Entertainment
Behind the Scenes of the New York Times' 21st Century Movie Rankings
2025-06-24

The article explores the allure and quirks behind curated lists of the best films of the 21st century, particularly focusing on personal ballots submitted by celebrities and artists. These lists offer insight into individual tastes and preferences, revealing unexpected choices like Sofia Coppola’s inclusion of Daddy’s Home, or Nicholas Sparks’ emotionally-driven picks. While the final rankings may lack significance due to recency bias, it is the personal selections that spark discussion, reflection, and even humor. The piece highlights how these lists reflect not just cinematic taste, but also personality, relationships, and cultural moments. Ultimately, compiling and sharing such lists is seen as a brave act, offering a glimpse into what people truly enjoy watching.

The Cultural Impact of Personal Film Ballots

Film ranking lists have become more than just arbitrary placements; they are windows into personal taste, artistic identity, and cultural connection. When public figures share their favorite movies, they invite audiences to understand them beyond their professional roles. This openness fosters relatability and often sparks curiosity about films one might not otherwise consider. Whether it's a beloved Pixar classic or an offbeat indie gem, each selection tells a story about the person who chose it. The New York Times' latest list includes dozens of individual ballots, each reflecting diverse cinematic influences and personal nostalgia. From family ties influencing movie choices to the surprising inclusions of comedies among critically acclaimed dramas, these lists create a unique dialogue between creators, critics, and fans.

What makes these ballots compelling isn’t necessarily the prestige of the films listed, but rather the personal narratives they reveal. For instance, Sofia Coppola’s choice of Daddy’s Home was initially seen as humorous, yet it highlighted her genuine experience as a parent enjoying a film with her children. Similarly, cinematographer Eric Messerschmidt choosing Up or actor Tony Hale selecting Inside Out speaks to how deeply emotional storytelling resonates across age groups. Meanwhile, some individuals include works from loved ones, subtly honoring personal connections through cinema. Such gestures reinforce the idea that film appreciation is both subjective and intimate. Additionally, while certain names appear frequently — such as Bong Joon Ho or Paul Thomas Anderson — there’s still room for unconventional picks, showing that great artistry can be found in unexpected places. The diversity of selections underscores that film lists are less about consensus and more about celebrating personal journeys through cinema.

The Quirky Nature of Celebrity Voting Patterns

Celebrity ballots often reflect a blend of sincerity, irony, and nostalgia, making them fascinating to dissect. Some voters lean heavily into mainstream appeal, selecting crowd-pleasers like The Social Network or Mad Max: Fury Road, while others opt for obscure or sentimental favorites. This mix creates a dynamic interplay between critical acclaim and personal preference. For example, Will Sharpe’s ballot features a majority of non-English language films, showcasing a broader cinematic palate, whereas Nicholas Sparks’ list leans into blockbuster sentimentality. These contrasts highlight how individual perspectives shape film appreciation and challenge conventional notions of "good taste." What emerges is a richer understanding of how movies serve as both art and memory, shaped by the viewer’s life experiences and emotional landscape.

Examining specific ballots reveals patterns that go beyond genre or critical reception. Some celebrities use their lists to promote underappreciated films, while others celebrate those that align with their personal brand. Charles Melton’s inclusion of A Knight’s Tale, for instance, plays into his charming, accessible image, while Brian Cox’s pick of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind adds a layer of intellectual depth to his persona. Then there’s the case of June Squibb championing Wicked Little Letters or Naomie Harris selecting the highly anticipated Emilia Pérez, demonstrating how personal affinity or current relevance can influence choices. Even when selections seem chaotic, such as Nicholas Sparks including both Avatar and Madagascar 3, they contribute to a larger narrative about authenticity in taste. Ultimately, these ballots remind us that appreciating film is as much about emotion and memory as it is about technical brilliance. By allowing celebrities to publicly express their preferences, platforms like the New York Times' list encourage empathy and connection, reinforcing the idea that everyone’s cinematic journey is valid and worth exploring.

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