After the New York Times released its top 100 films of the 21st century earlier this summer, it felt only right that I, too, add my two cents as someone who has watched hundreds of films over the years.
Despite being only one quarter of the way through this century, an impressive array of films has landed on our screens, both in cinemas and via streaming services, which have grown exponentially in the past few years. That, coupled with a huge advance in technology, the first 25 years of this century have massively progressed the film industry. But through this period of change, which films have stood out among the rest? Here are my top 10 films of the 21st century, ranked. Do you agree?
10. One Day
This could be a controversial opinion… as people either love it or hate it. But One Day (2011), based on the book written by David Nicholls, is one of the best love stories of all time. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess and they exude chemistry Similar to Love, Rosie, it’s a classic will they, won’t they. The film is set on the same day each year, St Swithen’s Day to be exact, and we see how the couple’s lives and relationship have progressed on a yearly basis. It’s a beautiful concept and translates so well onto the screen.
(Image: Focus Features/Universal Pictures )
8. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut demonstrated her as a bold cinematic voice in this beautifully shot feature, mainly based around the dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship. The film follows ‘Lady Bird’ as she attempts to navigate high school and figure out who she is. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet and Beanie Feldstein and is set in 2002 Sacramento, California amidst a rapidly shifting economic landscape. Lady Bird explores the unmatched beauty of the place we call home and the beliefs that shape us. It picked up the 2018 Golden Globe Awards Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) among numerous other awards and is just a gorgeous film.
(Image: A24)