The New York Times reveals its 100 best films of the 21st century

The New York Times has unveiled its definitive list of the 100 best films of the 21st century, a sweeping survey shaped by more than 500 directors, actors, screenwriters and critics. The result is a global, genre-spanning snapshot of the movies that have defined the past 25 years: artistically, culturally and emotionally.

The top 10 films

1. ‘Parasite’ (2019) – Bong Joon-ho’s genre-defying satire of class and capitalism took the top spot, praised for its “near-total command of craft” and historic Oscar sweep.
2. ‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001) – David Lynch’s surreal Hollywood mystery remains a puzzle box of identity, memory and desire.
3. ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007) – Paul Thomas Anderson’s oil epic is a searing portrait of ambition and isolation.
4. ‘In the Mood for Love’ (2000) – Wong Kar-wai’s aching romance set in 1960s Hong Kong is a masterclass in restraint and longing.
5. ‘Moonlight’ (2016) – Barry Jenkins’ triptych of Black identity and queerness won Best Picture and hearts worldwide.
6. ‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007) – The Coen brothers’ bleak neo-Western is a meditation on fate and violence.
7. ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004) – Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman’s sci-fi romance explores memory and heartbreak.
8. ‘Get Out’ (2017) – Jordan Peele’s horror debut redefined the genre with razor-sharp racial commentary.
9. ‘Spirited Away’ (2001) – Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece blends fantasy, ecology and coming-of-age themes.
10. ‘The Social Network’ (2010) – David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin’s portrait of Facebook’s rise feels more prophetic than ever.

For the full list, feel free to visit the New York Times article.

A global and inclusive lens

The list includes a wide range of international and independent films, from 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and 'Y Tu Mamá También’ to 'Tár, The Favourite’, and 'Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Notably, nine LGBTQ+ films made the cut, reflecting a broader shift in cinematic storytelling and representation.

How the list was made

Unlike previous Times rankings curated by critics, this list was built from the votes of over 500 industry professionals—including Guillermo del Toro, Sofia Coppola, Pedro Almodóvar, Barry Jenkins and Julianne Moore. Each participant submitted their personal top 10, which were then tallied to form the final 100.

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