Hollywood's Impactful Movies of the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen Hollywood produce some truly remarkable movies that have captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. From epic blockbusters to intimate character dramas, these movies have showcased some of the most talented filmmakers and actors in the industry, and have explored a wide range of themes and subjects.

One of the most iconic movies of the 21st century is The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003), directed by Peter Jackson. These movies, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels, tell the epic story of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring. The Lord of the Rings was praised for its stunning visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and unforgettable characters, and went on to win a total of 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture for the final installment, The Return of the King.

Another standout movie from the 21st century is The Dark Knight (2008), directed by Christopher Nolan. This gritty superhero movie features an iconic performance from Heath Ledger as the Joker, and was praised for its complex themes, intense action, and powerful storytelling. The Dark Knight was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Ledger, and won two.

No list of great movies from the 21st century would be complete without mentioning the work of Quentin Tarantino, one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors. His movies, which include Kill Bill (2003), Inglourious Basterds (2009), and Django Unchained (2012), are known for their sharp writing, stylish direction, and unforgettable characters. Tarantino's movies have been nominated for countless awards over the years, and have won a total of nine Academy Awards.

One of the most acclaimed movies of the 21st century is Brokeback Mountain (2005), directed by Ang Lee. This powerful drama tells the story of two cowboys (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) who fall in love in rural Wyoming in the 1960s. Brokeback Mountain was praised for its nuanced performances, beautiful cinematography, and poignant storytelling, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Another standout movie from the 21st century is The Departed (2006), directed by Martin Scorsese. This crime drama features an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, and tells the story of two men on opposite sides of the law who are trying to bring each other down. The Departed was praised for its intense performances, expert direction, and twisty plot, and went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

One of the most innovative movies of the 21st century is Birdman (2014), directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. This dark comedy stars Michael Keaton as a washed-up actor trying to mount a comeback by staging a Broadway play. Birdman was praised for its clever direction, inventive cinematography, and impressive performances, and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Another critically acclaimed movie from the 21st century is There Will Be Blood (2007), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This epic drama stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a ruthless oil tycoon in early 20th century California. There Will Be Blood was praised for its powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and haunting score, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

One of the most influential movies of the 21st century is Black Panther (2018), directed by Ryan Coogler. This groundbreaking superhero movie features a predominantly Black cast and tells the story of T'Challa, the king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Black Panther was praised for its bold visuals, powerful themes, and charismatic performances, and became a cultural phenomenon upon its release. The movie was also recognized for its achievements, winning three Academy Awards and breaking barriers for representation in Hollywood.

Another notable movie from the 21st century is Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), directed by George Miller. This post-apocalyptic action movie stars Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy and features some of the most jaw-dropping stunts and visual effects of any movie in recent memory. Mad Max: Fury Road was praised for its feminist themes, expert direction, and thrilling action, and went on to win six Academy Awards.

The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher, is a movie that has become increasingly relevant as social media has continued to shape our world. The movie tells the story of the founding of Facebook and the complicated relationships between its founders. The Social Network was praised for its sharp writing, expert direction, and powerful performances, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Moonlight (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins, is a movie that explores the experiences of a young Black man growing up in Miami. The movie is told in three parts and features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and Trevante Rhodes. Moonlight was praised for its nuanced storytelling, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Finally, Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a movie that made history as the first non-English language movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This darkly comic thriller tells the story of a poor family in South Korea who infiltrate the lives of a wealthy family, with unexpected and devastating consequences. Parasite was praised for its sharp social commentary, expert direction, and powerful performances, and won four Academy Awards in total.

In conclusion, Hollywood has produced a wide range of exceptional movies in the 21st century, from epic blockbusters to intimate character dramas, exploring a variety of themes and subjects. These movies have been recognized for their innovation, powerful storytelling, expert direction, and memorable performances, and have left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.