Top 20 Films Of The 21st Century, According To The New York Times

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - July 3rd 2025, 22:00 GMT+2

Cropped the wolf of wall street — 20. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Wild, excessive, and irresistibly entertaining, *The Wolf of Wall Street* plunges viewers into the chaotic world of high finance and moral freefall. Leonardo DiCaprio is unforgettable as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rises to obscene wealth through fraud and manipulation, only to watch it all spiral into madness. Jonah Hill delivers career-defining comedy, and Margot Robbie shines in her breakout role as Belfort’s fiery wife. The film never slows down, matching the frenzied pace of its characters with Martin Scorsese’s razor-sharp direction and rapid-fire editing. It’s a masterclass in excess that manages to be both wildly funny and deeply unsettling. No modern film captures the allure and horror of unchecked ambition quite like this one. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Zodiac — 19. Zodiac (2007)

Rather than chasing jump scares, *Zodiac* builds its terror slowly, feeding off obsession and uncertainty. The story centers on the real-life hunt for the elusive Zodiac Killer, with Jake Gyllenhaal portraying a newspaper cartoonist who becomes consumed by the case. Robert Downey Jr. adds volatile energy as a hard-drinking journalist, while Mark Ruffalo grounds the film as a detective burdened by dead ends. Director David Fincher crafts a moody, meticulous procedural that dials up the tension without ever offering easy answers. The result is one of the most intelligent and haunting crime dramas of the 21st century – a film that lingers with you long after the final frame. | © Paramount Pictures / Warner Bros.

Cropped y tu mamá también — 18. Y tu mamá también (2001)

What begins as a carefree road trip quickly unravels into something much deeper in *Y tu mamá también*. Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna play teenage friends navigating desire, jealousy, and growing pains as they travel across Mexico with a mysterious older woman, played by Maribel Verdú. The chemistry between the trio is electric, and their journey becomes a lens through which issues of class, politics, and mortality are explored with raw honesty. Director Alfonso Cuarón balances sensuality and sorrow with a touch that feels both intimate and universal. It’s a coming-of-age film that refuses clichés, instead offering a snapshot of youth that’s messy, beautiful, and painfully real. | © Producciones Anhelo / IFC Films

Cropped brokeback mountain — 17. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Few films have captured forbidden love with as much quiet devastation as *Brokeback Mountain*. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal portray two ranch hands whose brief encounter in the Wyoming wilderness grows into a decades-long bond filled with longing, denial, and heartbreak. Their restrained performances say more with silence than most scripts do with words, while Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway bring nuance to their roles as women caught in the emotional fallout. Rather than dramatize, the film leans into subtlety – letting small moments reveal big truths. Director Ang Lee crafts an emotionally resonant story that helped change the cultural conversation around queer cinema forever. | © Focus Features

Cropped Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon — 16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Graceful and gripping all at once, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* turned martial arts into high art. Set in Qing dynasty-era China, the story follows a stolen sword and the intertwined destinies of legendary warriors, played with emotional depth by Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh. Zhang Ziyi’s breakout performance added a fiery intensity that perfectly matched the film’s balletic fight sequences. What truly set this film apart was its ability to blend breathtaking action with themes of honor, regret, and unspoken love. It became an international sensation, earning four Academy Awards and introducing a wider audience to the rich beauty of wuxia storytelling. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped city of god — 15. City of God (2002)

Brutal, urgent, and unforgettable, *City of God* paints a vivid portrait of life inside the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Based on true events, the film follows a young boy, Rocket, as he dreams of escaping the violence that surrounds him through photography. Meanwhile, we watch the chilling rise of Li'l Zé, a ruthless drug lord whose path defines the lawless streets. Co-directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film doesn’t flinch from the realities of poverty and crime, but it never loses sight of the humanity at its core. Alexandre Rodrigues leads a mostly non-professional cast that delivers stunningly raw performances, adding to the film's gritty authenticity. *City of God* remains a landmark of international cinema and a searing indictment of systemic violence. | © Miramax Films

Cropped inglourious basterds — 14. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Quentin Tarantino rewrites World War II with razor-sharp flair in *Inglourious Basterds*, a genre-bending war film filled with tension, violence, and deliciously twisted dialogue. Brad Pitt leads a ragtag group of Jewish-American soldiers on a mission to bring down the Third Reich, while Christoph Waltz delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the chillingly polite SS Colonel Hans Landa. Mélanie Laurent adds emotional weight as a cinema owner with her own score to settle. Blending dark comedy with explosive revenge fantasy, Tarantino turns history on its head and crafts one of the most daring films of his career. Each scene, from the quiet tension of a farmhouse to the climactic theater inferno, crackles with cinematic energy. | © Universal Pictures / The Weinstein Company

Cropped children of men — 13. Children of Men (2006)

Set in a future where humanity has lost the ability to reproduce, *Children of Men* is a bleak yet oddly hopeful sci-fi thriller that feels eerily prescient. Clive Owen stars as a disillusioned bureaucrat thrust into the role of protector when a young woman – miraculously pregnant – becomes humanity’s last hope. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film is renowned for its immersive long takes, particularly a jaw-dropping single-shot action sequence that pulls you straight into the chaos. Julianne Moore and Chiwetel Ejiofor round out a powerful cast, each bringing gravity to a story about survival, sacrifice, and the flickering light of possibility in a dying world. It’s not just a dystopian vision – it’s a deeply human one. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped the zone of interest — 12. The Zone of Interest (2023)

Chilling in its restraint, *The Zone of Interest* takes an unorthodox and haunting approach to portraying the Holocaust. Rather than showing violence directly, director Jonathan Glazer focuses on the mundane domestic life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, played with eerie calm by Christian Friedel. Sandra Hüller, in a quietly terrifying performance, plays his wife – determined to maintain a picture-perfect life just beyond the walls of a death camp. The horror is felt in the background: distant screams, smoke rising, and the inescapable weight of complicity. The film’s minimalist style and cold precision force the viewer to confront evil not through spectacle, but through denial and indifference. It’s one of the most unsettling and original historical dramas of the decade. | © A24

Cropped Mad Max Fury Road — 11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

High-octane and visually relentless, *Mad Max: Fury Road* redefined what action movies could be. George Miller returned to his iconic franchise after decades, and the result was nothing short of a cinematic adrenaline rush. Tom Hardy takes on the role of Max, but it’s Charlize Theron’s Furiosa who truly commands the screen – a fierce warrior leading a rebellion across a hellish desert wasteland. The practical effects, explosive stunts, and bold color grading give the film a visceral, operatic quality that few action films have matched. Beneath the chaos lies a powerful story about survival, redemption, and resistance. It’s more than just a thrill ride – it’s a masterpiece of modern filmmaking. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped the social network — 10. The Social Network (2010)

*The Social Network* is more than just the origin story of Facebook – it’s a riveting portrait of ambition, betrayal, and the price of genius in the digital age. Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg with a perfect mix of arrogance and insecurity, while Andrew Garfield gives a heartbreaking performance as Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder left behind. With razor-sharp dialogue by Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher’s sleek, methodical direction, the film captures the energy of a generation poised to change the world – and tear each other apart in the process. Justin Timberlake also shines as Napster founder Sean Parker, adding charisma and chaos to the mix. It’s a modern tragedy that still feels urgently relevant in today’s tech-driven world. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped spirited away — 9. Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki’s *Spirited Away* is a spellbinding journey through a richly imagined world that continues to enchant viewers of all ages. When a young girl named Chihiro stumbles into a mystical realm filled with spirits, gods, and creatures of all shapes, she must summon courage and resilience to save her parents and return home. The animation is breathtaking, with every frame packed with detail and wonder, from the towering bathhouse to the mysterious No-Face. Though the voice cast varies between the Japanese original and the English dub, both versions feature emotionally resonant performances. *Spirited Away* isn’t just Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece – it’s one of the most important animated films in cinema history. | © Studio Ghibli / Toho

Cropped get out — 8. Get Out (2017)

Smart, unsettling, and endlessly rewatchable, *Get Out* revolutionized modern horror with its bold social commentary and psychological depth. Daniel Kaluuya stars as Chris, a Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s seemingly welcoming family – only to discover a chilling secret lurking beneath the surface. Writer-director Jordan Peele blends satirical wit with bone-chilling suspense, crafting a film that speaks volumes about racism, privilege, and systemic oppression in America. The supporting cast, including Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, and Catherine Keener, deliver performances that walk a tightrope between friendly and frightening. With its layered storytelling and unforgettable imagery, *Get Out* became an instant classic – and a cultural wake-up call. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped eternal sunshine of the spotless mind — 7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Few films capture the complexity of memory and love quite like *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*. Jim Carrey delivers a career-defining performance as Joel, a quiet man heartbroken after his girlfriend Clementine – played with fiery vulnerability by Kate Winslet – erases him from her memory. Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, the film bends time and perception with inventive visuals and emotional depth. As Joel races through his own vanishing memories, we’re reminded how messy, beautiful, and painful love can be. The supporting cast – including Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Kirsten Dunst – adds quirky nuance to this deeply human story. It's one of the most original romantic dramas of the 21st century. | © Focus Features

Cropped no country for old men — 6. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Tense, stark, and unrelenting, *No Country for Old Men* is a masterwork of minimalism and moral ambiguity. When Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon a suitcase full of drug money, he finds himself hunted by one of cinema’s most terrifying villains – Anton Chigurh, brought chillingly to life by Javier Bardem in an Oscar-winning performance. Tommy Lee Jones adds gravitas as a weary sheriff grappling with the senseless violence creeping into his world. The Coen Brothers strip the story down to its essentials, creating an atmosphere thick with dread and existential weight. With its sparse dialogue and shocking turns, the film refuses easy answers – and lingers in the mind long after the final scene fades. | © Miramax Films / Paramount Vantage

Cropped moonlight — 5. Moonlight (2016)

With *Moonlight*, director Barry Jenkins delivered a quietly revolutionary film – a poetic, deeply intimate portrait of Black identity, masculinity, and love. Told in three chapters, it follows Chiron, a young man growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood, as he navigates childhood, adolescence, and adulthood while grappling with his sexuality and sense of self. The role is portrayed with aching sensitivity by Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes, each bringing nuance to Chiron at different life stages. Mahershala Ali won an Oscar for his role as Juan, a drug dealer who becomes a father figure, while Naomie Harris delivers a raw, complex performance as Chiron’s struggling mother. Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, *Moonlight* is a landmark in modern cinema. | © A24

Cropped in the mood for love — 4. In the Mood for Love (2000)

Few films capture longing and restraint with as much elegance as *In the Mood for Love*. Set in 1960s Hong Kong, the story follows two neighbors, played with devastating subtlety by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, who form a deep bond after suspecting their spouses are having an affair. Directed by Wong Kar-wai, the film drips with atmosphere – from its slow-motion shots and lush cinematography to the haunting repetition of its score. There’s minimal dialogue, but the emotional intensity speaks volumes. Every glance, pause, and silence adds layers to this tale of unconsummated love. Over the years, it has only grown in stature, now widely considered one of the most beautiful films ever made. | © Block 2 Pictures

Cropped there will be blood — 3. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Towering in ambition and execution, *There Will Be Blood* is a searing character study of greed, power, and American ambition at its most ruthless. Daniel Day-Lewis gives a thunderous, Oscar-winning performance as Daniel Plainview, a silver miner turned oil tycoon whose relentless drive leaves destruction in his wake. Paul Dano plays the local preacher who becomes both adversary and mirror to Plainview’s moral decay. Director Paul Thomas Anderson crafts every frame with precision, and Jonny Greenwood’s eerie score underscores the film’s unsettling energy. This is cinema that feels mythic – an epic that digs deep into the American psyche and pulls out something raw and unnerving. | © Paramount Vantage / Miramax Films

Cropped mulholland drive — 2. Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch’s *Mulholland Drive* is a hypnotic plunge into the subconscious – a noir dreamscape that defies easy explanation but lingers in the mind like a vivid nightmare. Naomi Watts gives a tour de force performance, transitioning from wide-eyed ingénue to emotionally shattered wreck as the story dissolves into surrealism. Alongside her is Laura Harring, whose presence is equally enigmatic and haunting. Lynch masterfully blurs reality and illusion, Hollywood fantasy and psychological trauma, in a puzzle-box narrative that rewards repeated viewings. With its haunting imagery and disorienting structure, *Mulholland Drive* remains one of the most daring and influential films of the century. | © Universal Pictures / StudioCanal

Cropped Parasite — 1. Parasite (2019)

Topping the list is *Parasite*, Bong Joon-ho’s masterful blend of dark comedy, social thriller, and family drama that took the world by storm. The film follows the impoverished Kim family as they infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Parks – a plan that starts as clever and humorous but soon unravels into something far more disturbing. Featuring brilliant performances from Song Kang-ho, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam, *Parasite* layers its social commentary with suspense, wit, and visual storytelling of the highest order. It made history as the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars – a triumph that signaled a new era for global cinema. Sharp, unpredictable, and utterly original, *Parasite* is a modern classic that speaks to inequality in a way no other film has. | © CJ Entertainment

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What are the greatest films of the 21st century so far? The New York Times has curated a definitive list of the top 20 movies that have defined modern cinema – a diverse, thought-provoking collection that reflects the evolution of storytelling, direction, and cultural impact in the last two decades. From groundbreaking international hits to bold Hollywood innovations, these films not only captivated audiences but also reshaped the art of filmmaking. Whether you're a cinephile looking for your next favorite or just curious about what critics praise most, this list is your ultimate guide to the must-watch movies of the 2000s and beyond.