The 5 Most Important Movies of The 21st Century (So Far)

With the dawn of a new decade fast approaching, I thought it would be a fun idea to reflect on what the 2000s have achieved thus far in cinema. it is hard to imagine that movies of this time could ever be compared to the greats of the 20th century, including The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Star Wars, and yes, I would go as far as to include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs among the ranks of the most influential and important films of the century; however, in the short 19 years of cinema the 21st century has offered, there have been instant classics and exciting revolutions in the industry.

Note: this list is not assessing the “best” movies of the century, more the ones that have left the biggest impact on the industry and society as a whole.

5. The Social Network

Perhaps Aaron Sorkin’s finest piece of work, The Social Network was among the first, and by far the best movie to explore the millennial digital age. Strengthened by impeccable performances and the award-winning script, The Social Network will be remembered as one of the defining movies of the decade and the century (and in my humble opinion, should have beat The King’s Speech for Best Picture at the 2011 Oscars). It started off the 2010s with a movie for a new decade and set the tone for what movies about the Internet and movies about modern people should look like.

4. Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings Franchises

Although this may seem like a slight cop-out, as this slot includes a collection of films all in the fantasy genre, they all have served a pivotal role as a whole in this century. Both sprouting form revolutionary fantasy book series, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter have both shown just how powerful the fantasy genre can be, both financially and creatively, as Lord of the Rings: Return of the King went as far to win the Oscar for Best Picture in 2004. These franchises set the stage for more ambitious visual effects and legitimized fantasy as a genre, paving the way for the boom of superhero movies (that we will soon discuss).

3. Finding Nemo

A staple in animation storytelling, Pixar’s first (of a record 9 wins) Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and the catalyst for the career of Ellen DeGeneres, Finding Nemo elevated the realm of animation to new heights. It is a film that is associated with some of the fondest and vivid memories of my childhood, and for good reason. Nemo has heart, beautiful visuals, and a perfect mix of childhood entertainment and emotional moments of love and family. Nemo took Pixar to a new level and propelled them into their dominant streak at the box office and among critics; Finding Nemo is a movie that will not be slipping from the minds of the public anytime soon.

2. Avatar

Is Avatar one of the greatest movies of our time? Can you recall specific plot points? Are you emotionally connected to the characters? No. However, not only did Avatar become the highest grossing film of all time (up until 2019), but it ushered in the era of 3D film experiences, and was a pop culture moment. Everyone went to see Avatar because of the astonishing feat that it was, no matter the quality of the story; it was an experience anyone who enjoyed film had to see. Avatar is a movie that will forever hold a place in film history, and that cannot be overlooked.

1. Iron Man/Dark Knight

This is it. No, it is not the Avengers, and it is not Captain America: Civil War, or any subsequent Marvel films. These two movies started the age of the superhero movie and have completely altered the film industry. The Dark Knight showed that there could be serious comic book movies, as it was directed by one of the industry’s most respected, Christopher Nolan, and was Oscar nominated in several categories (winning for Best Supporting Actor, disgustingly snubbed for Best Director and Best Picture). The Dark Knight allowed for movies like Black Panther to have such critical success. As for Iron Man, this movie kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe , which is unquestionably the most successful franchise of all time (maybe only rivaled by Star Wars). Marvel movies have created household names in actors such as Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans, and revived the career of Robert Downey Jr., who has had a grip on highest paid actor for almost every year since playing Tony Stark.

Superhero movies, though more controversial as of late, have irreversibly changed movies, for better or for worse, in no way that possibly any other film has before.