Bong Joon Ho’s masterful South Korean police procedural defies Hollywood conventions from its opening moments. A detective arriving via tractor to investigate a rural crime scene sets the tone for a story blending grim laughs with sharp drama. The film explores the limitations of men confronting unfathomable evil with Bong’s signature mix of unexpected humor and keen observation. Actor Charles Melton lauded its emotional depth and hailed its ending as potentially the greatest of any film.
98. Grizzly Man
Werner Herzog, 2005
Werner Herzog’s haunting documentary about Timothy Treadwell, who lived among Alaskan brown bears, isn’t just educational; it’s a profound exploration of a man grappling with his place in the world. Utilizing Treadwell’s extensive self-recorded footage, the film takes a chilling turn as Herzog listens to the audio recorded during the fatal bear attack on Treadwell and his girlfriend, creating an unforgettable and deeply disturbing cinematic experience.
97. Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón, 2013
An intense, real-time survival story, Alfonso Cuarón’s “Gravity” is celebrated as one of the 21st century’s greatest thrill rides. Sandra Bullock delivers a gripping performance as an astronaut stranded in space, forced to confront both physical peril and suppressed trauma. Featuring groundbreaking special effects that set a new standard, the film crafts a suspenseful narrative suggesting that the true terror of space isn’t death, but profound isolation. Edgar Wright was among the directors who voted for it.
96. Black Panther
Ryan Coogler, 2018
More than just a superhero spectacle, “Black Panther” stands out for its powerful commentary on identity, history, and responsibility. Ryan Coogler’s vision brought the Afrofuturistic world of Wakanda to vibrant, Oscar-winning life. The film was lauded for its strong, complex female characters and Michael B. Jordan’s compelling portrayal of Killmonger. Anchoring it all was Chadwick Boseman’s iconic performance as the title hero, sadly one of his last. Its cultural impact and unique blend of espionage and family saga earned it a place on this list.
95. The Worst Person in the World
Joachim Trier, 2021
Joachim Trier’s empathetic dramedy follows Julie, a young woman navigating her late 20s in Oslo, changing paths and partners as she searches for meaning. Rather than judging her indecision, the film celebrates the messy, meandering process of finding oneself through life’s detours. Led by a nuanced performance from Renate Reinsve, it’s a sensitive and insightful portrait of modern existentialism and romantic entanglement.
94. Minority Report
Steven Spielberg, 2002
Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story remains a haunting dystopian thriller. Set in a future where crime is prevented by precognitives, the film features iconic imagery and a tense narrative. Tom Cruise is compelling as a falsely accused police officer uncovering a conspiracy, imbuing the action with a deep sadness. Spielberg crafts a visually stark noir that explores fate, free will, and the human cost of seeking absolute control.
93. Michael Clayton
Tony Gilroy, 2007
George Clooney delivers one of his finest performances as Michael Clayton, a law firm “fixer” whose cynicism is challenged when a colleague suffers a breakdown and finds his moral compass. Tony Gilroy’s gripping thriller masterfully builds tension as Clayton navigates a complex corporate conspiracy. As actor Arian Moayed noted, the film excels as a “perfect David vs. Goliath story,” providing plot points early but requiring the audience to piece together the puzzle, making it both tangible and entertaining.
92. Gladiator
Ridley Scott, 2000
Resurrecting the sword-and-sandal epic, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” delivered a thrilling mix of action and intrigue. Russell Crowe is at the height of his powers as Maximus, the honorable soldier seeking vengeance, complemented by Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the insecure emperor Commodus. While inspiring many imitators, the film’s enduring power comes from its blend of spectacle with genuine heart and compelling performances. Novelist Nicholas Sparks voted for this epic drama.
91. Fish Tank
Andrea Arnold, 2010
Andrea Arnold’s raw and daring portrait of adolescence centers on a fiercely independent girl, Mia, whose dream of becoming a hip-hop dancer intersects with the arrival of her mother’s new boyfriend. The film fearlessly explores Mia’s awakening passions and her underlying vulnerability beneath a tough exterior. Anchored by striking performances from Katie Jarvis and Michael Fassbender, it’s an electric and insightful character study, recognized by director Lena Dunham among others.
90. Frances Ha
Noah Baumbach, 2013
A key collaboration between Greta Gerwig and director Noah Baumbach, “Frances Ha” is a nostalgic black-and-white character study capturing the awkward transition into adulthood. Gerwig stars as Frances, a woman clinging joyfully yet immaturely to her youth. The film beautifully portrays the moment reality sets in, showcasing Gerwig’s emerging talent as both a performer and a writer, celebrated for its honest depiction of friendship, ambition, and finding your place.
89. Interstellar
Christopher Nolan, 2014
Christopher Nolan’s ambitious space epic is a dazzling puzzle exploring humanity’s place in the universe and the concept of home. Matthew McConaughey leads the film as a widower leaving a dying Earth to find a new planet. While featuring mind-bending plot points and grand sci-fi concepts, “Interstellar” is profoundly moving in its focus on the fragile bonds of family and the precarious human connection to home. Simu Liu highlighted this film on his ballot.
88. The Gleaners & I
Agnès Varda, 2001
Pioneering filmmaker Agnès Varda turns her intimate, handheld digital camera on the practice of gleaning – collecting what is left behind. Traveling across France, Varda creates a profound, tender, and philosophical documentary that reflects on personal identity, scarcity, and community. Through her own act of cinematic “gleaning,” Varda crafts a dreamlike meditation on how to live in the world, embodying a philosophy of taking only what is needed and sharing generously.
87. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Peter Jackson, 2001
Peter Jackson achieved the near-impossible with the first chapter of his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth vividly to life. The film set a new benchmark for fantasy epics with breathtaking visuals and immersive set pieces that appealed equally to longtime fans and newcomers. Its technical achievements and transportive score established a standard that few blockbusters have matched since. Actor Tony Hale included this epic adventure in his picks.
86. Past Lives
Celine Song, 2023
Celine Song’s poignant debut feature is an exquisite reflection on time, love, fate, and reinvention. The story unfolds across two decades and two cities (Seoul and New York), centered on the complex reunion of two childhood friends. The film’s delicate script and perfectly tuned performances from Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro build to an emotionally shattering conclusion, marking it as an instant classic for its tender exploration of connection and paths not taken.
85. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Adam McKay, 2004
A riotous comedy classic, Adam McKay’s “Anchorman” is pure, absurd joy. Will Ferrell delivers an arguably career-best performance as the lovably dim, sexist lunk Ron Burgundy, leading an ensemble cast clearly having the time of their lives. The film’s endless stream of memorable one-liners, bizarre set pieces (like the news team rumble), and sheer silliness make it the perfect antidote to… well, anything. Its lack of narrative sense is irrelevant; the humor and infectious energy carry the day.
84. Melancholia
Lars von Trier, 2011
Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia” is a visually stunning and deeply contemplative work of cinematic dread. Kirsten Dunst gives a powerful performance as a bride unraveling as a rogue planet hurtles towards Earth. Known for his bleak and brutal style, von Trier somehow finds a haunting beauty in the prospect of total annihilation, crafting a unique disaster film that is as breathtakingly melancholic as it is visually audacious.
83. Inside Llewyn Davis
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, 2013
The Coen brothers delve into the 1960s folk scene by focusing on a struggling artist teetering on the edge of obscurity. Oscar Isaac delivers a breakout performance as Llewyn Davis, a talented but self-sabotaging musician mourning his past and alienating his friends. The film is a poignant study of being an artist just outside the reach of greatness, finding ironic brilliance in its depiction of failure. Actor Rachel Zegler cited this film in her ballot.
82. The Act of Killing
Joshua Oppenheimer and Anonymous, 2013
Joshua Oppenheimer’s chilling documentary explores the perpetrators of Indonesia’s 1965-66 mass killings, but its true subject is the astonishing human capacity for rationalizing monstrous acts. By having former death squad leaders reenact their atrocities in the style of their favorite movie genres, Oppenheimer creates a work of psychological horror that is terrifying precisely because it is nonfiction. Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor praised the film as a “profound meditation on guilt” and its fascinating look at the human cost on the perpetrators.
81. Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky, 2010
Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller is a visceral descent into obsession. Natalie Portman, in her Oscar-winning role, plays Nina, a ballerina whose pursuit of perfection and rivalry with a fellow dancer pushes her towards madness. Aronofsky expertly builds tension and disorientation, infusing Nina’s hallucinations with a dark, unforgettable grandeur that blurs the line between ambition and self-destruction.
80. Volver
Pedro Almodóvar, 2006
Pedro Almodóvar’s vibrant drama is a testament to the resilience and unbreakable bonds between generations of women in a Spanish village. Featuring an electrifying performance from Penélope Cruz, the film masterfully weaves together themes of death, resurrection, and family secrets with Almodóvar’s signature style – dripping with passion, beauty, and a touch of magical realism that opens the narrative to unexpected realms. Pamela Anderson was among the voters for this acclaimed work.
79. The Tree of Life
Terrence Malick, 2011
Terrence Malick’s Palme d’Or winner is an audacious, impressionistic film that attempts to encompass nothing less than the history of creation. While loosely following a family in 1950s Texas and their troubled son decades later, the film’s most striking element is its “history of the universe” sequence. Through breathtaking visuals and a meditative tone, Malick searches for the meaning of a single human life by examining the violent, beautiful, and mysterious origins of existence itself.
78. Aftersun
Charlotte Wells, 2022
Charlotte Wells’ quietly devastating feature debut feels like unearthed home movies, capturing a father and daughter’s Turkish vacation with poignant intimacy. Frankie Corio and Oscar-nominated Paul Mescal deliver perfectly tuned, naturalistic performances that contribute to the film’s powerful realism. As subtle hints of darkness emerge and the narrative shifts to the past tense, recognizing this precious time is finite becomes heartbreakingly clear. Producer and director Barry Jenkins highlighted the film’s emotional truth and “killer ending.”
77. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, 2022
Wildly inventive and brimming with ideas, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s film is a genre-hopping multiverse adventure that shouldn’t work as well as it does. Yet, beneath the absurdity (like hot dogs for fingers), the directors distill the chaos into profound truths about love, family, and finding meaning in chaos. The film’s unique blend of action, comedy, sci-fi, and deep emotional resonance made it a cultural phenomenon and major awards winner. Justice Smith voted for this imaginative hit.
76. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, 2000
Presented as a loose adaptation of Homer’s “Odyssey,” the Coen brothers’ sepia-toned adventure is a hearty stew of folklore and tall tales set in Depression-era Mississippi. Three dimwitted escaped convicts embark on a treasure hunt, leading to a whimsical, rollicking ride. The film is elevated by its iconic use of Americana music, turning the quest into a charming allegory about freedom, forgiveness, and inherent human flaws. Actor-director Benny Safdie praised the performances, the humor, and especially the profound music.
75. Amour
Michael Haneke, 2012
Known for provocative films, Michael Haneke delivered a surprisingly tender and deeply wrenching portrait of spousal devotion in “Amour.” Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva star as elderly former music teachers facing Anne’s deteriorating health. The film unflinchingly depicts Georges’ difficult role as caregiver, recognizing the inevitable end while showing the enduring power of love in the face of decline. Pedro Almodóvar, himself on this list, voted for this powerful drama.
74. The Florida Project
Sean Baker, 2017
Sean Baker’s film offers a heart-rending look at childhood imagination blossoming amidst poverty and marginalization near the manufactured fantasy world of Disney World. Brooklynn Prince is effervescent as 6-year-old Moonee, running riot at a tawdry motel. The film captures her pure childlike energy while maintaining an unspoken tension about the grim realities just off-screen, starkly contrasting innocence with the difficult circumstances just outside its reach. Actor Mikey Madison selected this poignant film.
73. Ratatouille
Brad Bird, 2007
Pixar elevates familiar animated tropes (underdog story, Paris setting) into a culinary masterpiece. Remy, a rat with a sophisticated palate and grand dreams, heads to the city to pursue his passion. The result is an enchanting, witty, and deeply touching adventure about reigniting creativity and believing in yourself. Like its titular dish, the film takes simple ingredients and elevates them into something truly extraordinary and enduring.
72. Carol
Todd Haynes, 2015
Todd Haynes’ exquisite romance is a landmark of queer cinema, depicting a tender love story between a young photographer (Rooney Mara) and an older society woman (Cate Blanchett) in the restrictive 1950s. The film captures the stifled world where gay people often lived in self-imprisonment (symbolized by visual motifs), but offers a more hopeful conclusion than many similar stories. Blanchett and Mara deliver nuanced performances, and the film’s depiction of awakening sexuality is both delicate and powerful.
71. Ocean’s Eleven
Steven Soderbergh, 2001
Steven Soderbergh’s stylish remake injects pure star power and effortless cool into the heist genre. George Clooney and Brad Pitt lead a glittering ensemble cast in a caper that maintains high tension while remaining impeccably sleek and entertaining. Each member of Danny Ocean’s crew, including scene-stealers like Elliott Gould and Don Cheadle, is a delight. Soderbergh crafts a dreamy, idealized vision of Las Vegas that perfectly matches the charisma of its cast. Joel Kim Booster voted for this fun, smooth thriller.
70. Let the Right One In
Tomas Alfredson, 2008
A chilling and deeply empathetic vampire film, Tomas Alfredson’s Swedish drama centers on the friendship between a bullied, lonely boy and his mysterious, offbeat neighbor who may be a vampire. The film unfolds with a palpable sense of calm dread, punctuated by moments of stark violence, but its heart lies in the tender, unconventional connection between the two outcasts. It successfully pushes the boundaries of the vampire genre by prioritizing character and atmosphere. Jemaine Clement highlighted this unique horror story.
69. Under the Skin
Jonathan Glazer, 2014
Jonathan Glazer’s film is a haunting, dislocating head trip featuring a mesmerizing performance from Scarlett Johansson as an alien entity preying on men in Scotland. The imagery is hypnotic and deeply unsettling, creating a lyrical slow burn amplified by Mica Levi’s unnerving score. Directors Ari Aster called it a “genuine vision” and “vivid, strange” film, while Todd Field praised its “miracle of economy,” asserting that like good art, it “scalds you” with its power.
68. The Hurt Locker
Kathryn Bigelow, 2009
Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for this nerve-shredding portrayal of a U.S. bomb disposal team in Iraq. The film viscerally captures the tension and danger of 21st-century warfare. Jeremy Renner stars as Staff Sgt. James, an adrenaline junkie more comfortable facing I.E.D.s than navigating civilian life. Author Dennis Lehane noted the striking contrast between the intensity of war and the overwhelming banality of a supermarket aisle, while actress Samara Weaving lauded Bigelow’s mastery in depicting skilled professionals under pressure.
67. Tár
Todd Field, 2022
Todd Field’s return to directing after 16 years delivered perhaps the defining film of the “cancel culture” era. Cate Blanchett is brilliant as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned conductor whose hubris becomes her undoing. Field and Blanchett craft such a meticulous portrait that Lydia feels utterly real, leading to a complex, weighty dissection of power and artistry that is both intellectually stimulating and unexpectedly hilarious. Matthew Weiner was among the film’s supporters.
66. Spotlight
Tom McCarthy, 2015
This Best Picture Oscar winner is an understated, powerful procedural about the journalists at The Boston Globe who uncovered a massive child sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. “Spotlight” is celebrated for its commitment to the unglamorous, dogged pursuit of truth, avoiding melodrama or exploitation. It’s a tribute to investigative journalism and the quiet heroism of those who hold powerful institutions accountable.
65. Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan, 2023
Christopher Nolan’s epic biographical thriller tackles J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb and a key figure in ushering in the apocalyptic age. Nolan masterfully structures the film around the creation of power, both scientific (fission/fusion) and political, weaving together history, a tense thriller narrative, and a stark warning about the consequences of scientific advancement. It’s a monumental work exploring the collision of intellect, ambition, and devastating power, earning praise from figures like Stephen King.
64. Gone Girl
David Fincher, 2014
David Fincher’s adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel is a masterclass in the unreliable narrator and the dark side of domesticity. Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck deliver pitch-perfect performances as a couple whose marriage unravels under intense media scrutiny after the wife’s disappearance. The film constantly shifts perspectives, keeping the audience guessing about who is the victim and who is the villain, ultimately offering a bleak look at toxic relationships.
63. Little Miss Sunshine
Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, 2006
This beloved indie gem is a heartwarming and hilarious portrait of a wildly dysfunctional but fiercely supportive family. The eccentric Hoover clan piles into a cramped VW bus to take their young daughter Olive to a child beauty pageant. Part road trip comedy, part poignant commentary on contemporary American aspirations and failures, “Little Miss Sunshine” delights with its sharp wit, empathetic heart, and pitch-perfect ensemble cast, anchored by Abigail Breslin’s charming performance as Olive.
62. Memento
Christopher Nolan, 2001
One of Christopher Nolan’s most ingenious films, “Memento” stands out for its groundbreaking non-linear structure. By telling the story in reverse, the film immerses the audience in the disoriented state of its protagonist, Leonard, who suffers from short-term memory loss. As Leonard tattoos clues onto his body to track his wife’s killer, the film becomes a clever puzzle that is also a profound meditation on memory, identity, and the stories we construct to make sense of our lives, culminating in a shocking revelation.
61. Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Quentin Tarantino, 2003
Quentin Tarantino delivers a hyper-stylized, gleefully violent revenge epic that is both a loving homage to various B-movie genres and a unique cinematic creation. Uma Thurman stars as the Bride, awakening from a coma to seek bloody vengeance on her former colleagues. Tarantino masterfully blends martial arts, spaghetti westerns, anime, and grindhouse aesthetics into a kinetic, unforgettable cinematic experience, filled with iconic characters and unforgettable action sequences. Actor Arian Moayed also noted this film for its pure, campy fun.
This esteemed list represents some of the most impactful and enduring films to emerge from the 21st century so far, as chosen by the very people who shape the world of cinema.
