The past year has posed significant challenges for the film industry, marked by the closure of theaters due to the pandemic. Many filmmakers and celebrities have shifted their focus toward streaming service projects.
While we anticipate the return of prosperous times when a COVID-19 vaccine establishes herd immunity and movie theaters regain their popularity, it’s essential to take a moment to appreciate the remarkable achievements of the film industry in the first quarter of the 21st century. This article will discuss the top movie list of the 21st century!
1. Captain America: Civil War
In 2016, Captain America’s final solo venture defied expectations. “Captain America: Civil War” wasn’t your typical solo adventure or a traditional action film.
At a time when Marvel Studios had become known for their vibrant, colorful, and unabashedly comic-book-style escapades, “Civil War” delivered a more mature and emotionally charged entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
This film delved into complex themes such as diplomacy, the haunting specter of parental murder, and the profound sacrifices made in the name of unwavering loyalty.
The central conflict between Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, revolving around the Sokovia Accords (a framework questioning whether the Avengers should be held accountable for the collateral damage and innocent lives lost during their world-saving missions), wasn’t merely an ideological clash. It unearthed deep-seated tragedies from the past, leaving wounds far from healed when the closing credits rolled.
While it offered a bolder and darker flavor within the MCU, the movie still delivered the trademark spectacle that fans had come to expect. The film dazzled audiences with a thunderous showdown between heroes at an airport.
It introduced the crowd-pleasing Tom Holland as Spider-Man, injecting a sense of joy into this complex and emotionally charged cinematic journey.
2. The Dark Knight
Among the selected films, the sole representative from the realm of comic book adaptations is Christopher Nolan’s genre-defining masterpiece.
It stands as a testament to its fatalistic, invigorating nature and will forever be celebrated as the enduring legacy of Heath Ledger. Ledger, honored posthumously with an Oscar, delivered a spine-chilling performance that left an indelible mark.
3. Guardians Of The Galaxy
In the Marvel Studios’ trajectory, bold moves have always been the game’s name – from catapulting Iron Man into a household name to orchestrating the assembly of the Avengers.
However, no move was as audacious as “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the film that genuinely injected technicolor into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
James Gunn’s electric space opera revolves around a motley crew of lovable anti-heroes (or, as they affectionately call themselves, “a bunch of a-holes”). It pulsates with the spirit of ’70s pop culture, mesmerizing psychedelic visuals, and surprisingly poignant moments.
Amidst the interstellar adventures and witty banter among the stars, it’s easy to overlook that at its core, the story begins with a young, Earthbound boy grappling with the loss of his mother.
With characters like a monosyllabic tree and a wisecracking raccoon and a cast largely devoid of marquee names (though it catapulted Chris Pratt into leading man status as the charismatic group leader, Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord), “Guardians” demonstrated that Marvel Studios could turn virtually anything into a blockbuster sensation.
4. Gladiator
Ridley Scott’s opulent Roman epic takes the melodrama of ancient Rome to the highest level. Russell Crowe delivers powerful performances alongside the supremely villainous Joaquin Phoenix and the melancholic Oliver Reed (who tragically passed away during filming).
However, amidst the grandeur and intensity, the film is punctuated by moments of subtlety and elegance.
5. Iron Man
In 2008, “Iron Man” stands out as the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a remarkable film series that has become the defining cinematic phenomenon of the 21st century. Over 12 years, it burgeoned into a box office juggernaut, churning out 23 movies.
In its own right, “Iron Man” introduced a fresh breed of superhero origin story. It diverged from the traditional narrative of superhuman abilities, instead portraying the transformation of an American industrialist and arms dealer into a self-made hero.
The film unfolded against Middle Eastern turmoil, resonating with the ongoing Iraq War. While “Iron Man” paved the way for a sprawling franchise, it remains a compelling standalone tale.
It offers a complete and redemptive character arc for Tony Stark, a hero whose demeanor falls between the brooding darkness of Bruce Wayne and the unwavering righteousness of Superman or Peter Parker.
The film also marked a personal redemption for Robert Downey Jr., a former Hollywood enfant terrible who emerged as a bona fide 21st-century movie star. He infused Stark with his signature rapid-fire speech patterns, transcending his history of self-destructive behavior and ascending as a heroic figure on and off the screen.