A conglomeration of over 500 prominent figures from the film industry across the globe recently gave their verdict on the finest cinematic experiences since the turn of the century. From acclaimed movie makers to revered thespians, a multitude of opinions were gathered to determine the top-notch films of this period. The transformation in filmmaking and viewership has been profound in the last 25 years, with online platforms altering the way audiences consume cinema and blockbuster superhero movies redefining box office success. Despite these radical changes, the question remains – which films have endured and continue to captivate viewers?
To answer this question, we embarked on a large-scale venture, procuring the views of over 500 prominent figures in the global film industry. These people were asked for their selection of the top 10 films, as they understood the term, released since the start of the millennium. These individual choices were collated to form a comprehensive list enumerating the top 100 films of the 21st century.
Every era has its signature youth-oriented comedy, a movie that resonates with its generation. ‘Superbad’ is the film that defines the current generation. This rib-tickling narrative penned by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg revolves around friends Seth (played by Jonah Hill) and Evan (played by Michael Cera) embarking on a quest to lose their virginity before their graduation. Filled with candid humor and layered with an unexpected tender side, ‘Superbad’ captures the pulse of youth.
A documentary by Werner Herzog based on Timothy Treadwell’s experience with Alaska’s brown bears might typically seem educational. However, Treadwell was not an expert in the conventional sense and this film is less an expedition into the world of bears and more an exploration of the man’s struggle to find his place in the world.
The footage left behind by Treadwell, who closely interacted with and lived amongst the bears for numerous summers, contributes significantly to the narrative. Indeed, the story unfolds through hours of recordings he made himself, including the haunting final moments leading up to him and his girlfriend being tragically mauled to death by a bear.
Venturing into the world of high-octane action films, Alfonso Cuarón has gifted the 21st century with a thrilling gem. ‘Gravity’, an exhilarating live-action tale, follows an astronaut left alone to navigate her way back to Earth, all while repressing her past traumas. The film bridges jaw-dropping spectacle and profound humanity to birth an unforgettable cinematic experience.
While typically superhero movies are known for their visual grandeur and less for thought-provoking narratives, ‘Black Panther’ succeeded in overthrowing this notion. The film offers a potent commentary on themes of identity, historical context and responsibility.
The film is set against the breathtakingly unique backdrop of Wakanda, an Afrofuturistic realm rendered with remarkable detail and creativity. The narrative is further enriched by powerful female characters portrayed by Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, and Letitia Wright, who are far from just supporting roles or romantic subplots.
With an unforgettable performance, Michael B. Jordan becomes the tragically villainous Killmonger, eliciting empathy and fascination in equal measure. Chadwick Boseman who played the titular character sadly delivered one of his last heartbreaking performances before his untimely death from cancer, his portrayal continues to resonate with audiences world over.
Celine Song’s debut feature presents its audience with an unforgettable opening sequence. In the shadowy ambiance of a New York bar, a woman, played by Greta Lee, is engaged in an enigmatic interaction with two men, portrayed by Teo Yoo and John Magaro. The vaporous relationship among these individuals sets the stage for the engaging drama of the film.
The closing scene of the film, shot in one seamless take on a sidewalk, depicts the same trio and is guaranteed to leave viewers emotionally charged. The undisclosed dynamics that prevailed in the opening scene come full circle, leaving the audience to grapple with a whirlwind of feelings.
In between these remarkable opening and closing scenes, Song’s narrative takes us on a richly nuanced journey across New York City and Seoul. The narrative encompasses eloquent contemplations about time, love, destiny, and reinvention, making the film a truly thought-provoking and captivating cinematic experience.
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