Pedro Almodóvar Reveals His Favorite 21st Century Films: From ‘Amour’ to ‘Sirāt’

Celebrating a Quarter Century of Cinematic Excellence

As we closed out the year 2025, a notable event in the film industry unfolded, led by the renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar and 55 other illustrious Spanish filmmakers. This group embarked on a quest to pinpoint the most impactful films that have graced the silver screen over the last 25 years. Their engaging endeavor was not just a mere listing but a profound exploration of cinema that has shaped the artistic landscape.

The Influential List and Its Diverse Selections

The compilation, initiated by the newspaper El Dario, was a response to a similar, albeit controversial, endeavor by the New York Times earlier in the summer. This localized version aimed to spotlight films that resonated deeply with these directors, culminating in a list that included works as diverse as Michael Haneke’s "The White Ribbon" and David Lynch’s surreal "Mulholland Drive," which claimed the top spot. Other notable mentions were Wong Kar Wai’s "In the Mood for Love," Céline Sciamma’s "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," and "Petite Maman," as well as Jonathan Glazer’s "Under the Skin."

Pedro Almodóvar’s Personal Cinema Paradiso

In conjunction with the group’s list, Pedro Almodóvar, a pivotal figure in modern cinema, offered up his own top 10 films of the 21st century. This personal list not only reflects his eclectic taste but also underscores his penchant for films that provoke thought and evoke emotion. Almodóvar’s selection spanned various genres and geographies, featuring films from Abbas Kiarostami’s "Ten" to Joachim Trier’s "Sentimental Value."

A Deep Dive into Almodóvar’s Top Picks

Here’s a glance at what Almodóvar considers the crème de la crème of the 21st century, presented in no specific order:

• "Ten" (Abbas Kiarostami, 2002)
• "Call Me by Your Name" (Luca Guadagnino, 2017)
• "Toni Erdmann" (Maren Ade, 2016)
• "Phantom Thread" (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2017)
• "Amour" (Michael Haneke, 2012)
• "La Ciénaga" (Lucrecia Martel, 2001)
• "Sentimental Value" (Joachim Trier, 2025)
• "Drive My Car" (Ryusuke Hamaguchi, 2021)
• "Anatomy of a Fall" (Justine Triet, 2023)
• "Sirāt" (Oliver Laxe, 2025)

  Each of these films holds a special place in Almodóvar’s artistic vision, showcasing a blend of narrative depth, aesthetic innovation, and emotional resonance.

  Bridging Cultures Through Cinema
  

  This initiative by Spanish filmmakers not only highlights significant cinematic works but also serves as a bridge connecting diverse cultural perspectives through the universal language of film. It offers a unique glimpse into the personal influences and preferences of some of Spain’s most acclaimed directors, including Almodóvar himself, whose works continue to inspire and provoke audiences worldwide. Through such endeavors, the global film community is reminded of the power of cinema to transcend boundaries and tell compelling human stories.

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Claude Merritt

Claude Merritt explores the world of entertainment with a keen eye. From music to film, TV series, and popular culture, he covers celebrity news and American cultural trends with a lively and critical approach.