These 10 Movies Are the Definitive Masterpieces of the 2000s

The 2000s were a defining decade for cinema, a period where filmmakers pushed storytelling in bold, lasting directions while still reaching wide audiences. It was an era marked by exceptional movies that are unafraid to go big and deep to dissect their characters. From global arthouse breakthroughs to Hollywood productions operating at the peak of their creative powers, these films didn’t just reflect their time; they also reshaped expectations of what cinema could be.

Here, we take a look at the definitive masterpieces of the 2000s. These films continue to be discussed, studied, and rediscovered because they balance strong narratives with unforgettable performances and clear directorial visions that still resonate today. Many earned critical acclaim, major Oscar wins, and impressive box office takings, while others grew in reputation through devoted fan followings. Together, they represent a daring decade for movies.

10 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' (2008)

Directed by David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tells the life story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), a man who ages backward: he is born at an old age and grows younger over time. The story follows Benjamin as he moves against time and reconnects with his love, Daisy Fuller (Cate Blanchett).

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is both a technical and emotional achievement. The visual effects, particularly when Benjamin is a young old man, blend seamlessly with the character-driven storytelling. Nominated for an Oscar, Brad Pitt delivers a strong performance here, able to capture both an aging man and his young spirit as well. The film received a staggering 13 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects. At the box office, the film also performed rather impressively, becoming one of the defining gems of 2008.

9 'Ratatouille' (2007)

Ratatouille follows Remy (Patton Oswalt), a rat with impeccable cooking abilities who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. He strikes a partnership with Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), a garbage boy in the restaurant, and helps him become a formidable cook. Together, they must prove themselves to new restaurant owner Skinner (Ian Holm) and ruthless food critic Anton Ego (Peter O'Toole).

Widely considered one of Pixar’s best movies, Ratatouille has a story that appeals to children and adults equally. With its trademark emotional storytelling, Pixar brings genuine thematic depth to a message about achieving one's dreams through sharp humor. After directing The Incredibles, Brad Bird once again directed a near-perfect animated film that's filled with rich and detailed animation and story. The voice performances, particularly by Patton Oswalt and Peter O’Toole, elevate the material further. Ratatouille won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and was a strong box-office success, becoming one of Pixar's greatest triumphs.

8 'Y Tu Mamá También' (2001)

Y Tu Mamá También follows two teenage boys, Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael García Bernal), who embark on a road trip with an older woman, Luisa (Maribel Verdú). Escaping from her reality, Luisa agrees to join their search for a secluded beach. Their carefree trip gradually turns into a meditation on class and life in Mexico.

Alfonso Cuarón directed a film that perfectly captures both the coming-of-age story and the political tension of a country in transition. Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, and Maribel Verdú deliver naturalistic performances that make the characters feel very real; it helps that Bernal and Luna are actual friends, two of Mexican cinema's most recognizable partnerships. Y Tu Mamá También received widespread critical acclaim and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Its success helped launch Cuarón’s international career and influenced a wave of intimate coming-of-age films.

7 'Lost in Translation' (2003)

Set in Tokyo, Lost in Translation follows Bob Harris (Bill Murray), an aging actor shooting a whiskey commercial, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young woman who accompanies her photographer husband on a job in the city. Staying at the same hotel, the two form an unexpected bond while navigating loneliness and cultural dislocation.

Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation has mastery of tone and restraint. The film trusts the audience to follow Bob and Charlotte's friendship through until the end with minimal dialogue and nuanced scenes. Bill Murray delivers a career-best performance, balancing melancholy and humor with effortless subtlety, while Scarlett Johansson shows that she's a force to be reckoned with. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was a major critical success. Today, Lost in Translation comes up on many audiences' favorites lists, proving that this small story could resonate in a universal way.

6 'In the Mood for Love' (2000)

In the Mood for Love follows two neighbors, Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung), who discover that their respective spouses are having an affair with each other. As they spend time together processing this betrayal, their relationship deepens through shared routines and quiet conversations.

This film by Wong Kar-wai is regarded as a masterpiece because of its extraordinary emotional precision, the balance between emotional yearning and striking aesthetics. Wong Kar-wai transforms a simple narrative into a profound meditation on longing, memory, and missed connections, using meticulous framing and music to heighten every glance and pause. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung deliver memorable performances with remarkable subtlety. The film received widespread critical acclaim and has since become a fixture on lists of the greatest films ever made.

5 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003)

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King brings the battle for Middle-earth to its climax, as Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) reach Mount Doom. On the other side of Mordor, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) ready themselves to lead the army of Men against a horde of Orcs loyal to the Dark Lord Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings series includes three quintessential films of the 2000s that still carry relevance today. However, Return of the King is widely considered the best, its masterpiece status cemented by both its craft and historic reception. It won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, tying the record for most Oscar wins by a single film with Titanic and Ben-Hur. It was also a massive box-office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its time. The performances, visual effects, and storytelling set a new benchmark for fantasy cinema and blockbusters in general, becoming a true cultural event.

4 'Memories of Murder' (2003)

Memories of Murder follows local detective Park (Song Kang-ho) and an investigator from Seoul, Seo (Kim Sang-kyung), as they hunt for a serial killer targeting young women. Their investigation grows desperate as they receive false confessions and incompetence from their respective institutions, derailing the case at every turn.

Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho delivered a masterpiece years before he gained global mainstream recognition with Parasite. He effortlessly and confidently blends genres while deepening the emotional and thematic weight of the story. Rather than offering catharsis or resolution, the unresolved plot becomes the point, reflecting the real-life case that remained open for decades. Song Kang-ho’s performance is a standout in an ensemble cast filled with strong actors. Memories of Murder was a major success in South Korea and played a key role in elevating Korean cinema on the global stage.

3 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (2004)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind centers on Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), a couple who undergo a medical procedure to erase memories of their failed relationship. As Joel relives those memories, he begins to fight against their erasure, realizing the beauty and pain are inseparable.

Michel Gondry and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman created a movie that's immensely inventive and incredibly romantic at its core. Not only is the plot inspired, but the film also employs smart in-camera effects that add to its trippy qualities. Jim Carrey delivers one of his most restrained and affecting performances, supported by Kate Winslet’s Oscar-nominated raw and impulsive turn. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and is a modest success at the box office. Since its release, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has developed a devoted following and become a true cultural sensation. In 2024, Ariana Grande based one of her music videos on this film.

2 'Mulholland Drive' (2001)

Mulholland Drive begins as a neo-noir mystery set in Los Angeles, following an amnesiac woman (Laura Harring) who takes refuge in an apartment with a bright-eyed aspiring actress (Naomi Watts) newly arrived in Hollywood. As the two attempt to uncover the truth behind the woman’s identity, their journey becomes more and more surreal.

Mulholland Drive earns its masterpiece status from how it completely commits to ambiguity without losing its emotional grip. The late David Lynch uses fractured storytelling to explore themes of identity, desire, jealousy, and the cruelty of Hollywood’s dream factory. Naomi Watts delivers a career-defining performance, while Laura Harring provides a haunting counterbalance. The film was met with major critical acclaim, earning Lynch the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and an Oscar nomination. It was recently placed at number two on the New York Times' Best Movies of the 21st Century list.

1 'There Will Be Blood' (2007)

There Will Be Blood follows Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), a ruthless prospector who builds a vast fortune through relentless ambition. He finally meets his match when he tries to take over a land from a religious family led by a preacher Eli Sunday (Paul Dano). As he amasses more wealth and influence, Plainview's obsession takes over him and his moral decency.

The film is widely considered a masterpiece due to its uncompromising vision and exceptional performances. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers one of the most commanding performances in cinema history, earning the Academy Award for Best Actor through a portrayal defined by unparalleled intensity. Paul Thomas Anderson’s precise direction, paired with Jonny Greenwood’s unsettling score, elevates the narrative into a haunting examination of capitalism and power. There Will Be Blood received widespread critical acclaim and won two Oscars out of its 8 nominations.