Top 30 Best Films of the 21st Century, According to Over 500 Actors, Directors & Other Names in Hollywood
We often turn to actors, directors, and industry insiders for their takes on what makes a movie unforgettable. A recent poll of over 500 Hollywood names has revealed a stunning lineup of the top 30 films since 2000, showcasing a mix of bold storytelling, striking visuals, and raw emotion.
From heart-wrenching dramas to pulse-pounding action, this list spans genres and cultures, reflecting the diverse tastes of those who craft cinema. Let’s dive into the films that left a mark, starting from the bottom and working our way to the top.
30. Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’ captures the quiet beauty of fleeting connections. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson shine as two lonely souls finding solace in Tokyo’s neon glow.
The film’s subtle humor and tender moments make it a timeless exploration of isolation and friendship. Its dreamy soundtrack and intimate pacing linger long after the credits roll.
29. Arrival (2016)
Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Arrival’ blends sci-fi with deep human questions. Amy Adams leads as a linguist decoding an alien language, unraveling mysteries of time and communication.
The film’s emotional core and clever twists elevate it beyond typical sci-fi. Its focus on empathy and understanding resonates in a divided world.
28. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ redefined superhero films. Heath Ledger’s chilling Joker steals the show, pushing Batman to his moral limits in a gritty Gotham.
The film’s intense action and ethical dilemmas make it a standout. Its influence on comic book movies is still felt today.
27. Adaptation. (2002)
Spike Jonze’s ‘Adaptation’ is a wild, meta ride. Nicolas Cage plays a screenwriter wrestling with creativity, blending fiction and reality in a quirky, brainy tale.
The film’s bold structure and sharp humor make it a love letter to storytelling. It’s as unpredictable as it is heartfelt.
26. Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Justine Triet’s ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is a gripping courtroom drama. Sandra Hüller stars as a writer accused of murder, unraveling a complex web of truth and doubt.
The film’s taut pacing and moral ambiguity keep viewers guessing. It’s a masterclass in tension and character study.
25. Phantom Thread (2017)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Phantom Thread’ is a lush, obsessive love story. Daniel Day-Lewis plays a meticulous designer entangled with a strong-willed muse, Vicky Krieps.
The film’s exquisite visuals and layered emotions reveal the cost of perfection. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience.
24. Her (2013)
Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’ explores love in a digital age. Joaquin Phoenix falls for an AI, voiced by Scarlett Johansson, in a tender yet unsettling futuristic tale.
The film’s warm visuals and raw honesty about connection make it unforgettable. It questions how we find intimacy in a tech-driven world.
23. Boyhood (2014)
Richard Linklater’s ‘Boyhood’ is a groundbreaking coming-of-age story. Filmed over 12 years, it follows Ellar Coltrane’s Mason from childhood to adulthood with raw authenticity.
The film’s real-time approach captures life’s quiet moments. It’s a moving portrait of growth and family.
22. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ is a visual delight. Ralph Fiennes leads a zany caper through a pastel-hued world of concierge loyalty and quirky adventures.
The film’s whimsical style and sharp wit make it a fan favorite. Its ensemble cast adds charm to every frame.
21. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wes Anderson’s ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ is a heartfelt family saga. Gene Hackman plays a flawed patriarch reuniting with his eccentric clan, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Stiller.
The film balances humor and pain with Anderson’s signature style. Its warmth and wit make it endlessly rewatchable.
20. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ is a wild ride. Leonardo DiCaprio’s unhinged portrayal of Jordan Belfort dives into greed and excess in the financial world.
The film’s frenetic energy and dark humor expose capitalism’s underbelly. It’s as entertaining as it is cautionary.
19. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s ‘Zodiac’ is a chilling true-crime thriller. Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. chase a serial killer in a haunting, obsessive quest for truth.
The film’s meticulous detail and creeping dread grip viewers. It’s a masterwork of tension and unresolved mystery.
18. Y tu mamá también (2002)
Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Y tu mamá también’ is a vibrant road movie. Gael GarcÃa Bernal and Diego Luna embark on a journey with Maribel Verdú, blending youth, lust, and life’s truths.
The film’s raw energy and emotional depth capture a fleeting moment. Its Mexican backdrop adds rich texture.
17. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Ang Lee’s ‘Brokeback Mountain’ is a heart-wrenching romance. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal play cowboys whose love defies societal norms in a quiet, powerful story.
The film’s tender performances and sweeping landscapes leave a lasting impact. It’s a landmark in queer cinema
16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee’s ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ is a martial arts epic. Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh star in a tale of love, duty, and breathtaking swordplay.
The film’s poetic visuals and emotional weight transcend the genre. It brought wuxia to global audiences.
15. City of God (2003)
Fernando Meirelles’ ‘City of God’ is a raw crime saga. Set in Rio’s slums, it follows young lives caught in violence, with Alexandre Rodrigues leading a stellar cast.
The film’s kinetic energy and unflinching realism hit hard. It’s a vivid portrait of survival and loss.
14. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Inglourious Basterds’ is a bold war fantasy. Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz shine in a tale of revenge against Nazis, packed with sharp dialogue.
The film’s tense scenes and playful history rewrite make it a thrill. It’s Tarantino at his most daring.
13. Children of Men (2006)
Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Children of Men’ is a dystopian masterpiece. Clive Owen navigates a bleak future where hope hinges on a single pregnancy in a chaotic world.
The film’s long takes and grim realism pull viewers in. It’s a stark reflection on humanity’s fragility.
12. The Zone of Interest (2023)
Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The Zone of Interest’ is a chilling study of complicity. Set near Auschwitz, it follows a Nazi family’s mundane life against a backdrop of horror.
The film’s sound design and restrained visuals create unease. It forces us to confront humanity’s darkest corners.
11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is a high-octane spectacle. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron roar through a post-apocalyptic desert in a relentless chase.
The film’s jaw-dropping stunts and vivid world-building redefine action. It’s a wild, exhilarating ride.
10. The Social Network (2010)
David Fincher’s ‘The Social Network’ chronicles Facebook’s rise. Jesse Eisenberg’s sharp-edged Mark Zuckerberg navigates ambition and betrayal in a digital age.
The film’s crisp dialogue and sleek direction make it timeless. It captures the cost of innovation.
9. Spirited Away (2002)
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘Spirited Away’ is an animated masterpiece. A young girl, Chihiro, navigates a magical spirit world, blending wonder with coming-of-age depth.
The film’s lush visuals and heartfelt story enchant all ages. It’s a timeless gem from Studio Ghibli.
8. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ is a sharp horror-thriller. Daniel Kaluuya faces unsettling truths in a biting satire of race and privilege, packed with clever twists.
The film’s tension and social commentary hit hard. It launched Peele as a bold new voice.
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Michel Gondry’s ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is a surreal romance. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet erase their love, only to rediscover it in a fractured narrative.
The film’s inventive visuals and raw emotion resonate deeply. It’s a poignant look at memory and love.
6. No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen Brothers’ ‘No Country for Old Men’ is a tense thriller. Javier Bardem’s chilling Anton Chigurh hunts Josh Brolin in a stark tale of fate and violence.
The film’s sparse dialogue and haunting visuals grip tightly. It’s a modern Western with lasting power.
5. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins’ ‘Moonlight’ is a tender coming-of-age tale. Mahershala Ali and Trevante Rhodes anchor a story of identity and love across three chapters of a man’s life.
The film’s vivid colors and quiet moments shine. It’s a deeply personal triumph.
4. In the Mood for Love (2001)
Wong Kar-Wai’s ‘In the Mood for Love’ is a lush romance. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung share a delicate bond amid betrayal, set in 1960s Hong Kong.
The film’s evocative visuals and unspoken longing captivate. It’s a masterwork of mood and restraint.
3. There Will Be Blood (2007)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘There Will Be Blood’ is a towering epic. Daniel Day-Lewis plays a ruthless oilman whose ambition consumes all, set against a stark American frontier.
The film’s bold visuals and intense performance grip fiercely. It’s a study of greed and isolation.
2. Mulholland Drive (2001)
David Lynch’s ‘Mulholland Drive’ is a surreal mystery. Naomi Watts navigates a dreamlike Hollywood filled with dark secrets and shifting realities.
The film’s haunting atmosphere and layered storytelling defy easy answers. It’s a hypnotic puzzle.
1. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Parasite’ tops the list as a genre-defying masterpiece. A poor family infiltrates a wealthy household, blending dark comedy, thriller, and social critique.
The film’s sharp writing and seamless shifts in tone dazzle. It’s a global sensation that speaks to class divides.
Which film on this list is your favorite, or is there a 21st-century gem we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!