The New York Times, in collaboration with The Upshot, has released a major list of the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century, based on votes from over 500 actors, directors, critics, and other film experts around the world.
The list, published in stages beginning June 23, highlights the most important and beloved films since the year 2000.
It includes works from all over the globe, across genres like drama, science fiction, animation, thriller, and comedy. Both big Hollywood blockbusters and lesser-known international films are recognized.
Top 30 Films on the List
The #1 film is Parasite by Bong Joon-ho, a South Korean thriller that made history by winning the Best Picture Oscar in 2020.
Other high-ranking films include Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood, David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, and Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight.
Here are the top 30:
- Parasite
- Mulholland Drive
- There Will Be Blood
- In the Mood for Love
- Moonlight
- No Country for Old Men
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Get Out
- Spirited Away
- The Social Network
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The Zone of Interest
- Children of Men
- Inglorious Basterds
- City of God
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- Brokeback Mountain
- Y tu mamá también
- Zodiac
- Wolf of Wall Street
- The Royal Tenenbaums
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Boyhood
- Her
- Phantom Thread
- Anatomy of a Fall
- Adaptation
- The Dark Knight
- Arrival
- Lost in Translation
A Global and Personal Celebration of Film
The list not only reflects critical success but also highlights personal favorites from people in the film industry. For example, some ballots included unusual picks like Daddy’s Home—reminding readers that movie taste is deeply personal.
The New York Times also invited the public to share their own top 10 lists online, helping spark conversation and debate among movie lovers.
Why This List Matters
This list serves as a guide to the most influential, creative, and emotional films of the 21st century so far. It offers new viewers a way to discover great cinema and gives long-time fans a chance to reflect on how movies have shaped the modern world.
