Top 25 of the 21st Century


Recently people have been releasing their lists of the best 25 films from the 21st Century, which is now 17 years old. I put some thought to it and below are my favorite 25 films from the first part of this new century. I look forward to comments and feedback.

Top 25 of the 21st Century:
1. The Dark Knight (2008) — This is my favorite film of the new century, and I think the best. I love Christopher Nolan, and I love this film.
2. No Country For Old Men (2007) — This Coen Brothers film is a beautiful adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy Novel with rich performances. It was the best of an incredible year of films.
3. Whiplash (2014) — Damien Chazelle has a bright future based on his first few movies. I fell in love with this film from the moment I saw it. It's not an easy film, but it is incredibly well made.
4. Up In The Air (2009) — Jason Reitman is a very talented director, and there are several of his films that I love. But this is my favorite, and my favorite George Clooney performance.
5. The Social Network (2010) — David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin are a powerful combination. This isn't an action movie, per se, but it is a beautifully told story.
6. There Will Be Blood (2007) — I haven't always loved Paul Thomas Anderson, but the power of this film, and the performance from Daniel Day Lewis, is incredible.
7. Inglorious Basterds (2009) — Quentin Tarantino is one of the most unique filmmakers working, and this film is his masterwork. It was incredible from start to finish.
8. Doubt (2008) — This was a quiet film, based on the play from John Patrick Shanley. But I love the performances and the power of the story.
9. Million Dollar Baby (2004) — Clint Eastwood has had a fine second career as a director. He has delivered some powerful films. I like "Mystic River," but I love "Million Dollar Baby."
10. Children of Men (2006) — Alfonso Cuaron is an incredible director, and he delivers a dystopic masterpiece with Children of Men.
11. Silver Linings Playbook (2012) — David O. Russell has had a strong century of films, but this is his best. I love the performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
12. Spotlight (2015) — This is a devastating story told beautifully. Tom McCarthy delivers this story in a gripping and powerful way.
13. About Schmidt (2002) — Alexander Payne is an underrated filmmaker, but I love this film the best. I also think it is on of Jack Nicholson's best performances.
14. Atonement (2007) — I said 2007 was a great year, and I meant it. This WWII tale from Joe Wright often gets overlooked, but it has a powerful story and some great performances.
15. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) — Clooney is an underrated talent as a director, and this black-and-white film about Edward R. Murrow is a beautiful tale that often gets overlooked.
16. Inception (2010) — In between his Batman films, Nolan took time to deliver a fascinating film about the nature of time and reality. It boasts a great Leonardo DiCaprio performance, too.
17. Arrival (2016) — This movie really got me last year. I love Denis Villeneuve as a director, and this was a fascinating story.
18. Tree of Life (2011) — Terrance Malik is an interesting filmmaker, and this film was polarizing. Some loved it, some hated it. I was indifferent to it at first but I have come to be drawn to the beauty and power of the filmmaking techniques.
19. La La Land (2016) — Chazelle showed his ability and range by following up "Whiplash" with something completely different, but just as captivating.
20. The Hunger Games (2012) — There have been a lot of franchises aimed at young adults, and a lot of them are mediocre. This is a film that I love for its performances, but more for the commentary on our society.
21. Way of the Gun (2000) — Christopher McQuarrie wrote the screenplay for "The Usual Suspects," one of the finest movies ever made. But in this, his directorial debut, he delivers a brilliant and fascinating film.
22. Watchmen (2009) — Many deride this adaptation of the famous graphic novel. But I love the story and the performances, and some of the way this film is put together.
23. The Departed (2006) — Martin Scorsese has delivered better films, but this was his first Academy Award winner. I love the way it was put together.
24. Sicario (2015) — Another from Villeneuve, this one a hard-boiled crime drama with an incredible performance from Emily Blunt.
25. Lost in Translation (2003) — Sofia Coppola is an interesting director. This movie, featuring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, is a beautiful story that had stuck with me for more than a decade.

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