The 21st century has produced some of the most memorable, influential, and critically acclaimed films in the history of cinema. From groundbreaking science fiction and gripping dramas to animated masterpieces, action blockbusters, and thought-provoking international films, these movies have captivated audiences around the world. These movies represent a diverse collection of stories, performances, filmmaking styles, and cultural perspectives that have left a lasting mark on modern cinema. While tastes differ from one viewer to another, the films on this list have earned widespread recognition for their storytelling, creativity, performances, and enduring impact.
Here is a look at 100 of the most highly regarded movies released since the turn of the millennium.
| Rank | Movie | Year |
| 1. | Parasite | 2019 |
| 2. | Top Gun: Maverick | 2022 |
| 3. | Finding Nemo | 2003 |
| 4. | How to Train Your Dragon | 2010 |
| 5. | Toy Story 3 | 2010 |
| 6. | Up | 2009 |
| 7. | Godzilla Minus One | 2023 |
| 8. | The Wrestler | 2008 |
| 9. | Spotlight | 2015 |
| 10. | A Separation | 2011 |
| 11. | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | 2018 |
| 12. | Spirited Away | 2001 |
| 13. | Inside Out | 2015 |
| 14. | Coco | 2017 |
| 15. | Zootopia | 2016 |
| 16. | Selma | 2014 |
| 17. | Mission: Impossible – Fallout | 2018 |
| 18. | Toy Story 4 | 2019 |
| 19. | Shoplifters | 2018 |
| 20. | Knives Out | 2019 |
| 21. | Let the Right One In | 2008 |
| 22. | Paddington 2 | 2017 |
| 23. | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | 2002 |
| 24. | The Holdovers | 2023 |
| 25. | The Wild Robot | 2024 |
| 26. | Short Term 12 | 2013 |
| 27. | Get Out | 2017 |
| 28. | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon | 2000 |
| 29. | Argo | 2012 |
| 30. | Portrait of a Lady on Fire | 2019 |
| 31. | Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One | 2023 |
| 32. | The Dark Knight | 2008 |
| 33. | Mad Max: Fury Road | 2015 |
| 34. | The Big Sick | 2017 |
| 35. | Your Name | 2016 |
| 36. | The Pianist | 2002 |
| 37. | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 | 2011 |
| 38. | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | 2023 |
| 39. | Once | 2007 |
| 40. | The Social Network | 2010 |
| 41. | Monsters, Inc. | 2001 |
| 42. | Eighth Grade | 2018 |
| 43. | 12 Years a Slave | 2013 |
| 44. | Pan’s Labyrinth | 2006 |
| 45. | Hunt for the Wilderpeople | 2016 |
| 46. | Lady Bird | 2017 |
| 47. | Persepolis | 2007 |
| 48. | Star Trek | 2009 |
| 49. | Hell or High Water | 2016 |
| 50. | Memento | 2000 |
| 51. | Catch Me if You Can | 2002 |
| 52. | Ratatouille | 2007 |
| 53. | Brooklyn | 2015 |
| 54. | WALL-E | 2008 |
| 55. | Maria Full of Grace | 2004 |
| 56. | The King’s Speech | 2010 |
| 57. | Spider-Man: No Way Home | 2021 |
| 58. | The Farewell | 2019 |
| 59. | Whiplash | 2014 |
| 60. | Avengers: Endgame | 2019 |
| 61. | Iron Man | 2008 |
| 62. | Little Women | 2019 |
| 63. | The Handmaiden | 2016 |
| 64. | The Band’s Visit | 2007 |
| 65. | The Hurt Locker | 2008 |
| 66. | Leave No Trace | 2018 |
| 67. | Casino Royale | 2006 |
| 68. | The Artist | 2011 |
| 69. | A Prophet | 2009 |
| 70. | Before Sunset | 2004 |
| 71. | A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood | 2019 |
| 72. | Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | 2022 |
| 73. | The Lego Movie | 2014 |
| 74. | Soul | 2020 |
| 75. | Creed | 2015 |
| 76. | Kubo and the Two Strings | 2016 |
| 77. | Starred Up | 2013 |
| 78. | John Wick: Chapter 4 | 2023 |
| 79. | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | 2004 |
| 80. | Monsieur Lazhar | 2011 |
| 81. | Sideways | 2004 |
| 82. | Before Midnight | 2013 |
| 83. | BlacKkKlansman | 2018 |
| 84. | Sing Street | 2016 |
| 85. | Boyhood | 2014 |
| 86. | Marriage Story | 2019 |
| 87. | Lost in Translation | 2003 |
| 88. | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | 2001 |
| 89. | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | 2003 |
| 90. | Moana | 2016 |
| 91. | The Diving Bell and the Butterfly | 2007 |
| 92. | Ford v Ferrari | 2019 |
| 93. | True Grit | 2010 |
| 94. | Room | 2015 |
| 95. | Mother | 2009 |
| 96. | Oppenheimer | 2023 |
| 97. | Logan | 2017 |
| 98. | A Quiet Place | 2018 |
| 99. | In the Mood for Love | 2000 |
| 100. | Hidden Figures | 2016 |
