Pedro Almodóvar chooses his 10 favorite films of the 21st century, and there are surprises

The year 2025 not only closes a relatively positive cinematic cycle but also marks the first quarter of the 21st century. In this context, several Spanish filmmakers, including Oliver Laxe, Carla Simón, Alejandro Amenábar, and Pedro Almodóvar, have engaged in a retrospective exercise by choosing the films that have most influenced them over the years. The compilation was published by El Diario.es and includes a total of 25 titles, which act as a reflection of a generation marked by auteur cinema, emotionally demanding and full of questions about contemporary reality. Pedro, the cinephile The list highlights […]

The year 2025 not only closes a relatively positive cinematic cycle but also marks the first quarter of the 21st century. In this context, several Spanish filmmakers, including Oliver Laxe, Carla Simón, Alejandro Amenábar, and Pedro Almodóvar, have engaged in a retrospective exercise by choosing the films that have most influenced them over the years. The compilation was published by El Diario.es and includes a total of 25 titles, which act as a reflection of a generation marked by auteur cinema, emotionally demanding and full of questions about contemporary reality.

Pedro, the film buff

The list highlights Mulholland Drive by David Lynch as the most representative work, while Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon closes the selection. The choices of these filmmakers emphasize a cinema that distances itself from the dominance of Anglo-Saxon cinema, promoting a more daring and diverse sensibility. Among Almodóvar’s contributions are Talk to Her and Volver, which have left a significant mark on the ranking.

In addition, Almodóvar shared his personal list of ten films from the 21st century, which includes works by renowned directors such as Abbas Kiarostami and Joachim Trier. This selection not only contrasts with other lists, such as that of the New York Times, but also highlights filmmakers who delve into themes such as intimacy, desire, and guilt, providing a unique and personal cinematic language.

Among the productions that also appear in the repertoire are acclaimed titles such as Call Me by Your Name, Toni Erdmann, and Drive My Car, enriching the conversation about what has defined cinema in this century. With this compilation, Spanish filmmakers not only celebrate their influences but also assert a cinematic narrative that challenges established norms.