Stephen King’s choices for the best 21st century films are surprisingly simple

The New York Times has recently led a huge survey asking the actors, directors and writers to appoint their favorite films published since 2000. The results were compiled in a list of the first 100 based on the frequency with which some movies have sprung up.

The list of participants included Jason Bloom, John Turturro, Alex Winter, Julianne MooreAnd dozens more. Naturally, Stephen King He too joined AE as one might expect, his list has distinguished himself, but perhaps not for the reasons you would think.

While some participants leaning on deep arthouse peaks. Bloom entitled Moneyball AND There will be bloodTurturro listed Oldboy AND Spirited awayKing’s list was surprisingly traditional. It is like the film version of comfort food. You will not find the buds of dark festivals here, only a solid mix of dramas, great directors and a couple of gender surprises.

Here is a quick look at what has made the cut: Ridley Scott’S Black hawk down, Ang Lee’S Brokeback Mountain, Martin Scorsese’S The deceased, Christopher Nolan’S Oppenheimerand the Coen Brothers’ Or brother, where are you? AND No country for the old.

Also the King included Clint Eastwood’S Million Dollar BabyWhich can raise an eyebrow considering the wide production of Eastwood in the last two decades. The legend of horror could easily lean on Mystic River OR Gran TurinFilms that probably hit the most hard thematically, but went for the Hollywood drama that won four Oscars and a tear truck.

It is the story of a boxing coach and the young ferocious woman who trains reluctantly, and contains an emotional upright that signs you. Nobody comes out of that film that feels good.

It is interesting to note that the master Horror has put only two genre films on his list: The Korean Zombie Thriller Train for BusanAND Jenny Penn’s ruleA psychological horror film of New Zealand from 2025 who has not yet come out broad, but apparently presents “one of the greatest performances of John Lithgow”.

There is no accompanying essay by King who explains why these were his choices, but the atmosphere is clear, he went with films that have left a mark on him emotionally. This makes sense. Despite all his terrifying stories, King has always had a weak point for anguish, friendship and stories about people pushed to the limit.

What are some of your favorite films of the last century of movie?