The 10 Best Movies Of The 2000s

As a cinephile with a penchant for films that resonate deeply, I found myself utterly captivated by the cinematic gems of the 2000s. Each of these masterpieces stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling and human experience.

Regardless of the challenges that life presents, artists continue to express themselves through cinema, creating pieces that deeply connect with audiences. A quick glance at the top 15 films of 2024 demonstrates this ongoing trend. This was just as evident in the early 2000s, a time when many wondered what cinematic storytelling would become during a new era in human history. The tumultuous events that marked those ten years made it difficult to predict the direction of movies, but even amidst the uncertainty, groundbreaking films continued to emerge, offering hope and resonance among the turmoil. As one of the decade’s most celebrated films would note, “great art can come from anywhere.

During the span of a full decade in cinema history, the highly-rated films from the 2000s show an incredible diversity in tone and style. These range from blockbuster American productions made by large studios to make substantial profits, to lesser-known movies hailing from foreign lands that break traditional filmmaking norms. Some of these films are vibrant and uplifting, while others unsparingly explore the grim realities of contemporary society. Notable films from this era, such as the biggest summer hits of the 2000s, have become famous for their financial success. However, it’s the most acclaimed movies from this period that have truly stood the test of time for reasons beyond mere profit.

2000: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Before the release of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in 2000, there were martial arts movies both before and after this film, but none had ever depicted hand-to-hand combat as gracefully and ethereally as Ang Lee did. The elegant grace of the fights, coupled with powerful performances from actors like Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh, and a deeply moving narrative, created a sensation that people simply couldn’t get enough of. Despite being a classically-styled story in many ways, the visual and emotional impact of “Crouching Tiger” felt fresh and innovative, which is why it captured the hearts of both critics and audiences alike.

In 2000, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” stood out as a groundbreaking film that left critics spellbound by its ability to excel on multiple levels. This movie offered an intense and captivating personal drama, yet it also featured a breathtaking action spectacle unmatched by any other film at the time. The balance between Lee’s intimate and grandiose creative instincts, which later works like “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” found challenging to achieve, was perfectly realized in “Hidden Dragon.” In 2000, this masterpiece cemented Ang Lee’s legendary status in the filmmaking world. It forever transformed martial arts movies and other cinematic storytelling genres, and it wouldn’t be Michelle Yeoh’s most influential performance of the 21st century.

2001: Werckmeister Harmonies

In 1994, renowned Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr produced one of the most significant works in the genre of slow cinema – “Satantango,” a nearly 7-hour long film. Following this extensive masterpiece, it took several years for him to create another movie. His subsequent work was “Werckmeister Harmonies,” a film that delved into a small town’s descent into violent chaos after an eerie circus arrived in their midst. This movie not only ushered Tarr into the 21st century of cinema but also marked the first time his longtime editor and wife, Ágnes Hranitzky, received co-director credit. After such a prolonged hiatus, Béla Tarr’s latest creation did not disappoint fans or newcomers alike. “Werckmeister Harmonies” was met with widespread critical acclaim worldwide.

Notably, Bela Tarr was highly acclaimed for his steadfast devotion to his distinctive, slow-paced single-take sequences in “Werckmeister Harmonies,” which challenged traditional cinema conventions. This unique style marked a significant return for the director and contributed to the film being hailed as the best-reviewed movie of 2001. That year saw an abundance of masterpieces such as “In the Mood for Love,” “Mulholland Drive,” “The Gleaners and I,” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (to name a few) gracing theaters. However, “Werckmeister Harmonies” resonated particularly strongly with audiences and critics due to its portrayal of grim everyday realities. Such an impact is often seen when dealing with a talent as unique as Bela Tarr.

2002: Spirited Away

By 2002, Hayao Miyazaki had been directing films for nearly three decades, starting with “The Castle of Cagliostro” in 1979. Throughout his career, he consistently produced visually groundbreaking and emotionally engaging animated movies that expanded the limits of storytelling within the animation medium. Films like “Porco Rosso” and “Princess Mononoke” received global acclaim, but it was “Spirited Away” that truly set him apart. Received as the best-reviewed movie of 2002 by many, “Spirited Away” was considered the pinnacle of Miyazaki’s artistic abilities. The film was rich with imaginative character designs and stunning backdrops.

The praise for “Spirited Away” was not only due to its ability to captivate viewers across different age groups, but also because it stands out as one of the most distinguished features of 2002. This recognition led to further successes. For instance, “Spirited Away” became only the second film to win the Best Animated Feature Academy Award, making it one of the rare hand-drawn animated projects to do so in this category. Characters like No-Face from the movie have become iconic pop culture figures. Even twenty years after its release, “Spirited Away” made it onto Sight & Sound’s list of the 100 greatest films ever created. Despite being released long ago and with several other Miyazaki movies following suit, “Spirited Away” remains a cherished artistic masterpiece. The impact of Hayao Miyazaki’s animation is indeed profound.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Pippin peered from beneath Gandalf’s cloak to start J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, “The Return of the King.” This simple sentence marked the beginning of one of the most epic movies ever made, a magnificent finale to a trilogy that was nothing short of miraculous. Although Peter Jackson’s earlier “Lord of the Rings” films received much praise, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” surpassed them all in terms of critical acclaim. In 2003, this film was highly lauded by critics and audiences for delivering a powerful conclusion to a tale that gripped the hearts of people everywhere. Lines like “I can carry you!” and “you kneel to no one” continue to echo as profoundly moving.

The film ‘The Return of the King’ serves as a stark contrast to movies like ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ in its thoughtful conclusion to an extensive saga. The grandeur displayed in ‘Return of the King’ left moviegoers of every kind astounded. The action scenes in this final chapter were vast and sweeping, while the harmonious blend of real-world and digital settings remains impressive more than twenty years later. To top it all off, ‘The Return of the King’ was not just a visual effects spectacle. It offered deep emotion and standout performances, particularly from Sean Astin and Andy Serkis, solidifying its status as the best film in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

2004: Sideways

Nicole LaPorte’s 2010 book “The Men Who Would Be King: An Almost Epic Tale of Moguls, Movies, and a Company Called DreamWorks” contains an interesting story about DreamWorks SKG’s struggles in the early 2000s. One of the significant films the studio declined during the 21st century was “Sideways,” reportedly because co-founder Steven Spielberg believed Paul Giamatti wasn’t a leading man. If this claim is accurate, DreamWorks overlooked a potential blockbuster. “Sideways” transformed into the kind of film every art house studio aspires to – a commercial success and a critical favorite, revolving around two middle-aged men on a wine tasting trip in Santa Barbara County.

The film “Sideways” was widely acclaimed for its unique blend of humor and poignant portrayals of emotional turmoil. In a heartbeat, it could make viewers laugh out loud and then tug at their heartstrings. Notably, Roger Ebert commended the film for incorporating “the finest human comedy of the year” into a script that spanned just seven days in the characters’ lives. The lead actors, Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, gained widespread recognition following the release of “Sideways”. Despite being unlike typical Hollywood stars, they perfectly embodied authenticity for this tale. To this day, fans continue to rave about “Sideways”, a testament to Alexander Payne’s exceptional directing skills, as DreamWorks SKG initially rejected the project. Like a fine wine, “Sideways” continues to improve with time.

2005: The Best of Youth

No list of the best movies over 5 hours long (including the greatest motion pictures of the 2000s) would be complete without Marco Tullio Giordana’s directorial effort “The Best of Youth.” Running 366 minutes, this expansive motion picture finally made its way to North American theaters roughly two years after its Cannes 2003 premiere. The lengthy wait proved worth it. This gargantuan production chronicled four decades in the lives of two brothers who provide unique perspectives on significant late-20th-century Italian history. A quasi-spiritual companion to “Forrest Gump” and “Ash is Purest White” in providing spectators to actual history, “The Best of Youth” was an audacious endeavor that, for many who saw it, proved well worth embarking on.

The numerous ecstatic reviews for “Best of Youth” highlighted that its lengthy runtime gave it a novel-like quality rather than a conventional film structure. This unique aspect distinguished “The Best of Youth” from mainstream cinema and allowed the characters to reveal complex dimensions. The standout performances by actors like Luigi Lo Cascio, Alessio Boni, particularly their character development throughout the movie, were another reason for the praise. “Best of Youth” earned its reputation for acclaim by winning the Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite its seemingly long runtime, “The Best of Youth” has remained the top-reviewed movie of 2005 due to its innovative use of this aspect.

2006: Pan’s Labyrinth

Generally, tales about fantastical creatures and enchanted realms often don’t receive significant critical praise unless they are adaptations of well-known book series. Often, these narratives are dismissed as mere entertainment for children, not worthy of serious consideration by adults. However, Guillermo del Toro has consistently challenged this norm with his work. Starting from his early directorial debut with “Cronos,” del Toro’s creations have wholeheartedly embraced strange beasts and a variety of fantastical oddities…yet they haven’t been negatively impacted by it in terms of critical acclaim. On the contrary, works like “Pinocchio” and “The Shape of Water” are among his most highly regarded projects. Additionally, “Pan’s Labyrinth” from 2006 played a significant role in transforming del Toro from a niche figure to a household name.

In the critical reception of 2006 films, ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ stood out as a remarkable masterpiece. It captured the attention with its striking visuals filled with vivid and impactful imagery, largely achieved through practical effects. This cinematic magic made even the most fantastical creatures and fairy tale locations appear tangible to viewers. The blend of fantasy and historical fiction by Guillermo del Toro was particularly effective, culminating in a bittersweet ending that moved countless audiences to tears. Throughout his career, Del Toro has always infused emotion and humanity into the extraordinary and monstrous. In ‘Pan’s Labyrinth,’ this talent reached its zenith, creating an enchantment that still resonates today.

2007: Ratatouille

Many critically-acclaimed films from the 2000s were lesser-known movies that came from different parts of the world and received numerous awards, but didn’t necessarily make a big impact at the box office when they were first released. However, this wasn’t the case for the highly praised movie “Ratatouille” released in 2007. This animated film produced by Pixar, intended to promote toys, gained the same level of praise usually reserved for films directed by Lynne Ramsay or Barry Jenkins. The impressive feat was achieved by Brad Bird’s third directorial venture, which tells the story of a young rat who aspires to become a chef in Paris. Critics were thrilled with the film’s intelligent scriptwriting, particularly the witty and insightful dialogue, such as the final speech delivered by the antagonistic critic Anton Ego.

The film “Ratatouille” garnered significant acclaim for its intimate and character-focused approach, setting it apart from many other family-friendly animated movies that often lean towards spectacle and noise. Its appeal transcended age groups, with elements only adults might appreciate in the movie. This contributed to an overwhelmingly positive response to Pixar’s release. The praise for “Ratatouille” didn’t subside after its initial theater run; instead, admiration for its depth and social commentary has grown over time. Today, “Ratatouille” is frequently referenced in other notable works of art like “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Essentially, the unique creative charm of “Ratatouille” made it the most esteemed feature film of 2007 by a significant margin.

2008: 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

In Cristian Mungiu’s grim movie “4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days,” it’s chilling to watch the difficult journey of characters Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) and Gabriela (Laura Vasiliu). Set in Romania during 1987, Gabriela finds herself pregnant at a time when abortion is illegal. The story follows these two women as they navigate the underworld to obtain this clandestine medical procedure. They yearn for even a small amount of control over their own bodies but must battle fiercely to achieve it. Mungiu’s signature minimalist filmmaking style suits this narrative well, as the leads can only communicate indirectly about their crucial objective through veiled sentences and subtext. As he pushes the boundaries of his cinematic approach, Mungiu powerfully portrays the repression of a society characterized by misogyny.

The film “4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days” is brilliantly depicted with haunting visuals. It creates a somber atmosphere through the extensive use of evocative shadows and expansive shots, consistently emphasizing the oppressive environment that Otilia and Gabriela endure. The actors Marinca and Vasiliu deliver captivating performances, portraying the resilient dynamic between the two main characters in this harrowing narrative. This painstakingly crafted and exhausting production leaves you breathless. After watching 2008’s most acclaimed film, all that remains in your mind is the poignant thought: “They should not have to go through this.

2009: The Hurt Locker

It was perfectly suitable that the top-rated movie from the closing year of the 2000s would center around the Iraq War, given its significant cultural impact during that period and ongoing societal repercussions. Eventually, the prestigious honor went to “The Hurt Locker,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow and winner of the Best Picture Oscar. This film marked a breakthrough role for Jeremy Renner, who portrayed Sergeant First Class William James. The character’s reckless demeanor was evident as he navigated his role as a bomb-disposal expert in the Middle East. By the end of the movie, James is shown to be so consumed by the excitement of his job that he finds it impossible to adjust to civilian life, feeling most at ease only on the battlefield.

It’s a haunting conclusion reflecting how cyclical patterns of behavior also got the U.S. into this war in the first place. The weighty and devastating nature of that conclusion epitomized “Hurt Locker’s” thoughtful filmmaking, which drew top marks from critics. Renner’s performance, the immersive documentary-style filmmaking, and Bigelow’s incredible assuredness behind the camera drew widespread acclaim. Equally lauded was the motion picture providing a starker, more richly-textured handling of the Iraq war than many major studio releases of the 2000s. With such praise, it’s no surprise “The Hurt Locker” became an award season darling. “The Hurt Locker” ended 2000s cinema on a high note even while painting an ominous portrait of the future.

2024-12-28 20:30