50 Cinematic Masterpieces From The Last 20 Years That Deserve To Be Called A Modern Classic

"Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. Spirited away is the only traditionally animated film to win a non technical Oscar, the only non Western animated film to win an Oscar. It was the highest grossing film in Japan of all time for a long while, and is consistently ranked on the top 10 greatest movies of the 21st century, and top 100 of all time. With the exception of maybe a handful it won every award it was nominated for. And I can't stress enough that it's traditionally animated in a world where 99% of animated films are CGI, and the line between CGI and live action is more and more Blurred, a film like spirited away becomes more important as it is not only an opus of its medium, but also because the medium is dying or dead to most audiences. Spirited Away is also approachable by and easily enjoyed by anyone. It reflects positive themes of empowerment, respect, and Justice. Spirited also manages to repersent love between a male and a female that's not romantic, but platonic and built on respect and admiration for one another.

Princess Mononoke is a better movie, in my opinion, but is probably less important to and for mainstream attention and study because it didn't have the impact or approachability."

"Wall-E definitely. Not only is it a gorgeous film, with the first half being a stellar 'silent' film but it carries messages of environmentalism and anti-consumerism which we are now starting to see fully the repercussions of in our own environment."

"All 3 movies are masterpieces and they seem to age exceptionally well."

"Way ahead of its time"

"By and far one of animations greatest tragedies but even after its tepid box office turnout this films significance & accomplishments are not wholly lost. The acting is on point, the animation superb and its message isn't hackneyed or cookie cutter while also managing to explore the hysteria and anxiety of Cold War America in a manner palatable for children but cognizant enough that older viewers don't feel talked down to."

"Well made with intent and design. Before M. Night Shyamalan was known for "the big twist" that overshadowed the rest of the storytelling."

"Maybe not 'iconic' in the sense you're thinking. But Hear me out. We'll ignore the virtually-last-words monologue of Peter O'Toole. We'll even ignore the brilliant outlandishness of the plot.

What Ratatouille did for CG realism in the movie industry is comparable to what Toy Story did for CG animation. The amount of research that went into creating all that food to look somewhat appealing ended up having huge impacts throughout the industry. Super interesting stuff if you want a rabbit hole to dive down someday."

"Not counting just the memes behind it, it was one of the first CGI movies, had a strong message about being accepted, and had humor for all ages (while having a few less-than-kid-friendly jokes scattered about)."

"I think V for Vendetta is a good contender. Especially due to its ever growing political relevance"

"Greatest sci-fi film of that decade imo."

"Office space is still remarkably relevant"

"It was overlooked I feel. And if Criterion is still a thing in 20 years, I think it'll be one of their titles."