I was debating whether to start a separate thread or include this in the thread about Film Comment’s best films of the 2010s, but a separate thread seems appropriate, even though there is a lot of overlap. In this thread, I’m going to discuss the list ten films per post, starting with the 100th film. Here’s the link to the article: The New York Times 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century (Note: I had trouble making this a gifted article, but if you want that, let me know, and I’ll try again.)
Some random thoughts before I begin:
- When I think about “best of” lists, I prefer using a tiered approach versus ranking the films. In this approach, the first tier films that are the most excellent and exceptional, in some way–something that would make them more than good or very good movies. For example, maybe the film is “firing on all cylinders–i.e., most of the different aspect of the film are excellently executed–to the degree that the film could be considered a masterpiece. Or perhaps the film is among the best of a particular genre. For something like the best of a decade, or in this case, the 21st century (so far), first tier films would be comparable to all-time great films. I guess second tier films would be right outside the first tier–films that are very good, but not good enough to be among the best ever. However, they are among the best, relative to the other films made in the 21st century.
- While going through this list, I plan on making my own list, which will include films that are not on the NYT list.
- In looking at the list, I get the sense that certain films seemed to have become entrenched in minds of cinephilies and filmmakers. Mulholland Drive, In the Mood for Love, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are examples. Maybe these films are truly deserving (and I tend to think they are), but I sense a kind of critical inertia behind these films, leading to lazy thinking and eventually the films high-ranking positions.
- On a related note, I’m not a fan of the methodology (at least what I understand of it) because it favors well-known, widely distributed, and well-respected films. The more obscure films that are harder to see are at a disadvantage. These conditions shouldn’t play a role in determining the ranking of these films, or if a film even makes it on the list.
100. Superbad (2007) Dir. Greg Mottola
“Every generation needs a teen movie.” If this is the representative teen movie on the 21st century (so far) then it deserves to be on the list.
99. Memories of Murder (2005) Dir. Bong-jong Ho
Good, maybe a little more than that. I recall a fairly satisfying detective film, but I don’t think this would come to mind when making the list.
98. Grizzly Man (2005) Dir. Werner Herzog
Good, interesting. I wouldn’t dismiss this as a choice, and maybe this is a decent choice for the list.
97. Gravity (2013) Dir. Alfonzo Cuaron
3D in movies has almost always underwhelms me, but this is an exception–probably the most successful use of 3D in movies. NYT: “one of the 21st century’s greatest thrill rides,” I agree, and among the best thrill rides of all time. This would make my list, and I think it would be a lot higher.
96. Black Panther (2018) Dir. Ryan Coogler
One of my favorite Marvel films. I really liked the casting of Chadwick Boseman, and the elevation of Africa in this. I’m not really sure it’d make my list, but landing where it does seems fine.
95. The Worst Person in the World (2021) Dir. Joachim Trier
A decent pick, especially at the 95th spot. I haven’t fully processed the film, but the film does resonate with me, and could be higher on the list. A well-done film about young woman, with an inner restlessness, trying to find her way. It reminded me a little of Movern Callar. It also felt like a film about the current generation, similar to the way Richard Linklater’s films captured Gen Xers in their 20s.
94. Minority Report (2002) Dir. Steven Spielberg
I recall liking this to some degree, particularly the action sequences and set design, but Spielberg schmaltzy treatment of family themes weakened the film for me. Not a film that would come to mind.
93. Michael Clayton (2007) Dir. Tony Gilroy
There are certain Oscar best picture nominees/winners that are solid entertainment, but not exceptional. My memory isn’t strong for this film, but that’s the way I think of this film.
92. Gladiator (2000) Dir. Ridley Scott
Similar to Michael Clayton, although I think I may have enjoyed this a bit more. It’s a solid action film, but I’d put Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins or Brad Bird’s The Incredibles over this. Overall, Gladiator is overrated to me.
91. Fish Tank (2010) Dir. Andrea Arnold
(Note: Film tiles in bold are the the ones I’ve seen.)
Superbad isn’t a bad choice for the title, but Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a much better movie. I think the characters in Scott Pilgrim are maybe too cool (even the uncool ones) for the masses to relate to, but I might still lean in its favor.
My problem when I was teaching was I couldn’t make anyone see it. I really wanted my students’ take on it, and none of them went to it. And it’s not for me to decide which film is their film. So dang.
Based on what I think their criteria are, it might be Napoleon Dynamite, which I have not seen.
Oh you haven’t seen Superbad. You ought to. Not because you’d love it, but because it’s just one of those films everyone’s seen. 70 percent of it is really well done. 30 percent is nearly unwatchable for me. I don’t know what they were thinking, because they were really on to something.
My brother felt strongly that I would not like it. I really had little desire to see it, and I’m not sure if I’ll see it or not.
I really liked Scott Pilgrim, and whether it deserves to be the teen movie of the 21st century, it would be a contender to make the list for me, possibly a first tier film. (What do you mean by the characters being “too cool?”)
Napolean Dynamite seems like another good teen film candidate, but I haven’t seen it.
Joel’s track record with you is better than mine, but depending on your frame of mind when you see it, you might like some of Superbad. At its best, it’s clever and funny and raunchier than the teen movies we liked as teens, but there’s no nudity, and the film treats it characters with the sweetness they deserve. It has a bit in common (themes and plotlines) with films like Sixteen Candles, and it was Emma Stone’s debut at 18 or 19.
There’s just so much young talent on the screen and it’s cool to see them work with material requiring some fair acting chops. Emma Stone has since won two Best Actress Oscars and Jonah Hill was nominated for two Best Supporting Actor Oscars (I didn’t see The Wolf of Wall Street, but it was a deserved nomination for Moneyball).
I own this on DVD because I like rewatching the good parts. And because I enjoy the freedom to skip over the bad parts, of which there are a few too many.
I appreciate your comments. My motivation for seeing the film (and some of the other comedies) is pretty low. Your comments help maintain some level of motivation to see this.
90. Frances Ha (2013) Dir. Noah Baumbach
Good or even very good movie, but but I could say the same about Marriage Story or even The Meyerowitz Stories. One could argue that Frances is the best of the three, and maybe Baumbach’s best film (although I haven’t seen all of them). Still I’m not sure it’s good enough to get on the list–although if it does, the 90th position seems acceptable. At best a second tier film for me.
Aside: This film along with The Worst Person in the World are good, contemporary feminist films.
89. Interstellar (2014) Dir. Christopher Nolan
Entertaining movie. If I were forced to choose 100 films, like the previous film, I guess this would make my list, but probably not my first tier.
88. The Gleaners and I (2001) Dir. Agnes Varda
I really liked this film, and I’m not sure a film was ever made about the concept of gleaning in contemporary. The concept resonates with my personal values, but that gives me doubts if it deserves to be on the list. Putting those doubts aside, it would be a candidate for a first tier film.
87. The LOTR: the Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Dir. Peter Jackson
A first tier film, although when I think about this film and all the films in the series (including The Hobbit), my thoughts lean toward the negative. Specifically, the films feel a bit bloated and the heavy reliance on cgi turns me off a bit.
86. Past Lives (2023) Dir. Celine Song
A very good film–another good, contemporary feminist film. A 2nd tier film for sure, and not controversial at this ranking. (It could be higher.)
85. Anchorman: the Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) Adam Mckay
I have little desire to see this. I haven’t really watched a lot of Will Farrell, on SNL or in film, but from what I’ve seen, he does nothing for me.
84. Melancholia (2004) Dir. Lars von Trier
A good film, and another that would be hard to complain at the back end of the list. Maybe this is a more organically complete film than von Trier’s Anti-Christ, but Anti-Christ may be more interesting film.
83. Inside Lwelyn Davis (2013) Dir. Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
I thought the film was fine, but I didn’t and don’t understand the degree of love for this film, not reflected in the 83rd position, but from positive critical responses. I much prefer A Simple Man.
82. The Act of Killing (2013) Dir. Joshua Oppenheimer and Anonymous
First tier film for me, which floored me when I first saw this remarkable, truth-is-stranger-than-fiction documentary, and it should be higher on the list.
81. Black Swan (2010) Dir. Darren Aronofsky
80. Volver (2006) Dir. Pedro Almodovar
A “safe” film I’d recommend to mainstream moviegoer who has never seen an Almodovar film before. Mildly entertaining and enjoyable, but not really best of material in my view.
79. The Tree of Life (2011) Dir. Terrence Malick
My estimation of Malick has declined over time, but the visuals alone could warrant this selection. Actually, there’s a good chance this would be a first tier film for me.
78. Aftersun (2022) Dir. Charlotte Wells
77. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) Dir. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schneinert
Not a Spike Jonze film, but it feels like one. Worthy for a best of a decade list (perhaps) or 21st century, so probably a 2nd tier film for me.
76. O Brother! Where Art Thou? (2000) Dir. Ethan and Joel Coen
I enjoyed the music in this, and there are fun moments. I’m not sure this would make my list. I think it would be a 2nd tier choice at best.
75. Amour (2012) Dir. Michael Haneke
I don’t have a clear memory of this film, but I recall feeling a bit underwhelmed after seeing this.
74. The Florida Project (2017) Dir. Sean Baker
I really loved Willem Dafoe’s character in this (Is he a supporting or lead character?), and he’s among my favorite characters in the new century. I also thought the other characters were authentic and real. A really good film, but not really great. 2nd tier candidate.
73. Ratatouille (2007) Dir. Brad Bird
I was disappointed by this film, and I didn’t get the hype. But maybe my expectations were the problem. Still, without seeing this again, this wouldn’t make my list.
72. Carol (2015) Dir. Todd Haynes
Solid film, but probably wouldn’t make my list
71. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) Dir. Steven Soderbergh
I enjoyed this film, but at the time, I don’t think I would have thought of this as a great movie. Still, when I think of heist pictures, this might make the top 10. If true, this should be on the list, maybe higher as well.
70. Let the Right One In (2008) Dir. Tomas Alfredson
This is a good film that could get on the list because there are novel elements about it. Probably 2nd tier at most for me.
69. Under the Skin (2014) Dir. Jonathan Glazer
I’d say this is very good, and has some novel elements in it. Potential 1st tier film.
68. The Hurt Locker (2008) Dir. Kathryn Bigelow
Very good thriller/drama. How would it hold up against every thriller ever made? Not top ten, but maybe top 50? Yes.
67. Tar (2022) Dir. Todd Field
Well made film that would be good for a movie club–in that it would likely generate good discussion. Timely, but would it stand the test of time? It might not age so well.
66. Spotlight (2015) Dir. Tom McCarthy
I refrained from watching this for a while because I didn’t have the stomach for the subject matter. But I finally saw it, and it was really good, similar in terms of genre and overall quality to All the President’s Men. For this list, any film that is really well-done entertainment should be on the list. I think this qualifies. (Hurt Locker and Gravity would fall in that category as well.)
65. Oppenheimer (2023) Dir. Christopher Nolan
64. Gone Girl (2014) Dir. David Fincher
Speaking of entertaining films, this qualifies, but I’m less certain this belongs on the list. Not a first tier film for sure, though.
63. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Dir. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
From what I remember, this was middling film. Fine, but nothing exceptional. It wouldn’t make my list.
62. Memento (2001) Dir. Christopher Nolan
Well-done, simple and focused. I haven’t seen it since 2001, so I wonder if it would still stand the test of time. Just going by my initial reaction, this deserves to be on the list, and could be a first tier film. (Maybe 2nd tier on the all-time greatest list.)
61. Kill Bill, vol. 1 (2003) Dir. Quentin Tarantino
Can this really be judged without part 2? I’m not sure, but after watching both parts, separated by a year or more, I wanted to watch the two films back-to-back to see if they elevated my opinion of the films. This probably wouldn’t make my list. I prefer Hateful Eight
***
One general notion occurred to me while I’m doing this (and looking the list of 21st century films I’ve seen)–the memory of the films can vary wildly. I would think this is a disadvantage for lesser known films or films that one has only seen once–particularly if the viewing occurred a long time ago. To make the judging fair and more accurate, the memory of the films should be quite good or at least relatively equal. That’s not very practical, but maybe one could create a contenders list, and then try to at least see those films during a span where one’s recollection of the films are relatively equal.
Another observation:
Lesser known films that don’t receive much critical acclaim are at a significant disadvantage. Choosing such a film involves a greater risk–one puts one’s self out on a limb in a way that doesn’t occur with the critically acclaimed films. Relatedly, not putting a critical darling can also require some courage and fortitude.
By the way, I’ve been looking over the 21st century films I’ve watched, and I’m picking my contenders for best films of the century that are not on the NYT. The list is quite long, and there are films on this that I think are more deserving.
60. Whiplash (2016) Dir. Damien Chazelle
I heard a lukewarm/negative reaction from a jazz musician, and that basically killed my desire to see this.
59. Toni Erdmann (2016) Dir. Maren Ade
This has been on my list ever since it came out. I really like Ade’s two previous films, which made me think of John Cassavetes.
58. Uncut Gems (2019) Dir. Benny and Josh Safdie
Entertaining that I thought Don would like. A good-to-very good film that is a bit different. Maybe 2nd tier.
57. Best in Show (2000) Dir. Christopher Guest
Would someone who was very unfamiliar with 70’s hard rock be able to enjoy This is Spinal Tap? I had some doubts about that. Maybe I didn’t enjoy Best in Show because I’m completely unfamiliar with the world of dog show competition and their owners. Whatever the case, this was dull and unfunny. I may have chuckled twice in the whole film.
Aside: I wonder if some of the elements–like the gay and lesbian characters–were expected to be more titillating and fresh at the time. Now, the characters and situations are banal. (Michael McKean’s character/performance wasn’t very interesting or good, respectively–and he was wonderful in This is Spinal Tap.) Also, the incidents with Cookie’s ex-lovers were unfunny, and it’s even odd that Guest thought this would be funny.
56. Punch drunk Love (2002) Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
I know Mitchell and other critics liked this. I didn’t get it. I have a list of films I want to re-watch because they’re highly thought of, but I don’t really get it. This is on the list.
55. Inception (2010) Dir. Christopher Nolan
I don’t remember a lot about this film, but I recall feeling disappointed by it.
54. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) Dir. Guillermo Del Toro
I went in with high expectations, and left a little disappointed. I liked the visuals and costumes in this. Maybe one I need to see again.
53. Borat: Cultural Learnings of a America for Make Benefit of Glorious Nation of Kazahkstan (2006) Dir. Larry Charles
Like Anchorman, I have little interest in seeing this.
52. The Favorite (2018) Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos
A good director I approach with some trepidation, as some of the material may be disturbing. He had a bunch of films that seemed to come out all around the same time. I never got around to seeing a lot of them.
51. 12 Years a Slave (2013) Dir. Steve McQueen
I had little motivation to see this as I suspect it would be difficult to watch. I’ll try to get around to it, though.
***
I mentioned disturbing and that reminds me: I don’t think there are any films by Ruben Ostlund, which is a bit of a suprise. (Did liberals find The Square too biting?)
50. Up (2009) Dir. Pete Doctor
I really liked the opening sequence of this, but the rest of the film is fine,b it not great.
49. Before Sunset (2004) Dir. Richard Linklater
Among the all-time best sequels? Second film at least and potential first tier.
48. The Lives of Others (2007) Dir. Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck
Maybe I just didn’t fully appreciate this film, but I remember leaving this feeling underwhelmed, and confused about why it was so critically acclaimed.
47. Almost Famous (2000) Dir. Cameron Crowe
Entertaining film, but wouldn’t make my list.
46. Roma (2018) Dir. Alfonso Cuaron
Beautiful black-and-white, and a film that held my attention, also making me think of Ozu’s films. Potential first tier film.
45. Moneyball (2011) Dir. Bennett Miller
The story of the way Billy Beane changed the approach to analyzing players and building a team is really terrific. But is the film really great? Had I not read the book, perhaps I would have thought so. I’m unsure if it’s deserving to be on the list.
44. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) Dir. Quentin Tarantino
43. Old boy (2005) Dir. Park Chan Wook
This movie felt fresh and also visceral. I’m not sure if it would hold up as I haven’t seen it for a while. This could be among the best action/thrillers of all-time.
42. The Master (2012) Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
When I think of great American films–not just a great film made by an American director, but a great film capturing something essential about America–this would make my list. A first tier film.
41. Amelie (2001) Dir. Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Fun, with cool visuals. I would consider this to make the list.
40. Yi Yi (2000) Dir. Edward Yang
First tier film. I really liked it, particularly the patriarch and his son.
39. Lady Bird (2017) Dir. Greta Gerwig
Good, maybe very good, but second tier at best in my view.
38. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) Dir. Celine Sciamma
Very good–I’d say second tier.
37. Call Me By Your Name (2017) Dir. Luca Guadagnino
36. A Serious Man (2009) Dir. Ethan and Joel Coen
I really liked this film, maybe one of my personal favorites.
35. A Prophet (2010) Dir. Jacques Audiard
34. Wall-E (2009) Dir. Andrew Stanton
This wouldn’t make my list, based on what I remember, but a part of me wants to see this again.
33. A Separation (2011) Dir. Asghar Farhadi
Good-to-very good film. I would say at least second tier.
32. Bridesmaids (2011) Dir. Paul Feig
31. The Departed (2006) Dir. Martin Scorsese
Good, entertaining film, but I don’t think I’d put it on the list.
30. Lost in Translation (2003) Dir. Sophia Coppola
Another film where the critical acclaim confused me.
29. Arrival (2016) Dir. Denis Villanueve
Arguably one of the best sci-fi films of the 21st century, but this would probably be in my second tier.
28. The Dark Night (2008) Dir. Christopher Nolan
The filmmakers’ reimagining of the Joker is terrific. (Yes, Ledger is wonderful, but I’m also giving credit to the costume designer and make-up artist.) The action set-pieces were really good (I almost cheered loudly in the theater.) Maybe a first tier contender.
27. Adaptation (2002) Dir. Spike Jonze
Good, maybe very good. Off the top of my head, I wouldn’t choose this film, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen it.
26. Anatomy of a Fall (2023) Dir. Justin Triet
25. Phantom Thread (2017) Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
Very good movie. It’s a contender, but I’d guess second tier.
24. Her (2013) Dir. Spike Jonze
Another very good sci-fi film. Not first tier, but a candidate for second tier.
23. Boyhood (2014) Dir. Richard Linklater
Right now I probably wouldn’t choose this, although maybe it would be a second tier film. This is one I’d like to watch again.
22. The Grand Bupapest Hotel (2014) Dir. Wes Anderson
This one left me cold. I can barely remember it.
21. The Royal Tennebaums (2001) Dir. Wes Anderson
I liked this better than Grand Budapest, but this probably wouldn’t make my list.
20. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) Dir. Martin Scorsese
19. Zodiac (2007) Dir. David Fincher
Engaging film, but this would not have made my list
18. Y Tu Mama Tabien (2001) Dir. Alfonso Cuaron
I’m curious to see this again, as I might have appreciated it fully. I just wonder if my older self will appreciate this more.
17. Brokeback Mountaing (2005) Dir. Ang Lee
Good, but not more than that. My overall sense is that this the typical good, maybe very good Hollywood film that is a best picture nominee and/or winner.
16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Dir. Ang Lee
A first tier candidate. A potential for greatest action romance of all-time.
15. City of God (2003) Dir. Fernando Meirelles
I recall cool filmmaking, but I thought Pixote covered similar terrain equally as well, if not better.
14. Inglourious Basterds (2009) Dir. Quentin Tarantino
Besides Christoph Walz’s exceptional performance, the film was a bit disappointing.
13. Children of Men (2006) Dir. Alfonso Cuaron
I enjoyed this film, but I don’t think this would be a candidate for me. I’m curious to re-watch this.
12. The Zone of Interest (2023) Dir. Jonathan Glazer
11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) Dir. George Miller
A cool looking film, but I must admit that the car scenes seem stale, even though they really good. Also, I tend to think the film would have been stronger without the Mad Max character. (The prequel could have corrected this, but that film also featured a Mad Max-like character.)