Critics Pick Four Epic 21st-Century Films They Say Surpass ‘Oppenheimer’ in Impact and Scale
Film critics recently pointed out a group of modern epic movies that they believe stand out even when compared to major recent hits like Oppenheimer. These films come from different countries, genres, and styles, but they all share one thing in common: large scale storytelling and strong impact on audiences.
One of the films mentioned is Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001). The story takes place in India during the late 1800s under British rule. It follows a small village facing heavy taxes. To escape the burden, the villagers accept a challenge: win a cricket match against the British.
The problem is that they barely know how to play the sport. The film mixes sports drama, music, and emotional storytelling. Even though it is long, it keeps tension and focus throughout.
Another title on the list is Babylon (2022). This film looks at early Hollywood during a time of big change. It shows a world filled with parties, ambition, and chaos as the industry moves from silent films to sound. The story follows several characters whose lives begin to fall apart as fame and pressure grow. According to Collider critics, the film is loud, energetic, and sometimes overwhelming, but it strongly shows both the beauty and darker side of Hollywood.
The third film is The Irishman (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese. It tells the story of an aging former mobster looking back on his life and choices. The film focuses on memory, regret, and time passing. Robert De Niro plays the lead role, with Al Pacino and Joe Pesci also starring. Compared to Scorsese’s earlier crime films, this one is slower and more reflective, focusing more on personal consequences than action.
The final entry is The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), directed by Peter Jackson. Based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, the story follows a group trying to destroy a powerful ring that could bring destruction to the world. Over time, the journey grows into a massive fantasy war involving many races and kingdoms. The films are known for large battle scenes, strong emotional moments, and high production quality. Critics still consider it one of the most important epic film projects of the modern era.
All four films show different ways of telling big stories, whether through history, fantasy, crime, or drama.
From a viewer’s point of view, it is interesting how different these films are, yet they are grouped together because of scale and ambition. Some people may prefer emotional storytelling, while others focus on visuals or action. What do you think? Do you agree with this list, or would you choose different films instead? Share your thoughts in the comments.