Rolling Stone has released its definitive list of the best films since the year 2000, sparking widespread discussion among film enthusiasts. With Bong Joon-ho’s critically acclaimed “Parasite” remarkably positioned at number four, the cinematic world is buzzing with curiosity about which masterpieces claimed the coveted top three spots. This comprehensive rundown delves into the artistic and narrative brilliance of each film featured, offering a deeper look into the esteemed entertainment magazine’s selections and inviting readers to explore these modern classics.
Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking “Boyhood” stands as a monumental achievement in modern cinema. Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, this epic coming-of-age drama uniquely captures the authentic journey of Mason Evans Jr. from childhood to adolescence. Starring Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater, and Ethan Hawke, the film offers a raw, intimate portrayal of growth, family dynamics, and the subtle yet profound moments that shape a life, making it a compelling entry on any list of top films.
David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive” captivates as a surrealist neo-noir mystery art film, famously described by its director as “a love story in the city of dreams.” Featuring captivating performances from Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux, the film plunges viewers into an enigmatic Los Angeles where identities are fluid and reality blurs. Its intricate plot, following an amnesiac woman and an aspiring actress, unfolds with dream-like logic, cementing its status as a mind-bending masterpiece and a cornerstone of 21st-century filmmaking.
Edward Yang’s Taiwanese drama “Yi Yi” offers a profound glimpse into the intricacies of middle-class family life in Taipei. Centering on the struggles of engineer NJ and his family across three generations, the film masterfully explores themes of disillusionment, aspiration, and the quiet beauty of everyday existence. Its nuanced narrative, presented through alternating perspectives, has earned it critical acclaim as a deeply human and insightful contribution to global cinema, resonating with audiences worldwide.
George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” reinvents the post-apocalyptic action genre with its relentless energy and stunning visual spectacle. As the fourth installment in the iconic Mad Max franchise, it stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in a gripping narrative set in a desolate wasteland where resources are scarce. The film’s non-stop action, coupled with its powerful themes of survival and rebellion against tyranny, has solidified its place as a high-octane modern classic and a benchmark for action cinema.
Cristian Mungiu’s “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” is a powerful Romanian art film set during the final years of the Nicolae Ceaușescu communist era. This 2007 release, starring Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu, bravely depicts the harrowing story of two university roommates seeking an illegal abortion. Inspired by real anecdotes, the film masterfully portrays the profound loyalty between friends and the immense struggles faced under oppressive regimes, offering a stark and unforgettable cinematic experience.
“Parasite,” Bong Joon Ho’s 2019 masterpiece, has garnered immense praise, even being hailed as the “best film of the past century” by the New York Times. This critically acclaimed Korean film swept the 2019 Cannes Film Festival with the Palme d’Or and secured four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its intricate narrative follows the impoverished Kim family’s scheme to infiltrate the wealthy Park household, unfolding into a complex and ultimately tragic exploration of class inequality, societal commentary, and the extremes people will reach for status.
Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight” is a profoundly moving coming-of-age drama, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play. The film intricately weaves together three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young Black man navigating growth and identity in Miami. With stellar performances from Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight” is celebrated for its tender portrayal of self-discovery, human connection, and the transformative power of kindness within a community, earning its place among the best films of the century.
Rounding out this distinguished list are Wong Kar-wai’s romantic drama “In the Mood for Love” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic “There Will Be Blood.” “In the Mood for Love,” set in 1962, explores a poignant tale of shared discovery and burgeoning affection between a man and a woman whose spouses are having an affair. “There Will Be Blood,” loosely based on Upton Sinclair’s novel, depicts silver miner Daniel Plainview’s ruthless pursuit of wealth during the Californian oil boom. Both films offer distinct yet equally compelling cinematic experiences, showcasing the diverse brilliance defining the 21st century’s best cinema.
