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The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

The Daily

2025/08/14
The Daily

The Daily

2025/08/14

Shownote

Warning: This episode contains strong language. This summer, The New York Times put out a list of the top 100 movies of the past 25 years. It prompted furious debate about what movies stand the test of time, why they matter and what those movies tell us a...

Highlights

The New York Times recently released a list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century so far, sparking conversations about what makes a film truly memorable. Compiled with input from hundreds of filmmakers, critics, and actors, the list reflects a wide range of cinematic tastes and cultural influences. From indie darlings to global blockbusters, the rankings reveal not only the diversity of modern cinema but also the passionate debates that arise when determining a film’s lasting value.
06:27
Comedies like Bridesmaids and Superbad challenge traditional film recognition
15:19
'Parasite' is ranked as the top film on the list.
22:39
Black Panther reset the game for Black filmmakers by infusing culture into the Marvel universe
32:45
'Uncut Gems' is described as an intense and unforgettable theater experience

Chapters

How a massive poll of filmmakers and critics shaped a cinematic snapshot of the 21st century
00:00
What makes a film unforgettable? Exploring the top 10 and their lasting impressions
15:19
Why 'Parasite' rose to the top—and how superhero films still break the mold
18:40
Hollywood’s taste versus the public’s picks: Do streaming films stand a chance?
29:24
Why the magic of movie theaters still can’t be replaced by home screens
35:36

Transcript

Kyle Buchanan: I'm Wesley Morris, I'm a critic for The New York Times, and I'm the host of a brand new podcast called Cannonball. Michael Barbaro: We're going to talk about that song you can't get out of your head, that TV show you watched and can't stop ...