These 7 Films Are Considered the Best of the 21st Century by Movie Buffs — But Have You Actually Seen Them All? | Interesting facts

Interestingly, there was only room for one Marvel film on the list...

What makes truly great cinema? The kind people argue about, rewatch, quote, tattoo on themselves, and secretly cry over alone. The New York Times conducted a massive survey of over 500 directors, actors, screenwriters, film critics, and producers to compile a list of the 100 best films of the 21st century.

They're promising to release the full hundred later, but the top 20 spots are already public. We've picked seven that'll definitely make you rethink your relationship with modern cinema. Or at least rewatch the films themselves.

"Memories of Murder" (2003), Bong Joon-ho

Before "Parasite," there was this — a thriller where the atmosphere's as thick as fog over Korean rice fields. Bong Joon-ho tells the story of real murders, but he doesn't do it like a Netflix documentarian. He's a master weaving tragedy, absurdity, and social criticism into one bloody, piercing tapestry.

Two men looking at the camera and showing a photograph of a person with black hair — Frame from the film "Memories of Murder"

And that final scene on the road — if you've seen it, you can't forget it. If you haven't — thousands of film lovers envy you for still having that experience ahead of you.

"Gravity" (2013), Alfonso Cuarón

The film that revealed Sandra Bullock in a whole new light and proved once again that Cuarón doesn't just shoot movies — he literally plunges you into them. Minimal characters, maximum panic. The ship's falling apart, communication's lost, oxygen's at zero — and you're literally gripping your armrests.

Actress Sandra Bullock in a spacesuit looking to the side with a serious expression on her face — Frames from the film "Gravity"

This isn't just a visual thrill ride. It's cinema about loneliness, fear, and human resilience. Plus — it's a rare example of a blockbuster that intellectuals aren't ashamed to love.

"Minority Report" (2002), Steven Spielberg

One of those cases where science fiction suddenly turns prophetic. A world where crime can be stopped before it happens — sounds fantastical until you remember we already have AI, facial recognition cameras, and predictive analytics.

Actor Tom Cruise in black gloves with glowing sensors on his fingers — Frame and poster from the film "Minority Report"

Spielberg didn't just make an action flick with Tom Cruise — he crafted a chillingly accurate prediction of how technology would impact freedom. Still a killer action movie, but now with a philosophical aftertaste.

"Frances Ha" (2012), Noah Baumbach

A small, black-and-white film about how hard it is to be young, ambitious, and broke. Greta Gerwig is a miracle. She doesn't play Frances – she is Frances. Wandering through New York searching for herself, breaking into spontaneous trips and awkward conversations.

Actress Greta Gerwig dances in a white blouse and black skirt against the backdrop of a fountain — Still from the film "Frances Ha"

This is cinema for everyone who's ever felt like they're running late to their adult life. And, thankfully, realized that being late is perfectly okay.

"Past Lives" (2023), Celine Song

The freshest film on the list – and perhaps the most tender. The story of two Koreans whose lives pulled them apart, but who meet again years later – not as lovers, not as friends, but as two possible selves frozen on different shores of fate.

A man and woman look at each other against a wall illuminated with blue light — Still from the film "Past Lives"

Celine Song shot this like poetry – with pauses, touching glances, things left unsaid. And if you didn't cry at the ending, you might be... a robot.

"Melancholia" (2011), Lars von Trier

How often do films show the end of the world from the perspective of someone who's already died inside? Trier presents depression in the form of cosmic catastrophe – a planet hurtling toward Earth, while Kirsten Dunst's character feels almost at peace.

Actress Kirsten Dunst looks at her fingers from which small lightning bolts are emanating — Still from the film "Melancholia"

It's terrifyingly beautiful and wildly dark. One of those films that either grabs you completely or drives you crazy – but nobody walks away indifferent.

"Black Swan" (2010), Darren Aronofsky

A film where Natalie Portman dances, suffers, loses her grip on reality — and wins an Oscar. Aronofsky turned ballet into horror, and you'll probably never look at pointe shoes the same way again.

Actress Natalie Portman in a black ballerina costume — Frames from the film "Black Swan"

"Black Swan's" world is a mirror where everyone sees their own fears: of failure, loneliness, themselves. And if you think you've already figured out everything about this film — watch it again. There's more there than meets the eye.

By the way, the top twenty also includes other standout films from recent decades: "Superbad," "Grizzly Man," "Black Panther," "The Worst Person in the World," "Michael Clayton," "Gladiator," "Aquarium," "Interstellar," "The Gleaners and I," "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," "Inside Llewyn Davis," and "The Act of Killing."

So if you think the 21st century hasn't produced any real masterpieces — you just weren't looking in the right places. These films prove that great cinema isn't dead. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered six of the best films from recent years — according to IndieWire.