The new list ranking the best movies of the 21st century is 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 Times took 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’s Parasite being named the best movie of the 21st century.
However, while there were a lot of surprises 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.
10
Knives Out (2019)
Directed By Rian Johnson
Knives Out
9/10
- Release Date
-
November 27, 2019
- Runtime
-
130 minutes
While some of the more elevated entries in the murder mystery genre, including the true-crime movies Zodiac and Memories 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 Out has spawned its own franchise, which will be continuing later this year as Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man.
Knives Out is one of the most entertaining movies in recent memory, with a sharp script that uses the tropes of the genre to keep audiences on their feet. Writer-director Rian Johnson brilliantly paid homage to Agatha Christie’s stories while 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 Out has spawned its own franchise, which will be continuing later this year as Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man.
9
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Directed By Denis Villeneuve
Denis Villeneuve is quickly rising in Hollywood, including his new 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 turn Arrival. However, another sci-fi movie from Villeneuve should have been even higher.
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Blade Runner 2049 was 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 Runner 2049 was a box office bomb that has since been recognized as a masterpiece.
It is incredible how effectively Villeneuve 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 2049 still manages to deliver an emotional story that honors the original.
8
28 Days Later (2003)
Directed By Danny Boyle
28 Days Later
8/10
- Release Date
-
June 27, 2003
- Runtime
-
113 minutes
One noticeable issue with the New York Times’ list is that there is not much horror representation among the supposed best movies of the 21st century. While Get Out ranks high at #8, the movie that redefined the zombie genre surely deserves a little more recognition, especially given the renewed interest in 28 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 Later has further solidified the legacy of the first movie in the series. The long-awaited sequel has led many fans to revisit 28 Days Later, discovering how well the movie has aged and how scary it still is.
7
Mean Girls (2004)
Directed By Mark Waters
Mean Girls
9/10
- Release Date
-
April 30, 2004
- Runtime
-
97 minutes
It makes sense that The New York Times’ list would skew to an older crowd, but it would have been nice to see some more teen movies represented. Superbad was a surprise inclusion, but Mean Girls is also a worthy teen comedy that likewise spoke to a generation of young people.
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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 the Mean Girls musical remake might have suggested that the love for this movie is not as strong as it once was. However, Mean Girls‘ classic quotes remain a staple of pop culture today, while the movie’s message is timeless, which is difficult for a teen comedy.
6
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Directed By Steven Spielberg
Despite being one of the most celebrated directors of all time, Steven Spielberg only has one movie on this new list, the excellent sci-fi noir Minority 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 as Minority Report that 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 Can is a funny, entertaining, clever, and moving true-crime story about one of the most successful con artists of all time.
The real Frank Abagnale Jr. has a cameo in Catch Me If You Can.
Spielberg tracks the life and crimes of Frank Abagnale Jr. through a fast-paced, globe-trotting caper. Leonardo DiCaprio 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.
5
Sinners (2025)
Directed By Ryan Coogler
Sinners
9/10
- Release Date
-
April 18, 2025
- Runtime
-
138 minutes
It might seem early to name any movie from 2025 as one of the best of the century, but the cultural impact of Sinners seems 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.
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Sinners tells a deeply complex story that just happens to have vampires in it, examining family and identity conflicts in the 1930s and today.
Michael B. Jordan gives two exceptional and distinct performances as twin brothers at the center of this inventive, gripping, and wild horror tale. However, Sinners is 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, Sinners is at the center of many awards discussions, as fans hold their breath to see if it gets the official recognition it deserves.
4
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Directed By Sam Raimi
Spider-Man 2
10/10
- Release Date
-
June 25, 2004
- Runtime
-
127 minutes
-
Spider-Man / Peter Parker
-
Kirsten Dunst
Mary Jane Watson
It is not too surprising that superhero movies are not featured prominently in The New York Times rankings. Only two such titles appear, with Black Panther sitting far back at #96 while Christopher Nolan’s genre-defining The Dark Knight placed high at #28. However, Spider-Man 2 is often considered one of the best 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 first Spider-Man movie proved the draw for bringing these iconic characters and the larger-than-life stories to the big screen. However, Spider-Man 2 showed how these movies can deliver the ultimate blockbuster masterpiece with 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 topped in the superhero genre.
3
Casino Royale (2006)
Directed By Martin Campbell
Casino Royale
8/10
- Release Date
-
November 17, 2006
- Runtime
-
144 minutes
The spy action movie genre saw a resurgence in the 21st century, leading to several movies being worthy of such rankings. Seeing Mission: Impossible – Fallout or The Bourne Supremacy would have been nice, but it is Casino Royale that really deserves to have been named as one of the best of the last 25 years.
It is easy to forget the dire situation the James Bond franchise was in at the beginning of the century, with the critically panned Die Another Day making it clear a change was needed. Daniel Craig defied the critics by redefining 007 as a grizzled and tough action hero in what is still considered the best of the franchise by many.
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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 for Casino Royale.
2
In Bruges (2008)
Directed By Martin McDonagh
In Bruges
7/10
- Release Date
-
February 8, 2008
- Runtime
-
107minutes
While Martin McDonagh’s Best Picture nominees like Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri or The Banshees of Inisherin might 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 Bruges tells 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 Bruges was 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.
1
Anora (2024)
Directed By Sean Baker
Anora
9/10
- Release Date
-
October 18, 2024
- Runtime
-
139 Minutes
Several Best Picture winners are not included in The New York Times’ rankings, but Anora feels 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, alongside Parasite and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
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Anora seems destined to be remembered as the movie that launched Mikey Madison to 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.
