The 10 Best Movies Of The 21st Century, According To The New York Times

1. Parasite — Stream on HBO Max

My mom and I totally nerded out once we realized that Parasite was ranked as the number 1 movie of the 21st century. We’re both obsessed with this Korean horror film, since it’s so wholly original, heartfelt, and innovative. This Korean film explores the socioeconomic class dichotomies between the Kim family and the Parks.

The Kim family is accustomed to a life of poverty, and in order to survive, they have to get savvy. While they think they’ve come up with a master plan to infuse themselves into the lives of the luxurious Parks family, their plan falls to pieces in more ways than one. The film will leave you furious, which is precisely the point. Because when it comes to the unfair class divisions, we should be angry!

2. Mulholland Drive — Stream on Apple TV+

When we hear the words “original film-making,” our minds automatically jump to David Lynch. The late director is synonymous with crafting the most unique, intelligent, whimsical film experiences, and Muholland Drive is no exception. This neo-noir film explores a woman’s fantasy life in Hollywood versus her bleak reality, with such stark contrast that it will alter how you interpret the glitz and glam of the film industry forever.

3. There Will Be Blood — Stream on Paramount+

Gripping storylines? Stellar performances? Outstanding cinematography? Paul Thomas Anderson? Sign me up! Whenever my boy PTA is involved with the making of a film, I go out of my way to watch. The films he directs manage to get my heart racing in a way that I seldom experience with other directors. If you’re looking for a film that will stick in your brain long after the credits roll, There Will Be Blood is for you.

4. In the Mood For Love — Stream on HBO Max

Sometimes the most beautiful love stories are the ones that are never consummated. The stolen glances and sighs of pain exchanged between Su Li and Chow-Wai are enough to shatter our hearts, without the pair ever even sharing an on-screen kiss. Talk about a slow burn! In this movie, we explore what happens when two people fall in love, despite the fact that they’re both married to other people. Their spouses are each cheating on them, yet Su Li and Chow-Wai don’t believe in infidelity. As such, they share a “friendship” that has some of the most sizzling tension and heartache you’ve ever seen between two “buds.”

5. Moonlight — Stream on Prime Video

Moonlight is a beautiful love story between two men who are brought up in a world that would never accept their romance. As a result, they must stuff down their deep well of emotions in secret. But how long before it all comes bubbling up to the surface?

6. No Country for Old Men — Stream on Prime Video

It doesn’t get more top-tier than the Coen Brothers when it comes to the subject of cinematic genius. No Country for Old Men is a disgustingly brilliant film about the state of humanity from its most cynical lens. Is our world capable of genuine progression and change? Or are we doomed to never evolve due to the sheer ugliness of human nature?

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — Stream on HBO Max

When we go through the heartache of a breakup, our first instinct is to wish we could erase the whole experience from our minds, as though it had never happened at all. But, as we learn from this unique surrealist film (starring Kate Winslet), this is not what we should aspire to at all. Instead, we need to embrace the pain, because it’s a disservice to ourselves (and our romantic trajectory) to pretend it never happened.

8. Get Out — Stream on Prime Video

Inspired by Ira Levin’s The Stepford Wives, Jordan Peele’s psychological thriller Get Out explores the anxieties that Black people face in predominantly white communities. It’s as insightful as it is gripping, and I’m not surprised it’s so high on the list, since it’s that good.

9. Spirited Away — Stream on HBO Max

Spirited Away is unlike any movie I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s amazing how one film, created by Hayao Miyazaki, can so perfectly capture all the anxieties of consumerism while at the same time not come across as preachy. It’s the perfect example of “show, don’t tell.” Plus, the animation is simply unmatched.

10. The Social Network — Stream on Apple TV+

Last but not least, The Social Network explores the making of Facebook, back when Mark Zuckerberg was a student at Harvard. It’s as fun as it is gripping, and stars some familiar faces who give their all to this role.