Discovering the greatest films of any era is a passion for movie lovers, and the 21st century has already delivered a remarkable body of work. To definitively rank the 100 best movies of the 21st century, a major survey tapped into the insights of some of the most knowledgeable minds in cinema: over 500 actors, directors, writers, producers, critics, and other film industry professionals.
This comprehensive poll aimed to capture a wide spectrum of perspectives, asking participants to share their top film picks released since January 1, 2000. The result is a uniquely informed list shaped by the very people who create and shape the world of film.
Who Voted? Influential Voices Across Cinema
The list of contributors reads like a who’s who of modern cinema and beyond. While over 500 individuals cast their ballots, a significant portion – including 121 famous names highlighted in the survey – offer a glimpse into the caliber of expertise involved. These influential voices span diverse roles and genres, ensuring a rich and varied assessment of the century’s cinematic output.
The esteemed panel includes acclaimed directors like Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Bong Joon Ho, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Luca Guadagnino, and Edgar Wright. Legendary and contemporary actors also weighed in, such as Julianne Moore, Toni Collette, Brian Cox, Pamela Anderson, Stephen Merchant, Patton Oswalt, Molly Ringwald, Simu Liu, Rachel Zegler, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Beyond the performers and directors, the poll features the perspectives of celebrated writers like Stephen King and Nicholas Sparks, prominent producers such as Jason Blum and Amy Pascal, and innovative voices across cinematography, production design, comedy, and music composition for film. This broad cross-section of the industry underscores the depth and credibility informing the final list.
Meet Some of the Notable Contributors
To give you a sense of the esteemed voters, here are just a few examples from the extensive list:
Pedro Almodóvar: The iconic Spanish filmmaker, an Oscar winner known for vibrant dramas like “Talk to Her” and “The Room Next Door.”
Sofia Coppola: An Oscar-winning director and screenwriter celebrated for her distinctive style in films such as “Lost in Translation” and “Priscilla.”
Bong Joon Ho: The South Korean auteur behind the groundbreaking, Oscar Best Picture winner “Parasite,” whose work often blends genres with sharp social commentary.
Stephen King: The globally renowned author whose novels and stories have provided source material for countless enduring screen adaptations, from horror classics to powerful dramas.
Julianne Moore: An Oscar-winning actress acclaimed for her versatile performances in films like “Still Alice,” “Far From Heaven,” and recent work with Almodóvar.
Jason Blum: The founder of Blumhouse Productions, a driving force behind successful horror franchises and critically acclaimed films like “Get Out” and “Whiplash.”
Mel Brooks: A legendary comedian and filmmaker whose career spans seven decades, responsible for classics like “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.”
Edgar Wright: The distinctive British director known for genre-bending favorites such as “Shaun of the Dead” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.”
Barry Jenkins: The Oscar-winning director of “Moonlight,” celebrated for his emotionally resonant storytelling.
Ava DuVernay: A powerful writer-director known for impactful works like “Selma” and the documentary “13TH.”
Celine Song: The acclaimed writer-director whose debut film, “Past Lives,” garnered significant Oscar buzz.
John Waters: The iconic cult filmmaker and author, known for his transgressive and unique cinematic voice.
These names, along with many others like Toni Collette, Brian Cox, Luca Guadagnino, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nathan Lane, John Lithgow, Simu Liu, Patton Oswalt, Molly Ringwald, Benny and Josh Safdie, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, and Rachel Zegler, represent just a fraction of the influential ballots counted. The full list features an extensive array of talent from every corner of the industry, from rising stars to seasoned veterans.
The Voting Process
Participants in the poll were asked to submit a list of up to 10 favorite movies released since January 1, 2000. Votes for films released prior to this date were excluded to maintain the focus strictly on the 21st century. This structured approach allowed for a robust ranking based on collective expert opinion.
This remarkable compilation offers a unique look at the films that have resonated most deeply with the people who shape modern cinema. Exploring the voters provides valuable context for understanding the perspectives that molded this definitive list of the best films the 21st century has offered so far.
