TV Dinner: My Totally Biased, Top 10 Films of the 21st Century.

Sorry NYT you forgot a few!

The New York Times is currently rolling out a feature on The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century (2000–Present). They kicked things off today with numbers 100 through 81. Alongside the online piece, they’re sharing 100 Hollywood filmmakers 10 favorite movies of the same century on Instagram. It’s been really fun to see everyone’s picks and it is only day one of the campaign.

I have a sneaking suspicion they were inspired by Letterboxd’s “Top Four” interviews. I love watching those videos, even if I do roll my eyes at some of the choices celebs claim as their favorites. Let’s all be a little more honest, shall we?

For some reason, The Times didn’t ask me for my list, so I figured I’d share it here. I’m not going to overthink it, though I’m sure in the coming weeks I’ll smack my forehead realizing I forgot something obvious. But for now, here are my ten current favorite movies of the 21st century (in no particular order):

1. The Social Network (2010) This one goes without saying. You’ve definitely heard me talk about this movie multiple times.

2. Shrek (2001) Without a doubt, the greatest animated film of my generation—besides Toy Story. But tbh, of the Pixar films, I’ve always been more of an Incredibles fan. Among my friends (and honestly all of Instagram), Shrek is essential for both high and lowbrow humor references. Hot take: I often can’t decide if the sequel is better than the first.

3. Superbad (2007) What an honor to have seen this while still in high school. A perfect coming-of-age comedy. I also love that Seth Rogen set out to write the Clueless of this generation and I believe he succeeded.

4. Wet Hot American Summer (2001) The definition of a comedy. Unexplainable and unpredictable. I was forever sold after the town montage and coming back saying it was only an hour.

5. Dune Part Two (2024) Rare for a sequel to be better, but this completely delivered. I couldn’t move on for days after seeing it.

6. Whiplash (2014) Forget La La Land—THIS is Damien Chazelle’s best.

7. Blue Crush (2002) When I realized I will never be as cool as Anne Marie Chadwick.

8. Arrival (2016) A film that lingers in your mind long after it ends. Plus Louise is SO cool! I once stood next to Denis Villeneuve at the Sunset Tower entrance and still regret not telling him how much I love his movies.

9. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Speaking of Denis, of course this had to be here too. This movie completely blew my mind.

10. She’s the Man (2006) A masterpiece.

Honorable mentions:

• The Ring (2002)

• The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

• Brooklyn (2015)

• Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)