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When The New York Times first published its list of the best movies of the 21st century back in 2017, it did more than just launch another debate among film fans—it opened a surprising window into the eclectic, personal tastes of some of Hollywood’s leading creators. Celebrities and directors were asked to submit their own ballots, and the results were as unpredictable as they were insightful, showing just how subjective the art of movie ranking can be.
Among all the lists shared in 2017, filmmaker Sofia Coppola’s stood out. Known for acclaimed films like Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides, Coppola’s ballot featured a mix of indie favorites including Ruben Östlund’s Force Majeure and Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin. However, what caught readers off guard was her inclusion of Daddy’s Home, the broad 2015 comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. “The only film my kids and I equally enjoy together!” she explained. Such a reveal—especially in hindsight, considering her daughter Romy Mars’s own evolving place in the entertainment conversation—showed the warmth and personal resonance behind ostensibly oddball picks. This blend of highbrow and heart perfectly encapsulates why so many of us find celebrity ballots so captivating. You can read more about those ballots on The New York Times’ official feature on the best movies of the 21st century.
Film lists, whether they’re from The New York Times, Sight & Sound, or platforms like Letterboxd, always inspire discussion. But as much as fans argue over which film sits at number one—this year, Everything Everywhere All at Once topping The Tree of Life seems more a product of internet recency than critical consensus—it’s the individual ballots that generate real excitement. When crime writer Dennis Lehane, whose novels inspired films like Shutter Island and Gone Baby Gone, included the animated classic Inside Out, it signaled something about the emotional core of his work. As fans, we’re searching for meaning in these choices: What does it mean when our favorite artists champion the unexpected?
The New York Times’ current list, updated for 2025 with 100 movies, expands on that original idea, providing dozens of new celebrity ballots for fans and critics to dissect. Movie lovers have turned to platforms like Letterboxd for a lively, ongoing debate, compiling their own lists, sharing reactions, and adding to a broader conversation about what modern cinema truly means.
Looking across the submitted ballots, a few fascinating trends emerge:
Some celebrity lists feel brand-consistent: Nicholas Sparks—known for sentimentality—picked crowd-pleasers and emotional epics. Charles Melton of Riverdale included A Knight’s Tale, while Brian Cox opted for the mind-bending Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. These choices can seem calculated to fit a public persona but sometimes offer a glimpse of true surprise, such as Coppola’s irreverent pick of Daddy’s Home.
With each new batch of films released by The New York Times, film lovers quickly shift focus from rankings to crafting personal lists, which sparks spirited group chats and social media debates. Narrowing down favorites isn’t easy—especially when it comes to choosing between the works of Studio Ghibli or Paul Thomas Anderson—but that vulnerability is precisely what makes these ballots compelling. Sharing your taste, as a celebrity or a regular fan, is an act of creative bravery.
If you want to dive deeper, check out the latest New York Times 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century—where you can also submit and compare your own ballot. The ongoing public conversation, visible on Letterboxd and in Twitter threads, ensures that every person’s list becomes a small but vibrant part of our shared cinematic culture.
This ongoing fascination with celebrity and critic ballots underscores how movies remain not just cultural artifacts but mirrors for our own tastes, relationships, and, sometimes, private joys. So go ahead—make your own list, join the debate, and see what your picks say about you.