The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century
The Daily
2025/08/14
The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century
The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

The Daily
2025/08/14
Shownote
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
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.
Chapters
Chapters
How a massive poll of filmmakers and critics shaped a cinematic snapshot of the 21st century
00:00What makes a film unforgettable? Exploring the top 10 and their lasting impressions
15:19Why 'Parasite' rose to the top—and how superhero films still break the mold
18:40Hollywood’s taste versus the public’s picks: Do streaming films stand a chance?
29:24Why the magic of movie theaters still can’t be replaced by home screens
35:36Transcript
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 ...