The Top Ten Movies of the 2000s

10. The Dark Knight (2008)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Writers: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan

I can't be a comic book fan and a movie fan without mentioning "The Dark Knight." Though it can be *insanely* convoluted at times, it really is the most mature comic book movie ever made. Plus, it answers a question I've long pondered: "What would happen if Batman and the Joker were in the movie 'Heat'?"

9. Zodiac (2007)

Director: David Fincher

Writer: James Vanderbilt

If for nothing else, "Zodiac" is impressive because David Fincher literally ends the "serial killer" genre. After this, there's nothing left to say.

8. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Director: Wes Anderson

Writers: Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson

This will probably end up as the best thing Wes Anderson ever does. One of the last true auteurs, this is a perfect mixture of his signature style and a hell of a lot of substance.

7. A History of Violence (2005)

Director: David Cronenberg

Writer: Josh Olson

I didn't think Viggo Mortensen was a real actor until "A History of Violence."

6. The Squid and the Whale (2005)

Director: Noah Baumbach

Writer: Noah Baumbach

Jeff Daniels gives the performance of his career in Noah Baumbach's divorce-dramedy. This is one of those movies that people will still be talking about in 20 years.

5. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Director: Edgar Wright

Writers: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright

Not so much a parody but a "tribute" movie, it's amazing how funny and emotional this movie can be, often at the same time.

4. Almost Famous (2000)

Director: Cameron Crowe

Writer: Cameron Crowe

If you don't tear up during the "Tiny Dancer" sequence, you have no soul.

3. High Fidelity (2000)

Director: Stephen Frears

Writers: D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack, Scott Rosenberg

Every once and awhile I wonder what Rob Gordon is doing now, over ten years after the movie premiered. I ultimately decided that he still works at Championship Vinyl, only now he's happy. And Barry still tours with "Kathleen Turner Overdrive."

2. 25th Hour (2002)

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: David Benioff

Edward Norton stars as Monty Brogan, a man in the process of reevaluating his life in the 24 hours prior to beginning a seven year prison sentence. In a rare Spike Lee film that isn't overly bogged down by the subject of racism, 25th Hour is a story of friendship, love, and consequence. It's a movie I'm truly happy to be able to say I caught during its initial theatrical run. I've used this movie to weed out acquaintances in the past. If you don't like "25th Hour," I don't want to be friends with you.

There Will Be Blood (2007)

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson

Daniel Plainview is one of the most fascinating characters of the (admittedly short) 21st century. "There Will Be Blood" is essentially the story of a man who, when presented with the opportunity for redemption, thinks about it and decides "Nah, I'm going to go on being evil. Thanks, though." Truly extraordinary.

Honorable Mention:

Superman Returns (Bryan Singer, 2006)
X2 (Bryan Singer, 2003)
Inglorious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino, 2009)
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (Joe Berlinger & Bruce Sinofsky, 2004)