The 2000s were a transformative decade for cinema, marked by technological advancements, diverse storytelling, and a blend of genres that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. From groundbreaking visual effects to compelling narratives and unforgettable characters, the films of this era left an indelible mark on the industry and audiences alike. It didn’t feel like it at the time but it was most certainly a mixture of the best elements of the previous two decades. Some of the best films of any genre were produced during this period and it was the last time movies felt like they were made by artists, not products cranked out by a money-hungry machine. This list celebrates the greatest movies of the 2000s, highlighting those that defined the decade and continue to influence the art of cinema today. Whether it’s epic blockbusters, poignant dramas, or innovative indies, these films represent the best of what the aughts had to offer.
These are the 100 Greatest Movies of the 2000s.
30. Hot Fuzz (2007)
The pinnacle of the cornetto trilogy, the loosely connected collaborative effort of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost. Hot Fuzz is one of the greatest spoofs of the buddy cop genre. British comedies can often have a tough time resonating in the States since our humor sensibilities don’t always align. Hot Fuzz fortunately does not fall into that category. Much of the humor comes from poking fun at American cop movies that we all know and love. It’s a wonderfully silly, yet simultaneously brilliantly sharp comedy.
–Raf Stitt
29. Lost in Translation (2003)
Bill Murray plays a fading movie star amid a midlife crisis. At the same time, he is trying to make sense of the strange city of Tokyo, all whilst promoting a whiskey brand. When he meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), the two hit it off. They have a tangible chemistry, both being able to relate to each other as Charlotte herself is going through something of a personal crisis.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable. It’s not quite a romantic attraction, and yet it doesn’t feel like a father/daughter companionship either. It’s something in between. Whatever it is, it carries the whole movie. As they make their way through the days in the culturally displacing Japan, the bonding between the two is a pleasure to watch.
–Lee McCutcheon
28. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) and Volume 2 (2004)
Tarantino’s 4th (and 5th) films were originally penned as one four-hour movie. Separated into two distinctive parts, they both have a unique atmosphere, while still feeling like one continuous work.
Awakening from a coma, The Bride (Uma Thurman) goes on a revenge tour like no other, seeking vengeance against those who have wronged her. Volume 1 is an all-out action affair, with some amazingly inventive visuals and spectacularly choreographed action scenes. The pace is a little slower in Volume 2, evoking the feel of a neo-western. Yet it still has its fair share of craziness. What really makes both films, are the characters. Each is individually unique, and it’s a joy to watch them interact with one another. For me, Kill Bill is the pinnacle of Tarantino’s career. And yes, I’m still holding out for Volume 3.
–Lee McCutcheon
27. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
A revisionist Western that has it all. Between the beautiful cinematography from Roger Deakins, dreamy atmosphere created by director Andrew Dominic, and a number of phenomenal performances, it’s hard to single out why I regard it so highly. Brad Pitt’s steely cold turn as Jesse James is supported superbly by Casey Affleck’s Robert Ford, and the two are great together. It’s not a short film at 2 hours 40 minutes, and it’s sluggishly paced throughout. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing as you can completely lose yourself in it. A flop at the box office, it’s a drastically underrated film that’s never received the acclaim it deserves.
–Lee McCutcheon
26. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
The first sequel to The Bourne Identity did more than just replace its original director, it shifted gears and went from a taut espionage thriller to a dark revenge drama but with the added bonus of more action and higher stakes. The third sequel (which should’ve been the last), somehow upped the ante even further. Paul Greengrass, a director known for his documentary work, creates a ticking clock of suspense that gives every second weight. You feel the walls closing in on every character that isn’t Bourne. Because, unlike most thrillers, the suspense doesn’t come from the audience fearing for the safety of the main character but from how fucked everyone else is going to be once he finds them. Bourne is no longer an amnesiac trying to untangle his past while avoiding death at every corner, he’s a pissed-off shark that remembers everything and is hungry for revenge. Before John Wick killed an entire state’s worth of people over a puppy, Jason Bourne beat assassins to death with magazines and took on the entire CIA — and won.
–Sailor Monsoon
25. Road to Perdition (2002)
I very distinctly remember the first time I watched Road to Perdition. More so, I remember the way it made me feel once it was over. Devastated. And it’s a film that has stuck with me over the years, one I will always recommend and praise. Directed by Sam Mendes, Road to Perdition follows Michael Sullivan, an enforcer for mob boss John Rooney, whose life takes a drastic turn when his young son witnesses Sullivan and Rooney’s son murder several men. As they embark on a perilous journey of revenge, Sullivan and his son begin to bond. Road to Perdition is such a visually stunning movie with incredible performances from both Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. I’m not sure it could have touched audiences on such an emotional level with anyone but those two actors. It’s easy to think this is a gangster movie, but it’s not. It’s a movie exploring the complexities of morality and father/son relationships. I don’t think Road to Perdition gets the attention and praise it truly deserves, but it is absolutely one of the best films to come out of the 2000s.
– Romona Comet
24. Ratatouille (2007)
What do you do when a director is struggling to finish putting your animated movie together? You bring in legend Brad Bird to come in and deliver a five-star offering. It’s never been clear how influential Bird was on the finished product, but one can only imagine him stepping in and saving the film like Remy saved Linguini’s terrible soup. This film has long been a sleeper hit for Pixar, as the tale of a rat chef wasn’t as appealing to kids at the time it came out. Sure, critics and audiences had rave reviews at the time, but it has only recently become a viral sensation, even garnering a massive multiverse nod in last year’s Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All at Once. This is a story about discrimination, and about how a great artist can come from any situation. And with the antagonist Anton Ego, it is also about the meaning of food and of art. It is not meant to be nitpicked, but to be enjoyed and savored for what the flavors bring to the table. Paris provides a beautiful backdrop for one of the most sophisticated and mature films in the Pixar canon.
–Jacob Holmes
23. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s most overlooked film could arguably be his best. Zodiac showcases three wonderful lead performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr., who complement each other perfectly. This is Fincher’s most subtle that is just a montage of slow and tense building scenes that makes for an intense thriller set in the real world. Everything here is left to breathe on its own whether it’s the sickening picnic scene to the tense basement scene where Gyllenhaal’s character finds himself in a confined space with either a weird guy or a possible killer.
Seven, Fight Club, and The Social Network are the usual movies that come to mind when Fincher is talked about but it’s his film about the dangers of obsession in this true crime story that is perhaps his finest film. His direction is never better when he just allows the camera to linger on the images instead of using numerous cuts. Along with his character building and the incredible performances given, it is hard to believe that this film is as underrated as it is.
–Vincent Kane
22. Children of Men (2006)
What Children of Men does better than any other sci-fi film I can think of, is portray a dystopian future that I can imagine living in. It’s nice to see spaceships, aliens, and neon lights, but the future that we see in this film is mesmerizing in a different way. It feels like we could really be experiencing it in a decade or two (or even less when looking at recent happenings around the world). Events take place in the UK in the year 2027. Women are no longer getting pregnant and after two decades of human infertility, society is on the brink of collapse. I won’t say any more to avoid the risk of spoiling things for anyone who hasn’t seen this masterpiece, but certain things happen and Clive Owen finds himself in the thick of revelations and conspiracies, with a chance to save mankind. One of the standout features in Children of Men are the long shot sequences captured throughout. They add a sense of urgency to the film with one lasting nearly 8 minutes long. I have to pause for a breath every time I watch it. And that happens to be quite frequently. A modern classic.
–Lee McCutcheon
21. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Dysfunctional families come in all shapes and sizes, but the Tenenbaums make a case for being more dysfunctional than the rest. Wes Anderson’s aesthetic can understandably present a barrier for entry for enjoying some of his films. Especially the ones with stories that don’t present as strongly as others. Luckily for The Royal Tenenbaums, the aesthetic and story serve each other so perfectly. It’s one of his two most emotionally resonant movies (Grand Budapest Hotel the other), and features many of his most iconic characters and moments. If you’re not a fan of Wes Anderson’s or familiar with his work, I would suggest starting with this one.
–Raf Stitt
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What do you think of the selection so far? What are some of your favorite movies from the 2000s? Maybe they will show up further on the list!