Through storytelling, visuals and countless unique perspectives, films have changed the way we understand the human experience. Since the start of the 21st century, filmmakers have continued to redefine the medium with innovations in animation, cinematography and narrative. This fall, more than 70 students and faculty have come together to share their favorite films and compile Urban’s top 10 movies of the 21st century.

10: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”

Directed by Michel Gondry, released March 19, 2004.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” takes the final spot on the list. The thought-provoking sci-fi film explores whether a life without suffering is worth living. This movie follows a couple who experience a painful breakup. After agreeing to undergo a new procedure to erase all their memories, one of them has a change of heart and must race to recover their memories.

“‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is an emotional masterpiece that combines clever deceit with beautiful acting,” Lawson Smith ’26 said. “The relationship developed between Joel [Jim Carrey] and Clementine [Kate Winslet] is honest and raw, and the sci-fi elements of the film push them to their limits in incredible ways.” 

9: “The Martian”

Directed by Ridley Scott, released Oct. 2, 2015.

The second sci-fi film on the list, “The Martian,” lands at ninth place. After the main character’s team of scientists accidentally strand him on Mars, he invents increasingly creative ways to survive on the hostile planet. With the film’s ultra-realistic approach to sci-fi, the main character creates makeshift potato farms, artificial sprinkler systems and hydrazine-derived water. The introduction of plausible scientific concepts in “The Martian” is sure to influence sci-fi films in the future. 

“How cool is that? He’s growing potatoes!” Kai Tabas ’26 said.

8: “Whiplash”

Directed by Damien Chazelle, released Oct. 10, 2014.

At number eight is “Whiplash,” a drama that exposes the intense world of professional jazz. The film follows a young jazz drummer in pursuit of greatness under J.K. Simmons’ physically and emotionally brutal character. Their relationship blurs the line between instruction and abuse in a performance that gave Simmons his first Oscar. 

“It’s an incredibly unique movie … both in plot and in the production of it. … Being a musician myself, it resonates quite deeply with me,” Aiden Gettys ’28 said.

7: “The Dark Knight”

Directed by Christopher Nolan, released July 18, 2008.

Christopher Nolan’s second feature on this list, “The Dark Knight,” glides in at number seven. The film follows Batman as he traces clues Joker has left in the wake of his crimes, exploring Batman’s inner conflict and the Joker’s contrived backstory in the process. By bringing an air of realism and deep emotion to the film, Nolan shows that superhero movies can be more than just a box office hit. 

“‘The Dark Knight’ gives exactly what people want Batman to be: It shows him as cool, scary and righteous,” Willow Stokes ’28 said. “It combines that with excellent acting, plot and visuals, making it an amazing and memorable movie.”

6: “Get Out”

Directed by Jordan Peele, released Feb. 24, 2017.

“Get Out” takes sixth place. Though some consider horror movies predictable and shallow, Jordan Peele proved the genre could be just as socially sharp as it is terrifying. “Get Out” is a satirical horror film about a young Black man named Chris, whose white girlfriend invites him to her family’s estate in the countryside. During his visit, the comedy turns into a thriller as Chris begins to uncover the more sinister reason for his invitation. 

“I really love ‘Get Out’ as a movie because of how quickly it shifts from a little unnerving to full-on psycho,” Devon Zeches ’28 said. “Because Jordan Peele directed it, he was able to give it this sort of comedic anxiety throughout the film. Everything that the main character is going through … seems so insane that it can’t possibly be reality.”

5: “Spirited Away”

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released Aug. 31, 2002.

In fifth place, “Spirited Away” made history as the first non-English animated movie to receive an Academy Award when it won Best Animated Feature in 2003. The film follows a young girl named Chihiro whose parents magically turn into pigs, leading her to go on a quest to make them human again. On her journey, Chihiro navigates a world of talking animals, magical creatures and ominous spirits. In doing so, she discovers a newfound sense of independence, marking her transition from childhood to adolescence. 

“‘Spirited Away’ is so intricately animated, and the story is so detailed. I feel like I’m watching it for the first time every time I see it,” Juniper Raymond ’29 said. “The metaphors and different ways you can interpret the film add a lot of depth.”

4: “Cars 2”

Directed by John Lasseter, released June 24, 2011.

“Cars 2” races to fourth place on Urban’s list. Unlike the original “Cars” movie, the sequel is packed with international racing, covert espionage and plenty of gadgets. As the characters travel from Tokyo to London, a global conspiracy disrupts their journey, putting Lightning McQueen’s life in danger. “Cars 2” provides yet another exciting watch for “Cars” fans and proves that a shift in plot from the original can add more depth to the series. 

“My parents really enjoy the movie … because it brings a thriller aspect, … especially when [Tow Mater] eats wasabi,” Jack Kotas ’26 said.

3: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

Directed by Peter Ramsy, Rodney Rothman and Bob Persichetti, released Dec. 14, 2018.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (ITSV) swings into third place. The film explores teenage Miles Morales and his struggle to forge an identity for himself as a less experienced and more artistic Spider-Man than Peter Parker. Animated films have undergone constant change since their birth, but ITSV marks a shift in animation technique. Through visualized sound effects and half-toning, the animators attempted to capture the chaotic and eye-catching style of a comic book. 

“The way they make it look like a comic has influenced a lot of movies we see today,” Augie Wintroub-Hansen ’26 said. “There’s so much packed into it that you wouldn’t notice on a first watch. … Each time you watch it, you discover something new.”

2: “Parasite”

Directed by Bong Joon Ho, released Oct. 11, 2019.

“Parasite” takes second place. The film highlights the contrast between the lives of the rich and poor in Seoul, South Korea, using a nuanced plot and morally gray characters. It follows an impoverished family who deceptively obtain jobs working as housekeepers for a rich family. After getting these jobs, they come into contact with the family’s previous housekeepers, who are equally desperate for the chance to move up in society. In a world where everyone holds dark secrets, “Parasite” begins as a comedic satire but quickly turns into a thriller.

“I love a movie that disturbs you by making you cheer for very questionable people and behaviors,” English teacher Lindsey Collins said. “This film made me feel like my conscience had a tapeworm. I love that it gets us to question who are parasites and who are survivors in a system where class inequality is such a rigged game.”

1: “Interstellar”

Directed by Christopher Nolan, released Oct. 24, 2016.

“Interstellar,” a film bridging family drama with sci-fi, was a clear winner among students and faculty. It follows former NASA pilot and farmer Joseph Cooper as he travels between planets in a quest to save the world from famine and climate change, leaving his daughter behind on Earth. Cooper’s desperation to return to her fuels him through his journey. Through mind-bending time travel and heartbreaking dynamics, “Interstellar” solidified itself as a genre-defining classic, both inside and outside Urban. 

“It’s super emotional and a great watch for everybody,” Charlie Truslow ’28 said. “I love how the movie uses time change when they’re in space to create a connection between the dad and daughter.”