Diving into The New York Times “Best Films of the 21st Century” List

🎬 The New York Times’ 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

A definitive list. A conversation starter. A cinephile’s playground.

“Best Of” lists have a way of sparking debates and igniting passion—especially when they come from The New York Times. And their recent ranking of the 100 Best Films of the 21st Century is no exception. It’s a list that film lovers across the globe are dissecting, debating, and diving into.

🎥 How Was the List Created?

To determine the most iconic films released since January 1, 2000, The New York Times polled over 500 influential voices in the world of cinema—directors, actors, and critics alike.

Each participant was asked to name their top 10 favorite films of the century so far. From those responses, a ranked list was formed—shaped by critical acclaim, influence, and lasting cultural resonance.

And yes, you can even fill out your own ballot and create a personal watchlist on the NYT website.

🏆 Top 10 Films on the NYT List:

1. Parasite – Bong Joon Ho
2. Mulholland Drive – David Lynch
3. There Will Be Blood – Paul Thomas Anderson
4. In the Mood For Love – Wong Kar Wai
5. Moonlight – Barry Jenkins
6. No Country For Old Men – Joel & Ethan Coen
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – Michel Gondry
8. Get Out – Jordan Peele
9. Spirited Away – Hayao Miyazaki
10. The Social Network – David Fincher

From gritty dramas to psychological thrillers, animated epics to intimate love stories—the top 10 reflects a remarkable spectrum of genres and global storytelling.

🌍 What Makes This List Special?

It’s diverse. It spans languages, continents, and cinematic styles. Whether it’s the haunting minimalism of Anatomy of a Fall, the fantastical beauty of Pan’s Labyrinth, or the high-octane artistry of Mad Max: Fury Road—the list captures a broad vision of modern cinema.

Notable inclusions from across the list:

• The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan)
• Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Céline Sciamma)
• ROMA (Alfonso Cuarón)
• Everything Everywhere All At Once (The Daniels)
• The Favourite (Yorgos Lanthimos)
• Whiplash (Damien Chazelle)
• The Master (Paul Thomas Anderson)
• The Lives of Others (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck)

❗️Omissions Sparking Debate

No list is without its controversies. Many cinephiles have pointed out major omissions that felt like locks:

• Return of the King
• La La Land
• Little Women
• The Handmaiden
• Poor Things
• Paddington 2
• Finding Nemo
• Barbie
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Shoplifters
• Manchester by the Sea
• Toy Story 3
• The Two Towers
• Pride & Prejudice

Whether due to recency, genre bias, or simply tough competition, their absence is a reminder that taste is always subjective—and lists are always ripe for revision.

🎞 Final Thoughts

This list isn’t just a roundup of favorites—it’s a cinematic time capsule. Each film stands as a cultural landmark, a creative milestone, or a bold reinvention of the medium.

Looking to catch up on modern classics? Start here. Pick any title, and you’re guaranteed a rich, unforgettable viewing experience.

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