Industry Insiders Poll: Which 21st Century Films Are the Best?
The New York Times has embarked on a major project to compile a definitive list of the 100 best films released since the dawn of the 21st century (defined as films from January 1, 2000, onwards). To create this comprehensive ranking, the publication didn’t solely rely on critical consensus. Instead, they polled a vast and influential group of over 500 figures from across Hollywood and the global film industry.
This extensive list of voters included prominent directors, actors, writers, producers, and dedicated film enthusiasts, such as celebrated names like Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Barry Jenkins, Guillermo del Toro, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Julianne Moore. Each participant was asked to submit their personal Top Ten list of 21st Century films, and the final NYT ranking is being compiled based on how these hundreds of individual ballots stack up.
Surprising Picks and Recurring Favorites Emerge
As results from this massive industry poll begin to surface, they offer a fascinating look at which films have truly resonated with the creative minds behind the movies. Individual ballots reveal a mix of critically acclaimed darlings, box office hits, and some truly unexpected selections.
For instance, reports indicate choices like director Luca Guadagnino championing John Carpenter’s 2001 sci-fi horror Ghosts of Mars, comedian Patton Oswalt selecting Shane Black’s 2016 neo-noir comedy The Nice Guys, and filmmaker Josh Safdie including Steven Soderbergh’s 2013 HBO drama Behind the Candelabra. These unique picks highlight the diverse tastes even within the film community.
Alongside these surprising entries, many titles appear repeatedly across numerous Top Ten lists submitted by filmmakers and actors. Films frequently cited include:
The Act of Killing
Aftersun
Another Round
Beau Travail
Birdman
Borat
Boyhood
Bridesmaids
Brokeback Mountain
Call Me By Your Name
Children of Men
City of God
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Dark Knight
The Departed
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Ex Machina
Fish Tank
Get Out
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Gravity
Grizzly Man
Hero
The Incredibles
In the Mood for Love
Inglourious Basterds
Inside Out
Interstellar
Krisha
The Lives of Others
Mad Max: Fury Road
Memories of Murder
Moneyball
Moonlight
Mulholland Drive
No Country for Old Men
Oldboy
Oppenheimer
Parasite
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Punch-Drunk Love
Rachel Getting Married
Requiem for a Dream
The Social Network
Spirited Away
Spotlight
Talk to Her
Team America: World Police
There Will Be Blood
Under the Skin
Wall-E
The Worst Person in the World
Zodiac
The Zone of Interest
This extensive list of recurring titles showcases the wide range of genres and filmmaking styles that have made a lasting impression over the past quarter-century, from animated classics like Spirited Away and Wall-E to intense dramas like There Will Be Blood and The Social Network, groundbreaking genre films like Get Out and Mad Max: Fury Road, and international cinema highlights like Parasite and In the Mood for Love.
Beyond Favorites: Films That Shaped the Century
Looking at the films repeatedly mentioned in polls and discussions about the 21st century, it’s clear some movies didn’t just earn praise; they actively reshaped the cinematic landscape.
Films like Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, for example, became the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Oscar, a historic moment that underscored the growing global reach and recognition of international cinema. Similarly, Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther wasn’t just a superhero blockbuster; it was a cultural phenomenon that broke box office records for a Black director, provided powerful representation, and became the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture.
Jordan Peele’s debut horror film Get Out is another standout, demonstrating how a micro-budget genre film could offer sharp social commentary and achieve massive critical and commercial success, influencing subsequent genre filmmaking. James Cameron’s Avatar pushed technological boundaries with its use of 3D and motion capture, even as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, launched by Iron Man, created an unprecedented shared universe model that redefined blockbuster filmmaking. Other films like Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker, winning Best Picture against Avatar, highlighted the enduring power of acclaimed independent cinema and made Bigelow the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar.
Even individual tastes reflect broader industry trends. Legendary comedian Mel Brooks, a participant in the NYT poll, shared his diverse list which included dramas like The Pianist and The King’s Speech, action films like The Bourne Identity (which he reportedly watched countless times), and comedies such as Midnight in Paris. Brooks notably championed Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, highlighting the film’s unique approach to difficult history, demonstrating that even iconic figures appreciate bold new voices.
Diverse Lists, Different Perspectives
It’s worth noting that different groups evaluating the 21st century yield varying results based on their criteria and composition. While the NYT poll reflects a broad industry consensus, other lists, like The Hollywood Reporter’s ranking compiled by a smaller group of selectors, can offer alternative viewpoints. THR’s list, for instance, noted a surprising lack of films from established masters like Spielberg or Scorsese in their top tier, suggesting that for some evaluators, those directors’ peak work predated 2000. They also commented on a perceived lack of creative daring in much of mainstream genre filmmaking over the past two decades, which influenced their selections.
Ultimately, whether compiled by hundreds of industry professionals or a select few critics, these lists provide valuable insights into the films that have defined the past quarter-century. They showcase the enduring power of cinema to entertain, challenge, and reflect the times, highlighting a diverse collection of movies that have earned a place in the hearts and minds of those who make them.
The New York Times is unveiling its full list throughout the week, culminating in the reveal of the #1 film.
What about you? What would your Top Ten films from 2000 onwards be? Join the conversation and share your picks in the comments below!
References
- www.nytimes.com
- <a href="https://www.cracked.com/article47093mel-brooks-names-his-favorite-movies-of-the-21st-century.html”>www.cracked.com
- www.timeout.com
- deadline.com
- www.hollywoodreporter.com
