Best 5 Movies of the 21st Century

I would like to start that this was very difficult. I enjoy many movies and it was extremely hard to cut it down to only 5 and then put them in order. The following movies are addressed in order, starting with the best movie of the 21st century.

#1. The Dark Knight (2008)
How many of you guessed this? This movie is often cited as one of the best movies of the decade all over the internet in a way that you would imagine could not be true. The reason it is loved however is not simply because it is the coolest batman movie to date, but because it really is an exceptional movie that stands apart from all others. This movie was not made, it was designed. This movie has been viewed countless times by many of its viewers and sets up a strong well thought out story. Heath Ledger plays not only as the Joker but the embodiment of the corruption of Gotham City. This movie is not your classic good versus evil, but actually makes you think beyond the story line. Every time you watch it, you can catch more deep hidden meaning. Although anyone can talk for hours in deep discussions about the movie, it does not bore one with lack of action or story. It is a masterpiece of the 21st century.

#2. Up (2009)
I am willing to bet this one comes as a surprise to many of you. After all isn't Up a movie intended for a younger audience? No. Pixar resoundingly proves with this movie that animation is not simply for the young but for all audiences. With its deeply depressing intro, one is immediately drawn into the movie. For kids, this is a happy movie born of an overactive imagination, with talking dogs and flying houses. For adults, this movie takes on a whole new perspective. This story is a less and discussion on joy in life itself. Many of us live day to day wishing for adventure and ignoring that it is not just out there, but it is with us every day. The happiness in our lives are simply ignored by our fast pace lifestyle and our very dreams of happiness. This movie presents a jarring lesson on life itself, while in the end still leaving you with a un-erasable smile. And anyways, as we know, Doug is awesome!

#3. District 9 (2009)
Possibly overshadows by the (in my opinion) overly popular Avatar movie, District 9 is a masterpiece despite its low budget. With surprisingly realistic CGI and a unique filming style, it takes a second to figure out what is going on. The sense of a gross injustice to the aliens is not immediate, but its portrayal of complete lack of empathy is shocking. This movie validates the Native American proverb "Don't judge any man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins." Although a science fiction piece, this movie appeals to more than your standard science fiction audience. With action, story, and a very open ending, it truly represents something greater than simply humanity repressing alien races.

#4. Wall-E (2008)
Although again a kids movie, the messages in this movie are more hidden. It tells a wonderful story, a single robot, alone, left to clean up a world. Wall-E begins to learn and experiment, his curiosity constantly getting the better of him. Although a love story at its core, the movie also drives into a society that has stagnated. Humanity, afloat in space, has everything they want and simply talk on their phone/chairs going about their lives. They never have anything bad happen, but nothing good either. They have forgotten what makes them human so much, that the robots appear more human in nature than humanity itself at some points. Of course, the action is a bit more scaled down, but that is to be expected. This movie is after all intended for a wide audience beyond your adult action movie lover. This movie is made for everyone.

#5. V for Vendetta (2005)
Possibly best known for its stunning destruction scenes to the tune of the 1812 overture, this movie has not yet been realized for its true material potential. Most people are more fascinated by the action than the story and the story more than the commentary it is making. People do not think, they simply watch the news and fall victim to government scandals. A ghestapo like force is there to immediately catch anyone who does not completely obey the ruling dictatorship. This movie strikes at government secrecy and promotes the idea that the people will always strive towards freedom from oppression. That to repress an idea or ones rights and freedoms simply delays and powers the inadvertable.

These movies are in my humble opinion the best movies of the 21st century. Enjoy watching them again. :P