The 25 Best Films of the 21st Century (So Far)
We're almost one-fifth of the way through the 21st Century, and I've seen countless films released since the turn of the millennium. When I sat down to make this list, I quickly realized how daunting this would be. Would I choose the films that I believe are the technically best (The Godfather type) or would I go for something that I know isn't wonderful but I love personally (The Remember the Titans type). Well, I would like to believe that I found a nice balance between the two. So, here are my personal choices for the top 25 best films of the 21st century (so far).
25. '28 Days Later'
Directed by Danny Boyle, 2002
One of the first wide-release films to be completely shot on digital video was '28 Days Later'. In many ways, it helped usher in a new era of filmmaking that we see everywhere today with the digital format. Boyle's decision to shoot on digital video (in 2001, let me remind you) helps provide this zombie film a sense of immediacy and realism that you wouldn't have achieved shooting on film. It's part of what makes '28 Days Later' so terrifying. The film looks like it was shot using your grandmothers video camera she takes to your siblings choir concert.
Not only did '28 Days Later' help jumpstart the digital age, it also revitalized the zombie film by reinventing it. Gone were the stumbling zombies of the past. No, now they sprint in packs and hunt you down with a relentless energy. London may appear to be empty and eerie on first glance, but there is a virus waiting. Steven Rea said it best, "It's 'The Wizard of Oz' with a viral infection." It's my favorite horror film of the century and one that still brings nightmares to life.
24. 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Directed by Peter Weir, 2003
'Master and Commander' is one of the overlooked films of the early 2000's. It's a reminder of the great epics that came before it and the only great film focused on Napoleonic-era sea battles. The film centers on two men, Captain Jack Aubrey (peak Russell Crowe) and the ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). One is a man of action and bravado; the other a man of science and curiosity. While the film does have brilliant set pieces showing naval warfare (maybe the best ever put on film). 'Master and Commander' is really about two men and how they view the nature of life.
'Master and Commander' is grand and distinguished, and brilliant with how it brings all these men stuck on this small wooden boat to life. Like many films before it, it achieves every epic note it must hit, while never losing sight of the humanity. Few action or adventure movies are able to celebrate life in the many ways 'Master and Commander' does. A film can be exhilarating without being focused on destruction and death, 'Master and Commander' is proof of this.
23. 'The Hunt'
Directed by Thomas Vintenberg, 2013
Thought-provoking, stressful, and wildly effective is 'The Hunt', which provides the most accurate title for any film on this list. Mads Mikkelsen plays against type as Lucas, a recently divorced kindergarten assistant, the type of kind and even-keeled man a parent would want supervising their kids. That is until he's falsely accused of sexual abuse by Klara (Annika Wedderkopp), the five year old daughter of Lucas' best friend.
'The Hunt' is a film that examines human reactions and the tendency of the public to jump to the worst possible conclusion. Even if this conclusion is about someone they have loved and trusted. Is this simply group think? Why do we buy into the idea that evil lurks in the heart of men and women with such ease? These are the questions that the viewer is left to ponder as they watch what can be a very upsetting film. It's this sort of emotional and intelligent engagement that has kept this film in my mind for the last five years. 'The Hunt' is extraordinary not because of it's entertainment value, but rather its brutal honesty.
22. 'Munich'
Directed by Steven Spielberg, 2005
Steven Spielberg has put together an interesting string of films throughout the 21st century. He explored the nature of man and creation in AI, he directed a courtroom drama that just happened to feature Abraham Lincoln and he also put together a trilogy of films post 9/11 that are Spielberg at his best. In 2002 Spielberg released 'Minority Report' which has an odd dystopian crime element at it's core. Then we see 'War of the Worlds' where Spielberg intentionally puts in 9/11 imagery and shows us what terror looks like when it comes unannounced. But, the best of the trilogy and most personal film is 'Munich'.
"When I was a kid my father used to say our greatest hopes and our worst fears are seldom realized. Our worst fears have been realized tonight. They've now said that there were eleven hostages, two were killed in their rooms yesterday morning, nine were killed at the airport tonight. They're all gone." -Jim McKay
In 'Munich' Spielberg doesn't choose a side between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Rather, he explores the ethical questions at the heart of the Munich massacre and the killing of the terrorists responsible. Will this conflict ever end? Were the killings justified? What was actually accomplished? 'Munich' doesn't give the answers, which only makes the film more powerful today.
21. 'Pan's Labyrinth'
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro, 2005
'Pan's Labyrinth' is a children's fantasy film made for adults. With his deep imagination Del Toro achieves his ultimate goal of reminding viewers of a child's imagination and terror. Set in the early 1940's, Del Toro bounces back and forth from the labyrinth itself to war torn reality. It's a useful technique to keep the story rooted in something familiar with it's World War II backdrop.
Yet, 'Pan's Labyrinth' is one of the few movies that I believe can truly take adults back to a place they once knew. When we first come across the fairies and various creatures we're not laughing at their inclusion, but can see the journey through Ofelia's eyes. And what a journey through the labyrinth it is for Ofelia. One that I'm happy to revisit anytime it's suggested. Del Toro did the unimaginable with 'Pan's Labyrinth' and he did so by unlocking our imaginations once again.
20. 'Oslo, August 31st'
Directed by Joachim Trier, 2011
Anders is 34 years old. He's heading to a job interview after being released from a drug rehab center. The film begins showing memories Anders has of his home, Oslo, and we see him happy. That may be the last time we see him happy.
'Oslo, August 31st' is an honest film and one that focuses in on the small details. As Anders returns home he sees old friends, girlfriends and places he's been countless times. But, what about all the time he lost? Can that ever be replaced? Can Anders ever actually forgive himself? Sure, he may be sober and have regained his life in some form or fashion. But, you can see in his eyes this overwhelming sense of sadness and shame. As the day continues we follow Anders and see his emotions take over. He could easily go back and get high or he could leave Oslo. He chooses neither. Anders is stuck and I'm not sure that he can ever get out. 'Oslo, August 31st' is a sad film, but it's one that I believe portrays self-hate better and with more empathy than any film in recent memory. Unfortunately, it shows us something far too many of us can relate to as well. That is why it's so important in my opinion.
19. 'Drive'
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011
I remember seeing this in theaters with a pretty large group of friends back when it came out. The majority of whom hated it. I found it to be hysterical. To this day I'm sure there are plenty of people and friends of mine who hate this movie. But, boy do I still love it.
'Drive' is the ultimate throwback B-movie that just happens to star Ryan Gosling. The man with no name. The driver. The man who is desperately trying to avoid violence. Gosling sells the character as an introverted and dedicated man with little to say. He is able to tell us much about the character with simple facial expressions and his eyes. This is what makes his descent into the brutal violence all the more interesting. And when I say brutal, I mean brutal. This is not a film made for those who can't handle violence. This is a film that gives you a glimpse into a life surrounded by crime. 'Drive' is style driven filmmaking at it's very best.
18. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'
Directed by Michel Gondry, 2004
How am I crying by just looking at a gif? Oh, I know. It's because I know Kate Winslet is going to erase Jim Carrey from her memory. 'Eternal Sunshine' is not your typical romance. In fact, in some ways it's kind of the anti-romance. I don't know, it's hard to describe.
'Eternal Sunshine' takes place in a reality where a company Lacuna exists. Lacuna specializes in erasing memories or in erasing people depending on how you view it. It's a brilliant concept created by Charlie Kaufman ('Being John Malkovich') who wrote the script. What if you could erase all of your worst memories? What if you could wipe out an entire relationship? Have you ever wondered about that possibility? Then this is the perfect film for you!
'Eternal Sunshine' is a beautiful movie on both a visual and emotional level. Carrey and Winslet are at their best playing a desperate couple searching for something. What exactly are they searching for? Will they even find it? I won't give away that answer, but I'll tell you that if you're looking for a film to tear your heart into shreds then this would be a good choice. It shows us a relationship that is extremely fragile and two fractured people that we easily connect with. 'Eternal Sunshine' is a funny, inventive and delightful film. Even if Lacuna did exist today, I know you wouldn't want them erasing your memory of this film.
17. 'Atonement'
Directed by Joe Wright, 2007
Film #2 on the list that will without a doubt leave me crying by the end of it. Unlike 'Eternal Sunshine' listed above, 'Atonement' is more of your classic romance. Set before/during World War II we see Robbie (James McAvoy) and Cecilia (Keira Knightley), two people living in different worlds due to social class. We also meet Cecilia's younger sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) who becomes a vital player in how this relationship plays out. All it takes is a hint of jealousy and lie from a young girl with a crush and two lives are forever changed.
'Atonement' on a visual level is one of the most gorgeous films released this century. There is one scene in particular on the beaches of Dunkirk that is one of the more impressive scenes put together this decade. 'Atonement' is a film that is not only about romance, but betrayal and regret. Briony spends her entire lifetime wondering what it is she caused and how she can atone for this sin. Deep down 'Atonement' is a major tragedy disguised as a romance film and somehow all the better due to it.
16. 'The Incredibles'
Directed by Brad Bird, 2004
Congratulations everyone! You've made it to a Pixar film. One that is truly happy and there is zero heartbreak involved. What a relief. If you haven't seen 'The Incredibles' by now, we have a serious problem. And by we, I mean you. 'The Incredibles' is everything you look for with an animated film. Wonderful characters, a humor filled story, redemption and great animation. 'The Incredibles' has it all.
I'm going to go ahead and make the assumption that most readers know the plot for this film. Superhero family in hiding. Superhero family comes out of hiding. That's about all you need to know. I want to take this moment though to really dive into the character of Violet, because lets face it we all know a Violet. She's a young teen with jet black hair who spends way too much time on MySpace and has the ability to make herself invisible. This is why the story is brilliant. 'The Incredibles' was the first of the Pixar movie to focus on 'human' characters and it was a great play on their part. Although Violet may not have a MySpace (she does), I'm able to connect to that character. The same is true for every character in 'The Incredibles'. Every one of them is memorable in their own unique way and it's why a rewatch every few years is still so much fun. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen 'The Incredibles' by now, it's just a joy to be with the family once again.
15. 'Lost in Translation'
Directed by Sofia Coppola, 2003
Who knew that Bill Murray stumbling around Tokyo as an aging American movie star would be so entertaining? 'Lost in Translation' is about two strangers Bob Harris (Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) meeting in Paris and wandering around experiencing life together. Not their normal lives, but the type everyday boring experiences that we each have. They sit at hotel bars, end up in karaoke rooms and pachinko parlors. They're helping each other escape a lonely existence, if even for a few days.
This is the best Bill Murray performance. In no way does he play Bob Harris as your typical movie star or how we perceive them. Instead, Murray plays Harris as a tired man who is stuck between boredom and slight happiness. In a very subdued manner, Murray gives a sly comic performance. 'Lost in Translation' is a different movie if Murray had played up his comedic persona, but it's so much better the way it is. The way real life is. Here are two people stuck in a foreign place slowly losing their minds. Neither has the answer the other is looking for and the film doesn't take the movie to a romantic place many others would. It's a simple film that ends on the perfect note, Bob running to Charlotte to whisper one final thing in her ear. We have no clue what he says. But, we know how important it must be.
14. Mad Max: Fury Road
Directed by George Miller, 2015
In an age of blockbusters that is dominated by the damn Marvel movies leave it to George Miller and all his madness to release the best action film of the century. In the summer of 2015 Miller released 'Fury Road' in all it's post apocalyptic glory. No bad CGI. No ridiculous dialogue. Just pure insanity.
From the first frame Miller paints the screen with a colorful blast of madness. This is a frenetic film in every possible way. Jolting one way before screeching to a halt and turning in another direction. This is passionate filmmaking at it's best. Miller who was seventy years old when this came out shows all the young filmmakers how to make an action movie. Find a story your passionate about and direct the hell out of it. In this case we are given a chase movie filmed in the Australian desert focused on women controlling their destiny. 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is a film in it's own category completely and only one that Miller could have made. It was an easy choice for this list.
13. 'Michael Clayton'
Directed by Tony Gilroy, 2007
"I am Shiva, the God of Death"
On first glance 'Michael Clayton' may appear to be just another legal drama along the lines of 'The Firm' or another John Grisham adaptation. It's far from that. 'Michael Clayton' is one of the best character driven dramas in quite some time. George Clooney puts together maybe his best performance in the title role, as a "janitor". He's the guy you call when you've really fucked up and need the situation to be cleaned up.
Michael is a conflicted man stuck in an a profession focused on money. He's the guy who will put it all out on the table in order to do what he believes is the correct thing. He's a calculated character who is going to get the job done. No matter what. I don't want to give away much of the plot for two reasons. The first being that it's quite complex and I'll probably confuse myself and you in the process. The second is that I find the movie to be incredibly rewarding if you don't know much going in. It's a great thing to find George Clooney, Sydney Pollack, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton waiting.
12. 'Carol'
Directed by Todd Haynes, 2015
Oh, 'Carol'. Where to begin? Quick mention of the gorgeous cinematography and spell-binding score. Check. Mention that this is Todd Haynes' best film in a very good career. Check. Say how it's one of the best love stories ever filmed. Check mate.
The first time I saw 'Carol' I was immediately sold. The look of the film, Mara and Blanchett's performances as Therese and Carol and the story itself. I was transfixed. I've seen 'Carol' numerous times since then. It's not only a beautiful love story, but also a story of women stuck in a time period that didn't accept them. You can't help but wonder what 'Carol' might look like in 2018. How much has changed over the course of 65 years or so? How would the relationship change and do we still come to the same resolution? It's a good thing to ponder. Either way, none of this takes away from what 'Carol' accomplishes as a film which is astonishing. For a film that is relatively simple on the surface, it sure does leave a mark. 'Carol' is one of the greats for sure.
11. Mulholland Drive
Directed by David Lynch, 2001
I'll be very honest, I still don't really know what 'Mulholland Drive' is about. I know it's about identity. But, that's about all I've got. If you've seen Mulholland Drive or any other David Lynch project then you understand what I'm saying. If you haven't, I apologize.
'Mulholland Drive' is more an experience than a film for me. It's one that you just kind of have to let it roll over you and decide what you think at the end. It's a fascinating film that I'd compare to a fever dream. Surprisingly, it's one that I've gained appreciation for as the years go by. Even if I still don't know what's going on most of the time. I mean, fever dreams can be fun. Right?
10. Toy Story 3
Directed by Lee Unkrich, 2010
Hello gif that makes me cry, my old friend. To put my Toy Story experience into perspective, Andy and I were the same age. So, Andy and I are essentially one is what I'm saying. Therefore, I'm allowed to be far too emotionally attached to the Toy Story trilogy and can cry when Sarah Mclachlan sings in 'Toy Story 2'. It's cool.
'Toy Story 3' had the very difficult job of maintaining the quality of the first two films (the second being the best in my opinion) and pushing the story to a new place. Insert Andy leaving for college, every toys nightmare. What a brilliant move by Pixar. They knew by using this simple plot they could find cinematic gold. At it's core 'Toy Story 3' is a comedy, remember when Buzz is suddenly in Spanish mode, hilarious. But, Pixar never lost sight of what made the original two so great. So, that leaves us with 'Toy Story 3' being the best animated film of the century, end of story.
9. 'No Country for Old Men'
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, 2007
Leaving it to the Coen brothers to make a nihilistic crime drama that somehow wins Best Picture. Personally, I forgot just how dark 'No Country' can be at certain points. It's not exactly 'Shakespeare in Love'. But, what an impact it's had on the typical crime drama since. Many can attempt to copy the Coen's work, very few succeed in doing so.
Working with a script that is almost a direct copy of the original novel written by Cormac McCarthy, the Coen's knew they had something special. What they didn't know is that they could put together a cast featuring Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem and create something iconic. Set in the heart of West Texas with the focus of the plot being on a briefcase full of money you'd imagine a pretty good film. But, when you add in Anton Chigurh (AKA Satan himself) who is essentially a human pit bull that smells blood (money), you get something brilliant. I'm still not sure how they pulled it off so well. Maybe it was just that haircut.
8. 'The Social Network'
Directed by David Fincher, 2010
The first of Mr. Fincher's films to make this list is maybe the defining film of a generation. Using a script written by Aaron Sorkin ('The West Wing') and pitch perfect casting was able to carry 'The Social Network' to another level. I certainly didn't know Jesse Eisenberg had it in him for a performance of this caliber.
What makes 'The Social Network' such a great film for me is the focus on the individuals involved. Fincher doesn't really give a shit about Facebook and it's mark on society. No, he'd rather see the legal battles it creates, the friendships ruined and the motivations behind it's creation. It's a miracle that 'The Social Network' is as entertaining or as funny as it is. 'The Social Network' is one of those movies that you can jump into it at any point and most likely you'll get stuck watching it until the end. That's about the highest praise I can give out.
7. '25th Hour'
A Spike Lee Joint, 2002
Here's a confession. I only really like three or four of Spike Lee's "joints". As a filmmaker he's got great ideas but generally I find his films to be sloppy and kind of annoying. But, with 25th Hour Spike Lee manages to make his best film by a mile.
The man at the center of the film's name is Monty Brogan played to perfection by Edward Norton. He's a man about to walk into prison for drug charges due to his own greed. He's surrounded by friends, his girlfriend and his father. The film is set in New York City and it doesn't ignore the fact that 9/11 had just occurred. New York City was an angry place at the time and rightfully so. So, we get to follow Monty during his last hours of freedom. Until his life is changed forever. The film does a great job of exploring the lives of those around Monty in his final hours and his impact on them. Will they still be there when he gets back? Will he ever come back? They don't know. We don't know. What I do know is that '25th Hour' is a thought provoking movie that slowly leaves you wondering about countless thing. It's the most underrated film of the century in my opinion.
6. 'Zero Dark Thirty'
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, 2012
'Zero Dark Thirty' is many things packed into one film. It's a character study of one woman who will do anything to achieve her goal, it's controversial, it's historical, it's not pro-torture, it's not a thriller, and it's one of my favorite films ever.
Early on we meet Maya (Jessica Chastain) a woman who has one job. Find and kill Bin Laden. Obviously, we all know how the film ends and that put the filmmakers at a disadvantage from the start. But, what I've realized after watching this numerous times is that this movie isn't just about killing Bin Laden. 'Zero Dark Thirty' is also about every action it took to get there, the impact it had on those involved and the war on terror itself. For me, it's easily the defining film made about the war on terror and is confident about it's importance in the 21st century and the portrayal of this time period.
5. 'Zodiac'
Directed by David Fincher, 2007
If you go back to my first article I go into quite a bit of detail about 'Zodiac' and my love for it. That being said I'll keep this short.
'Zodiac' is a brilliant film about obsession, paranoia and investigations. These three things can do a lot of damage to a person and that's the real focus of 'Zodiac'. What can happen when you lose yourself in something like the 'Zodiac' case? What are the ramifications?
4. 'Hot Fuzz'
Directed by Edgar Wright, 2007
This is not hyperbole, I truly believe 'Hot Fuzz' is one of the top 2 or 3 best comedies ever made. Every time I sit down to watch it I find something else to fall over laughing at. Whether it's the brilliance of 'Bad Boys II' or Clegane from Game of Thrones saying, "yarp" over and over. I find the entire movie to be hysterical.
'Hot Fuzz' is the perfect buddy cop movie, primarily because it's influenced by every buddy cop movie before it. 'Hot Fuzz' is also very British which helps it's case from the start. British people just make me laugh more than Americans. It's the truth. I could honestly write a ten page essay dissecting all the reasons why I love 'Hot Fuzz'. But, instead I'll do one thing. 'Hot Fuzz' is on Netflix right now and you should all watch it. You won't regret it.
3. 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'
Directed by Peter Jackson, 2001
Spoiler alert: Boromir dies and I cry every time I see it. Also, I've officially decided that this is the best film in the series. It's done. I've now published this. All that being said, 'The Fellowship of the Ring' is the perfect start to a perfect trilogy.
It's amazing what Peter Jackson and the entire cast and crew were able to do with Tolkien's stories. In fact, it's a minor miracle that they pulled it off. Shooting the films in succession in New Zealand over the course of two years they were able to achieve something remarkable. It's my belief that the reason 'Fellowship' succeeds so well is that it contains everything you want with the story. We get all the characters in one place, the innocence of The Shire, Boromir (RIP), the action and the introduction of Aragorn II, son of Arathorn and the rightful King of Gondor. It's just magnificent.
Also, on Netflix right now. No excuses.
2. 'There Will Be Blood'
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007
The second film on the list to feature terrifying people hanging out in West Texas filmed in 2007. What are the odds? 'There Will Be Blood' is a now cemented modern-classic featuring Daniel Day-Lewis and big ideas about capitalism. Pretty wild, I know.
'There Will Be Blood' is about so much more though. I can joke all I want, but that doesn't take away the impact that 'There Will Be Blood' leaves. It's a movie put together with such precision that it leaves you in awe. The opening alone is seventeen minutes without a word of dialogue. Just a bit of grunting from Daniel Day-Lewis. And you're sucked into this world. It's truly amazing how they're able to transport the audience to this time and place that most of us would never think of. 'There Will Be Blood' will stand the test of time on the back of Daniel Day-Lewis regardless, but it deserves to based on every small detail. It just might be the best film of the century to date.
1. 'Children of Men'
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, 2006
Disclaimer: This is my favorite movie of all time.
When I was in the eighth grade, my love for film truly began. I was on my way to Florida on a family vacation and had rented some movies off iTunes to watch on the way there. It was mid-day when I began 'Children of Men'. I was a young kid with not a clue about what was about to happen. As I lay in the back of my family's Yukon, the cafe scene takes me by surprise. I later found out that the entire film would take me as a captive.
Today, I'm still a captive to 'Children of Men'.
It manages to create this horrible world that we don't just see, but truly believe in. Cuaron pays immense attention to detail (the flip flops, dogs, etc.) and by doing so creates something remarkable and unique. This story is one we come to care about deeply and that's hard to come by in the sci-fi genre. So often, all the though and care is put into the world or concept, and characters are forgotten. But, not in the hands of Cuaron and his wonderful DOP Emmanuel Lubezki.
They've managed to do something wild in creating this awful world, yet for some reason many of us find it beautiful. Bringing it all to life is Clive Owen (his best role ever) and the rest of the cast who are equally as good.
The story itself is one of my favorites told. But, I don't want to be the one to tell you much about it. One of the reasons my first watch was so special, was because I knew nothing about the story. I can only wish now, that someone else can experience the same type of emotional response that I have in the past. 'Children of Men' takes you by the throat and doesn't let go. For that, I'm grateful.