13 Greatest Movie Epics of the 21st Century, Ranked

Despite concerns about the direction of modern cinema, the 21st century has actually produced some incredibly powerful and thought-provoking films. These aren’t the fleeting blockbusters that quickly fade from memory, but movies that truly resonate and stay with you long after you’ve seen them. What makes them grand isn’t how much they cost or how long they are, but the immersive worlds they build and the complex ideas they explore. In fact, this century has been remarkably good to epic filmmaking.

As a film buff, what really grabs me about these movies is how different they are. They don’t feel like retreads of old epics at all. There’s no formula here – no predictable genre or style. Instead, you get these incredibly diverse stories. They can span years, be deeply connected to real history, come from all over the world, and even change moods on a dime. What I love most is that they’re unapologetically themselves – they don’t try to simplify things just to appeal to a specific audience.

As a film critic, I’ve watched storytelling change dramatically over the last quarter-century. What’s really struck me is how filmmakers have mastered the art of the ‘epic’ – creating movies that feel both incredibly vast in scope and deeply personal. These aren’t films that spoon-feed you a story; they demand your attention and ask you to meet them halfway. Any ‘best of’ list is bound to be a matter of opinion, and I’m sure many deserving films didn’t make my cut. But looking at these 13 epics together, I think they paint a picture of a surprisingly strong era in filmmaking – one that deserves more recognition than it often gets.

13
‘Lincoln’ (2012)

20th Century Studios

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln isn’t a sweeping biography; it’s a detailed look at a critical period in American history. The film focuses on the last few months of the Civil War and the intense political battles Lincoln fought to pass the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. It unfolds primarily in the quiet places where deals are made – offices, back rooms, and during tense discussions – rather than on the battlefield.

Daniel Day-Lewis completely transforms into his character, delivering a remarkably authentic performance. The film shines in moments that highlight the contrast between Lincoln’s down-to-earth storytelling and the serious issue of ending slavery. It’s also fascinating to see the different personalities in Congress interacting with Lincoln’s determined leadership as he carries the weight of the nation. We see Lincoln skillfully navigating complex situations, telling stories, managing votes, and even bending the rules to achieve what he believes is right. Ultimately, the film explores the themes of compromise, strong beliefs, and the often-complicated nature of democracy.

12
‘Boyhood’ (2014)

Universal Pictures

At first, the movie Boyhood doesn’t seem particularly special, but it’s surprisingly moving. Director Richard Linklater did something unique: he filmed over 12 years with the same actor, Ellar Coltrane, playing Mason, a boy growing up in Texas. We watch Mason literally age on screen, and the film finds beauty in everyday experiences – school, first crushes, family life – creating a deeply meaningful story.

Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke star as parents dealing with the changes in their own lives, and Lorelei Linklater (the director’s daughter) realistically portrays Mason’s sister. Boyhood is remarkable both for how it was made and for the feelings it evokes. Director Richard Linklater’s dedication to filming over years turns ordinary moments into important memories, and the film beautifully shows that life’s biggest stories are often found in the little things.

11
‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Paramount Pictures

What immediately strikes you about Interstellar isn’t the science fiction, but the quiet atmosphere. The film begins with dust storms ravaging a failing Earth, highlighting that our biggest danger isn’t external threats like aliens or war, but a lack of resources. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a former pilot now working as a farmer, is called back into action for one final, crucial mission. Supported by a talented cast including Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine, the movie tackles complex themes while focusing on intimate, emotional connections, particularly the powerful relationship between Cooper and his daughter, Murph.

Interstellar is a truly massive film. It jumps from breathtaking IMAX views of Saturn to incredibly emotional scenes of Cooper watching years of video messages from his family, all within the span of a few moments. The powerful score by Hans Zimmer adds to the experience. Initially a somewhat controversial film, Interstellar has become a beloved modern science fiction classic, grossing almost $770 million and suggesting that love is perhaps the strongest force in the universe.

10
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023)

Paramount Pictures/Apple TV

Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is set in 1920s Oklahoma, where the Osage Nation is becoming wealthy thanks to oil discoveries. The film centers on Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), a somewhat naive veteran of World War I, who marries Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone) after being manipulated by his ruthless uncle, William Hale (Robert De Niro).

Scorsese made a deliberate choice to focus on how people enabled the crimes, rather than the official FBI investigation, forcing us to consider the gradual spread of greed and accepted violence. The connection between Ernest and Mollie is complex—it’s loving, but deeply damaged—and De Niro’s character, Hale, casually commits terrible acts, reflecting the larger betrayal of the Osage Nation. The film is long, at over three hours, but its slow pace feels intentional and never wasteful.

9
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Warner Bros.

George Miller’s latest Mad Max: Fury Road doesn’t dwell on the past; it immediately throws you into a relentless, high-speed chase. The film feels like it began before the opening credits. Tom Hardy takes on the role of Max, while Charlize Theron delivers a groundbreaking performance as Furiosa. Beneath its simple story of escape and pursuit, the movie showcases some of the most spectacular stunts ever filmed.

The film’s incredible practical effects are a major reason it remains so impactful. Instead of relying on computer-generated imagery, most of the stunts were performed with real vehicles and environments – think cars actually crashing through the desert! This gives the movie a raw, visceral feel. Combined with Junkie XL’s energetic score, it’s a truly thrilling experience. Mad Max: Fury Road was a critical and commercial success, earning over $380 million globally and winning six Academy Awards.

8
‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Paramount Pictures

Russell Crowe’s line, “Are you not entertained?” from the movie Gladiator has become incredibly famous and is often referenced in popular culture. However, the film is much more than just a memorable quote. It’s a story of betrayal and revenge, where Commodus, played with chilling intensity by Joaquin Phoenix, unjustly takes everything from a devoted general. Ridley Scott directed this compelling tale.

The movie Gladiator was a massive success, earning over $466 million worldwide and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Its memorable score, composed by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, featured captivating vocals that remain iconic. Director Ridley Scott created a Rome that felt both impressively large and intensely confining. The scenes set in the Colosseum were spectacular, but the film always kept the focus on the characters and their stories.

7
‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

Paramount Vantage/Miramax Films

Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a frighteningly powerful performance as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film charts Plainview’s journey from humble oil prospector to a cold, determined business magnate. The movie builds suspense not through surprising events, but through the intense clash between Plainview’s strong personality and his relentless drive. Paul Dano’s character, Eli Sunday, a passionate preacher and Plainview’s adversary, adds another layer of complexity, transforming the story into a compelling battle of wills.

Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance in the film is legendary, and his subtle choices – every pause, look, and charming moment – were Oscar-winning. The film’s beautiful visuals, captured by Robert Elswit, also received an Academy Award. But what truly stays with viewers is the character’s tragic downfall. From the silent opening scene of oil drilling to the iconic “milkshake” confrontation, the story powerfully explores the inner landscape of its characters, making this Western a deeply psychological experience.

6
‘The Brutalist’ (2024)

A24

Adrien Brody gives a standout performance in Brady Corbet’s film, The Brutalist. The movie tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian architect who moves to America after World War II and struggles to balance his creative ideas with the demands of the political climate. The film also features strong performances from Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, and Joe Alwyn.

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Clocking in at over three and a half hours, TheBrutalist is a sweeping film that delves into the experiences of feeling lost and searching for identity. The movie’s stunning visuals and masterful use of light and time are as important as the spoken words, gradually revealing a story built on years of hardship. The film received widespread praise upon release and marked a significant return for Brody, ultimately asking a powerful question: what does it mean to create something permanent in a place where you might never truly belong?

5
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

Universal Studios

Cillian Murphy delivers a powerful performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, a sweeping film about the making of the atomic bomb. The movie, based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus, follows Oppenheimer’s journey from a gifted scientist to a man grappling with the ethical consequences of his creation.

Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr. all gave incredible performances, and Downey Jr. even won an Oscar for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss. Director Christopher Nolan told the story of Oppenheimer by jumping between different time periods, courtroom scenes, memories, and conversations, mirroring the chaotic way people think when under stress. He famously filmed the Trinity Test explosion practically, without using computer-generated effects, making it feel truly breathtaking. Having won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, Oppenheimer is now considered one of the great films of the 21st century.

4
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Warner Bros. Pictures

It’s easy to forget how shocking The Dark Knight was when it first came out. It wasn’t just the action; it didn’t feel like a regular superhero movie. Christopher Nolan created a Gotham City spiraling into chaos, and Batman’s fight against crime became something he couldn’t control. Christian Bale’s Batman is sidelined as Heath Ledger’s Joker steals the show.

This film centers on a character driven by principle rather than a desire for control, and its most chilling scenes unfold through dialogue, not action. The stunning IMAX cinematography portrays Gotham City as both delicate and all-encompassing, creating a film that blends grand visuals with thoughtful ideas. It challenges viewers to consider difficult questions about right and wrong, and presents heroism as something that comes at a great personal cost. Even after 17 years, The Dark Knight remains a uniquely complex and morally gray blockbuster that continues to resonate with audiences.

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2026-02-09 18:40

13 ‘Lincoln’ (2012)

12 ‘Boyhood’ (2014)

11 ‘Interstellar’ (2014)

10 ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023)

9 ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

8 ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

7 ‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)

6 ‘The Brutalist’ (2024)