The 21st century has delivered cinematic masterpieces that span genres, languages, and cultures. From intense dramas like There Will Be Blood to revolutionary animated features like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century highlights the most critically acclaimed, innovative, and culturally impactful films released since 2000.
Top 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century
Here’s the definitive list. These titles include Oscar winners, international gems, and groundbreaking films that shaped pop culture.
Modern Classics
1. Parasite (2019)
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Stars: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun
Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning thriller blends dark comedy and sharp social commentary. Following a poor family that infiltrates the lives of a wealthy household, the film unravels layers of class struggle and deception. With genre-defying twists and unforgettable visuals, Parasite is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Also read: Top 10 Movies to Watch on Netflix in June 2025 | Best Binge Picks
2. There Will Be Blood (2007)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano
Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a powerhouse performance in this gritty tale of ambition, oil, and obsession. Set in the early 20th century, the film explores the ruthless rise of a silver miner turned oilman. With haunting cinematography and a chilling score, it’s a masterpiece of American cinema that examines greed and isolation.
3. The Social Network (2010)
Director: David Fincher
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield
Directed by David Fincher, this sharp drama chronicles the controversial rise of Facebook. Jesse Eisenberg stars as Mark Zuckerberg, whose ambition, genius, and betrayals reshape the digital world. With Aaron Sorkin’s fast-paced script and an unforgettable score, it’s a defining film of the digital age.
4. Spirited Away (2011)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars (Voice Cast): Rumi Hiiragi (Chihiro), Miyu Irino (Haku), Mari Natsuki (Yubaba/Zeniba), Bunta Sugawara (Kamaji)
Hayao Miyazaki’s animated fantasy tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl trapped in a mystical world of spirits. With breathtaking hand-drawn animation and rich symbolism, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece captures the wonder of childhood and the complexity of growing up.
5. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Directors: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Stars: Javier Bardem (Anton Chigurh), Josh Brolin (Llewelyn Moss), Tommy Lee Jones (Sheriff Ed Tom Bell), Kelly Macdonald (Carla Jean Moss)
The Coen Brothers deliver a suspenseful neo-Western about fate, violence, and moral decay. When a hunter finds drug money in the Texas desert, he’s pursued by a cold-blooded killer. Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Anton Chigurh is one of the most chilling in cinema history.
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Director: Peter Jackson
Stars:
- Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins)
- Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)
- Ian McKellen (Gandalf)
- Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee)
- Orlando Bloom (Legolas)
- Liv Tyler (Arwen)
- Andy Serkis (Gollum/Sméagol)
Peter Jackson’s epic conclusion to the LOTR trilogy is a visual and emotional triumph. With breathtaking battle scenes, powerful friendships, and a moving finale, the film earned 11 Oscars and solidified the trilogy as a fantasy landmark.
7. Moonlight (2016)
Director: Barry Jenkins
Stars:
- Mahershala Ali (Juan)
- Trevante Rhodes (Adult Chiron)
- Ashton Sanders (Teen Chiron)
- Alex R. Hibbert (Young Chiron)
- Naomie Harris (Paula, Chiron’s mother)
- André Holland (Adult Kevin)
- Janelle Monáe (Teresa)
This intimate, beautifully shot drama follows a young Black man’s journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight explores identity, masculinity, and love with a poetic, quiet strength that won the Best Picture Oscar in 2017.
8. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Director: George Miller
Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron
A relentless, high-octane spectacle, George Miller’s Fury Road redefines action cinema. With minimal dialogue and jaw-dropping stunts, the film follows Furiosa and Max across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It’s a feminist, visual masterpiece with practical effects and raw energy.
9. Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars:
- Daniel Kaluuya (Chris Washington)
- Allison Williams (Rose Armitage)
- Bradley Whitford (Dean Armitage)
- Catherine Keener (Missy Armitage)
- Lil Rel Howery (Rod Williams)
- Caleb Landry Jones (Jeremy Armitage)
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut blends horror with sharp social commentary. When a Black man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, unsettling secrets unfold. Both terrifying and insightful, Get Out became a cultural milestone and redefined modern horror.
10. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Stars:
- Tony Leung Chiu-wai (Mr. Chow)
- Maggie Cheung (Mrs. Chan/Su Li-zhen)
Wong Kar-wai’s visually stunning romance captures the emotional tension between two neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong. With mesmerizing cinematography, sparse dialogue, and haunting music, the film is a quiet exploration of love, loneliness, and restraint.
Also read: Top 10 Movies on Netflix to Watch with Family | Family Film Picks
11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
A heart-wrenching sci-fi romance where a man undergoes a procedure to erase memories of his ex-girlfriend. As the memories fade, he realizes he doesn’t want to let go. Michel Gondry’s film is surreal, emotional, and brilliantly written by Charlie Kaufman.
12. The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s gritty take on Batman elevated superhero movies to serious cinema. Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as The Joker redefined the villain archetype, while the film explores chaos, morality, and justice in a realistic Gotham City.
13. Inside Out
Pixar’s emotional journey through the mind of a young girl brilliantly personifies emotions like Joy, Sadness, and Fear. It teaches kids and adults alike about mental health, memory, and growing up, with both humor and heart.
14. 12 Years a Slave
Based on Solomon Northup’s true story, this harrowing film chronicles a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery. Steve McQueen’s unflinching direction and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s powerful performance make it one of the most impactful historical dramas of our time.
15. Her
In a near-future Los Angeles, a lonely writer falls in love with an AI operating system. Spike Jonze’s Her is a visually poetic and emotionally resonant film about connection, technology, and what it means to be human.
16. Boyhood
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a unique coming-of-age story that follows a boy from age 6 to 18. It captures the small, poignant moments that define growing up and family life.
17. The Pianist
Roman Polanski’s Holocaust drama tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish pianist who survives in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. Adrien Brody’s haunting performance anchors this emotionally intense, beautifully crafted film about art and resilience.
18. The Departed
Martin Scorsese’s Boston-set crime thriller pits an undercover cop against a mole in the police. With an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Matt Damon, The Departed is gritty, violent, and deeply suspenseful.
19. Pan’s Labyrinth
Set in post-Civil War Spain, Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy follows a young girl who escapes into a mythical world. Balancing political allegory and fairy tale horror, the film is both visually rich and emotionally devastating.
20. The Lives of Others
A powerful German film about surveillance in East Berlin, following a Stasi agent who becomes emotionally entangled with the couple he’s spying on. It’s a gripping, morally complex exploration of empathy and authoritarian control.
Also read: Amazon Prime’s Top 10 Movies: Top High Rated Films to Watch
21. Manchester by the Sea
This deeply moving drama follows a man haunted by tragedy as he returns to his hometown. Casey Affleck’s Oscar-winning performance and the film’s raw exploration of grief, guilt, and redemption make it unforgettable.
22. Birdman
Shot to appear as one continuous take, Birdman follows a washed-up actor attempting a Broadway comeback. With biting satire, surreal moments, and career-defining performances, Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s film explores fame, ego, and artistic identity
23. Children of Men
In a dystopian future where humans have become infertile, one woman becomes pregnant. Alfonso Cuarón’s intense, immersive direction and powerful themes make it a landmark sci-fi film that remains chillingly relevant.
24. WALL·E
Pixar’s near-silent tale of a lonely robot on a trash-covered Earth is both adorable and thought-provoking. With stunning animation and a subtle environmental message, WALL·E speaks volumes without many words.
25. Roma
Alfonso Cuarón’s autobiographical drama captures the life of a housekeeper in 1970s Mexico City. Shot in stunning black-and-white, Roma is a heartfelt, visually poetic meditation on class, family, and womanhood.
26. The Handmaiden
Park Chan-wook’s erotic psychological thriller reimagines a Victorian novel in 1930s Korea. With twists, betrayal, and lush visuals, the story of a con artist, a wealthy heiress, and a cruel patriarch unfolds in layers. It’s visually stunning and narratively daring.
27. Spotlight
This gripping investigative drama follows The Boston Globe journalists uncovering widespread child abuse in the Catholic Church. Winner of Best Picture at the Oscars, Spotlight is a masterclass in restrained, powerful storytelling and journalistic integrity.
28. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson’s visually eccentric tale is set in a fictional European hotel between wars. With a star-studded cast and a story that mixes comedy, mystery, and nostalgia, it’s a beautifully crafted homage to old-world elegance and absurd adventure.
29. Brokeback Mountain
Ang Lee’s heartbreaking love story between two cowboys challenges stereotypes and explores love, loss, and regret. With poignant performances by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, it’s a quiet, devastating film that redefined queer cinema in mainstream Hollywood.
30. The Favourite
Set in 18th-century England, this dark comedy by Yorgos Lanthimos explores power, rivalry, and seduction within Queen Anne’s court. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz shine in this twisted, sharply written period drama with a modern flair.
Also read: Top 10 Thriller Movies on Netflix with Perfect Endings (2024)
31. La La Land
A jazz musician and an aspiring actress fall in love in Los Angeles in this musical romance directed by Damien Chazelle. Bursting with color, nostalgia, and bittersweet emotions, La La Land is a tribute to dreamers and heartbreak.
32. Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle’s rags-to-riches tale follows a young man from Mumbai’s slums who makes it to the final question on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? It’s a vibrant, emotional journey of love, fate, and resilience, sweeping eight Academy Awards.
33. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Ang Lee’s martial arts epic blends poetic visuals with stunning fight choreography. A tale of honor, forbidden love, and mythical swords, the film brought wuxia cinema to global audiences and redefined action storytelling.
34. Inside Llewyn Davis
The Coen Brothers explore the life of a struggling folk singer in 1960s New York. With melancholic tone and a haunting soundtrack, it’s a portrait of artistic failure, identity, and perseverance set against the backdrop of a fading music scene.
35. The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro’s romantic fantasy follows a mute janitor who falls in love with an aquatic creature in a secret lab. Equal parts fairy tale and Cold War thriller, it’s a whimsical, bold story of love beyond boundaries.
36. Marriage Story
Noah Baumbach’s intimate divorce drama captures the complexities of love unraveling. With deeply human performances by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, Marriage Story is raw, realistic, and emotionally resonant.
37. The Florida Project
This indie gem follows a precocious young girl living in a motel near Disney World. Sean Baker’s film contrasts childlike joy with harsh socioeconomic realities, capturing heartbreak and innocence in a single, vibrant frame.
38. Black Panther
Marvel’s groundbreaking superhero film, directed by Ryan Coogler, celebrates African heritage, identity, and innovation. With a powerful cast and culturally rich world-building, Black Panther became a global cultural phenomenon and box office triumph.
39. The Revenant
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-winning performance anchors this brutal survival story set in the American wilderness. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s direction and Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography make it a visually staggering and emotionally intense journey of revenge and endurance.
40. The Act of Killing
This chilling documentary confronts Indonesian death squad leaders by having them re-enact their crimes in surreal genres. It’s a bold, horrifying, and unique look into memory, denial, and the psychology of mass violence.
Also read: Top 10 Most Underappreciated Black Movies of All Time
41. Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola’s delicate exploration of loneliness and connection in Tokyo features quiet chemistry between Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. It’s a beautifully melancholic meditation on identity, culture, and fleeting human relationships.
42. Arrival
Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral sci-fi film follows a linguist trying to communicate with alien visitors. With themes of time, loss, and human connection, Arrival is more than a first-contact film—it’s an emotional puzzle worth solving.
43. The Artist
This modern silent film captures the transition from silent movies to talkies. Michel Hazanavicius pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age with style and charm. It’s a delightful, nostalgic cinematic experience that won Best Picture in 2012.
44. Drive
Nicolas Winding Refn’s stylish neo-noir follows a stoic stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver. With sleek visuals, a synth-heavy soundtrack, and bursts of brutal violence, Drive is a moody, modern cult classic.
45. 1917
Shot to appear as one continuous take, 1917 is an immersive WWI epic about two soldiers on a life-or-death mission. Sam Mendes crafts a visceral, real-time war experience that’s both technically brilliant and emotionally gripping.
46. Requiem for a Dream
Darren Aronofsky’s harrowing descent into addiction features haunting visuals, disturbing editing, and powerful performances. It’s an emotionally devastating portrayal of dreams shattered by substance abuse and psychological decay.
47. The Wolf of Wall Street
Martin Scorsese’s wild satire of excess and corruption stars Leonardo DiCaprio as real-life stockbroker Jordan Belfort. It’s loud, immoral, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining—a critique of capitalism wrapped in a party.
48. The Hurt Locker
Kathryn Bigelow’s intense Iraq War drama follows a bomb disposal team navigating life-or-death situations daily. Tense, raw, and grounded in realism, it won Best Picture and Best Director, breaking ground for women in filmmaking.
49. Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón’s space thriller is a technical marvel, with Sandra Bullock stranded in orbit after a catastrophic event. With stunning visuals and heart-racing tension, Gravity redefined cinematic space survival stories.
50. Whiplash
This psychological drama about an ambitious jazz drummer and his abusive instructor is intense and exhilarating. J.K. Simmons’ Oscar-winning performance makes Whiplash a relentless ride through obsession, perfection, and performance pressure.
Also read: Top 10 Best Anime Movies to Watch on Netflix in 2025
51. Shame
Steve McQueen’s provocative drama explores addiction, loneliness, and human vulnerability through the story of a man consumed by compulsive behavior. With a raw performance by Michael Fassbender, Shame is a powerful and unflinching portrait of emotional isolation.
52. Amour
Michael Haneke’s heartbreaking tale follows an elderly couple facing decline and death. With tender performances and quiet realism, Amour confronts love, aging, and dignity in its most honest and devastating form. Winner of the Palme d’Or.
53. The Batman
Matt Reeves’ dark, gritty reboot of the iconic superhero stars Robert Pattinson as a younger, brooding Bruce Wayne. With a noir-inspired tone and immersive Gotham City visuals, The Batman is a fresh, cerebral take on a classic character.
54. The Power of the Dog
Jane Campion’s brooding Western dissects masculinity, repression, and control. Benedict Cumberbatch’s chilling performance anchors this slow-burn psychological drama set in 1920s Montana, filled with tension, secrets, and haunting beauty.
55. Memories of Murder
Before Parasite, Bong Joon-ho stunned audiences with this gripping crime thriller based on Korea’s first serial murders. Balancing dark humor with suspense, the film is a haunting meditation on justice and futility.
56. Joker
Todd Phillips reimagines the origin of Batman’s greatest nemesis in this dark character study. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a chilling, Oscar-winning performance that blurs the line between villainy and vulnerability in a society that failed him.
57. Borat
Sacha Baron Cohen’s outrageous mockumentary shocked and amused audiences worldwide. Through a fictional Kazakh journalist’s bizarre trip across America, Borat satirizes politics, prejudice, and culture with biting, hilarious social commentary.
58. Synecdoche, New York
Charlie Kaufman’s surreal directorial debut follows a theater director who builds a replica of New York inside a warehouse. It’s a profound, layered meditation on time, identity, and mortality—ambitious, emotional, and unapologetically complex.
59. The Irishman
Martin Scorsese reunites De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci for a reflective, slow-burning mob epic spanning decades. With themes of loyalty, regret, and aging, The Irishman serves as both crime saga and elegy for a bygone era.
60. Under the Skin
Scarlett Johansson stars as an alien luring men in Scotland in this haunting, hypnotic sci-fi film. Jonathan Glazer’s minimal dialogue and eerie visuals create a deeply unsettling experience that lingers long after viewing.
Also read: Top 10 Best Denzel Washington Movies & Shows: Must-Watch List
61. The Avengers
Marvel’s 2012 ensemble blockbuster redefined the superhero genre by uniting iconic characters in one universe. With humor, action, and heart, The Avengers became a cultural milestone and launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe into global dominance.
62. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma’s romantic drama set in 18th-century France explores forbidden love between a painter and her subject. With lush cinematography and a haunting score, it’s a slow-burning, emotional masterpiece about memory and desire.
63. Oldboy
Park Chan-wook’s brutal revenge thriller follows a man imprisoned for 15 years without explanation. With unforgettable twists and stylish direction, Oldboy is a bold, violent, and emotional ride through the darkest parts of the human psyche.
64. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book is visually charming, witty, and packed with dry humor. Featuring George Clooney’s voice as the clever fox, it’s a delightful animated film for kids and adults alike.
65. Ex Machina
A tech entrepreneur invites a programmer to test his AI creation, Ava. Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller is a cerebral, suspenseful story that examines consciousness, manipulation, and what it means to be human.
66. Memento
Christopher Nolan’s breakout film tells a story of memory loss in reverse. With its non-linear structure and psychological depth, Memento is a mind-bending noir thriller that rewards multiple viewings and challenges perception.
67. Everything Everywhere All At Once
Michelle Yeoh leads this genre-bending multiverse saga that blends absurdist humor, action, and deep family themes. It’s wildly original, heartfelt, and one of the most inventive films in recent memory—both chaotic and touching.
68. The Banshees of Inisherin
Martin McDonagh’s tragicomic tale of a friendship breakup in rural Ireland is darkly funny and profoundly sad. With outstanding performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, it’s a slow-burning meditation on loneliness and meaning.
69. A Separation
This Iranian drama by Asghar Farhadi delves into family, religion, and class. A couple’s decision to separate triggers a chain of events that explores truth, justice, and moral complexity in a society of hidden tensions.
70. Inside Man
Spike Lee’s clever heist thriller pits a master thief against a sharp detective in a high-stakes bank robbery. With twists, social commentary, and style, Inside Man is both a fun crime caper and a smart statement.
Also read: Top 10 Worst Hollywood Movies of All Time – Epic Fails & Flops
71. Little Miss Sunshine
A dysfunctional family takes a road trip to support their daughter’s beauty pageant dreams. This indie comedy blends absurdity with heartwarming themes, creating a feel-good story about resilience, failure, and love.
72. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut is a coming-of-age story set in early 2000s Sacramento. With humor and honesty, it captures the tumultuous relationship between a mother and daughter with authenticity and tenderness.
73. TÁR
Cate Blanchett commands the screen as Lydia Tár, a brilliant and controversial orchestra conductor. This psychological drama explores power, artistry, and personal downfall in a sophisticated, provocative narrative.
74. The Tree of Life
Terrence Malick’s meditative masterpiece mixes cosmic imagery with intimate family memories. Exploring themes of life, death, and grace, it’s a visually poetic film that divides audiences but leaves a lasting impact.
75. RRR
This Indian action epic by S.S. Rajamouli combines historical fiction with superhero-style spectacle. With incredible stunts, brotherhood, and political undertones, RRR became a global sensation and a new standard for maximalist filmmaking.
76. Avatar
James Cameron’s sci-fi epic revolutionized 3D cinema with its groundbreaking visuals and immersive world of Pandora. Combining environmental themes with a classic hero’s journey, Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time and set the stage for an expanding cinematic universe.
77. The Last Black Man in San Francisco
A poetic love letter to a changing city, this indie gem follows a young man trying to reclaim his childhood home. With stunning visuals and themes of gentrification, identity, and belonging, it’s a heartfelt exploration of roots and urban transformation.
78. The Mitchells vs. The Machines
This animated family comedy pits a dysfunctional family against a robot apocalypse. With zany humor, dazzling visuals, and heartfelt moments, it celebrates individuality, tech skepticism, and the power of human connection—perfect for kids and adults alike.
79. The Lego Movie
An animated surprise hit, The Lego Movie is as witty as it is visually inventive. With a satirical take on conformity and creativity, it’s filled with laughs, heart, and the unforgettable anthem “Everything is Awesome.”
80. Nightcrawler
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a creepy freelance videographer in this dark thriller set in the underbelly of L.A.’s crime journalism. Exploring ambition, exploitation, and media ethics, Nightcrawler is intense, unsettling, and unforgettable.
Also read: Top 10 Must-Watch Movies on Ryan Gosling for Every Fan
81. Don’t Look Up
Adam McKay’s satirical disaster comedy reflects modern society’s apathy toward science and truth. As a comet heads toward Earth, government and media distractions derail efforts to stop it. It’s bold, absurd, and uncomfortably real.
82. Prisoners
Denis Villeneuve’s intense mystery thriller follows a father’s desperate search for his missing daughter. With stunning cinematography and moral complexity, Prisoners is a haunting, gripping tale of vengeance and justice.
83. Blue Is the Warmest Colour
This French romance follows a teenage girl’s journey of self-discovery through a passionate same-sex relationship. Known for its raw emotional intensity and long runtime, it’s a deeply human exploration of love, identity, and heartbreak.
84. Aftersun
Charlotte Wells’ poignant debut captures a father-daughter vacation through the lens of memory. With quiet performances and emotional depth, Aftersun is a subtle, deeply affecting film about childhood, nostalgia, and emotional distance.
85. The Whale
Brendan Fraser delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a reclusive English teacher struggling with obesity and regret. Darren Aronofsky’s intimate drama is a moving portrayal of redemption, grief, and connection.
86. The Lunchbox
This Indian romantic drama follows an unlikely connection formed through a misdelivered lunchbox in Mumbai. Subtle, touching, and beautifully acted, The Lunchbox explores loneliness, food, and love in the most unexpected ways.
87. Dallas Buyers Club
Matthew McConaughey won an Oscar for portraying Ron Woodroof, a Texas man who defies the system to get AIDS medication in the 1980s. Based on a true story, the film is both powerful and inspiring.
88. Selma
A stirring historical drama about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery. With Ava DuVernay’s powerful direction and David Oyelowo’s performance, Selma is both educational and deeply emotional.
89. The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki’s latest animated masterpiece weaves a surreal tale of grief, nature, and imagination. Rich in symbolism and hand-drawn beauty, it continues Studio Ghibli’s legacy of crafting deep, magical stories for all ages.
90. The Hateful Eight
Quentin Tarantino’s snowy, bloody chamber drama brings strangers together in a post-Civil War setting full of lies and guns. With sharp dialogue and shocking violence, it’s a slow-burn Western mystery with a signature Tarantino twist.
Also read: Top 10 Best Hollywood Movies of 2024: A Year of Blockbusters and New Adventures
91. Lincoln
Steven Spielberg’s historical biopic centers on Abraham Lincoln’s final months, focusing on the fight to pass the 13th Amendment. With Daniel Day-Lewis’s incredible performance, Lincoln is a respectful and riveting political drama.
92. The Blind Side
Based on the true story of NFL player Michael Oher, this inspiring drama follows his rise from poverty with the help of a compassionate family. Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.
93. Hugo
Martin Scorsese’s love letter to cinema tells the magical story of a boy living in a Paris train station. With beautiful visuals and a celebration of early filmmaking, Hugo is enchanting and educational for all ages.
94. Ford v Ferrari
Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in this high-speed drama about building a car to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. With exhilarating race sequences and a strong emotional core, it’s a thrilling ode to innovation and rivalry.
95. The Big Short
Adam McKay’s smart, funny, and sobering take on the 2008 financial crisis uses celebrity cameos and sharp editing to explain economic collapse. It’s both entertaining and infuriating—an important film disguised as a comedy.
96. The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith delivers an emotional performance as a struggling single father fighting for a better life. Based on a true story, The Pursuit of Happyness is a tearjerker about perseverance, hope, and love.
97. The Menu
This dark culinary satire skewers elitism and fine dining through a mysterious, high-stakes dinner experience. Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy deliver standout performances in a story full of twists, tension, and biting commentary.
98. Nope
Jordan Peele’s third film mixes sci-fi, horror, and spectacle as a brother and sister investigate a mysterious force in the sky. With layers of meaning and unsettling imagery, Nope is bold, original, and thought-provoking.
99. The Batman Begins
Christopher Nolan’s reboot redefined Batman with a gritty, grounded origin story. Christian Bale’s transformation into the Dark Knight paved the way for a new era of superhero films rooted in realism and emotional depth.
100. Room (2015)
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay
Room is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting drama about a young woman and her son who escape from years of captivity. Told through the child’s innocent perspective, the film explores trauma, resilience, and the beauty of the outside world. Brie Larson’s Oscar-winning performance and the emotional depth of the story make this one of the most powerful films of the decade.
Also read: Top 10 Underrated Comedy Movies You Need to Watch
Final Thoughts: Why This List Matters
The last two decades have redefined cinema, offering timeless films that speak to human experiences in new and profound ways. This list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century serves as both a celebration and a recommendation guide for movie lovers worldwide. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering a hidden gem, these movies are well worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best movie of the 21st century?
Answer: There Will Be Blood is often regarded as the best due to its performances, direction, and impact on modern cinema.
2. Which streaming platform has the best 21st-century movies?
Answer: Netflix and HBO Max offer a wide range of award-winning and critically acclaimed films from the 21st century.
3. Are foreign language films included?
Answer: Absolutely. Masterpieces like Parasite, Roma, and In the Mood for Love have made a global impact and are essential to this century’s best.
