17 Best Movies of the 2000s, Ranked According to IMDb

In a decade where the battle for the G.O.A.T position is extremely cutthroat, the 2000s produced movies that if audiences haven’t actually seen, they’ve no doubt heard of. IMDb’s prestigious rating is a reigning authority for cinephiles and movie lovers when the debates for the best movies of time start. For the casual viewer, the rank and rating can determine whether a movie is worth the runtime on a Saturday night when the options are literally limitless.

IMDb’s Top 250 spans across cinematic history, ranked by the IMDb voters. These movies include classics, blockbusters, and Indies from all decades, so making the top for a respective decade is no easy feat. These movies are the best from the 2000s, according to fans on IMDb, who gave them high rankings thanks to their influence in pop culture and their overall high quality.

17 ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2003)

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

One of the most iconic and beloved romance movies of the 21st century, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows the fallout of the relationship between Joel and Clementine (Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet). The breakup proves to be so emotional that Clementine has a procedure done to completely erase Joel from her memory, leading to Joel having the same procedure done to himself. However, Joel realizes mid-procedure that he still loves her and that it may be too late for him to correct this mistake of choosing to completely forget her.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind finds a perfect balance between the mystery and confusion of its high-concept premise with the simple yet genuine emotions of love and regret at the center of it all. Behind all the science fiction technology and abstract visuals, the core that has made the film so beloved for so many years is this powerful depiction of love in its entirety, from glorious highs to the lowest of lows. – Robert Lee

16 ‘Oldboy’ (2003)

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

The South Korean action-thriller masterpiece from Park Chan-wook, Oldboy follows the story of a mysterious man who has been imprisoned, drugged, and tortured by an unknown force for 15 years. After miraculously escaping from captivity, he dedicates what remains of his life to seek revenge upon his captors, searching for any answer as to why he specifically was imprisoned. In his search for answers, however, the truth proves itself to be much more disturbing and nightmarish than he ever could have expected.

There’s a lot to love about Oldboy, from its powerful and dynamic story filled with twists and turns to its revolutionary action sequences that changed the game for what was possible with low-budget action. However, what centers the film and has made it such an iconic piece of South Korean cinema for so long is the beautiful directing by Park Chan-wook, whose vision and execution of this story are nothing short of masterful. Oldboy is the rare revenge movie done right, fully invigorating and leaving an impact on the audience from beginning to end. – Robert Lee

15 ‘3 Idiots’ (2009)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

3 Idiots is an iconic Indian comedy film that follows the story of infamous prankster student Rancho, joined by his two best friends to create as much chaos and mischief as possible at India’s most prestigious university. They prove to make life a living hell for the school’s uptight dean whom they’ve nicknamed “Virus,” yet their days of mischief and schemes take a halt when Rancho suddenly falls for the dean’s daughter. With the stakes of love on the line, Virus is doing everything that he can to get the trio kicked out of his school once and for all.

It’s always rare when an Indian film is able to successfully cross overseas and become a phenomenon among film fans worldwide, yet 3 Idiots charmed the world with its nonstop hilarious comedy and multitude of memorable moments. The film finds great inspiration from classic defining coming-of-age comedy movies, combined with its own signature voice and style allows it to be one of the most unique and dynamic comedy experiences of the decade. – Robert Lee

14 ‘Inglorious Basterds’ (2009)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Quentin Tarantino‘s glorious World War II reimagining Inglourious Basterds follows a number of select stories and characters during the pivotal war who each find themselves intersecting with each other by the end. A great deal of the unfolding chaos and victory comes from the hands of “The Basterds,” a group of Jewish-American soldiers making their way through Nazi-occupied France to spread fear and terror among Third Reich ranks. They soon meet their deadliest foe yet in the form of terrifying SS Colonel Hans Landa, as all stories come to a head during a movie theater premiere.

Inglourious Basterds is filled to the brim with Tarantino’s signature writing and directing style, which lends itself perfectly to the harsh climate and backdrop of World War II. It’s easily one of Tarantino’s most famous and beloved films in his entire catalog, thanks to a great deal of iconic moments, outstanding performances, and enthralling action sequences. The film only continues to grow and sustain its legacy in the years since its release, acting as one of his most accessible yet most dynamic film outings to date. – Robert Lee

13 ‘WALL-E’ (2008)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-Class, WALL-E tells the exciting and heartwarming story of the title character (Ben Burtt), the last robot on a garbage-filled earth. With only his routine and a friendly cockroach keeping his days moving, he’s understandably lonely, even if he doesn’t necessarily long for companionship. One day, everything changes when a sleek robot EVE (Elissa Knight) arrives, and soon, the duo is thrust into an adventure out in space.

Beautifully animated and wonderfully written with the environment in mind, WALL-E is easily among Pixar’s best, most complex, and layered triumphs. The adorable robot is impossible not to root for, especially as his mission turns out to be more high-stakes than anyone expected.

12 ‘Memento’ (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

One of Christopher Nolan‘s most incomprehensible films is also one of his greatest masterpieces. Memento follows the story of Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man living with anterograde amnesia trying to track down the man who killed his wife. He has to get creative with remembering the facts and keeping up with his own investigation, though, which leads him to some shocking conclusions.

Memento is presented in a mind-bending way, as Nolan employs a non-linear narrative to immerse viewers in Leonard’s unique perspective. This effectively makes the entire film more suspenseful and unpredictable as audiences piece together what actually happened alongside the protagonist. Brilliant, tense, and challenging, Memento marked the beginning of Nolan’s triumphant career in the 21st century and remains highly regarded today.

11 ‘Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father’ (2008)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is an emotionally devastating documentary created in the wake of the murder of medical resident Andrew Bagby in 2001. After an announcement is made shortly after his death that Bagby’s girlfriend is pregnant, Andrew’s close friend Kurt Kuenne decides to create this film, acting as a memoir and gift to the child to teach him about the father he’ll never meet.

With such a simple yet powerful core story being told, Dear Zachary is easily overwhelming in just how personal, beautiful, and completely tear-jerking the viewing experience can be. Through the avenue of film, it proves a lens and work of art only truly accomplishable through a documentary, achieving unprecedented levels of raw and unrelenting love and emotion in every frame of the film. The film is easily one of the most beloved and acclaimed documentaries, not just of the 2000s, but of all time. – Robert Lee

10 ‘The Prestige’ (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Audiences love a good period piece with an immaculate cast – The Prestige hit on all fronts, making it one of the top ten for the 2000s. In a battle to create a better illusion, two stage magicians (Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman) push each other to the limit as they attempt to outwit the other in 1890s London.

A brilliant movie about the dangers of obsession, The Prestige is a twisting thriller elevated by a stellar cast, lush production values, and an exquisite soundtrack. Director Christopher Nolan keeps audiences guessing, casting his own illusion over viewers and critics. It’s difficult to argue with the brilliance of Nolan’s films, and The Prestige is a testament to his unique ability to enthrall and mesmerize.

9 ‘The Departed’ (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

The perfect combination of acting and directorial star power, The Departed is a top-tier crime drama. As undercover South Boston cop Billy (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrates the gang of notorious mobster Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), experienced criminal Colin (Matt Damon) embeds with the police organization, causing both operations to take action to weed out the moles before the other is caught.

Directed by the iconic Martin Scorsese, The Departed is the perfect cat-and-mouse tale that continues to thrill audiences. This Best Picture Winner is referenced again and again when it comes to analyzing modern crime and mob movies despite being an adaptation/remake (depending on who you ask). The Departed is peak Martin Scorsese, a brutal and relentless film that provides valuable insight into questions about loyalty, morality, and guilt.

8 ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

One of the most iconic movie quotes of all time came from this Ridley Scott production – “Are you not entertained?” After falling from the grace of the Roman Empire and losing his family, former general Maximus (Russell Crowe) battles his way back inside the Colosseum, slaying opponents and challenges until he can exact revenge against the scheming and cowardly new emperor, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

Gladiator won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. This brutal revenge story allowed audiences to feel a sense of nostalgia for the sword battles of the iconic genre films from Old Hollywood. Gladiator is a predecessor of the modern blockbuster, delivering the thrills expected from the action genre while maintaining the emotional core that powers the best movies.

7 ‘The Pianist’ (2002)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Based on the autobiography The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man’s Survival in Warsaw, 1939–1945, The Pianist stars Adrian Brody as real-life Polish-Jewish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman. A radio station pianist, Szpilman witnesses his city dissolve as WWII begins, and he is forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, where he later hides among the desolate crevices of the city to avoid the concentration camps.

Nominated for seven Oscars and winning three, The Pianist demonstrates the importance of art in one of humanity’s darkest times. Far from the heroism tropes typical of the war film genre, this adaptation focuses on the alienation and the loneliness that comes with forced resilience, showcasing a haunting Best Actor-winning performance by Brody.

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6 ‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Spirited Away is not only an iconic staple in the Studio Ghibli archive but also a landmark cinematic achievement in the 2000s. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this animated tale is the story of a young girl who stumbles into a mysterious world where witches, gods, and spirits reign. After her parents change into beasts, she must do everything she can to get them back.

A powerful and visually stunning animated masterpiece, Spirited Away earned the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003. Audiences – whether anime regulars or one-off watchers – appreciate this triumph for its sweeping ability to pull viewers into a fairy-tale adventure they never expected. Arguably Studio Ghibli’s crowning achievement, Spirited Away is unique, absorbing, and timeless.

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5 ‘City of God’ (2002)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

A movie tailored to make audiences uncomfortable, City of God put Brazilian cinema on the map. It offered and posed moral questions of life value and youth violence that movie-goers today are still unable to answer. Directors Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund present a story from the slums of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, where two young men choose different paths that ultimately converge within the violence of the neighborhood.

This Oscar-nominated film is not for the faint of heart, as the violence captured onscreen was filmed on location in the poorest neighborhoods of Rio. City of God is a brutal, visceral, unforgiving depiction of poverty and youth, elevated by a stellar cast of performers whose work is as haunting as it’s impressive. As modern audiences seek out non-English films, City of God is worth visiting for those who may have overlooked it.

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4 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Breaking the curse that the sequel is usually worse than the first, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers remains a masterclass in the movie-watching experience. The three-hour epic finds Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) assisted by Gollum (Andy Serkis) on their trek to Mordor while the divided fellowship takes action against Saruman (Christopher Lee) and his horde.

The Two Towers is often ignored when discussing the trilogy – even the Oscars only gave it six nominations and two wins. However, the film is a riveting middle chapter that successfully continues the story while expanding the lore that Peter Jackson expertly introduced in its predecessor. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a spectacular and showstopping blockbuster, effortlessly blending action with an intricate and powerful narrative that sets the stage for an epic conclusion.

3 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

The first in the trio of movies, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring introduced audiences to the beloved characters that would remain foundational cinematic inspirations for fantasy features to come. The film follows Frodo as he and his comrades from the Shire set out to destroy the One Ring and save their world from Dark Lord Sauron.

With a staggering 13 Oscar nominations, this installment of The Lord of the Rings took home four wins in the technical categories. The Fellowship of the Ring revived the fantasy genre and redefined what it could achieve, launching a new wave of films in the next years. With stunning visual effects for its time – that still hold up today – the now-iconic fantasy movie franchise set itself up for success with Peter Jackson at the helm.

2 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

IMDb Rating: – 9.0/10

Saving the best for last and the number two movie of the decade according to IMDb voters, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King provided an epic conclusion over three hours long. As Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) lead the charge against Sauron, Frodo and Sam battle their way through the last leg of their journey to Mount Doom.

In a history-making Oscar run, the third installment won every single one of its 11 nominations, including Best Picture. However, The Lord of the Rings‘ rich legacy extends far beyond the statues, becoming one of the most successful franchises in cinematic history and turning its characters into cultural icons. The Return of the King is the trilogy’s apex, an exhilarating film that features the perfect combination of cinematic art and mainstream entertainment.

1 ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

The Dark Knight is one of the best movies of all time, plain and simple. In the second of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Bruce Wayne’s (Christian Bale) life as Batman is threatened by the Joker (Heath Ledger), a deranged anarchist who wreaks psychological havoc on Gotham City.

Deserving the number three spot of the greatest of all time and the number one spot among all the 2000s features, The Dark Knight remains the pinnacle of superhero entertainment. The late Heath Ledger became a cinematic icon with his bravura performance as The Joker, posthumously winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Smart, tense, and endlessly rewatchable, The Dark Knight is a near-perfect movie with a brilliant, unmatched legacy among its fellow comic book adaptations.

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