The new list ranking thebest movies of the 21st centuryis filled with modern classics as well as some glaring snubs. 25 years into the 21st century, there have already been too many outstanding movies to name. Nevertheless,The New York Timestook on the daunting task of naming the 100 greatest movies of that time.
The industry-led poll compiled the votes of filmmakers like Edgar Wright and actors like Julianne Moore and revealed the list, with Bong Joon-ho’sParasitebeing named the best movie of the 21st century.
However, while there were a lot ofsurprises about the movies that made the list, there were also some fantastic movies that didn’t appear.That is always the case with such “best of” lists,but with the poll still in discussion among movie fans, there are some worthwhile titles that deserve to be recognized.
While some of the more elevated entries in the murder mystery genre, including the true-crime moviesZodiacandMemories of Murder, make the rankings,the movie responsible for the increase in throwback murder mysteries was excluded from the list.
As a sign of its lasting legacy,Knives Outhas spawned its own franchise, which will be continuing later this year as Blanc returns inWake Up Dead Man.
Knives Outis one of the most entertaining movies in recent memory, with a sharp scriptthat uses the tropes of the genre to keep audiences on their feet. Writer-director Rian Johnson brilliantly paid homage toAgatha Christie’s storieswhile also paving his own path in the genre.
Daniel Craig’s eccentric and hilarious sleuth Benoit Blanc leads an incredible cast that also includes Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis in a funny and gripping story. As a sign of its lasting legacy,Knives Outhas spawned its own franchise, which will be continuing later this year asBlanc returns inWake Up Dead Man.
Denis Villeneuve is quickly rising in Hollywood, including hisnew directing job in the James Bond franchise. Therefore, it is a bit of a surprise that he only managed to land one movie on the list, the brilliant sci-fi turnArrival. However, another sci-fi movie from Villeneuve should have been even higher.
Blade Runner 2049was a major gamble for Villeneuve as he took on one of the most beloved sci-fi titles of all time, delivering its long-awaited sequel. Just like the original,Blade Runner2049was a box office bomb that has since been recognized as a masterpiece.
It is incredible how effectivelyVilleneuve welcomed audiences back to the world Ridley Scott built while also making it his own. It is a beautiful and engrossing universe, elevated by Roger Deakins' cinematography. With all the spectacle,Blade Runner 2049still manages to deliver an emotional story that honors the original.
One noticeable issue with theNew York Times’list is that there is not much horror representation among the supposed best movies of the 21st century. WhileGet Outranks high at #8,the movie that redefined the zombie genre surely deserves a little more recognition, especially given the renewed interest in28 Days Later.
Zombie movies had largely fallen out of popularity as the 21st century began, only for director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland to find a new way into the genre. The chaotic and terrifying movie immediately reminded audiences why they were drawn to these types of stories while also showing them in a completely fresh way.
28 Years Laterhas further solidified the legacy of the first movie in the series. The long-awaited sequel has led many fans to revisit28 Days Later, discovering how well the movie has aged and how scary it still is.
It makes sense thatThe New York Times’list would skew to an older crowd, but it would have been nice to see some more teen movies represented.Superbadwas a surprise inclusion, butMean Girlsis also a worthy teen comedy that likewise spoke to a generation of young people.
The movie is a hilarious satire of high school dynamics and the different groups that emerge in this anxiety-filled setting. Lindsay Lohan has a great arc as the innocent fish out of water who finds herself becoming one of the self-centered “mean girls” she hates. Meanwhile, Rachel McAdams is the movie’s highlight as the layered villain.
The disappointing reception of theMean Girlsmusical remake might have suggested that the love for this movie is not as strong as it once was. However,Mean Girls' classic quotesremain a staple of pop culture today, whilethe movie’s message is timeless, which is difficult for a teen comedy.
Despite being one of themost celebrated directors of all time, Steven Spielberg only has one movie on this new list, the excellent sci-fi noirMinority Report. There are some strong contenders for what else should have been included, like his underrated musical,West Side Story, and his intense real-life thriller,Munich.
However, it is the movie that came out the same year asMinority Reportthat is not only Spielberg’s best of the 21st century but also sits comfortably as one of the best of his legendary career.Catch Me If You Canis a funny, entertaining, clever, and moving true-crime storyabout one of the most successful con artists of all time.
The real Frank Abagnale Jr. has a cameo inCatch Me If You Can.
Spielberg tracks the life and crimes of Frank Abagnale Jr. through a fast-paced, globe-trotting caper. LeonardoDiCaprio gives one of the performances that helped make him a true leading man,while Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken are excellent in supporting roles. The stylish opening credits are enough to warrant a place on the list.
It might seem early to name any movie from 2025 as one of the best of the century, butthe cultural impact ofSinnersseems likely to only grow over time. Ryan Coogler stepped up as one of the most exciting directors working in Hollywood right now with a vampire movie that is fresh and deeply personal.
Michael B. Jordan gives two exceptional and distinct performances as twin brothers at the center of this inventive, gripping, and wild horror tale. However,Sinnersis also a movie that defies labeling. It is able to mix so many elements together that would typically make a movie feel overcooked, only for Coogler to balance it all beautifully.
The success of the movie helped boost the hope that ambitious original stories could still find an audience in the theatrical setting. Furthermore,Sinnersis at the center of many awards discussions,as fans hold their breath to see if it gets the official recognition it deserves.
It is not too surprising that superhero movies are not featured prominently inThe New York Timesrankings. Only two such titles appear, withBlack Panthersitting far back at #96 while Christopher Nolan’s genre-definingThe Dark Knightplaced high at #28. However,Spider-Man 2is often considered one of thebest superhero movies of all time.
Peter Parker’s struggles to balance two halves of his life make for a relatable and grounded story.
Sam Raimi’s firstSpider-Manmovie proved the draw for bringing these iconic characters and the larger-than-life stories to the big screen. However,Spider-Man 2showed how these movies can deliver the ultimate blockbuster masterpiecewith thrilling action as well as an actual human narrative.
Peter Parker’s struggles to balance two halves of his life make for a relatable and grounded story. Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock is a perfect tragic villain to enhance the fun.Raimi even elevates his own game, delivering action set pieces that have yet to be toppedin the superhero genre.
The spy action movie genre saw a resurgence in the 21st century, leading to several movies being worthy of such rankings. SeeingMission: Impossible - FalloutorThe Bourne Supremacywould have been nice, but it isCasino Royalethat really deserves to have been named as one of the best of the last 25 years.
It is easy to forget the dire situationthe James Bond franchisewas in at the beginning of the century, with the critically pannedDie Another Daymaking it clear a change was needed.Daniel Craig defied the critics by redefining 007 as a grizzled and tough action heroin what is still considered the best of the franchise by many.
The movie ushered in a new era for the superspy,presenting a take on the character that could be taken seriously. The action was also elevated with some stunning set pieces that utilized the grittier approach to the character. One of the longest-lasting franchises of all time might not have continued were it not forCasino Royale.
While Martin McDonagh’s Best Picture nominees likeThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, MissouriorThe Banshees of Inisherinmight have been the more expected inclusions in this poll, his debut movie,In Bruges, remains his best.The black comedy is one of the funniest movies of the past 25 years,and the laughs are just the beginning.
In Brugestells a complex and heavy tale of sin and redemption,with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson making for the most wonderful dysfunctional duo. They spend the movie battling over petty issues and leaning on each other when discussing the deeper aspects of life and eternity.
In Brugeswas nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Farrell’s layered performance helped him make a comeback of sorts, and Gleeson established himself as one of the great character actors working right now. Ralph Fiennes also steals scenes as their hot-headed boss, but it is McDoagh’s sharp script that is the real winner.
Several Best Picture winners are not included inThe New York Times’rankings, butAnorafeels like the biggest omission. The most recent winner became the small indie project that managed to surprise everyone and is one of the most universally praised Best Picture winners in recent memory, alongsideParasiteandEverything Everywhere All at Once.
Anoraseems destined to be remembered as the movie that launched Mikey Madisonto star status. She gives a powerhouse performance that requires her to run the gamut of emotions in this chaotic story. Likewise, Yura Borisov’s reserved and brilliant portrayal seems likely to make him a star.
However, filmmaker Sean Baker deserves considerable credit for this unexpected masterpiece. It is a twisted modern take on a fairy tale that suddenly turns into something completely different and wildly entertaining.
