The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Key takeaways

The New York Times' list of top 100 movies has sparked significant debate and engagement about the role of films in culture.
Understanding why specific films resonate with audiences is tied to personal experiences and the shared viewing context.
The absence of numerous superhero movies from the list may signal a shift in what is considered timeless or critically admired cinema.
The theatrical experience remains irreplaceable for how it impacts viewers' emotional connections with films.
Despite the rise of streaming, traditional filmmaking and theater-going experiences will continue to hold value for audiences.

Summary

Exploring the Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century

Wesley Morris, host of The New York Times' podcast Cannonball, discusses the recent list of the top 100 movies of the 21st century put out by The New York Times. Joined by Kyle Buchanan, the pop culture reporter who led the effort, they delve into the significant cultural response the list sparked. It’s a testament to the power of film even as the industry faces challenges.

The Methodology Behind the List

Kyle explains the construction of the list, having consulted approximately 500 individuals from the film industry including actors, directors, and writers. This eclectic group contributed their own personal top ten lists, leading to engaging conversations that showcase the variety of interpretations about what constitutes the best movies.

Revelations from the Ballots

The discussion reveals intriguing themes, such as a surprising number of comedies making the list when one might expect prestige dramas. Candor from industry veterans shedding light on their personal favorites emphasizes the range of qualities that define great films for different audiences.

Significant Trends and Observations

Kyle and Wesley reflect on the inclusion of various auteurs in the top movies listed as well as the distinct absence of superhero films, save for a couple of exceptions. This unveils larger conversations about what defines important cinema today and its relationship with audience tastes.

Cinematic Experiences and Their Impact

A significant focus of the conversation hones in on the theatrical experience of watching films versus streaming. Both Kyle and Wesley highlight how communal viewing elevates the impact of movies, contrasting it with the distracted nature of watching films at home.

Future of Film in a Changing Landscape

The final segment looks toward the future, contemplating the sustained relevance of movies in an era dominated by streaming and short-form content like TikTok. Despite changes, the deep connection audiences feel with memorable films suggests their long-term survival.

Show notes

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 about ourselves.

Kyle Buchanan, a pop culture reporter for The Times, discusses how the list came to be, and actors and directors including Celine Song, Molly Ringwald and Ebon Moss-Bachrach speak about their votes.

Guest: Kyle Buchanan, who is a pop culture reporter and serves as The Projectionist, the awards season columnist for The New York Times.

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube.

Background reading:

Read the list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century so far.
Here’s how The Times decided on the list.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Photo: Jake May/The Flint Journal-MLive.com, via Associated Press