The 5 Best Films of the 21st Century — According to New York Times Readers. Do You Agree with Their Picks? | Interesting facts

If you could choose just one film from the 21st century — which would you name? There is an answer...

That's exactly the question The New York Times asked its readers. The answers turned out to be pretty surprising. A South Korean phenomenon shot to the top of the rankings, followed by one of Lynch's most enigmatic films, and the top five made room for both outer space and ruthless Texas.

I've picked out the films from the top five best movies of our century for you. Different genres, countries, and rhythms — but one thing definitely unites them: they're unforgettable.

"Parasite" (2019), Bong Joon-ho

The story of the Kim family, who use cunning and charm to infiltrate a wealthy household, initially seems like a comedy about social contrasts. But that's only until the halfway point. After that — darkness, fear, razor-sharp satire.

Bong Joon-ho transformed a local Korean story into a universal tale about class inequality, lies, and illusions.

A guy and girl are sitting by the toilet with phones in their hands — Frame from the film "Parasite"

NYT readers called "Parasite" the absolute pinnacle of modern cinema. And for good reason: it's the first non-English language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture, and its ending… you'd better see for yourself!

Recently I went into detail explaining why I'm scared to watch this film. Spoiler: it hits way too close to reality.

"Mulholland Drive" (2001), David Lynch

Probably the most mysterious, fragile, and hypnotic film on the list. Lynch here seems to lead viewers by the hand through a Hollywood where dreams and reality share no boundaries. What actually happened to the heroines? Who loves whom? Who killed whom? And did anything actually happen at all?

A white-haired girl in black clothing is crying while a white-haired girl in red clothing has her mouth open in surprise — Frame from the film "Mulholland Drive"

Critics have long recognized "Mulholland Drive" as the greatest film of the 21st century, and now audiences have placed it in second place. Because this isn't a film that gives answers — it's a film that asks questions. And it stays with you for a long time.

"Interstellar" (2014), Christopher Nolan

Third place in the voting — and it's a victory of heart over rationality. Many critics weren't quick to praise: too loaded, too pretentious, they said. But audiences have their own truth. For many, Nolan's "Interstellar" became a comfort film: about faith, love, the strength of the bond between father and daughter. About time slipping through your fingers and hope that remains.

Actor Matthew McConaughey smiles in a spacesuit and without it — Frames from the film "Interstellar"

The scene with the video messages is one of the most emotional moments in science fiction. And the visuals plus Hans Zimmer's soundtrack — that's practically a cosmic symphony.

"No Country for Old Men" (2007), Joel and Ethan Coen

Nothing extra. No music. Just dust, landscapes, and creeping dread. The Coens took a classic thriller and turned it into a dark meditation on violence and pursuit.

Anton Chigur's image with that pneumatic weapon is one of the most recognizable villains in cinema history. And Bardem played him so intensely that you don't want to blink while he's on screen.

Actor Javier Bardem with long hair sits in a chair holding a weapon — Frame from "No Country for Old Men"

This is probably one of the best adaptations of writer Cormac McCarthy's work.

"There Will Be Blood" (2007), Paul Thomas Anderson

If you could drill cinema from the ground — "There Will Be Blood" would be that film. Dry, heavy, crushing. The story of oil man Daniel Plainview isn't about money or oil. It's about a man who gave everything for power, then started burning from the inside.

Actor Daniel Day-Lewis smiles with oil drops on his face — Frame from "There Will Be Blood"

Daniel Day-Lewis played his role so convincingly that it feels like he actually lived this life. The film won two Oscars, became the director's calling card, and made it onto every "best films of the century" list. The NYT gave it an honorable fifth place. And honestly, it's well deserved.

If you haven't seen something from this list yet — it's time to catch up. And if you have — rewatch them. You might understand them differently. Earlier on zoomboola.com, we told you about seven films that cinephiles consider the best of the 21st century — and you've definitely seen them all, right?