At the turn of the century, we entered a new generation of movie-making that gave us some of the most memorable and impactful films in recent generations. Since2000, we have put together our own arsenal of our favorite films that stood out each and every year. Every year is a competitive one for films, and it is increasingly difficult to pick and choose the best ones from each year. Of course, what is considered the “best” movie of the year is definitely subjective and can be credited to the taste of the messenger.
However, there is no denying that there are some films that impact the entertainment world and pop culture in ways that cannot be overlooked. There are also ones that are just that good. Come with us on this incredible journey of listing the best films of every year in the 21st century so far (since 2000) fromThe Dark KnighttoEverything Everywhere All At Once.
2000: Gladiator
In the year whenRequiem for a Dream, Memento, Cast Away,ANDX-Mencame out, it is hard to see what film could have triumphed over them. However, for 2000, there is no other choice other thanGladiator. This film stars Russel Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, and Connie Nielsen as Lucilla.Gladiatoris one of the best historical epics to have come out of the 21st Century and to this day, this film is still able to hold its own, especially as weanticipate an upcoming sequel.
2001: Spirited Away
The way animated movies have dominated this list is canon event, and we cannot interfere. Coming up second on this list is the best film released in 2001,Spirited Away. As far asStudio Ghibli moviesin the 21st century go,Spirited Awayis the best there is. Creator Hayao Miyazaki introduces us to Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself having to free her parents of a curse that turned them into giant pigs. 2001 was incredible for film, withThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringand Disney Pixar’sMonsters Inc.releasing. However, we cannot ignoreSpirited Away’s brilliance.
2002: The Pianist
The Pianistis a war drama film that came out in 2002 — how could we forget? This film is not a light-hearted watch by any means. In this film adaptation of autobiographyThe Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man’s Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945, Adrien Brody plays a Jewish pianist living in Warsaw during the beginning of World War II. There is something special in this film whether it is Brody’s brilliant performance or the storyline itself that there is no wonder why this is a 2002 favorite.
2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Peter Jackson really outdid himself with this one.The Lord of the Ringsfranchise is a fantasy adventure series that has garnered one of the largest fanbases in pop culture history. The film trilogy began withThe Fellowship of the Ringin 2001, followed up byThe Two Towersin 2002, and finallyThe Return of the Kingin 2003. In the final installment of the series, we get a fantastic conclusion and the grand battle for Middle-earth that has fans looking at this one as the best in the series.
Related:20 Best Fantasy Adventure Movies of All Time
2004: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
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Romance science-fiction is not a genre that you see done — and done well — that often. However, the best film in 2004 happens to be one calledEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This film has a stellar cast that consists of Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, and Mark Ruffalo. This film follows two halves of a former couple as they go through extreme measures to forget that the other one existed after the tough breakup.
2005: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
The biggest franchises out there have come out with absolute masterpieces. The best film to come out in 2005 isStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. 2005 was also the year when films likeThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeandBatman Beginschallenged theStar Warsreign over blockbuster franchises.
However,Revenge of the Sithhas to take the cake. This film takes place three years after the beginning of the Clone Wars. This pivotal movie marks the moment that Anakin Skywalker turns to the Dark Side, forever changing the trajectory of this unforgettable franchise.
2006: Pan’s Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy horror filmPan’s Labyrinthis the best movie of 2006.Pan’s Labyrinthtakes place in 1944 when a young girl named Ofelia becomes appalled by her stepfather’s ruthless war practices. She finds her way into a mystical world where she encounters creatures her own mind cannot even conjure. We all love serious and tear-inducing movies. However, this one is a great change of pace. Also, it’s Guillermo del Toro — of course, it’s going to be great!
2007: Juno
The best film in 2007 has to be the drama-comedyJuno. In this filmElliot Pagestars as Juno, a young teenager who finds herself pregnant and looking for someone to adopt her child. She ends up choosing Vanessa and Mark Loring as her child’s future parents (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman, respectively). However, complications with her relationship with Mark will soon disturb the peace. Although this film has its laugh-out-loud moments, there is so much passion and heart in every on-screen relationship.
2008: The Dark Knight
2008’sThe Dark Knightis next up. Christopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy is easily one of the best and most impactful superhero movies to ever hit our screens. Of course, we know that this year held up some formidable competition for this film inSlumdog Millionaire, Taken, and even the firstIron Man. However, the combination of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne andHeath Ledger’s chilling JokertakesThe Dark Knightto a new level. This is the second film in Nolan’s trilogy and follows Batman as he faces his most threatening villain to date: The Joker.
Disney’s Pixar films have a reputation for being incredibly entertaining, bright, fun, and emotional. A lot of that reputation was established by the movieUp. Visually,Upis one of the most recognizable animated films out there. Story-wise,Upis sure to break your heart into a million pieces. It came out in 2009 alongside films likeThe Blind SideandStar Trekand truly left its mark on the industry that year.Upfollows a bitter old man named Carl that is hellbent on suspending his home with balloons to float his way to paradise. However, a young Wilderness Scout named Russell derails his entire plan.
