The top 11 films of the 21st century ranked
Lost in Translation, directed by Sofia Coppola, comes in at number three on my list, writes Express film expert Molly Toolan.
Lost in Translation was released in 2003
(Image: Focus Features)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 have 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 11 films of the 21st century, ranked. Do you agree?
11. Almost Famous
I first stumbled across this 2000 American comedy-drama film, based on Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical, during my university years and found it to be empowering. Starring Kate Hudson, the film is viewed through a female lens, despite its typically male-led rock n' roll setting. It's coming-of-age theme makes it nostalgic and relatable to various generations and it delves deep into the idea of "chasing fame".
(Image: DreamWorks Pictures/Columbia Pictures)
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 to screen.
(Image: Focus Features/Universal Pictures )
9. Aftersun
This 2022 film deserves all the critical acclaim. Starring Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio, it's set in the late 1990s and follows a father and daughter from Scotland on their holiday. Mescal plays Calum, a loving but troubled father struggling to cope with weight of life but trying to hide it from his young daughter. It was a perfect role for Mescal and young actor Corio handles the part so impressively; the pair deserved more love for this during award season.
(Image: BFI)
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 gorgerous film.
(Image: A24)