Best Movie From Each Year Since 2000

Editors: Dylan Cyr, Bogdan DiCicco, and Hayden Raccagni

We’re now a quarter of the way through the century, and the film industry has given us everything from a Caped Crusader to a talking fish. Piecing together 25 years of brilliance wasn’t easy. Through hours of discussion and nights spent rewatching favorites, we selected what we believe are the best films from every year so far. These movies weren’t chosen just for their cinematography or casting; these films hook you in, make you laugh, sometimes cry, and ultimately make a long-term impact. We chose one movie per year because, honestly, if we didn’t, the list would likely be dominated by pre-2015 classics. Here is our quarter-century reflection.

2000: “Gladiator”
“Gladiator,” starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, is considered a top movie of the 2000s because it single-handedly brought a wave of Colosseum-inspired films to the big screen. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie captures the brutal reality of ancient Rome with raw intensity. The script evokes a range of emotions, from rage to excitement. The storyline of a general-turned-slave seeking revenge provides a powerful personal feel rather than just another history lesson. With its Best Picture win and lasting influence, “Gladiator” remains a legendary film. — Bogdan Di Cicco ’26

2001: “Spirited Away”
“Spirited Away” is a Japanese animated masterpiece created by Studio Ghibli and written by Hayao Miyazaki. It explores the transition of moving houses as a child but with a cruel, supernatural twist. The main character, Chihiro, enters a spirit world where she is in danger for being human. After her parents are turned into pigs, she must work in a spirit bathhouse to save them and herself. Chihiro begins the film as a spoiled child, but the harsh lessons of the spirit world force her to grow up quickly. — Olivia Kablik ’26

2002: “Spider-Man”
“Spider-Man,” starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and Willem Dafoe, is one of the most influential superhero films of all time. Directed by Sam Raimi, it was the first movie to prove that a comic-accurate story could be a massive success on the big screen. It showed audiences that superhero stories weren’t just for kids. While the CGI was not perfect, the engaging story made any technical flaws easy to overlook. This film set the stage for the next 23 years of superhero dominance in cinema. — Dylan Cyr ’26

2003: “Finding Nemo”
The Pixar classic “Finding Nemo,” directed by Andrew Stanton, was the premier family movie of 2003. The story follows Marlin, a cautious clownfish searching for his son, Nemo, after he is captured by a diver. The movie explores themes of heartbreak and adventure to highlight the importance of family. Its true significance, however, lies in the animation. “Finding Nemo” raised the bar for CGI with its realistic ocean rendering and immersive 3D figures, proving that animation could stand alongside any other film style. — Elijona Avdimetaj ’26

2004: “The Notebook”
“The Notebook,” starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, is a classic romance based on the book by Nicholas Sparks. The film tells the passionate story of Noah and Allie, whose forbidden romance resonates emotionally with audiences worldwide. The ending is particularly powerful when viewers realize the story is being read to an elderly Allie, who has dementia, by Noah in an effort to help her remember their life together before they pass away in each other’s arms. — Mariyah Gonzalez ’26

2005: “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”
“Revenge of the Sith,” the final film of the Star Wars prequels, was a well-deserved success. Despite the criticism the previous two films received, George Lucas delivered a masterpiece that perfectly ties the prequel story to the original trilogy. From the adrenaline-pumping fight scenes to the heartbreak of Anakin Skywalker’s turn to the dark side, the movie invokes genuine emotion. It proved to the average viewer that a story about telekinetic aliens and laser swords could be deeply moving. — Dylan Cyr ’26

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2006: “Borat”
“Borat” changed comedy by pushing boundaries with unscripted, factual material. Sacha Baron Cohen portrayed an arrogant and insulting persona to get genuine, often hilarious responses from unsuspecting people. The scenes in this movie still live on 19 years later, and viewers still laugh at them as if seeing them for the first time. These factors make “Borat” one of the most recognizable films of the last 25 years. — Mevlad Delic ’26

2007: “Ratatouille”
“Ratatouille” is about a Parisian rat named Remy who possesses an extraordinary palate and a dream of becoming a chef. After teaming up with a garbage boy named Linguini at a famous restaurant, Remy lives out his dreams as the secret talent behind the kitchen’s success. Directed by Brad Bird, the film explores passion, artistry, and defying expectations. It remains a beloved hit that demonstrates the power of an unlikely friendship. — Kennedi White ’26

2008: “The Dark Knight”
While many superhero movies portray the hero as invincible, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” offers a grittier ideology. The film is defined by its performances; Christian Bale gives us a weary Batman, while Heath Ledger provides arguably the greatest representation of the Joker ever put on film. From the terrifying, psychotic Joker to a Batman who refuses to pull his punches, this movie is the perfect showcase of the genre. — Dylan Cyr ’26

2009: “Avatar”
James Cameron’s “Avatar” redefined the theatrical experience with its groundbreaking use of motion-capture technology and 3D visuals. Set on the lush world of Pandora, the film follows a paralyzed former Marine who becomes mobile again through an avatar body. It became a global phenomenon and remains the highest-grossing film of all time, proving the massive draw of immersive world-building. — Luca Ianucci ’26

2010: “The Social Network”
“The Social Network” captures the meteoric rise of Facebook and the tension that came with it. The script features fast-paced, smart dialogue that turns a "tech movie" into a high-stakes drama. With strong performances and a lasting impact on how we view social media, it remains one of the most established and respected films of its era. — Mevlad Delic ’26

2011: “Captain America: The First Avenger”
Released in 2011 and starring Chris Evans, this film takes place during World War II. Steve Rogers, a young man rejected from the army due to his small stature, is selected for a "Super Soldier" project that changes his life forever. The movie highlights themes of heroism and sacrifice as Steve defeats the Nazi-affiliated HYDRA organization and its leader, the Red Skull. — Elizabeth Mann ’26

2012: “Ted”
“Ted,” starring Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane, was one of the most successful comedies of the 2010s. By giving a satirical twist to a childhood toy, the film proved that a ridiculous concept—a talking teddy bear—could be made relatable through themes of love and friendship. The script’s fast-paced humor kept audiences laughing while maintaining an emotional core. — Bogdan Di Cicco ’26

2013: “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film captures the greed and intoxication of Wall Street. The fast-paced script and aggressive dialogue carry viewers through Jordan Belfort’s unbelievable career, making the three-hour runtime feel electric. It is a satirical look at human corruption that remains a must-watch. — Bogdan Di Cicco ’26

2014: “Whiplash”
I admittedly avoided this Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons film for years, even though it won four Academy Awards. I love music, and I’m an educator, so a film about music education seemed right up my alley, but hearing it was a panic attack in movie form didn’t seem too enticing. So when I was stuck on a red-eye flight to Ireland two years ago, and it was available on the tiny little seatback screen, a stressful film combined with my own fear of flying seemed like the perfect combo in my sadistic mind. Whew, what a ride of triumph, terror, vindication, and vindictiveness. A must-watch that sits on your brain and comes back to you again and again.  — Mr. Martin ’05

2015: “The Martian”
While most movies about space involve aliens or space warfare, this movie’s strength came from the beauty of humans’ ability to survive. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie portrays an incredibly accurate depiction of Mars’ surface. This film did a phenomenal job of showing us what life would be like stranded on the desert planet. This was only possible through Matt Damon’s portrayal of the sarcastic, witty botanist: Mark Whatney (aka Space Pirate). The idea of Whatney talking to the video journal as a type of log through his journey was genius as it allowed him to almost talk to us viewers, making us included in his day-to-day life. Through the many struggles and setbacks that Whatney endures, we get to witness a man who never gives up and does whatever it takes to survive through adversity, showing us viewers that anything is possible, even surviving being stranded on a planet, as long as you work hard and never give up. — Dylan Cyr ’26

2016: “Moana”
“Moana” was a groundbreaking Disney film centered on cultural representation. The filmmakers worked with oceanic experts to ensure the Polynesian culture was portrayed accurately. Touching on themes of self-discovery and independence, the movie features excellent visuals and memorable songs like “How Far I’ll Go.” It has been a massive streaming success for nearly a decade. — Ava Ramsey ’26

2017: “Blade Runner 2049”
This dark, dystopian sequel is a detective story that explores what it means to be human. In a futuristic Los Angeles overpopulated and polluted, the film questions identity and empathy toward "Replicants" (artificial beings). It serves as an interesting look at a possible future where technology and artificial intelligence become indistinguishable from humanity. — Madina Faizi ’26

2018: “Hereditary”
Directed by Ari Aster, “Hereditary” is one of the most unsettling psychological horror films of the 21st century. The story begins with the death of a secretive grandmother and follows her daughter as she uncovers disturbing secrets about their family lineage. The film’s malevolent supernatural forces and exploration of grief dismantle the family’s sanity in terrifying ways. — Zara Griffen Sullivan ’26

2019: “Avengers: Endgame”
“Avengers: Endgame” was more than just a movie; it was a global event. Picking up after the devastating events of “Infinity War,” the film follows the remaining heroes as they deal with loss and attempt to undo Thanos’ actions. It offers a satisfying payoff for decade-long storylines with intense action and emotional character moments that hit hard for longtime fans. — Rosie Thigpen ’26

2020: “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
In a year of lockdowns, Netflix released this gripping film about the anti-war protesters charged with conspiracy following the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Based on a true story, it accurately portrays the 1969 trial and the real-life figures involved. It is a powerful, thought-provoking film perfect for those who enjoy legal thrillers and historical drama. — Mr. Martin ’05 and Madina Faizi ’26

2021: “The Black Phone”
“The Black Phone” is a tense horror film about a young boy kidnapped by a serial killer and locked in a soundproof basement. The boy discovers a disconnected phone that allows him to communicate with the killer’s previous victims. With their help, he attempts a harrowing escape. The film is noted for its suspenseful atmosphere and strong performances. — Luca Ianucci ’26

2022: “The Batman”
Released on March 4, 2022, this is one of the grimmest superhero movies ever made. It follows Batman as he explores the dark side of Gotham City while tracking a killer who leaves behind sadistic clues. This version of Batman is portrayed as much more human and emotionally vulnerable than previous iterations, providing a gritty juxtaposition to the typical superhero trope. — Hayden Raccagni ’26

2023: “Oppenheimer”
Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” follows the scientists behind the first atomic bomb. Released on July 21, 2023, alongside “Barbie,” it sparked the “Barbenheimer” cultural phenomenon. Nolan famously used practical effects rather than CGI for the film’s explosions. The movie’s stunning cinematography and direction made it a monumental hit at the box office and a critical favorite. — Hayden Raccagni ’26

2024: “Wicked”
Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked” is the long-awaited film adaptation of the hit musical. The story follows Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University and their journey toward becoming the witches of Oz. The actresses sang live on set, adding a raw intensity to iconic songs like “Defying Gravity.” The film was a massive success, grossing over $758 million worldwide. — Jena Haggerty ’26

2025: “Weapons”
“Weapons,” directed by Zach Cregger, is a standout film from 2025. Set in a small town, the movie follows the mystery and chaos that unfold after an evil force begins taking third-grade children. Exploring themes of grief and trauma, the film provides a haunting look at disappearances and has quickly become a favorite for its interesting and suspenseful plot. — Kennedi White ’26