100 best movies of the 21st century: ‘Parasite’ leads.. see full breakdown

In a sweeping celebration of modern cinema, The New York Times has unveiled its official list of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century, capturing the spirit, innovation, and emotional depth that have defined the medium since 2000.

Topping the chart is Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, a powerful symbol of global cinematic influence. With input from over 500 filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals, this ranking reflects how storytelling has evolved in an era marked by both cultural shifts and creative brilliance.

What Is the New York Times’ Best Movies of the 21st Century List About?

The New York Times has released its definitive ranking of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century, compiled from ballots submitted by over 500 filmmakers, critics, and actors around the world. This extensive list blends critical acclaim, cultural impact, and audience relevance, serving as both a celebration of cinematic innovation and a conversation starter on modern film excellence.

Which Movie Was Ranked #1 in the NYT Best Films List?

Topping the prestigious list is “Parasite” (2019), the Oscar-winning Korean masterpiece by Bong Joon Ho. The film, which explores class struggle with sharp wit and suspense, earned universal acclaim and became the first non-English film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, marking a global shift in film appreciation.

What Other Top Movies Made the NYT 21st Century List?

While the full list includes 100 titles, some standout entries in the Top 20 are:

• “Mulholland Drive” (2001) – David Lynch’s surrealist neo-noir

• “There Will Be Blood” (2007) – Paul Thomas Anderson’s capitalist epic

• “Spirited Away” (2001) – Hayao Miyazaki’s animated classic

  
  
  

• “The Social Network” (2010) – David Fincher’s portrait of tech ambition

• “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) – George Miller’s feminist dystopia

• “Get Out” (2017) – Jordan Peele’s horror satire

• “Children of Men” (2006) – Alfonso Cuarón’s haunting sci-fi

• “City of God” (2002) – Brazil’s brutal favela saga

• “Moonlight” (2016) – Barry Jenkins’ intimate exploration of identity

• “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) – A genre-bending romantic drama

Are International and Animated Films Included in the Ranking?

Yes. The list heavily features foreign-language masterpieces and animation, indicating a broader, globalized view of film excellence. In addition to Parasite and Spirited Away, titles like In the Mood for Love (Hong Kong), Amour (France), and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Taiwan/China) show the list’s global diversity. Pixar films like Up and WALL-E also appear, reflecting the enduring power of animation in storytelling.

How Did the New York Times Compile the List?

The New York Times asked over 500 experts—including critics, directors, producers, actors, and screenwriters—to submit their Top 10 films since 2000. These votes were aggregated to form the 100-film list. The approach ensures that both artistic depth and popular resonance are considered in the rankings.

Which Directors Dominate the NYT Top 100 List?

Several filmmakers appear more than once on the list, indicating their dominance over the 21st-century cinematic landscape:

• Christopher Nolan – The Dark Knight, Inception, Dunkirk

• Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood, The Master, Phantom Thread

• Alfonso Cuarón – Children of Men, Roma, Gravity

• Joel & Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men, Inside Llewyn Davis

• Bong Joon Ho – Parasite, Memories of Murder

Why Is This NYT List Important to Film Lovers?

This ranking is more than a popularity contest—it’s a time capsule of modern film excellence. It challenges audiences to re-watch beloved titles, discover underseen gems, and understand how cinema has evolved post-2000. The inclusion of non-Western and indie films also reflects how streaming and globalization have diversified what we consider “great.”

How to View the Full List of 100 Movies Ranked by NYT?

To explore the full list of films ranked by the New York Times—including the top 100 breakdown, insights from celebrity ballots, and user-interactive tools—visit the official NYT interactive feature here:

What other films made the list? NYT’s top 10 21st Century Best Movies

The top ten list ended up as follows:

1. “Parasite” (2019) by Bong Joon‑ho — Topped the list
2. ”Mulholland Drive” (2001) by David Lynch
3. ”There Will Be Blood” (2007) by Paul Thomas Anderson
4. ”In the Mood for Love” (2001) by Wong Kar‑Wai
5. ”Moonlight” (2016) by Barry Jenkins
6. ”No Country for Old Men” (2007) by Joel and Ethan Coen
7. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) by Michel Gondry
8. “Get Out” (2017) by Jordan Peele
9. “Spirited Away” (2001) by Hayao Miyazaki
10. “The Social Network” (2010) by David Fincher