The 2000s

The 2000s redefined epic storytelling: The Lord of the Rings trilogy earned $2.9 billion globally and won 17 Oscars, The Dark Knight became the first superhero film to cross $1 billion, and No Country for Old Men won Best Picture on a $25-million budget. This decade outperforms #5 (the 2010s) in international breakout hits—City of God ($15 million budget, $30 million worldwide) and Pan’s Labyrinth ($19 million budget, $83 million worldwide) proved foreign-language films could rival Hollywood. Digital filmmaking slashed costs by 60% vs. the 1980s’ celluloid era, enabling 50% more independent releases. Yet critics argue the 2000s lacks the 2010s’ cultural impact; only 10% of AFI’s top 100 are from this decade. Still, Oldboy’s 84% Rotten Tomatoes score and The Lives of Others’ Best Foreign Language Film win highlight a decade where international cinema grew 40% faster than the average historical rate.