The Definitive List: Discover The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century, Voted by Hollywood Insiders

Unveiling The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

The cinematic landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades, shaped by the rise of streaming platforms, monumental superhero sagas, and groundbreaking storytelling. Amidst this era of evolution, which films have truly achieved lasting impact and resonated most deeply with audiences and critics alike? To answer this pivotal question, we embarked on an ambitious project: compiling a definitive list ofThe 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century.

We polled more than 500 influential directors, acclaimed actors, and esteemed film industry figures from Hollywood and around the globe. These notable names, including Oscar-winning visionaries like Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Barry Jenkins, and Guillermo del Toro, alongside celebrated performers such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julianne Moore, and John Turturro, cast their votes for the top 10 films released since January 1, 2000. In a special collaboration with The Upshot, we meticulously aggregated their ballots to present this comprehensive ranking of the century's most iconic motion pictures.

From laugh-out-loud comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, and from pulse-pounding thrillers to thought-provoking documentaries, this list is a testament to the power of modern cinema. Now, without further ado, immerse yourself in the full, expertly curated countdown!

Counting Down The Century's Cinematic Gems: 100-91

100. Superbad (2007) – Greg Mottola

Every generation finds its quintessential teen comedy, and for the 21st century,Superbadreigns supreme. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's script, chronicling two friends' hilariously profane yet surprisingly sweet quest to lose their virginity before high school graduation, captures youthful antics perfectly. Director Greg Mottola elevated the material with retro opening titles and an unforgettable sequence featuring phallic cartoons. Beyond the laughs,Superbadproved a casting triumph, launching the careers of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Emma Stone. Julianne Moore was among its esteemed voters.

If you're a fan of this film, consider exploringBooksmart,Bottoms, orGood Boys. Dive deeper into our review or discover where to watch it today.

99. Memories of Murder (2003) – Bong Joon Ho

Bong Joon Ho's gripping Korean police procedural immediately signals its departure from conventional Hollywood genre norms. The opening scene, featuring a detective hitching a ride on a lumbering tractor to a rural crime scene, sets a tone of grim humor. The film skillfully blends unexpected comedy with astute drama, as hapless investigators quite literally fall into the crime scene, exploring the profound limitations men face against unfathomable evil. Actor Charles Melton noted, "I’ve seen that movie at least 20 times and it hits me differently every single time. And it may have the greatest ending, in my opinion, of any film."

For more like this, tryDecision to Leave,Blood Simple, orBurning. Explore our detailed review and streaming options here.

98. Grizzly Man (2005) – Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog's documentary on Timothy Treadwell, who spent numerous summers living among Alaska's brown bears, defies simple educational categorization. Treadwell was no traditional expert; instead, this film explores a man's deeply personal struggle with his place in the natural world. Hauntingly, Treadwell's self-recorded videos captured the moments leading up to his and his girlfriend's tragic mauling in 2003, with Herzog listening to the inaudible, yet terrifying, audio. It's a profound reflection on human connection to wilderness.

Fans of this compelling documentary might also enjoyCave of Forgotten Dreams,Into the Wild, orFree Solo. Our review provides further insights, and you can find where to watch it here.

97. Gravity (2013) – Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón'sGravitystands as one of the 21st century's most thrilling action films, a real-time survival narrative about an astronaut, expertly portrayed by Sandra Bullock, abandoned in space. As she battles to return to Earth, she confronts long-suppressed trauma. Featuring groundbreaking special effects that continue to outshine many contemporary releases, Cuarón masterfully crafts a suspenseful tale, suggesting that the true terror of being lost in space lies not in impending death, but in being utterly alone with one's thoughts. Edgar Wright was among those who voted for its inclusion.

If you were captivated byGravity, consider watchingSunshine,Moon, orHigh Life. Read our full review and locate streaming availability here.

96. Black Panther (2018) – Ryan Coogler

Black Pantheris a superhero spectacle that delivers on every front, offering crucial commentary on identity, history, and responsibility. Wakanda, its Afrofuturistic setting, is a visual marvel. The film empowers its female characters, portrayed brilliantly by Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, and Letitia Wright, as far more than mere sidekicks. Michael B. Jordan's performance as the tragically compelling villain Killmonger is captivating, and Chadwick Boseman shines in the title role, sadly one of his last before his passing.

For similar powerful storytelling, check outSinners,Neptune Frost, orAn Oversimplification of Her Beauty. Discover our review and where to stream it now.

95. The Worst Person in the World (2021) – Joachim Trier

Julie, played by Renate Reinsve, might initially appear indecisive in Joachim Trier’s empathetic dramedy. This Oslo college student changes majors and relationships (dating Aksel, then fantasizing about Eivind), yet the film never judges her meandering path. Instead, it posits that a life lived fully is bound to include detours, emphasizing that self-discovery often requires exploring every avenue. It's a refreshing take on modern identity.

If this resonated with you, tryOslo, August 31st,Together, orSick of Myself. Our detailed review and streaming guide are available here.

94. Minority Report (2002) – Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Philip K. Dick's work remains profoundly haunting, notably with Samantha Morton’s unforgettable cry of "Run!" In this dystopia, crime is prevented by "precogs" who foresee future acts. Tom Cruise, portraying a falsely accused police officer, delivers an appropriately intense performance, imbuing his actions with a deep sadness as he uncovers a vast conspiracy. Spielberg crafts a noir filled with gnawing agony, largely drained of color, powerfully exploring themes of free will versus predestination.

For more sci-fi thrillers, we recommendEdge of Tomorrow,Blade Runner, orGattaca. Read our full review and find out where to watch this classic here.

93. Michael Clayton (2007) – Tony Gilroy

"I’m not a miracle worker, I’m a janitor," Michael Clayton, portrayed by George Clooney in his career-best performance, tells a disgruntled client. Clooney embodies his character with a sharp blend of weary cynicism and profound intelligence. Clayton, ostensibly an attorney, functions as a fixer, striving to mitigate damage after a colleague, played superbly by Tom Wilkinson, suffers a mental break and finds his moral compass. The film masterfully explores the impact on Clayton’s own conscience, forming the powerful core of writer-director Tony Gilroy’s gripping thriller. Actor Arian Moayed described it as "the perfect David vs. Goliath story."

If you appreciate legal thrillers, considerThe Insider,Prince of the City, orL.A. Confidential. Our review offers more depth, and you can find streaming information here.

92. Gladiator (2000) – Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott revived the long-dormant sword-and-sandal epic withGladiator, an exhilarating drama brimming with intrigue and action. The film benefited immensely from Russell Crowe’s powerful portrayal of an honorable soldier seeking vengeance, at the peak of his artistic prowess. Joaquin Phoenix delivered a fresh, compelling performance as the emperor yearning for affection.Gladiatorsparked a mini-resurgence in the genre, yet few imitators grasped that spectacle demands a matching emotional core, a quality that made this film so profoundly gripping. Nicholas Sparks lauded its enduring appeal.

For similar historical dramas, exploreSpartacus,The Last Duel, orThe King. Read our comprehensive review and check where to watch it.

91. Fish Tank (2009) – Andrea Arnold

Andrea Arnold’sFish Tankoffers one of the most unflinchingly raw and daring portrayals of adolescent girlhood. The story centers on Mia (Katie Jarvis), a girl desperately aspiring to be a hip-hop dancer, a dream encouraged by her mother’s new boyfriend (Michael Fassbender). Fundamentally, the film delves into her burgeoning passions—sexual, familial, and otherwise—revealing the aching vulnerability beneath a seemingly tough exterior. It’s a fearless and electric work, widely considered one of Arnold's finest achievements. Lena Dunham was a vocal supporter of this film.

If you're drawn to powerful coming-of-age stories, we suggestThe Diary of a Teenage Girl,It Felt Like Love, orThirteen. Our review provides more details, and you can find viewing options here.

A Cinematic Journey: Movies 90-81

90. Frances Ha (2013) – Noah Baumbach

Before Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed solo directorial debut withLady Bird, her creative partnership with Noah Baumbach gave usFrances Ha, which she co-wrote and starred in. Gerwig plays Frances, a woman in her late twenties clinging to her youth with an irrepressibly joyful yet deeply immature spirit. Shot in evocative black and white, this character study masterfully captures that transitional moment when the realities of adulthood begin to take hold. Actor Mike Birbiglia highlighted its unique charm.

Explore other character-driven films likeMistress America,Computer Chess, or20th Century Women. Our review offers deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

89. Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s dazzling and ambitious space epic presents a plot that remains mind-bending, mirroring humanity's limited understanding of our place in the universe. At its heart is Matthew McConaughey as a widower who embarks on a NASA mission to find a new planet, leaving his children, father-in-law, and an Earth ravaged by climate change behind. Despite its grand, far-off horizons, the film truly excels in its exploration of the precarious yet profoundly seductive concept of home. Actor Simu Liu noted it as a standout achievement.

For more thought-provoking sci-fi, considerContact,Arrival, orSolaris. Read our in-depth review and discover where to watch it.

88. The Gleaners & I (2000) – Agnès Varda

In this profound documentary, the "I" refers to Agnès Varda, the pioneering filmmaker credited with kick-starting the French New Wave. Using an intimate voice-over and a hand-held digital camera, Varda travels across France, contemplating the personal and political identities of gleaners—individuals who traditionally collected leftover grain after harvest. The result is an uncommonly tender and philosophically searching meditation on what it means to live in the world—to take only what you need, and share everything you have. It stands as a tour de force of cinematic gleaning itself.

If you appreciate insightful documentaries, considerFaces Places,Kedi, orThe Truffle Hunters. Our review offers a closer look, and streaming details are available here.

87. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – Peter Jackson

With the inaugural installment of hisLord of the Ringstrilogy, Peter Jackson accomplished the near-impossible: he vibrantly brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand. This film captivated both devoted fans and newcomers, dispelling any apprehension about its rich lore of elves and orcs. It redefined fantasy blockbusters with special effects and makeup that remarkably stand the test of time, alongside immersive and occasionally terrifying set pieces. Howard Shore’s iconic score instantly transports viewers to this epic world. Tony Hale was among the voters who recognized its impact.

For more epic fantasy, we recommendDune,The Fall, orHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

86. Past Lives (2023) – Celine Song

Celine Song’s debut feature immediately captivates. An opening scene in a New York bar shows a woman (Greta Lee) between two men (Teo Yoo and John Magaro), their relationship tantalizingly unclear. The closing scene, featuring the same trio filmed in a single take on a sidewalk, is emotionally shattering. In between, Song’s narrative, set between New York City and Seoul, offers exquisite reflections on time, love, fate, and the profound concept of reinvention. It's a deeply moving exploration of human connection.

If you found this film compelling, exploreThe Souvenir,Persuasion, orAll We Imagine as Light. Our review provides further depth, and you can find streaming information here.

85. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) – Adam McKay

Adam McKay’sAnchormanis the perfect antidote to any ailment, delivering an endless stream of one-liners, absurd set pieces, and Will Ferrell’s pitch-perfect portrayal of a big, dumb, sexist anchorman at arguably his comedic best. The plot may not make much sense, but that's entirely beside the point. Audiences flock to this film for its unforgettable jokes, the legendary rumble between rival news teams, and the palpable sense that the cast had the time of their lives creating it. Plus, it taught us all the true meaning of "San Diago."

For more irreverent comedies, tryStep Brothers,Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, orTalladega Nights. Our review offers more laughs, and you can find where to stream it now.

84. Melancholia (2011) – Lars von Trier

Lars von Trier’sMelancholiaoffers a breathtakingly bleak yet contemplative experience. Kirsten Dunst stars as a bride whose unraveling mirrors the impending collision of Earth with a rogue planet. Von Trier, a master of the brutal and despairing, somehow transforms total annihilation into a thing of profound, unsettling beauty. It's a cinematic exploration of cosmic dread and personal collapse.

If you're drawn to intense dramas, considerLamb,Breaking the Waves, orTime to Leave. Read our full review and find out where to watch this powerful film.

83. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) – Ethan Coen and Joel Coen

The Coen brothers delve into the 1960s folk scene by centering on one of its "losers." Oscar Isaac delivers a breakout performance as the title character, a sad-sack musician mourning his partner, prone to taking advantage of his friends, and whose music, while good, isn't Bob Dylan-level great. This film stands as a quintessential artistic portrayal of an artist perpetually on the periphery of greatness, with the irony of its own masterful execution serving as Llewyn's karmic due. Rachel Zegler was among its champions.

For more character-driven music stories, exploreNo Direction Home,Crazy Heart, orOnce. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

82. The Act of Killing (2012) – Joshua Oppenheimer and Anonymous

Joshua Oppenheimer’s documentary masterpiece investigates the perpetrators of Indonesia’s 1965-66 mass killings. Beyond the historical atrocities, the film profoundly examines the human mind’s astonishing capacity to compartmentalize and rationalize monstrous acts of cruelty. Oppenheimer's approach crafts a film that unfolds like psychological horror, made all the more petrifying by its nonfiction reality. Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor called it "a completely profound meditation on guilt."

For more intense documentaries, we recommendThe Look of Silence,Beasts of No Nation, orWaltz With Bashir. Delve into our review and streaming information here.

81. Black Swan (2010) – Darren Aronofsky

Darren Aronofsky'sBlack Swanbrilliantly blurs the line between the pursuit of perfection and destructive obsession. Natalie Portman, in her Oscar-winning role as ballerina Nina, descends into madness through intense competition with rival Lily (Mila Kunis) for the lead in "Swan Lake." Aronofsky masterfully escalates tension and disorientation, creating a psychological thriller where our heads spin alongside the dancers. Nina's hallucinations infuse body horror with an unforgettable, dark grandeur. It’s a terrifying exploration of artistic ambition.

If you're drawn to psychological thrillers, considerThe Red Shoes,The Neon Demon, orSaint Maud. Our review offers further analysis, and you can find streaming options here.

Exploring Modern Masterpieces: Movies 80-71

80. Volver (2006) – Pedro Almodóvar

Pedro Almodóvar’s vibrant dramaVolveris a gem, weaving together themes of death, resurrection, and unbreakable family bonds, anchored by Penélope Cruz’s electrifying performance. Multiple generations of women demonstrate remarkable resolve as they navigate relentless obstacles. It’s an empowering work, rich with Almodóvar’s signature beauty and passion, and infused with a touch of magical realism that expands its narrative into new realms. Pamela Anderson praised its distinctive charm.

For more emotionally rich dramas, exploreParallel Mothers,A Prophet, orUncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

79. The Tree of Life (2011) – Terrence Malick

Terrence Malick’s Palme d’Or-winningThe Tree of Lifetackles ambitious subject matter, daring to encompass all of creation. This impressionistic film, a meditation on memory and loss, loosely follows a suburban Texas family in the 1950s and a troubled son (Sean Penn) decades later. Yet, in its audacious "history of the universe" sequence, the movie seeks the meaning of a single human life by examining the violent, beautiful, and mysterious origins of life itself. It’s a profound and visually stunning experience.

If you appreciate visually poetic cinema, considerBardo,Nine Days, or2001: A Space Odyssey. Read our full review and discover where to watch it.

78. Aftersun (2022) – Charlotte Wells

Charlotte Wells’s quietly devastating feature debut,Aftersun, evokes the intimacy of home movies, even in scenes not explicitly shot with a camcorder. The perfectly calibrated performances by newcomer Frankie Corio and a breakout Paul Mescal (nominated for a Best Actor Oscar) enhance its raw realism. As hints of darkness subtly infiltrate their sun-dappled Turkish vacation, and it becomes clear their time together exists only in memory, the film becomes heartbreaking. Director Barry Jenkins highlighted its deeply felt connection to childhood memories.

For more poignant dramas, exploreAll of Us Strangers,Leave No Trace, orGood One. Our review offers further analysis, and you can find streaming options here.

77. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) – Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

How does one type with hot dogs for fingers? Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s wildly inventive film will prompt this and countless other unexpected questions. Showering the audience with ideas, this movie defies expectations by working incredibly well, as the sure-footed filmmakers distill their multiverse-spanning, genre-hopping narrative into poignant truths about love and family. It turns out those hot dog fingers are surprisingly adept at hugging. Justice Smith was among the many captivated by its originality.

If you loved this film, exploreSwiss Army Man,Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, orKung Fu Hustle. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

76. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) – Ethan Coen and Joel Coen

This sepia-toned Coen brothers adventure, presented as a loose adaptation of Homer’sOdyssey, delivers a rich blend of folklore, tall tales, and fantasy. Set in dusty, Depression-era Mississippi, it follows three dimwitted escaped convicts on a treasure hunt. A whimsical, rollicking ride ensues, but the filmmakers’ expert use of Americana music—including gospel, Delta blues, and bluegrass—elevates this quest into an allegory about freedom, forgiveness, hope, and the inherent flaws of humanity. Actor-director Benny Safdie praised George Clooney's performance and the film's profound blend of friendship, humor, and adventure.

For more Coen brothers magic, tryThe Hudsucker Proxy,A Mighty Wind, orThe Great Escape. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

75. Amour (2012) – Michael Haneke

Michael Haneke, known for provocative films likeFunny Games, brought a surprisingly tender touch to this wrenching portrait of spousal devotion. Drawing on the audience’s familiarity with his octogenarian stars, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva, Haneke cast them as Georges and Anne, married former music teachers. As Anne’s health deteriorates, Georges lovingly tends to her, recognizing the inevitability of her decline and the gradual closing off of his own life. Pedro Almodóvar recognized its profound emotional resonance.

If you're drawn to powerful dramas about love and loss, consider45 Years,Vortex, orThe Father. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

74. The Florida Project (2017) – Sean Baker

The Florida Projectoffers a heartbreaking portrait of childhood imagination and innocence amidst poverty and marginalization in America. Six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) runs wild at a rundown motel near Disney World, sparking emotions that range from joyful affection to exasperated frustration—a testament to her effervescent childlike spirit. The film derives its power from an unspoken tension (this existence is unlikely to end well) and the poignant way a magical fantasy world, manufactured and marketed by Disney, remains just tantalizingly out of her reach. Actress Mikey Madison was deeply moved by this film.

For more impactful social realism, exploreTangerine,Beasts of the Southern Wild, orHale County This Morning, This Evening. Our review offers further analysis, and you can find streaming options here.

73. Ratatouille (2007) – Brad Bird

A cartoon rodent, a Parisian backdrop, an underdog (or rather, under-rat) story—this may sound like a familiar animated trope. Yet,Ratatouilletranscends the formula, much like its titular dish. Remy, a country rat with a sophisticated palate and unwavering self-belief, journeys to the city to fulfill his culinary dreams, sparking an enchanting, witty, and deeply touching adventure. Its timeless lessons about rekindling passion, even when faced with drudgery, linger long after the credits roll.

If you savor culinary-themed stories, considerThe Taste of Things,Babette's Feast, orA Bug's Life. Read our full review and find out where to watch this delightful film.

72. Carol (2015) – Todd Haynes

Todd Haynes'sCarolis a profoundly moving same-sex love story, set in the restrictive 1950s, featuring luminous performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Unpolitical in its direct narrative, its mere existence during that era of self-imprisonment for gay individuals speaks volumes (notice how the motel blinds often cast prison-bar shadows). Unlike some tragic narratives,Caroloffers a slightly more hopeful conclusion: Blanchett’s high-society mother, though sacrificing custody of her daughter, finds liberation from the fear of her sexuality, while Mara’s young photographer bravely declares, "I’m not afraid."

For more powerful period romances, tryFar From Heaven,Portrait of a Lady on Fire, orA Single Man. Our review delves deeper, and you can find streaming options here.

71. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – Steven Soderbergh

Star power never glittered more brightly than in Steven Soderbergh’s remake of the 1960 Rat Pack heist picture. This version pairs George Clooney at his most suave with an impish, spiky-haired Brad Pitt for a romp that maintains high tension while remaining impeccably sleek and stylish. Each member of Danny Ocean’s team is a sheer delight, from Elliott Gould’s oversized glasses to Don Cheadle’s surprising British accent. Soderbergh imbues Las Vegas with a dreamy aura that perfectly complements the onscreen celebrities. Joel Kim Booster celebrated its irresistible charm.

If you're looking for more slick heist films, we recommendThe Italian Job,Snatch, orOut of Sight. Read our full review and find out where to watch this stylish caper.

Defining Moments in 21st Century Cinema: 70-61

70. Let the Right One In (2008) – Tomas Alfredson

Let the Right One Inis a film for the outcasts, unfolding with a chilling sense of calm. Tomas Alfredson’s drama follows the unexpected friendship between Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), a detached boy, and his enigmatic neighbor, Eli (Lina Leandersson), who may or may not be a vampire. The film is restrained, bloody when necessary, yet deeply sympathetic to its lead characters’ struggles, generously portraying their bond as it pushes the vampire genre in fresh, poignant directions. Jemaine Clement praised its unique take.

For more unsettling tales of unusual connections, considerA Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,Hereditary, orDonnie Darko. Our review offers deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

69. Under the Skin (2013) – Jonathan Glazer

Jonathan Glazer delivers a haunting head trip with this electrifying thriller. Scarlett Johansson commands the screen as an alien using her alluring stare to entice men into shedding their clothes and following her into a liquid void. The imagery is simultaneously hypnotizing and disturbing, crafting a lyrical slow burn intensified by Mica Levi’s dread-inducing score. Johansson's compelling presence makes it easy to imagine following her into that abyss. Directors Ari Aster and Todd Field both lauded its genuine vision and hypnotic spell.

If you're drawn to artful, unsettling sci-fi, trySexy Beast,The Man Who Fell to Earth, orLiquid Sky. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

68. The Hurt Locker (2008) – Kathryn Bigelow

"How many bombs have you disarmed?" an officer asks Staff Sgt. James (Jeremy Renner), who simply replies, "Eight hundred seventy-three, sir." Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar for this nerve-shredding film about a U.S. ordnance disposal team in Iraq. Capturing the complexities of 21st-century warfare with insurgents and roadside I.E.D.s,The Hurt Lockeralso delves into the psyche of an adrenaline junkie more at home in a blast suit than navigating a supermarket aisle. Samara Weaving called it "competence porn at its best," and Dennis Lehane found the supermarket scene unforgettable.

For more intense war dramas, exploreWarfare,Zero Dark Thirty, orJarhead. Our review provides further depth, and you can find streaming options here.

67. Tár (2022) – Todd Field

After a 16-year hiatus, Todd Field returned to directing with what many consider the defining film of the cancel culture era. Cate Blanchett delivers a masterclass as Lydia Tár, a virtuosic conductor whose perfectly tailored shirts and hubristic streak are both her greatest assets and ultimate downfall. Field and Blanchett meticulously craft Lydia, making it easy to forget she’s a fictional character. This weighty dissection of power is also frequently hilarious. Matthew Weiner was among its vocal admirers.

If you appreciate complex character studies, considerThe Brutalist,Phantom Thread, orBlack Swan. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

66. Spotlight (2015) – Tom McCarthy

Spotlightis an understated, procedural detective story chronicling journalists’ relentless pursuit of truth as they uncover the Boston archdiocese’s efforts to conceal a massive child sexual abuse scandal. This Best Picture Oscar winner was widely acclaimed for its commitment to the unglamorous details of investigative journalism, eschewing grand speeches and exploitative flashbacks often found in newspaper dramas. It portrays heroes in their dogged, quiet pursuit of justice.

For more investigative journalism narratives, exploreThe Report,All the President's Men, orGood Night, and Good Luck. Our review offers more details, and you can find streaming options here.

65. Oppenheimer (2023) – Christopher Nolan

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb and, by extension, our apocalyptic age, provides Christopher Nolan with an ideal subject for his magnum opus. Nolan's fascination with the intersection of science and humanism shines as he structures the film around the creation of power—fission and fusion—each inherently generative and destructive. The result is an operatic epic that seamlessly blends history, thriller, and urgent warning. Stephen King heralded its profound impact.

If you're drawn to powerful historical dramas, considerLincoln,A Beautiful Mind, orThe Aviator. Read our full review and find out where to watch this monumental film.

64. Gone Girl (2014) – David Fincher

David Fincher’sGone Girlexemplifies the unreliable narrator, elevating the "he said/she said" trope to thrilling new heights. Based on Gillian Flynn's best-selling novel, the film presents contradictory accounts of the marriage between the urbane Amy (Rosamund Pike) and Midwestern Nick (Ben Affleck), keeping viewers guessing about who is hero and who is villain. With pitch-perfect precision from its lead actors, it ultimately questions whether anyone truly wins in the realm of toxic domesticity.

For more twisty psychological thrillers, exploreI Care a Lot,Unfaithful, orThe Wife. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

63. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Little Miss Sunshineoffers a delightful takeaway: what if every dysfunctional family could be this supportive of one another’s dreams? The film centers on the downtrodden yet eclectic Hoovers—including a suicidal uncle, a heroin-ingesting grandpa, and a father perpetually chasing the next get-rich-quick scheme—as they pile into a VW bus to give 7-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) a chance at a child beauty pageant. Part comedic road trip, part sharp commentary on contemporary America, it charms with its heart and stunning ensemble performances.

If you enjoy quirky family narratives, considerThe Daytrippers,Captain Fantastic, orSing Street. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

62. Memento (2001) – Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s thrillerMementodistinguishes itself with an ingenious structure: beginning at the story’s conclusion and backtracking scene by scene. This disjointed narrative immerses viewers in the fragmented reality of Leonard (Guy Pearce), who cannot form new short-term memories and tattoos his body with clues about his wife’s murder. While a clever puzzle,Memento's enduring power lies in its profound observations about identity and the stories we construct about ourselves, culminating in its unforgettable rug-pull of an ending—or, rather, beginning.

For more mind-bending thrillers, exploreThe Usual Suspects,Enter the Void, orThe Machinist. Our review offers deeper analysis, and you can find streaming options here.

61. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) – Quentin Tarantino

Never before have such a plethora of violent acts—shootings, stabbings, beatings, beheadings, amputations, mutilations, and more—been rendered with such campy, exhilarating fun. Uma Thurman’s character, the Bride, awakens from a coma, vowing revenge on her code-named assailants, including the katana-wielding Cottonmouth (Lucy Liu) and the seemingly ordinary Copperhead (Vivica A. Fox), who hides a gun in her daughter's cereal box. Quentin Tarantino lovingly employs B-movie styles—spaghetti western, kung fu, anime, grindhouse—to tell his dark, stylish story. Arian Moayed was one of the film's many admirers.

If you're seeking more stylized action, we recommendGame of Death,Revenge, orLady Vengeance. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

Defining Moments in 21st Century Cinema: 60-51

60. Whiplash (2014) – Damien Chazelle

In Damien Chazelle’s electrifyingWhiplash, a music teacher from hell (J.K. Simmons) and his arrogant disciple (Miles Teller) engage in a spellbinding battle of wills. Chazelle drew inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’sFull Metal Jacket, exploring the notion that excellence, much like combat, demands total discipline and a complete surrender of self. The ultra-intense film, featuring a final drum solo that will leave you breathless, earned three Oscars, including one for Simmons, and established Chazelle, then just 29, as a prodigious filmmaking talent. Tramell Tillman lauded its intensity.

For more compelling stories of artistic struggle, considerSound of Metal,The Devil Wears Prada, orFoxcatcher. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

59. Toni Erdmann (2016) – Maren Ade

Years before her celebrated turns inAnatomy of a FallandThe Zone of Interest, German actress Sandra Hüller co-starred in this dual character study of a tightly wound careerist and her aging prankster father (Peter Simonischek). When her semi-estranged father makes a sudden, unannounced visit to his daughter in Bucharest, what unfolds is a Dada-esque parade of forced karaoke, spontaneous nudity, and borrowed Bulgarian folklore. Not a single one of the film’s shaggy, surreal, and profoundly human 162 minutes feels wasted. John Turturro praised Hüller’s incredible acting, and Lulu Wang appreciated its blend of comedy and drama.

If you enjoy eccentric family dynamics, tryThe Royal Tenenbaums,Nebraska, orFlirting With Disaster. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

58. Uncut Gems (2019) – Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie

Arguably one of the most anxiety-inducing movies of the century so far, the Safdie brothers’Uncut Gemsis a darkly hilarious character study of Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a Jewish diamond district dealer with a debilitating gambling addiction. The film is as abrasive as Howard himself, who constantly creates crises as he desperately tries to evade the wrath of his wife (Idina Menzel), a loan shark’s enforcers, and basketball superstar Kevin Garnett, who becomes fixated on a rare opal Howard imported from Ethiopia. It’s a relentless, nail-biting ride.

For more high-tension thrillers, exploreDog Day Afternoon,Emily the Criminal, orGood Time. Our review provides further analysis, and you can find streaming options here.

57. Best in Show (2000) – Christopher Guest

By the timeBest in Showwas released, Christopher Guest had already perfected the mockumentary genre withWaiting for Guffman. Here, he found the ideal subject matter in the eccentric world of elite dog shows. His trusted ensemble of improvisers created indelible characters out of canine obsessives, such as Parker Posey’s catalog-loving yuppie with braces and a Weimaraner, and Eugene Levy’s singing terrier-owner who quite literally has two left feet. Despite all the madness, a heartwarming sweetness permeates the film, directed at these lovable goofballs and their beloved pooches. Julianne Nicholson admired its charm.

If you appreciate satirical comedies, considerWaiting for Guffman,Drop Dead Gorgeous, orPopstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

56. Punch-Drunk Love (2002) – Paul Thomas Anderson

Paul Thomas Anderson’sPunch-Drunk Loveseamlessly blends the zaniness of a screwball comedy with the earnestness of a romantic drama, anchored by a career-best performance from Adam Sandler. Sandler reveals surprising layers as a socially awkward salesman who falls for a timid woman (Emily Watson). They are a match made in quirk heaven, in a film that beautifully celebrates the eccentricities within all of us. Actor-director Benny Safdie praised Sandler's grounded volcanic rage and the film's immersive world.

For more unconventional romances, tryUncut Gems,500 Days of Summer, orCutie and the Boxer. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

55. Inception (2010) – Christopher Nolan

The monumental success ofThe Dark Knightgranted Christopher Nolan the creative freedom to push the limits of his imagination and the boundaries of commercial moviemaking. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the head of a team of dream invaders tasked with planting an idea deep within the subconscious of a business scion (Cillian Murphy, Nolan’s future J. Robert Oppenheimer). The writer-director constantly toys with narrative structure, visual design, and cinema’s capacity to manipulate time. The film’s finale achieves for spinning tops whatBlade Runnerdid for origami unicorns. Uzo Aduba cited it as a standout achievement.

For more mind-bending thrillers, exploreThe Science of Sleep,Another Earth, orShutter Island. Our review offers further analysis, and you can find streaming options here.54. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – Guillermo del ToroGuillermo del Toro’sPan’s Labyrinth, a dark fairy tale set in Franco-era Spain, propelled him from horror movies and comic-book adaptations into the realm of prestige filmmaking, all while retaining his signature humanism, magical realism, and superb creature creations. Young Ofelia escapes her bleak reality—especially life under her fascist new stepfather—by entering an imaginary world where a mystical faun sets her on a quest to prove her worth. This visually dazzling allegory affirmed del Toro as one of today’s finest filmmakers. Brett Goldstein recognized its brilliance.For more fantastical tales with dark undertones, considerA Monster Calls,Crimson Peak, orThe Green Knight. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.53. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) – Larry CharlesSacha Baron Cohen, as Borat Sagdiyev, the Kazakh TV reporter fromDa Ali G Show, delivered a thorough and uproarious prank on the United States. As Borat travels the country hoping to meet Pamela Anderson, he alarmingly easily persuades strangers to drop their guard. At a rodeo, for example, spectators appear less disturbed by Borat’s call for George W. Bush to "drink the blood of every single man, woman and child of Iraq" than by his rendition of Kazakhstan’s supposed national anthem. Comedian Patton Oswalt praised its rescue from a "disaster" to an "other level."For more audacious comedies, exploreIdiocracy,Jackass: The Movie, orEntertainment. Our review provides further insights, and you can find streaming options here.52. The Favourite (2018) – Yorgos LanthimosGreek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos offers a cheekily perverted view of British history inThe Favourite, his take on the life of Queen Anne. Olivia Colman delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the desperate, ailing ruler. Two ambitious women, the domineering Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and the conniving Abigail (Emma Stone), vie for Anne’s fickle affections, each on their own quest for power. In a film brimming with delectable zingers, Lanthimos leans into nastiness, both corporeal and otherwise, with a distinctive fish-eye lens. Naomie Harris was among its notable voters.If you're drawn to historical dramas with a dark comedic edge, considerMarie Antoinette,Conclave, orBarry Lyndon. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.51. 12 Years a Slave (2013) – Steve McQueenSteve McQueen’s12 Years a Slaveshattered numerous conventions: an profoundly American narrative from a British director and star (Chiwetel Ejiofor); a Black-led period drama that grossed over $130 million internationally; and a clear-eyed reckoning with slavery that won Best Picture. Working from Solomon Northup's astonishing autobiography, McQueen crafted a blazing, improbably poetic modern "Odyssey" that reveals more about humanity, power, bigotry, and grace than much of the preceding century of American political cinema combined. Chiwetel Ejiofor reflected on the film's far-reaching impact and reception.For more powerful historical dramas, explore13TH,The Color Purple, orBelle. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.The Essential 21st Century Films: 50-4150. Up (2009) – Pete DocterUpshowcases Pixar at its risk-taking pinnacle. This film portrays a cranky, 78-year-old widower clinging to the past as he grapples with grief, hindering new connections. Early scenes are rendered in black-and-white, others completely devoid of dialogue, as director Pete Docter prioritizes feeling over linear storytelling. The film’s second half, after the house famously floats away, shifts to a more overtly commercial adventure with a young chatterbox, a talking dog, a mythical bird, and an unexpected antagonist, offering both thrilling escapades and comedic relief. Mike Birbiglia cherished its unique emotional depth.If you love animated adventures with heart, considerThelma,Fantastic Mr. Fox, orMarcel the Shell With Shoes On. Our review offers deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.49. Before Sunset (2004) – Richard LinklaterConvention dictates against sequels to love stories, and improving on Richard Linklater’s 1995 gemBefore Sunriseseemed impossible. Yet,Before Sunsetmasterfully uses the passage of time to add profound poignancy. Reuniting Jesse and Celine (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) in their 30s, the emotional baggage accrued over the years makes their second chance at love even more deeply involving. Director Lulu Wang often thinks about its perfect, layered ending.For more insightful romantic dramas, exploreTwo Days in New York,Past Lives, orLovely and Amazing. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.48. The Lives of Others (2006) – Florian Henckel von DonnersmarckIn circa-1984 East Berlin, whom can you trust? Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s taut, disquieting drama explores this question, where the lives of friends, neighbors, and colleagues are constantly under surveillance. The film follows a dashing playwright, his stage-actress lover, and the Stasi agent tasked with monitoring their loyalties. With stakes couldn't be higher, the movie maintains a muted yet devastating emotional baseline, achieving a high-wire act of revelation and compliance. Matthew Weiner lauded its precise execution.For more gripping thrillers with historical context, tryCold War,4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, orBarbara. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.47. Almost Famous (2000) – Cameron CroweCameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical dramedy,Almost Famous, about a rock ’n’ roll-obsessed high school journalist touring with a rising band, has become a totemic film, spawning aphorisms like "You cannot make friends with the rock stars." Set to a soundtrack of Cat Stevens, Yes, and Elton John, Crowe vividly brings to life the intoxicating milieu of 1970s rock, featuring an enigmatic guitarist (Billy Crudup) and an alluring "Band Aid" (Kate Hudson). Yet, the film also offers a bracingly clear-eyed view of the perils of chasing fame. Mikey Madison was among its voters.If you're drawn to music-centric stories, considerHigh Fidelity,Dig!, orJuliet, Naked. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.46. Roma (2018) – Alfonso CuarónRomais Alfonso Cuarón’s deeply personal film, a dazzlingly mundane black-and-white memory piece created after decades spent on big-budget fantasies. Yalitza Aparicio stars as Cleo, a maid for a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City. As ordinary and extraordinary problems arise, her quiet selflessness helps the family navigate through them. Cuarón earned Oscars for his direction and cinematography for this poignant, evocative work. John Lithgow praised its artistry.For more intimate, visually striking dramas, exploreJapón,Tótem, orAtlantics. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.45. Moneyball (2011) – Bennett MillerMoneyballdoesn’t just depict the real-life success of the underdog Oakland Athletics in 2002; it articulates a revolutionary strategy for winning in both business and baseball. Based on Michael Lewis’s book, Bennett Miller’s drama stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the G.M. who, alongside an aide (Jonah Hill), leverages data to assemble a team of undervalued players. With Philip Seymour Hoffman fully embodying his role as the skeptical A’s manager,Moneyballcaptures the ruthlessness and romance of baseball during a time when unpopular ideas proved literally game-changing.If you enjoy underdog sports stories, considerHustle,Sugar, orBang the Drum Slowly. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.44. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood (2019) – Quentin TarantinoLike Martin Scorsese’s New York or Federico Fellini’s Rome, Quentin Tarantino’s Los Angeles is a spectacle to behold. This fevered love letter to his hometown circa 1969 is a gonzo-maximalist dream, featuring a fictional fading TV star (Leonardo DiCaprio), his laconic stuntman-sidekick (Brad Pitt), a passel of Manson family freaks, and the very real starlet Sharon Tate (portrayed as pure blond sunshine by Margot Robbie). From there, the script brilliantly deviates from established history, building to one of the most bravura and far-out finales in film history. Edgar Wright was among its devoted fans.For more genre-blending tales set in Hollywood, exploreTropic Thunder,The Player, orBoogie Nights. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.43. Oldboy (2003) – Park Chan-wookThe middle installment of South Korean director Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy,Oldboyhits like a hammer—to the head, leg, arm, and anywhere else its protagonist can strike as he brutally fights his way out of a hallway packed with thugs. That celebrated action sequence is emblematic of this twisty (and twisted) thriller’s operatic levels of violence, but its emotions are equally extreme.Oldboyprovokes and unsettles, right up to its disturbingly ambiguous final frame. John Turturro praised its romantic, disgusting, and fun nature.If you're seeking intense, stylish thrillers, we recommendJohn Wick,Memento, orThe Handmaiden. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.42. The Master (2012) – Paul Thomas AndersonFans continue to unravel Paul Thomas Anderson’s sixth and most elliptical feature, which explores the complex relationship between a drifting, emotionally regressive World War II veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) and a charismatic cult leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who are physical and temperamental opposites. The extraordinary production design meticulously evokes the period, the shimmery detail of the imagery (Anderson famously revived the nearly obsolete 65-millimeter format to shoot it), and the intensity of the performances—including Amy Adams’s powerful turn as the cult leader’s wife—all contribute to the film’s enduring durability and mystery. Will Sharpe was among its keen observers.For more enigmatic character studies, considerMartha Marcy May Marlene,Synecdoche, New York, orThe Brutalist. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.41. Amélie (2001) – Jean-Pierre Jeunet"Times are hard for dreamers," a character observes in this surprise smash hit, widely remembered as a charming mash-up of rom-com and magical effects. Yet, beyond moments like a heartbroken woman dissolving into a puddle, director Jean-Pierre Jeunet offers a clear-eyed, very funny view of people and love. That line, for instance, is uttered by a porn emporium clerk. And when a suitor tells the object of his affection, "You’re beautiful when you blush," she replies, "It’s my dyspepsia."If you enjoy whimsical and heartfelt comedies, tryDelicatessen,La La Land, orThe Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.Defining Moments in 21st Century Cinema: 40-3140. Yi Yi (2000) – Edward YangEdward Yang’s multi-generational family epic,Yi Yi, expertly balances sublime poetry with explosive drama. Beautifully shot in Taiwan and Japan, the film follows three members of the Jian family after their matriarch falls into a coma. As they confront the banalities of their lives, they seek meaning through music, memories, and especially photographs—including those a preternaturally wise 8-year-old takes of the backs of people's heads, aiming to show them what they cannot see for themselves. Yang achieves precisely this with his singular film. Brit Marling found it deeply moving.For more profound family dramas, exploreThe Farewell,Still Walking, orColumbus. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.39. Lady Bird (2017) – Greta Gerwig"Don’t you think maybe they are the same thing—love and attention?" This poignant question, posed to high schooler Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, forms the central tenet of Greta Gerwig’s breakthrough directorial effort. Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) is so accustomed to cataloging her frustrations—from her overbearing mother (Laurie Metcalf) to the provincial indignities of her Sacramento hometown—that she barely perceives the intrinsic link between attention and affection. As a teenager, Lady Bird wears her defensiveness like armor, but Gerwig skillfully uncovers the vulnerable heart beating beneath. Amy Pascal was among its admirers.If you're drawn to powerful coming-of-age stories, considerBooksmart,Eighth Grade, orMy Old Ass. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.38. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) – Céline SciammaIn Céline Sciamma’s quietly piercing historical drama, two 18th-century women—the aristocrat Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) and the artist Marianne (Noémie Merlant)—fall secretly and blisteringly in love along the coast of France. This is no typical saga of forbidden desire; these women harbor no illusions, yet they certainly suffer under a deadline that hangs over them like a noose: Héloïse is promised to a Milanese nobleman. The unforgettable closing scene, long after their parting, is an unshakable, eviscerating display of the aftershocks of social subordination and self-abandonment. Mikey Madison was deeply affected by its beauty.For more exquisite period romances, exploreDisobedience,Blue Is the Warmest Color, orThe Age of Innocence. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.37. Call Me By Your Name (2017) – Luca GuadagninoAre the most impactful love stories ultimately defined by heartbreak? In Luca Guadagnino’s masterpiece, Elio (Timothée Chalamet in his breakout role) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) share a tender, teasing summer romance in northern Italy. However, it's the aftermath of their affair that imbues the film with profound depth—Elio’s tearful call to his mother, his father’s gentle wisdom, and the unforgettable final scene in which Elio visibly matures before our eyes. It beautifully illustrates how even fleeting love can transform us forever. Molly Ringwald was among its supporters.If you're moved by poignant romantic dramas, considerMy Summer of Love,Pariah, orBeach Rats. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.36. A Serious Man (2009) – Ethan Coen and Joel CoenThe Coen brothers transform memories of their late-1960s Minnesota childhood into a dark comedy as complex as a Talmudic passage. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Larry Gopnik, a physics professor simultaneously plagued by a disgruntled student, a wayward brother, a tenure committee, his son’s bar mitzvah, and a separation instigated by a man named Sy Ableman. Is God testing him? Does a rabbi’s story about a "goy’s teeth" hold the answer? It’s arguably the Coens’ most Jewish film and, alongsideThe Big Lebowski, a strong contender for their most quotable. Patton Oswalt recounted a memorable story about its casting.For more darkly comedic character studies, exploreAmerican Splendor,Barton Fink, orShiva Baby. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.35. A Prophet (2009) – Jacques AudiardSadly, the outlines of this story—a teenager is sent to prison and emerges a hardened criminal—are not surprising. Yet, Jacques Audiard’sA Prophetis defined by its specifics, even deploying iris shots to direct our attention as Malik, an illiterate French teenager of Arab descent, uses his intelligence not just to survive but to thrive. Malik (a terrifically subtle Tahar Rahim) also serves as a poignant stand-in for young Muslims grappling with prejudice and lack of opportunity in France’s banlieues. In the years since its release, this drama has only grown more relevant. Actor-director Benny Safdie praised its shocking realism and truthfulness.For more gritty crime dramas, considerLes Misérables,Tell No One, orStarred Up. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.34. Wall-E (2008) – Andrew StantonWall-Estands as Pixar’s most formally inventive movie, largely wordless for its first act as the last robot on Earth diligently cleans up after absent humans. Once the narrative pivots to the sky, it transforms into a poignant fable about overconsumption and climate change that feels increasingly real. The seemingly cheerful ending also delivers a bleak warning that humanity has yet to heed. Nathan Lane was among those who found it profoundly impactful.If you appreciate thought-provoking animation, exploreInside Out,The Wild Robot, orIron Giant. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.33. A Separation (2011) – Asghar FarhadiIn Asghar Farhadi’s gripping drama, set in Tehran, a couple finds themselves mid-breakup but trapped after a judge denies their divorce application. While the wife, Simin, seeks refuge with her mother, a series of intricate twists and turns lands the husband, Nader, in court facing a murder charge after hiring a woman to care for his ailing father. Full of suspense and moral ambiguity, this legal thriller became the first Iranian movie to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Actor Arian Moayed called it "a perfect drama."For more intense legal dramas, considerThe Seed of the Sacred Fig,A Hero, orMarriage Story. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.32. Bridesmaids (2011) – Paul FeigIn 2011,Bridesmaids, starring Kristen Wiig as down-on-her-luck Annie, her newly engaged best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and Lillian’s wealthy pal (Rose Byrne), ignited widespread discussions about women, gross-out comedy, and box-office power. Today, the script by Wiig and Annie Mumolo remains laugh-out-loud funny, featuring impressively complex side characters like Melissa McCarthy’s bananas future sister-in-law and Jill Clayburgh’s daffy mom. What truly surprises is the film's deep emotional resonance: Annie is sad and jealous, often getting in her own way, a universal feeling—though perhaps without the explosive diarrhea. Phoebe Robinson lauded its comedic genius.For more hilarious and heartfelt comedies, exploreBarb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,Bachelorette, orSpy. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.31. The Departed (2006) – Martin ScorseseThe cat-and-rat gangster picture that finally earned Martin Scorsese his long-overdue Oscar happens to be one of the most downright entertaining films of the 21st century. Scorsese masterfully transplants the Hong Kong flickInfernal Affairsto Boston, complete with a Dropkick Murphys soundtrack. On one side of the law is Leonardo DiCaprio’s rough-around-the-edges cop, posing as a criminal. On the other, Matt Damon’s golden-boy police officer secretly works for the Mafia. In the middle, Jack Nicholson’s Irish mob boss smiles like the Cheshire Cat. Let the games begin. Director Josh Safdie praised its dense ideas and polarizing, yet brilliant, ending.If you enjoy gritty crime thrillers, considerThe Town,Infernal Affairs, orBefore the Devil Knows You're Dead. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.Defining Moments in 21st Century Cinema: 30-2130. Lost in Translation (2003) – Sofia CoppolaSofia Coppola’s sophomore feature is a cinematic miracle—effortlessly inventive, endlessly quoted, and impossible to replicate. Shot at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, where Coppola had stayed while contemplating the end of her first marriage, it follows the enigmatic duo of Bob and Charlotte (Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson)—a fading movie star and a floundering philosophy grad—whose paths intersect just long enough to recognize a soul mate.Lost in Translationearned Coppola an Oscar and cemented her status as an essential new voice in American film. Pamela Anderson lauded Johansson's graceful performance.For more atmospheric and contemplative dramas, exploreJanet Planet,Somewhere, orReturn to Seoul. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.29. Arrival (2016) – Denis VilleneuveDenis Villeneuve’s lyrical alien film, based on a short story by Ted Chiang, stands as sci-fi at its most emotionally devastating. When a mysterious, looming extraterrestrial craft descends upon Earth, a linguist, brilliantly played by Amy Adams in a career-best role, is recruited to establish communication with the tentacled beings known as heptapods. Less a saga about invasion and more about profound communication,Arrivalremains intoxicatingly mysterious until it wallops you with its time-turning, gut-punch ending. Min Jin Lee was deeply moved by its narrative depth.If you're drawn to intelligent science fiction, considerThe Vast of Night,Ad Astra, orI, Origins. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.28. The Dark Knight (2008) – Christopher NolanIndifference to superheroes isn't a prerequisite for creating a great film about them, but Christopher Nolan’s aversion to comic-book logic and his fascination with the grown-up crime movie canon (particularlyHeatandThe Godfather) revitalized a character struggling to emerge from the miasma ofBatman & Robin. The second entry and high-water mark of Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy poses fruitful questions about the naïveté of its protagonist’s moral code. However, the film’s greatest asset is Heath Ledger, whose staggering performance as the Joker set an unprecedented bar for subsequent supervillains forever.For more gritty superhero films, exploreThe Prestige,V for Vendetta, orRise of the Planet of the Apes. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.27. Adaptation (2002) – Spike JonzeAdaptation, directed by Spike Jonze and ostensibly written by Charlie Kaufman and his fictional twin brother, Donald, possesses a virtuosic hall-of-mirrors quality. It’s an adaptation of a book that’s actually about the impossibility of adapting a book; a profound study of neuroses, courage, and obsessive passion; and above all, an incredibly funny movie, featuring a delicious, dual performance by Nicolas Cage as both Kaufmans. It’s a meta-cinematic triumph.If you enjoy unique and self-referential narratives, considerDream Scenario,Being John Malkovich, orSorry to Bother You. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.26. Anatomy of a Fall (2023) – Justine TrietNot quite a "he-said she-said"—the defenestrated husband in question is already dead minutes into the film—Justine Triet’s taut, stylish dissection of a tumultuous marriage is both forensically precise and thrillingly ambiguous. Sandra Hüller, earning an Oscar nomination for her role as the wife who may or may not have pushed her husband from a chalet window, delivers a masterclass in contained fury, indignation, and ugly truths that she (and Triet) will never fully reveal. Tramell Tillman was deeply impressed by its complexity.For more gripping courtroom dramas, exploreSaint Omer,The Teachers' Lounge, orPrimal Fear. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.25. Phantom Thread (2017) – Paul Thomas AndersonDon’t you dare call Paul Thomas Anderson’s delectable 1950s fashion drama "chic." The couturier Reynolds Woodcock, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, would be utterly incensed. This film is sumptuous and subversive, recounting the unconventional love story between the exacting Reynolds and his unruly muse, Alma (Vicky Krieps). He is prickly and easily perturbed; she delights in getting under his skin. While it might seem Anderson is investigating power imbalances in relationships, it is, in fact, the tale of a man meeting his absolute match. Pedro Almodóvar praised its unique vision. Eat up, you hungry boys.For more intense character dramas, considerTár,Marriage Story, orDamage. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.24. Her (2013) – Spike JonzeSpike Jonze’s digital romance,Her, eschews the hard, gleaming surfaces of most speculative sci-fi for something more off-kilter and bittersweet. It follows a lonely, mustachioed introvert (Joaquin Phoenix) in near-future Los Angeles as he falls head-over-code for an adaptive operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Is it real machine love or merely a grown man’s pathological avoidance of intimacy?Herrefuses easy answers, though the many questions it raises feel far less theoretical today than they did in 2013. Tony Hale found it deeply moving.For more thought-provoking AI narratives, exploreI'm Your Man,Ex Machina, orA.I. Artificial Intelligence. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.23. Boyhood (2014) – Richard LinklaterAn audacious concept—the movie was shot, in start-and-stop fashion, over more than a decade—meets a winningly low-key execution in Richard Linklater’s acute, unhurried portrait of a small-town Texas kid (Ellar Coltrane) navigating his parents’ divorce, first crushes, and other travails and triumphs of adolescence. The result is a coming-of-age drama of uncommon loveliness, both piercing and sweet. John Turturro was moved by its human approach, and Jason Blum called it a "new cinematic magic spell."For more intimate coming-of-age stories, considerClose,Minari, or35 Up. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.22. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – Wes AndersonWes Anderson’s candy-colored visions can be wonderfully deceptive. The magnificent inn of the title is a glorious pink confection, but beneath its charming surface lie real stakes: fascism is rapidly approaching, and refugees have ample reason to fear authorities at the borders of a fictional European country. This interwar tale of a beloved concierge (a terrific Ralph Fiennes) who affectionately calls everyone "darling" and shares intimate moments with all his friends is, in the end, deeply moving. Pamela Anderson praised its Cocteau-style artistry, and Dennis Lehane saw it as a lament for civility.For more visually distinctive comedies, exploreGrand Hotel,Hail, Caesar!, orGosford Park. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.21. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) – Wes AndersonBefore his name became synonymous with a distinctive and widely imitated aesthetic, Wes Anderson was also an exceptionally good storyteller. His exploration of one eccentric New York family,The Royal Tenenbaums, contains no shortage of Wes-ian signatures: deadpan line deliveries, dreamy Pantone palettes, and first-rate needle drops. However, it’s also a deeply felt and often very funny portrait of an emotionally distant patriarch (Gene Hackman) and his messy, overachieving offspring, played with exquisite agony by Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Actor-director Benny Safdie highlighted Gene Hackman's unforgettable performance.If you enjoy quirky family dramas, considerHarold and Maude,I Heart Huckabees, orThe Squid and the Whale. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.The Pinnacle of 21st Century Cinema: Movies 20-1120. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Martin ScorseseMore than a century after the days ofGangs of New York, Martin Scorsese returns to Lower Manhattan for more tales of bros behaving badly. Leonardo DiCaprio, playing the notorious stock trader Jordan Belfort (whose memoir the movie is based on), has rarely been funnier onscreen, whether he’s chucking lobsters at pesky F.B.I. agents or stumbling rubber-legged from too many quaaludes. Inevitably, a downfall awaits, but if Belfort seems to get off relatively easily, well, doesn’t that sound just like Wall Street? Actor-director Benny Safdie praised its manic energy and timeless relevance.For more intense dramas about ambition and excess, exploreBoiler Room,Glengarry Glen Ross, orAmerican Hustle. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.19. Zodiac (2007) – David FincherThis drama, which initially sputtered at the box office, functions as a profound examination of obsession. The titular serial killer is obsessive in crafting his persona. The bureaucracy-hindered cops (Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards) obsessively chase leads, while newspaper journalists, including Robert Downey Jr.’s boozy beat reporter, do the same. That you feel satisfied by the time the credits roll—even with the Zodiac’s identity remaining a mystery—speaks to David Fincher’s obsessive attention to detail and technique. Director Barry Jenkins found it incredibly warm and personal, despite Fincher's reputation for being cold.For more gripping true-crime thrillers, considerHoly Spider,Nightcrawler, orHenry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.18. Y Tu Mamá También (2001) – Alfonso CuarónAlfonso Cuarón’s bildungsroman,Y Tu Mamá También, is rich with themes—lust, class, male friendship, mortality—but primarily lust. Sex seems to be the sole preoccupation for high schoolers Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael García Bernal): with their girlfriends, each other’s girlfriends, and an alluring in-law who inspires a road trip to a secluded beach. Cuarón films sex with the same intensity his characters feel it: hot, all-consuming, with the weight of the world just off-camera. Like youth itself, we emerge from the film blinking, disoriented, sifting through memories like sand strewn with gold. Director Lulu Wang found herself connecting more deeply with the in-law's journey as she grew older.For more passionate road trip dramas, exploreSex and Lucia,The Hand of God, orAmerican Honey. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.17. Brokeback Mountain (2005) – Ang LeeThe "gay cowboy movie" did more than spark water-cooler conversations and win several Oscars (its Best Picture loss toCrashremains an infamous Oscar lore bugaboo). Ang Lee’s austere, gently paced Western transformed a clandestine romance between two Wyoming ranch hands (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) into one of cinema’s great tragic love stories, as aesthetically beautiful as it was emotionally shattering. Ava DuVernay was among those who recognized its groundbreaking impact.For more poignant romantic dramas, considerAll of Us Strangers,My Own Private Idaho, orGod's Own Country. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – Ang LeeWhen Ang Lee debuted this wuxia masterpiece starring Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, and Zhang Ziyi, the film uniquely appealed to both Western and Eastern audiences, a rarity at the time, and shattered box-office records. This action drama exquisitely marries acrobatic, aerodynamic martial arts with themes of repressed love and forbidden futures. Seared in memory are the showdown between Yeoh’s swordswoman and the thief played by Zhang using a multitude of weapons, and the balletic sword fight between Chow’s warrior and Zhang in a breathtaking bamboo forest.For more visually stunning martial arts films, exploreHero,Enter the Dragon, orThe Raid: Redemption. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.15. City of God (2002) – Fernando MeirellesA harrowing scene inCity of Goddepicts a teenager forcing a younger teen to kill an even younger child, who cowers inside a fenced patio resembling a playpen. Nearby, another child, perhaps five years old, sobs from a gunshot wound to the foot—a message, but also a cruel game. That a film can contain such a scene and evoke anything but sickness is a testament to its narrative complexity, dazzling visual style, and charismatic cast. It’s a harrowing yet poetic meditation on survival within Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade de Deus slum. Chiwetel Ejiofor praised its immersive precision, and Patton Oswalt highlighted its blend of tragedy and tension.For more intense dramas set in vibrant locales, considerAmores Perros,Neighboring Sounds, orWilliam Shakespeare's Romeo+Juliet. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.14. Inglourious Basterds (2009) – Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantino’s World War II revenge tale is both epic and intimate, where life and death hinge on a hand gesture, a dessert topping, or a questionable accent (though Brad Pitt's Tennessee drawl is hilariously on point). Christoph Waltz delivers a standout, Oscar-winning performance in a stacked ensemble cast. After a conflagration of revisionist history burns this movie to the ground, Pitt gets the final word, and it’s hard not to hear it in Tarantino’s voice: "I think this just might be my masterpiece." Mel Brooks was among its esteemed voters.For more revisionist historical narratives, exploreJojo Rabbit,The Great Escape, orReservoir Dogs. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.13. Children of Men (2006) – Alfonso CuarónWhile the near future in Alfonso Cuarón’s sci-fi drama is bleak, almost every scene is a stunning masterclass in filmmaking. Women have become infertile, and hope for the human race is all but gone. In a locked-down Britain hostile to refugees, a bureaucrat (Clive Owen) finds himself in a position to protect a newcomer (Clare-Hope Ashitey), the only pregnant woman in the world. The performances are lived-in, the narrative is prescient, and Emmanuel Lubezki’s camerawork dazzles. A one-shot ambush sequence filmed from inside a moving vehicle will leave you agape. Patton Oswalt found its depiction of humanity's struggle to go on hauntingly real.For more dystopian sci-fi thrillers, considerMinority Report,Snowpiercer, orTake Shelter. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.12. The Zone of Interest (2023) – Jonathan GlazerJonathan Glazer’s Holocaust narrative defiantly subverts convention. Using the skeletal framework of Martin Amis’s novel, Glazer focuses on the meticulously mundane day-to-day life of Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), who reside just next door. They tend their garden to the chilling, constant soundtrack of mass murder, as the ash of human bodies literally falls from the sky. It's a disorienting watch that powerfully illustrates the chilling ease of living with monstrosity, punctuated by Mica Levi’s unnerving score that occasionally jolts you out of your skin. Ziwe Fumudoh recognized its profound impact.For more unsettling historical dramas, exploreSon of Saul,The White Ribbon, orDogville. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – George MillerThe fourth installment in George Miller’s post-apocalyptic series finds the world still parched for water, with Max (Tom Hardy) riding shotgun alongside Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a one-armed, truck-driving revolutionary. Churning with bodies—human, machined, deathly pale, shinily chromed—Miller’s kinetic, lunatic hallucination leaves audiences slack-jawed due to both its outrageous visuals and unexpected depth of feeling. Come for the unforgettable image of a guy playing a flame-throwing guitar while tied to a moving semi; stay for the poignant requiem for a world that looks eerily, devastatingly like our own. Dennis Lehane praised its unparalleled action sequences and magnetic stars.For more relentless action films, considerThe Road Warrior,The Northman, orThe Road. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.The Top 10: The Definitive Best Movies of the 21st Century10. The Social Network (2010) – David FincherLess a biography than an evisceration, David Fincher’s hypnotically unflattering, often brutally funny origin story about Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and the creation of Facebook begins with a man and woman breaking up. By the film’s end, the man is the world’s loneliest billionaire, compulsively clicking refresh on his Facebook page. WhenThe Social Networkdebuted, it felt like a borderline cruel take on a classic American success story. Given how profoundly social media has reshaped the world, the film now seems almost quaint—and not nearly cruel enough. Actor Simu Liu declared it "a perfect film."For more incisive technological dramas, exploreBlackBerry,The Big Short, orEnron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.9. Spirited Away (2001) – Hayao MiyazakiHayao Miyazaki’s hand-drawn fairy tale of adolescence,Spirited Away, is the 21st century's answer toAlice in Wonderland. Unforgettable characters spill out of an abandoned magical bathhouse—the boilerman and his soot sprites, the masked spirit No-Face, Haku the boy-dragon—all navigated by the brave Chihiro, whose clueless parents have been transformed into pigs by a witch. Beautifully uniting the master animator’s preoccupations—human corruption of nature, the loss of innocence, and intimidating creatures who are not what they seem—Spirited Awayis a spellbinding adventure with few peers in animation or any other medium. John Turturro highlighted its emotional resonance for children.For more enchanting animated features, considerFlow,My Neighbor Totoro, orRobot Dreams. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.8. Get Out (2017) – Jordan PeeleWhen Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), the hero of Jordan Peele’s unnerving debut, visits his white girlfriend’s parents, it quickly becomes clear something is amiss. Her mother is eerily watchful, her father embarrassingly obsequious. Chris soon uncovers that the family and their friends are modern-day slavers, transplanting white brains into Black bodies. With mordant wit, brilliant timing, and superb control, Peele—making a terrific directorial debut—expertly marshals genre conventions for a film that is simultaneously an electrifying thriller about the horrors of white supremacy and an unsparing sendup of a post-racial America. Danielle Brooks praised its incisive social commentary.For more genre-bending horror films, exploreNight of the Living Dead,Rosemary's Baby, orThe Babadook. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Michel GondryOccasionally, a movie emerges so wildly inventive and wonderfully strange that it feels like a dream. Directed by Michel Gondry from a screenplay by Charlie Kaufman,Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindventures far beyond its rom-com premise. Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey portray a broken-up couple who opt to erase memories of their relationship. This film, equal parts playful and gut-wrenching, powerfully emphasizes how profoundly such memories, even painful ones, shape who we are. Dennis Lehane lauded its smart, deeply moving, and humorous blend, noting how "love finds a way" in messy, self-destructive ways.For more imaginative romantic dramas, considerThe Worst Person in the World,Me and You and Everyone We Know, orPast Lives. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.6. No Country for Old Men (2007) – Ethan Coen and Joel Coen"What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?" the menacing hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) chillingly asks a gas station owner, who is unaware he’s gambling with his life. Chigurh borders on superhuman as he stalks through this neo-Western crime thriller, which the Coen brothers brilliantly adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s blood-soaked novel about violence and fate. Long stretches are devoid of music or dialogue—just men desperately trying not to die. But as one character sagely puts it, "You can’t stop what’s comin’." Brian Cox praised the Coen brothers' daring and Javier Bardem's amazing character.For more gritty, philosophical crime thrillers, exploreHell or High Water,Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, orThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.5. Moonlight (2016) – Barry JenkinsThe profound weight of Barry Jenkins’ delicate drama,Moonlight, settles in deeply by its staggering finale. Jenkins masterfully guides us through the life of a Black gay man, portrayed at different ages by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes.Moonlightis an exploration of everything that shapes identity—the beauty and love encountered, what is embraced and what is not. Ultimately, it’s a story about feeling like an outcast, yet patiently, quietly finding one’s way home. Actress Danielle Deadwyler praised its tenderness, and director Barry Jenkins reflected on its unexpected impact as a "portal" for self-understanding.For more deeply personal and visually poetic dramas, considerTropical Malady,Weekend, orNickel Boys. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.4. In the Mood for Love (2000) – Wong Kar-WaiSoon after a journalist (Tony Leung) and a secretary (Maggie Cheung), both married to other people, move into the same crowded Hong Kong building in 1962, they brush past each other in mesmerizing slow motion. Sparks don’t merely fly; they smolder, burning continuously in Wong Kar-wai’s rapturously beautiful, elegiac romance. He inscribes desire into every glance and unspoken word. Here, the sensuous curve of a woman’s back becomes an emblem of longing, while the tendrils of smoke from a man’s cigarette express the ache of life’s impermanence. Director Sofia Coppola found it mind-blowing, poetic, and inspiring.For more visually stunning and emotionally rich romances, exploreI Am Love,Drive My Car, orMedicine for Melancholy. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.3. There Will Be Blood (2007) – Paul Thomas AndersonPaul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece about blood and oil, men and their gods, commences in the late 19th century with American prospector Daniel Plainview (a towering Daniel Day-Lewis) alone in a deep pit, violently hacking at the earth. He relentlessly gouges and pummels—the earth and other people—to become an oil baron who ravages everything and everyone in his path. Anderson’s filmmaking can make you gasp; the soaring camerawork speaks to the ambitions of both protagonist and director, as do the environmental and spiritual devastations that haunt this deeply American tragedy. Producer Jason Blum called "I drink your milkshake" iconic and found the movie both loved and hated.For more epic and intense character studies, considerTreasure of the Sierra Madre,The Master, orThe Power of the Dog. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.2. Mulholland Drive (2001) – David LynchDavid Lynch’s perverse fairy tale,Mulholland Drive, tracks the downward spiral of bright-eyed young actress Betty—a revelatory Naomi Watts in a career-defining performance—who stumbles into a dangerous, labyrinthine mystery shortly after arriving in Los Angeles. Filled with doubles and dream logic, this is one of Lynch’s bleakest and most terrifying films, and among his most emotionally devastating. It’s also one of the great movies about Hollywood, a dark mirror world where dreams tragically morph into nightmares, making it one of Lynch’s most autobiographical works. Actor Brian Cox noted its glossy surface hides ruthless uncertainty and a critical view of humanity.For more enigmatic and surreal thrillers, exploreLost Highway,Holy Motors, orI'm Not There. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.1. Parasite (2019) – Bong Joon HoA brilliant tale of haves and have-nots, and a ferocious rebuke to the devastations of neoliberalism, Bong Joon Ho’s pleasurably kinked and unsettling shocker,Parasite, follows a destitute family as they cunningly insinuate themselves into a wealthy household. Bong, a master of genre unbound by convention, fluidly shifts between broad comedy and blistering social satire throughout, then ignites it all with a paroxysm of tragic violence that is as stunning as it is inevitable. When the movie premiered in the United States, Bong was a favorite on the art-house circuit; by the time it concluded its run, he had a fistful of Oscars, including Best Picture, and the world had a new superstar. Julianne Moore was among its ardent supporters.For more socially charged thrillers, exploreMemories of Murder,Shoplifters, orThe Celebration. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.Enhance Your Cinematic JourneyTo help you keep track of your movie explorations, we've implemented convenient features. You can download personalized movie lists to record what you’ve watched and what you aspire to see. Easily share your curated lists with friends, or access them anytime on your dedicated watch list.Track Your Progress: Watch & Want-to-Watch ListsHaven't seen any of these essential films yet? No problem! This list ofThe 100 Best Movies of the 21st Centuryoffers something for every cinematic taste. If you've watched a movie on this prestigious list, simply check the box under its entry, and your running total will appear here. We’ll save your progress, so you can pick up right where you left off!Curate your personal watch list by checking the box beneath entries that pique your interest. Happy viewing!Our Meticulous MethodologyIn collaboration with The Upshot—a dedicated department at The Times focused on data and analytical journalism—we sought to create the most authoritative list ofThe 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. We distributed ballots to hundreds of directors, actors, cinematographers, and other professionals within and connected to the film industry, inviting them to submit their picks for the finest feature-length films released in the United States on or after January 1, 2000. Respondents were permitted to submit up to 10 films, though some submitted fewer.After casting their initial ballots, voters were also given the option to participate in a series of matchups, choosing which of two randomly selected films they considered superior. By combining the data from these prompts with the direct vote tallies, we meticulously compiled and weighted the responses to generate this definitive list of the top 100 movies. This rigorous process ensures a comprehensive and expert-backed ranking.

Guillermo del Toro’sPan’s Labyrinth, a dark fairy tale set in Franco-era Spain, propelled him from horror movies and comic-book adaptations into the realm of prestige filmmaking, all while retaining his signature humanism, magical realism, and superb creature creations. Young Ofelia escapes her bleak reality—especially life under her fascist new stepfather—by entering an imaginary world where a mystical faun sets her on a quest to prove her worth. This visually dazzling allegory affirmed del Toro as one of today’s finest filmmakers. Brett Goldstein recognized its brilliance.

For more fantastical tales with dark undertones, considerA Monster Calls,Crimson Peak, orThe Green Knight. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

53. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) – Larry Charles

Sacha Baron Cohen, as Borat Sagdiyev, the Kazakh TV reporter fromDa Ali G Show, delivered a thorough and uproarious prank on the United States. As Borat travels the country hoping to meet Pamela Anderson, he alarmingly easily persuades strangers to drop their guard. At a rodeo, for example, spectators appear less disturbed by Borat’s call for George W. Bush to "drink the blood of every single man, woman and child of Iraq" than by his rendition of Kazakhstan’s supposed national anthem. Comedian Patton Oswalt praised its rescue from a "disaster" to an "other level."

For more audacious comedies, exploreIdiocracy,Jackass: The Movie, orEntertainment. Our review provides further insights, and you can find streaming options here.

52. The Favourite (2018) – Yorgos Lanthimos

Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos offers a cheekily perverted view of British history inThe Favourite, his take on the life of Queen Anne. Olivia Colman delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the desperate, ailing ruler. Two ambitious women, the domineering Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and the conniving Abigail (Emma Stone), vie for Anne’s fickle affections, each on their own quest for power. In a film brimming with delectable zingers, Lanthimos leans into nastiness, both corporeal and otherwise, with a distinctive fish-eye lens. Naomie Harris was among its notable voters.

If you're drawn to historical dramas with a dark comedic edge, considerMarie Antoinette,Conclave, orBarry Lyndon. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

51. 12 Years a Slave (2013) – Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen’s12 Years a Slaveshattered numerous conventions: an profoundly American narrative from a British director and star (Chiwetel Ejiofor); a Black-led period drama that grossed over $130 million internationally; and a clear-eyed reckoning with slavery that won Best Picture. Working from Solomon Northup's astonishing autobiography, McQueen crafted a blazing, improbably poetic modern "Odyssey" that reveals more about humanity, power, bigotry, and grace than much of the preceding century of American political cinema combined. Chiwetel Ejiofor reflected on the film's far-reaching impact and reception.

For more powerful historical dramas, explore13TH,The Color Purple, orBelle. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

The Essential 21st Century Films: 50-41

50. Up (2009) – Pete Docter

Upshowcases Pixar at its risk-taking pinnacle. This film portrays a cranky, 78-year-old widower clinging to the past as he grapples with grief, hindering new connections. Early scenes are rendered in black-and-white, others completely devoid of dialogue, as director Pete Docter prioritizes feeling over linear storytelling. The film’s second half, after the house famously floats away, shifts to a more overtly commercial adventure with a young chatterbox, a talking dog, a mythical bird, and an unexpected antagonist, offering both thrilling escapades and comedic relief. Mike Birbiglia cherished its unique emotional depth.

If you love animated adventures with heart, considerThelma,Fantastic Mr. Fox, orMarcel the Shell With Shoes On. Our review offers deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

49. Before Sunset (2004) – Richard Linklater

Convention dictates against sequels to love stories, and improving on Richard Linklater’s 1995 gemBefore Sunriseseemed impossible. Yet,Before Sunsetmasterfully uses the passage of time to add profound poignancy. Reuniting Jesse and Celine (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) in their 30s, the emotional baggage accrued over the years makes their second chance at love even more deeply involving. Director Lulu Wang often thinks about its perfect, layered ending.

For more insightful romantic dramas, exploreTwo Days in New York,Past Lives, orLovely and Amazing. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

48. The Lives of Others (2006) – Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

In circa-1984 East Berlin, whom can you trust? Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s taut, disquieting drama explores this question, where the lives of friends, neighbors, and colleagues are constantly under surveillance. The film follows a dashing playwright, his stage-actress lover, and the Stasi agent tasked with monitoring their loyalties. With stakes couldn't be higher, the movie maintains a muted yet devastating emotional baseline, achieving a high-wire act of revelation and compliance. Matthew Weiner lauded its precise execution.

For more gripping thrillers with historical context, tryCold War,4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, orBarbara. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

47. Almost Famous (2000) – Cameron Crowe

Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical dramedy,Almost Famous, about a rock ’n’ roll-obsessed high school journalist touring with a rising band, has become a totemic film, spawning aphorisms like "You cannot make friends with the rock stars." Set to a soundtrack of Cat Stevens, Yes, and Elton John, Crowe vividly brings to life the intoxicating milieu of 1970s rock, featuring an enigmatic guitarist (Billy Crudup) and an alluring "Band Aid" (Kate Hudson). Yet, the film also offers a bracingly clear-eyed view of the perils of chasing fame. Mikey Madison was among its voters.

If you're drawn to music-centric stories, considerHigh Fidelity,Dig!, orJuliet, Naked. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

46. Roma (2018) – Alfonso Cuarón

Romais Alfonso Cuarón’s deeply personal film, a dazzlingly mundane black-and-white memory piece created after decades spent on big-budget fantasies. Yalitza Aparicio stars as Cleo, a maid for a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City. As ordinary and extraordinary problems arise, her quiet selflessness helps the family navigate through them. Cuarón earned Oscars for his direction and cinematography for this poignant, evocative work. John Lithgow praised its artistry.

For more intimate, visually striking dramas, exploreJapón,Tótem, orAtlantics. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

45. Moneyball (2011) – Bennett Miller

Moneyballdoesn’t just depict the real-life success of the underdog Oakland Athletics in 2002; it articulates a revolutionary strategy for winning in both business and baseball. Based on Michael Lewis’s book, Bennett Miller’s drama stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the G.M. who, alongside an aide (Jonah Hill), leverages data to assemble a team of undervalued players. With Philip Seymour Hoffman fully embodying his role as the skeptical A’s manager,Moneyballcaptures the ruthlessness and romance of baseball during a time when unpopular ideas proved literally game-changing.

If you enjoy underdog sports stories, considerHustle,Sugar, orBang the Drum Slowly. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

44. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood (2019) – Quentin Tarantino

Like Martin Scorsese’s New York or Federico Fellini’s Rome, Quentin Tarantino’s Los Angeles is a spectacle to behold. This fevered love letter to his hometown circa 1969 is a gonzo-maximalist dream, featuring a fictional fading TV star (Leonardo DiCaprio), his laconic stuntman-sidekick (Brad Pitt), a passel of Manson family freaks, and the very real starlet Sharon Tate (portrayed as pure blond sunshine by Margot Robbie). From there, the script brilliantly deviates from established history, building to one of the most bravura and far-out finales in film history. Edgar Wright was among its devoted fans.

For more genre-blending tales set in Hollywood, exploreTropic Thunder,The Player, orBoogie Nights. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

43. Oldboy (2003) – Park Chan-wook

The middle installment of South Korean director Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy,Oldboyhits like a hammer—to the head, leg, arm, and anywhere else its protagonist can strike as he brutally fights his way out of a hallway packed with thugs. That celebrated action sequence is emblematic of this twisty (and twisted) thriller’s operatic levels of violence, but its emotions are equally extreme.Oldboyprovokes and unsettles, right up to its disturbingly ambiguous final frame. John Turturro praised its romantic, disgusting, and fun nature.

If you're seeking intense, stylish thrillers, we recommendJohn Wick,Memento, orThe Handmaiden. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

42. The Master (2012) – Paul Thomas Anderson

Fans continue to unravel Paul Thomas Anderson’s sixth and most elliptical feature, which explores the complex relationship between a drifting, emotionally regressive World War II veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) and a charismatic cult leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who are physical and temperamental opposites. The extraordinary production design meticulously evokes the period, the shimmery detail of the imagery (Anderson famously revived the nearly obsolete 65-millimeter format to shoot it), and the intensity of the performances—including Amy Adams’s powerful turn as the cult leader’s wife—all contribute to the film’s enduring durability and mystery. Will Sharpe was among its keen observers.

For more enigmatic character studies, considerMartha Marcy May Marlene,Synecdoche, New York, orThe Brutalist. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

41. Amélie (2001) – Jean-Pierre Jeunet

"Times are hard for dreamers," a character observes in this surprise smash hit, widely remembered as a charming mash-up of rom-com and magical effects. Yet, beyond moments like a heartbroken woman dissolving into a puddle, director Jean-Pierre Jeunet offers a clear-eyed, very funny view of people and love. That line, for instance, is uttered by a porn emporium clerk. And when a suitor tells the object of his affection, "You’re beautiful when you blush," she replies, "It’s my dyspepsia."

If you enjoy whimsical and heartfelt comedies, tryDelicatessen,La La Land, orThe Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

Defining Moments in 21st Century Cinema: 40-31

40. Yi Yi (2000) – Edward Yang

Edward Yang’s multi-generational family epic,Yi Yi, expertly balances sublime poetry with explosive drama. Beautifully shot in Taiwan and Japan, the film follows three members of the Jian family after their matriarch falls into a coma. As they confront the banalities of their lives, they seek meaning through music, memories, and especially photographs—including those a preternaturally wise 8-year-old takes of the backs of people's heads, aiming to show them what they cannot see for themselves. Yang achieves precisely this with his singular film. Brit Marling found it deeply moving.

For more profound family dramas, exploreThe Farewell,Still Walking, orColumbus. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

39. Lady Bird (2017) – Greta Gerwig

"Don’t you think maybe they are the same thing—love and attention?" This poignant question, posed to high schooler Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, forms the central tenet of Greta Gerwig’s breakthrough directorial effort. Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) is so accustomed to cataloging her frustrations—from her overbearing mother (Laurie Metcalf) to the provincial indignities of her Sacramento hometown—that she barely perceives the intrinsic link between attention and affection. As a teenager, Lady Bird wears her defensiveness like armor, but Gerwig skillfully uncovers the vulnerable heart beating beneath. Amy Pascal was among its admirers.

If you're drawn to powerful coming-of-age stories, considerBooksmart,Eighth Grade, orMy Old Ass. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

38. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) – Céline Sciamma

In Céline Sciamma’s quietly piercing historical drama, two 18th-century women—the aristocrat Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) and the artist Marianne (Noémie Merlant)—fall secretly and blisteringly in love along the coast of France. This is no typical saga of forbidden desire; these women harbor no illusions, yet they certainly suffer under a deadline that hangs over them like a noose: Héloïse is promised to a Milanese nobleman. The unforgettable closing scene, long after their parting, is an unshakable, eviscerating display of the aftershocks of social subordination and self-abandonment. Mikey Madison was deeply affected by its beauty.

For more exquisite period romances, exploreDisobedience,Blue Is the Warmest Color, orThe Age of Innocence. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

37. Call Me By Your Name (2017) – Luca Guadagnino

Are the most impactful love stories ultimately defined by heartbreak? In Luca Guadagnino’s masterpiece, Elio (Timothée Chalamet in his breakout role) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) share a tender, teasing summer romance in northern Italy. However, it's the aftermath of their affair that imbues the film with profound depth—Elio’s tearful call to his mother, his father’s gentle wisdom, and the unforgettable final scene in which Elio visibly matures before our eyes. It beautifully illustrates how even fleeting love can transform us forever. Molly Ringwald was among its supporters.

If you're moved by poignant romantic dramas, considerMy Summer of Love,Pariah, orBeach Rats. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

36. A Serious Man (2009) – Ethan Coen and Joel Coen

The Coen brothers transform memories of their late-1960s Minnesota childhood into a dark comedy as complex as a Talmudic passage. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Larry Gopnik, a physics professor simultaneously plagued by a disgruntled student, a wayward brother, a tenure committee, his son’s bar mitzvah, and a separation instigated by a man named Sy Ableman. Is God testing him? Does a rabbi’s story about a "goy’s teeth" hold the answer? It’s arguably the Coens’ most Jewish film and, alongsideThe Big Lebowski, a strong contender for their most quotable. Patton Oswalt recounted a memorable story about its casting.

For more darkly comedic character studies, exploreAmerican Splendor,Barton Fink, orShiva Baby. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

35. A Prophet (2009) – Jacques Audiard

Sadly, the outlines of this story—a teenager is sent to prison and emerges a hardened criminal—are not surprising. Yet, Jacques Audiard’sA Prophetis defined by its specifics, even deploying iris shots to direct our attention as Malik, an illiterate French teenager of Arab descent, uses his intelligence not just to survive but to thrive. Malik (a terrifically subtle Tahar Rahim) also serves as a poignant stand-in for young Muslims grappling with prejudice and lack of opportunity in France’s banlieues. In the years since its release, this drama has only grown more relevant. Actor-director Benny Safdie praised its shocking realism and truthfulness.

For more gritty crime dramas, considerLes Misérables,Tell No One, orStarred Up. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

34. Wall-E (2008) – Andrew Stanton

Wall-Estands as Pixar’s most formally inventive movie, largely wordless for its first act as the last robot on Earth diligently cleans up after absent humans. Once the narrative pivots to the sky, it transforms into a poignant fable about overconsumption and climate change that feels increasingly real. The seemingly cheerful ending also delivers a bleak warning that humanity has yet to heed. Nathan Lane was among those who found it profoundly impactful.

If you appreciate thought-provoking animation, exploreInside Out,The Wild Robot, orIron Giant. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

33. A Separation (2011) – Asghar Farhadi

In Asghar Farhadi’s gripping drama, set in Tehran, a couple finds themselves mid-breakup but trapped after a judge denies their divorce application. While the wife, Simin, seeks refuge with her mother, a series of intricate twists and turns lands the husband, Nader, in court facing a murder charge after hiring a woman to care for his ailing father. Full of suspense and moral ambiguity, this legal thriller became the first Iranian movie to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Actor Arian Moayed called it "a perfect drama."

For more intense legal dramas, considerThe Seed of the Sacred Fig,A Hero, orMarriage Story. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

32. Bridesmaids (2011) – Paul Feig

In 2011,Bridesmaids, starring Kristen Wiig as down-on-her-luck Annie, her newly engaged best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and Lillian’s wealthy pal (Rose Byrne), ignited widespread discussions about women, gross-out comedy, and box-office power. Today, the script by Wiig and Annie Mumolo remains laugh-out-loud funny, featuring impressively complex side characters like Melissa McCarthy’s bananas future sister-in-law and Jill Clayburgh’s daffy mom. What truly surprises is the film's deep emotional resonance: Annie is sad and jealous, often getting in her own way, a universal feeling—though perhaps without the explosive diarrhea. Phoebe Robinson lauded its comedic genius.

For more hilarious and heartfelt comedies, exploreBarb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,Bachelorette, orSpy. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

31. The Departed (2006) – Martin Scorsese

The cat-and-rat gangster picture that finally earned Martin Scorsese his long-overdue Oscar happens to be one of the most downright entertaining films of the 21st century. Scorsese masterfully transplants the Hong Kong flickInfernal Affairsto Boston, complete with a Dropkick Murphys soundtrack. On one side of the law is Leonardo DiCaprio’s rough-around-the-edges cop, posing as a criminal. On the other, Matt Damon’s golden-boy police officer secretly works for the Mafia. In the middle, Jack Nicholson’s Irish mob boss smiles like the Cheshire Cat. Let the games begin. Director Josh Safdie praised its dense ideas and polarizing, yet brilliant, ending.

If you enjoy gritty crime thrillers, considerThe Town,Infernal Affairs, orBefore the Devil Knows You're Dead. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

Defining Moments in 21st Century Cinema: 30-21

30. Lost in Translation (2003) – Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola’s sophomore feature is a cinematic miracle—effortlessly inventive, endlessly quoted, and impossible to replicate. Shot at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, where Coppola had stayed while contemplating the end of her first marriage, it follows the enigmatic duo of Bob and Charlotte (Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson)—a fading movie star and a floundering philosophy grad—whose paths intersect just long enough to recognize a soul mate.Lost in Translationearned Coppola an Oscar and cemented her status as an essential new voice in American film. Pamela Anderson lauded Johansson's graceful performance.

For more atmospheric and contemplative dramas, exploreJanet Planet,Somewhere, orReturn to Seoul. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

29. Arrival (2016) – Denis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve’s lyrical alien film, based on a short story by Ted Chiang, stands as sci-fi at its most emotionally devastating. When a mysterious, looming extraterrestrial craft descends upon Earth, a linguist, brilliantly played by Amy Adams in a career-best role, is recruited to establish communication with the tentacled beings known as heptapods. Less a saga about invasion and more about profound communication,Arrivalremains intoxicatingly mysterious until it wallops you with its time-turning, gut-punch ending. Min Jin Lee was deeply moved by its narrative depth.

If you're drawn to intelligent science fiction, considerThe Vast of Night,Ad Astra, orI, Origins. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

28. The Dark Knight (2008) – Christopher Nolan

Indifference to superheroes isn't a prerequisite for creating a great film about them, but Christopher Nolan’s aversion to comic-book logic and his fascination with the grown-up crime movie canon (particularlyHeatandThe Godfather) revitalized a character struggling to emerge from the miasma ofBatman & Robin. The second entry and high-water mark of Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy poses fruitful questions about the naïveté of its protagonist’s moral code. However, the film’s greatest asset is Heath Ledger, whose staggering performance as the Joker set an unprecedented bar for subsequent supervillains forever.

For more gritty superhero films, exploreThe Prestige,V for Vendetta, orRise of the Planet of the Apes. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

27. Adaptation (2002) – Spike Jonze

Adaptation, directed by Spike Jonze and ostensibly written by Charlie Kaufman and his fictional twin brother, Donald, possesses a virtuosic hall-of-mirrors quality. It’s an adaptation of a book that’s actually about the impossibility of adapting a book; a profound study of neuroses, courage, and obsessive passion; and above all, an incredibly funny movie, featuring a delicious, dual performance by Nicolas Cage as both Kaufmans. It’s a meta-cinematic triumph.

If you enjoy unique and self-referential narratives, considerDream Scenario,Being John Malkovich, orSorry to Bother You. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

26. Anatomy of a Fall (2023) – Justine Triet

Not quite a "he-said she-said"—the defenestrated husband in question is already dead minutes into the film—Justine Triet’s taut, stylish dissection of a tumultuous marriage is both forensically precise and thrillingly ambiguous. Sandra Hüller, earning an Oscar nomination for her role as the wife who may or may not have pushed her husband from a chalet window, delivers a masterclass in contained fury, indignation, and ugly truths that she (and Triet) will never fully reveal. Tramell Tillman was deeply impressed by its complexity.

For more gripping courtroom dramas, exploreSaint Omer,The Teachers' Lounge, orPrimal Fear. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

25. Phantom Thread (2017) – Paul Thomas Anderson

Don’t you dare call Paul Thomas Anderson’s delectable 1950s fashion drama "chic." The couturier Reynolds Woodcock, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, would be utterly incensed. This film is sumptuous and subversive, recounting the unconventional love story between the exacting Reynolds and his unruly muse, Alma (Vicky Krieps). He is prickly and easily perturbed; she delights in getting under his skin. While it might seem Anderson is investigating power imbalances in relationships, it is, in fact, the tale of a man meeting his absolute match. Pedro Almodóvar praised its unique vision. Eat up, you hungry boys.

For more intense character dramas, considerTár,Marriage Story, orDamage. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

24. Her (2013) – Spike Jonze

Spike Jonze’s digital romance,Her, eschews the hard, gleaming surfaces of most speculative sci-fi for something more off-kilter and bittersweet. It follows a lonely, mustachioed introvert (Joaquin Phoenix) in near-future Los Angeles as he falls head-over-code for an adaptive operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Is it real machine love or merely a grown man’s pathological avoidance of intimacy?Herrefuses easy answers, though the many questions it raises feel far less theoretical today than they did in 2013. Tony Hale found it deeply moving.

For more thought-provoking AI narratives, exploreI'm Your Man,Ex Machina, orA.I. Artificial Intelligence. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

23. Boyhood (2014) – Richard Linklater

An audacious concept—the movie was shot, in start-and-stop fashion, over more than a decade—meets a winningly low-key execution in Richard Linklater’s acute, unhurried portrait of a small-town Texas kid (Ellar Coltrane) navigating his parents’ divorce, first crushes, and other travails and triumphs of adolescence. The result is a coming-of-age drama of uncommon loveliness, both piercing and sweet. John Turturro was moved by its human approach, and Jason Blum called it a "new cinematic magic spell."

For more intimate coming-of-age stories, considerClose,Minari, or35 Up. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

22. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) – Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s candy-colored visions can be wonderfully deceptive. The magnificent inn of the title is a glorious pink confection, but beneath its charming surface lie real stakes: fascism is rapidly approaching, and refugees have ample reason to fear authorities at the borders of a fictional European country. This interwar tale of a beloved concierge (a terrific Ralph Fiennes) who affectionately calls everyone "darling" and shares intimate moments with all his friends is, in the end, deeply moving. Pamela Anderson praised its Cocteau-style artistry, and Dennis Lehane saw it as a lament for civility.

For more visually distinctive comedies, exploreGrand Hotel,Hail, Caesar!, orGosford Park. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

21. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) – Wes Anderson

Before his name became synonymous with a distinctive and widely imitated aesthetic, Wes Anderson was also an exceptionally good storyteller. His exploration of one eccentric New York family,The Royal Tenenbaums, contains no shortage of Wes-ian signatures: deadpan line deliveries, dreamy Pantone palettes, and first-rate needle drops. However, it’s also a deeply felt and often very funny portrait of an emotionally distant patriarch (Gene Hackman) and his messy, overachieving offspring, played with exquisite agony by Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Actor-director Benny Safdie highlighted Gene Hackman's unforgettable performance.

If you enjoy quirky family dramas, considerHarold and Maude,I Heart Huckabees, orThe Squid and the Whale. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

The Pinnacle of 21st Century Cinema: Movies 20-11

20. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Martin Scorsese

More than a century after the days ofGangs of New York, Martin Scorsese returns to Lower Manhattan for more tales of bros behaving badly. Leonardo DiCaprio, playing the notorious stock trader Jordan Belfort (whose memoir the movie is based on), has rarely been funnier onscreen, whether he’s chucking lobsters at pesky F.B.I. agents or stumbling rubber-legged from too many quaaludes. Inevitably, a downfall awaits, but if Belfort seems to get off relatively easily, well, doesn’t that sound just like Wall Street? Actor-director Benny Safdie praised its manic energy and timeless relevance.

For more intense dramas about ambition and excess, exploreBoiler Room,Glengarry Glen Ross, orAmerican Hustle. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

19. Zodiac (2007) – David Fincher

This drama, which initially sputtered at the box office, functions as a profound examination of obsession. The titular serial killer is obsessive in crafting his persona. The bureaucracy-hindered cops (Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards) obsessively chase leads, while newspaper journalists, including Robert Downey Jr.’s boozy beat reporter, do the same. That you feel satisfied by the time the credits roll—even with the Zodiac’s identity remaining a mystery—speaks to David Fincher’s obsessive attention to detail and technique. Director Barry Jenkins found it incredibly warm and personal, despite Fincher's reputation for being cold.

For more gripping true-crime thrillers, considerHoly Spider,Nightcrawler, orHenry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

18. Y Tu Mamá También (2001) – Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón’s bildungsroman,Y Tu Mamá También, is rich with themes—lust, class, male friendship, mortality—but primarily lust. Sex seems to be the sole preoccupation for high schoolers Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael García Bernal): with their girlfriends, each other’s girlfriends, and an alluring in-law who inspires a road trip to a secluded beach. Cuarón films sex with the same intensity his characters feel it: hot, all-consuming, with the weight of the world just off-camera. Like youth itself, we emerge from the film blinking, disoriented, sifting through memories like sand strewn with gold. Director Lulu Wang found herself connecting more deeply with the in-law's journey as she grew older.

For more passionate road trip dramas, exploreSex and Lucia,The Hand of God, orAmerican Honey. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

17. Brokeback Mountain (2005) – Ang Lee

The "gay cowboy movie" did more than spark water-cooler conversations and win several Oscars (its Best Picture loss toCrashremains an infamous Oscar lore bugaboo). Ang Lee’s austere, gently paced Western transformed a clandestine romance between two Wyoming ranch hands (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) into one of cinema’s great tragic love stories, as aesthetically beautiful as it was emotionally shattering. Ava DuVernay was among those who recognized its groundbreaking impact.

For more poignant romantic dramas, considerAll of Us Strangers,My Own Private Idaho, orGod's Own Country. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – Ang Lee

When Ang Lee debuted this wuxia masterpiece starring Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, and Zhang Ziyi, the film uniquely appealed to both Western and Eastern audiences, a rarity at the time, and shattered box-office records. This action drama exquisitely marries acrobatic, aerodynamic martial arts with themes of repressed love and forbidden futures. Seared in memory are the showdown between Yeoh’s swordswoman and the thief played by Zhang using a multitude of weapons, and the balletic sword fight between Chow’s warrior and Zhang in a breathtaking bamboo forest.

For more visually stunning martial arts films, exploreHero,Enter the Dragon, orThe Raid: Redemption. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

15. City of God (2002) – Fernando Meirelles

A harrowing scene inCity of Goddepicts a teenager forcing a younger teen to kill an even younger child, who cowers inside a fenced patio resembling a playpen. Nearby, another child, perhaps five years old, sobs from a gunshot wound to the foot—a message, but also a cruel game. That a film can contain such a scene and evoke anything but sickness is a testament to its narrative complexity, dazzling visual style, and charismatic cast. It’s a harrowing yet poetic meditation on survival within Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade de Deus slum. Chiwetel Ejiofor praised its immersive precision, and Patton Oswalt highlighted its blend of tragedy and tension.

For more intense dramas set in vibrant locales, considerAmores Perros,Neighboring Sounds, orWilliam Shakespeare's Romeo+Juliet. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

14. Inglourious Basterds (2009) – Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino’s World War II revenge tale is both epic and intimate, where life and death hinge on a hand gesture, a dessert topping, or a questionable accent (though Brad Pitt's Tennessee drawl is hilariously on point). Christoph Waltz delivers a standout, Oscar-winning performance in a stacked ensemble cast. After a conflagration of revisionist history burns this movie to the ground, Pitt gets the final word, and it’s hard not to hear it in Tarantino’s voice: "I think this just might be my masterpiece." Mel Brooks was among its esteemed voters.

For more revisionist historical narratives, exploreJojo Rabbit,The Great Escape, orReservoir Dogs. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

13. Children of Men (2006) – Alfonso Cuarón

While the near future in Alfonso Cuarón’s sci-fi drama is bleak, almost every scene is a stunning masterclass in filmmaking. Women have become infertile, and hope for the human race is all but gone. In a locked-down Britain hostile to refugees, a bureaucrat (Clive Owen) finds himself in a position to protect a newcomer (Clare-Hope Ashitey), the only pregnant woman in the world. The performances are lived-in, the narrative is prescient, and Emmanuel Lubezki’s camerawork dazzles. A one-shot ambush sequence filmed from inside a moving vehicle will leave you agape. Patton Oswalt found its depiction of humanity's struggle to go on hauntingly real.

For more dystopian sci-fi thrillers, considerMinority Report,Snowpiercer, orTake Shelter. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

12. The Zone of Interest (2023) – Jonathan Glazer

Jonathan Glazer’s Holocaust narrative defiantly subverts convention. Using the skeletal framework of Martin Amis’s novel, Glazer focuses on the meticulously mundane day-to-day life of Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), who reside just next door. They tend their garden to the chilling, constant soundtrack of mass murder, as the ash of human bodies literally falls from the sky. It's a disorienting watch that powerfully illustrates the chilling ease of living with monstrosity, punctuated by Mica Levi’s unnerving score that occasionally jolts you out of your skin. Ziwe Fumudoh recognized its profound impact.

For more unsettling historical dramas, exploreSon of Saul,The White Ribbon, orDogville. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – George Miller

The fourth installment in George Miller’s post-apocalyptic series finds the world still parched for water, with Max (Tom Hardy) riding shotgun alongside Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a one-armed, truck-driving revolutionary. Churning with bodies—human, machined, deathly pale, shinily chromed—Miller’s kinetic, lunatic hallucination leaves audiences slack-jawed due to both its outrageous visuals and unexpected depth of feeling. Come for the unforgettable image of a guy playing a flame-throwing guitar while tied to a moving semi; stay for the poignant requiem for a world that looks eerily, devastatingly like our own. Dennis Lehane praised its unparalleled action sequences and magnetic stars.

For more relentless action films, considerThe Road Warrior,The Northman, orThe Road. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

The Top 10: The Definitive Best Movies of the 21st Century

10. The Social Network (2010) – David Fincher

Less a biography than an evisceration, David Fincher’s hypnotically unflattering, often brutally funny origin story about Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and the creation of Facebook begins with a man and woman breaking up. By the film’s end, the man is the world’s loneliest billionaire, compulsively clicking refresh on his Facebook page. WhenThe Social Networkdebuted, it felt like a borderline cruel take on a classic American success story. Given how profoundly social media has reshaped the world, the film now seems almost quaint—and not nearly cruel enough. Actor Simu Liu declared it "a perfect film."

For more incisive technological dramas, exploreBlackBerry,The Big Short, orEnron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

9. Spirited Away (2001) – Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki’s hand-drawn fairy tale of adolescence,Spirited Away, is the 21st century's answer toAlice in Wonderland. Unforgettable characters spill out of an abandoned magical bathhouse—the boilerman and his soot sprites, the masked spirit No-Face, Haku the boy-dragon—all navigated by the brave Chihiro, whose clueless parents have been transformed into pigs by a witch. Beautifully uniting the master animator’s preoccupations—human corruption of nature, the loss of innocence, and intimidating creatures who are not what they seem—Spirited Awayis a spellbinding adventure with few peers in animation or any other medium. John Turturro highlighted its emotional resonance for children.

For more enchanting animated features, considerFlow,My Neighbor Totoro, orRobot Dreams. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

8. Get Out (2017) – Jordan Peele

When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), the hero of Jordan Peele’s unnerving debut, visits his white girlfriend’s parents, it quickly becomes clear something is amiss. Her mother is eerily watchful, her father embarrassingly obsequious. Chris soon uncovers that the family and their friends are modern-day slavers, transplanting white brains into Black bodies. With mordant wit, brilliant timing, and superb control, Peele—making a terrific directorial debut—expertly marshals genre conventions for a film that is simultaneously an electrifying thriller about the horrors of white supremacy and an unsparing sendup of a post-racial America. Danielle Brooks praised its incisive social commentary.

For more genre-bending horror films, exploreNight of the Living Dead,Rosemary's Baby, orThe Babadook. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Michel Gondry

Occasionally, a movie emerges so wildly inventive and wonderfully strange that it feels like a dream. Directed by Michel Gondry from a screenplay by Charlie Kaufman,Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindventures far beyond its rom-com premise. Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey portray a broken-up couple who opt to erase memories of their relationship. This film, equal parts playful and gut-wrenching, powerfully emphasizes how profoundly such memories, even painful ones, shape who we are. Dennis Lehane lauded its smart, deeply moving, and humorous blend, noting how "love finds a way" in messy, self-destructive ways.

For more imaginative romantic dramas, considerThe Worst Person in the World,Me and You and Everyone We Know, orPast Lives. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

6. No Country for Old Men (2007) – Ethan Coen and Joel Coen

"What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?" the menacing hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) chillingly asks a gas station owner, who is unaware he’s gambling with his life. Chigurh borders on superhuman as he stalks through this neo-Western crime thriller, which the Coen brothers brilliantly adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s blood-soaked novel about violence and fate. Long stretches are devoid of music or dialogue—just men desperately trying not to die. But as one character sagely puts it, "You can’t stop what’s comin’." Brian Cox praised the Coen brothers' daring and Javier Bardem's amazing character.

For more gritty, philosophical crime thrillers, exploreHell or High Water,Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, orThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

5. Moonlight (2016) – Barry Jenkins

The profound weight of Barry Jenkins’ delicate drama,Moonlight, settles in deeply by its staggering finale. Jenkins masterfully guides us through the life of a Black gay man, portrayed at different ages by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes.Moonlightis an exploration of everything that shapes identity—the beauty and love encountered, what is embraced and what is not. Ultimately, it’s a story about feeling like an outcast, yet patiently, quietly finding one’s way home. Actress Danielle Deadwyler praised its tenderness, and director Barry Jenkins reflected on its unexpected impact as a "portal" for self-understanding.

For more deeply personal and visually poetic dramas, considerTropical Malady,Weekend, orNickel Boys. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

4. In the Mood for Love (2000) – Wong Kar-Wai

Soon after a journalist (Tony Leung) and a secretary (Maggie Cheung), both married to other people, move into the same crowded Hong Kong building in 1962, they brush past each other in mesmerizing slow motion. Sparks don’t merely fly; they smolder, burning continuously in Wong Kar-wai’s rapturously beautiful, elegiac romance. He inscribes desire into every glance and unspoken word. Here, the sensuous curve of a woman’s back becomes an emblem of longing, while the tendrils of smoke from a man’s cigarette express the ache of life’s impermanence. Director Sofia Coppola found it mind-blowing, poetic, and inspiring.

For more visually stunning and emotionally rich romances, exploreI Am Love,Drive My Car, orMedicine for Melancholy. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

3. There Will Be Blood (2007) – Paul Thomas Anderson

Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece about blood and oil, men and their gods, commences in the late 19th century with American prospector Daniel Plainview (a towering Daniel Day-Lewis) alone in a deep pit, violently hacking at the earth. He relentlessly gouges and pummels—the earth and other people—to become an oil baron who ravages everything and everyone in his path. Anderson’s filmmaking can make you gasp; the soaring camerawork speaks to the ambitions of both protagonist and director, as do the environmental and spiritual devastations that haunt this deeply American tragedy. Producer Jason Blum called "I drink your milkshake" iconic and found the movie both loved and hated.

For more epic and intense character studies, considerTreasure of the Sierra Madre,The Master, orThe Power of the Dog. Read our full review and find out where to watch it.

2. Mulholland Drive (2001) – David Lynch

David Lynch’s perverse fairy tale,Mulholland Drive, tracks the downward spiral of bright-eyed young actress Betty—a revelatory Naomi Watts in a career-defining performance—who stumbles into a dangerous, labyrinthine mystery shortly after arriving in Los Angeles. Filled with doubles and dream logic, this is one of Lynch’s bleakest and most terrifying films, and among his most emotionally devastating. It’s also one of the great movies about Hollywood, a dark mirror world where dreams tragically morph into nightmares, making it one of Lynch’s most autobiographical works. Actor Brian Cox noted its glossy surface hides ruthless uncertainty and a critical view of humanity.

For more enigmatic and surreal thrillers, exploreLost Highway,Holy Motors, orI'm Not There. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

1. Parasite (2019) – Bong Joon Ho

A brilliant tale of haves and have-nots, and a ferocious rebuke to the devastations of neoliberalism, Bong Joon Ho’s pleasurably kinked and unsettling shocker,Parasite, follows a destitute family as they cunningly insinuate themselves into a wealthy household. Bong, a master of genre unbound by convention, fluidly shifts between broad comedy and blistering social satire throughout, then ignites it all with a paroxysm of tragic violence that is as stunning as it is inevitable. When the movie premiered in the United States, Bong was a favorite on the art-house circuit; by the time it concluded its run, he had a fistful of Oscars, including Best Picture, and the world had a new superstar. Julianne Moore was among its ardent supporters.

For more socially charged thrillers, exploreMemories of Murder,Shoplifters, orThe Celebration. Our review provides deeper insights, and you can find streaming options here.

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Track Your Progress: Watch & Want-to-Watch Lists

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Our Meticulous Methodology

In collaboration with The Upshot—a dedicated department at The Times focused on data and analytical journalism—we sought to create the most authoritative list ofThe 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. We distributed ballots to hundreds of directors, actors, cinematographers, and other professionals within and connected to the film industry, inviting them to submit their picks for the finest feature-length films released in the United States on or after January 1, 2000. Respondents were permitted to submit up to 10 films, though some submitted fewer.

After casting their initial ballots, voters were also given the option to participate in a series of matchups, choosing which of two randomly selected films they considered superior. By combining the data from these prompts with the direct vote tallies, we meticulously compiled and weighted the responses to generate this definitive list of the top 100 movies. This rigorous process ensures a comprehensive and expert-backed ranking.