Movies

This 18-Year-Old Western Masterpiece Is Now Ranked One of the Best Films of the 21st Century

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As we move past the halfway mark of the year, there are still numerous eagerly awaited releases on the horizon. Movie enthusiasts are biting at the bit for any news about the upcoming ‘Superman’ or the long-awaited third installment of ‘Avatar’, while cinephiles fixated on the Oscars are eagerly waiting for films like Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’, or Jeremy Allen White’s ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’. However, a film that seems to appeal to both these niche audiences is Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’. This high-budget, action-packed, auteur-driven comedy has been labeled as Anderson’s “most commercial work yet”. Even if ‘One Battle After Another’ impresses critics and viewers, it may struggle to outshine the film that many consider to be Anderson’s best work.

Among enthusiastic discussions on various platforms, it appears that there’s no universal agreement on the top work of Paul Thomas Anderson’s career. However, a recent survey among fans, filmmakers, and critics has uncovered an exceptional piece – “There Will Be Blood” – not only as Anderson’s best work but also one of the all-time greats. For cinephiles, Western enthusiasts, or simply those seeking a timeless masterpiece, giving “There Will Be Blood” a chance seems like a missed opportunity.

What is There Will be Blood?

Even individuals who haven’t watched the movie “There Will Be Blood” are likely familiar with its presence due to the widespread circulation of clips, quotes, and catchphrases from the film in daily life and on social media platforms. Iconic scenes such as the famous “I drink your milkshake” have become self-perpetuating, and while they are undeniably brilliant, memorable, and amusing in their own right, they only scratch the surface of what “There Will Be Blood” truly delivers.

From the get-go, it was clear that “There Will Be Blood” was destined for greatness. Penned and helmed by the masterful Paul Thomas Anderson, this film found its roots in Upton Sinclair’s epic novel, Oil!, adding a fresh spin to an already anticipated project. And oh boy, did it deliver!

In the grand tradition of American cinema, “There Will Be Blood” offers a stark portrayal of unbridled capitalism, spiritual manipulation, and the perils of relentless ambition. As a movie reviewer, I can confidently say that this film is not just a must-watch, but a masterclass in storytelling.

The movie’s storyline is profoundly intense, yet the artistic creation by PTA and his team doesn’t feel overwhelming (which is why it tops the century’s favorite films list). It caters to all kinds of cinephiles and continues to be a movie that everyone should see.

The main storyline in “There Will Be Blood” revolves around Daniel Plainview (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), a relentless oil magnate who also presents himself as a devoted family man. Set in the western United States during the 20th century, Daniel’s ruthless pursuit of wealth begins as a silver miner. Upon finding oil in California, he becomes determined to drill on the land he acquires. A worker’s death leaves behind an orphaned boy, whom Daniel adopts and presents as his family. He then exploits this persona to further his interests through deceit and manipulation, using it to secure deals, acquire more land, and amass wealth.

In a twist of events, Daniel Plainview’s unyielding chase for riches faces an obstacle when he encounters Eli Sunday, a seemingly sincere local preacher with a passion for growing his church. Eli perceives through the facade of family manhood and aims to exploit Plainview’s wealth, igniting a long-lasting rivalry between these two parties who are determined to leave their imprint on society.

The New York Times Revealed That There Will Be Blood Is a Consensus Favorite

In a survey conducted by The New York Times among over 500 industry professionals such as directors, actors, critics, and others, they were asked to list their top ten films from the beginning of the 21st century. After much deliberation and consideration of numerous movies, “There Will Be Blood” was ranked third on this esteemed list.

Approximately 120 ballots have been disclosed since the voting concluded, yet “There Will Be Blood” appears on more than 20 of them. Notable figures like Robert Eggers (“The Witch”, “Nosferatu”), John Lithgow (“Conclave”, “Terms of Endearment”), Jason Blum (“Paranormal Activity”, “Insidious”), Charles Melton (“Riverdale”, “Warfare”), and Cord Jefferson, winner of the Best Adapted Screenplay award for “American Fiction” and “Succession”, are among those who voted for it. Despite their usual genre preferences or filmmaking styles, there seems to be a shared appreciation for the dramatic rise and fall portrayed in Daniel Plainview’s life.

Among the films that garnered more votes than Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic drama, only a few stand out: “Parasite” by Bong Joon Ho, and “Mulholland Drive” by the late David Lynch. Neither of these results come as much of a shock. However, the true shocking revelation on this list is the film in sixth place – “No Country for Old Men.” This Coen brothers western, led by Javier Bardem, was actually released in the same year as “There Will Be Blood,” and it surprisingly outranked it for Best Picture at the 80th Academy Awards. Despite winning in 2008, “No Country for Old Men” seems to have held up less well over time compared to “There Will Be Blood.

Audience members were additionally invited to cast their own votes, which were then grouped together into a distinct tally. The audience tally shares several commonalities, such as the same movie holding the top two positions, but it generally represents a more democratic ranking that features popular blockbusters and snacks-oriented favorites. Notwithstanding this apparent distinction in judging, There Will Be Blood managed to hold its ground and earned a spot at number four, just one place behind the previously mentioned Coen brothers’ film, No Country for Old Men.

It’s no wonder that There Will Be Blood tops this list consistently, given its frequent appearance in lists of the greatest films ever made (even BFI’s Sight & Sound poll ranked it 122nd). Add to that, it boasts near-perfect scores. Critics have given it a 91% rating, and audiences have been equally impressed with an 86% score.

A Few Other Paul Thomas Anderson Films Were Contenders

Since 1996, Paul Thomas Anderson has consistently produced timeless masterpieces, with works such as “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia” from the late 1900s being no exception. However, it was when the new millennium began that his work really took a significant leap forward. Indeed, three of Anderson’s films from this period were strong contenders for the New York Times’ list, and many ardent fans would argue that even more should have been included.

Among the top films, “There Will Be Blood” was surpassed only by “Phantom Thread,” another collaboration between PTA and Daniel Day-Lewis. This heartfelt story of co-dependency and love initially met with criticism upon release, but has since gained wide acclaim as one of PTA’s most respected works, ranking at number 25. Following closely in thematic terms is “The Master,” often referred to as a sister film to “Phantom Thread” due to its exploration of co-dependency. This intense drama struggled slightly, landing at rank 42. The final PTA film on the list is the romantic comedy “Punch-Drunk Love,” led by Adam Sandler, which was met with controversy from die-hard Sandler fans, but still managed to reach the 56th spot, just ahead of another Sandler film, “Uncut Gems.”

Despite not initially receiving major awards, There Will Be Blood remains one of the greatest films ever made, gradually earning the recognition it deserves. As anticipation continues to build, fans are eagerly revisiting this timeless masterpiece, a film that has somehow grown even more impressive in the eighteen years since its debut.

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2025-07-07 05:41

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