If you’ve ever wondered what kind of movies inspire a specific director — particularly someone as distinctive and talented as Sofia Coppola, whose own films are celebrated for their unforgettable atmosphere and subtle emotional resonance — you’re in for a treat. Whether one is a longtime fan or just loves a great film recommendation, the filmmaker recently revealed to The New York Times some of her favorite films of the 21st century.
From dreamlike Studio Ghibli animations to subtle dramas that whisper rather than shout (and are very much like her own), these are the films that have captured the attention of Sofia Coppola, earning a place on her best-of-the-century list.
10
‘Force Majeure’ (2014)
Directed by Ruben Östlund
Ruben Östlund‘s Force Majeure is a sharp and darkly comedic dissection of modern family dynamics and gender roles. At its center is a Swedish family on an idyllic ski vacation in the French Alps, where a near-miss with an avalanche exposes the fault lines in their relationships. Tomas (Johannes Kuhnke) instantly flees when faced with danger, leaving behind his wife Ebba (Lisa Loven Kongsli) to protect their children.
Celebrated for its wit, meticulous direction, and the way it throws into the mix discomfort and humor, Force Majeure is a compelling meditation on fidelity and responsibility, with its refusal to offer straightforward, easy answers. It only makes sense that Östlund’s standout entry in contemporary cinema takes a spot on Coppola’s list, especially considering its dark humor, social critique, and subtle complexity.
Force Majeure
- Release Date
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August 15, 2014
- Runtime
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120 Minutes
- Director
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Ruben Östlund
- Writers
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Ruben Östlund
9
‘American Psycho’ (2000)
Directed by Mary Harron
Another biting satire, Mary Harron‘s American Psycho provides a fresh and entertaining look at yuppie culture. Wrapped in the skin of a psychological horror film, this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis‘ notoriously controversial novel follows Christian Bale‘s Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York banker whose meticulously curated facade hides a terrifying alter ego.
Anchored by a strong central performance that brings Bateman to life with a blend of charm and rage, American Psycho is an intriguing exploration of identity, reality, and the masks that people wear. So, it’s no wonder that the filmmaker, who explores similar themes in her own work — like the emptiness beneath surface-level success and privilege — would feel drawn to it. American Psycho leaves audiences questioning what’s real and imagined, with a haunting meditation on the emptiness of consumer culture taking the center stage.
8
‘The White Ribbon’ (2009)
Directed by Michael Haneke
This black-and-white parable of a German village on the eve of World War I, adapted from an original screenplay, depicts a series of violent incidents that expose the rotten core of a seemingly pious and orderly community. The story is narrated by the village schoolteacher as he reflects on the events that unfolded in the years 1913-1914.
Elevated by Michael Haneke‘s precise and unflinching direction, The White Ribbon is a subtle yet undeniably compelling exploration of the roots of evil, delving into fascism, violence, authoritarianism, patriarchy, and religious extremism. Beyond its provocative themes, the movie features uncanny performances, namely from children, that help make its critique of generational trauma and societal rot all the more heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
7
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
Directed by Brad Bird
In the context of Sofia Coppola’s tastes, The Incredibles might not be the first film that comes to mind — after all, she’s best known for her subtle dramas with a focus on mood and heart. However, it’s also understandable that the high-energy and family-friendly adventure could catch her eye for its originality and charm. Set in a retro-futuristic world, this Pixar classic follows the Parrs as they navigate life after superheroes are banned by the government.
Widely celebrated for its sharp script and memorable characters, this fan-favorite animated movie is a standout not just among movies of its genre but also among superhero stories in general, appealing to children and adults alike. With a James Bond-inspired score and stunning visuals, The Incredibles remains a beloved classic that proves being super is easier when you’re not alone.
6
‘Aftersun’ (2022)
Directed by Charlotte Wells
If there’s one film that feels like it was made for Sofia Coppola’s sensibility (even if she didn’t direct it herself), it’s Charlotte Wells‘ devastating must-see Aftersun. This directorial debut is a quiet stunner and the kind that lingers after the credits roll. The story follows Sophie (Frankie Corio) and her father Calum (Paul Mescal) on a sun-drenched holiday. It captures the bittersweet ache of growing up and the tender, unspoken spaces between family.
With its intimate and incredibly powerful performances and dreamy visuals, Aftersun is like a nostalgic hug. It’s no surprise that this touching film has captured Coppola’s attention, especially given its atmosphere and the way it finds beauty and meaning in everyday moments. So, for those who enjoy Coppola’s stories and the way they leave them quietly heartbroken and moved, Aftersun is a perfect match.
5
‘The Zone of Interest’ (2023)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer
Jonathan Glazer‘s The Zone of Interest is as hauntingly atmospheric as it is daring. Loosely adapted from Martin Amiss‘ novel, Glazer’s Academy Award-winning film takes a matter-of-fact approach to the life of an Auschwitz commandant, Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), and his wife, Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), who build a picture-perfect domestic life for their family.
The Zone of Interest is expertly terrifying because of what you don’t see: the horrors of the Holocaust are never shown directly, but the sounds of violence and the distant smoke are very much there. Featuring Glazer’s cool and precise, even if haunting direction, this Coppola-favorite — even if far removed from her own style and tone — lingers in the mind, forcing audiences to confront the limits of empathy.
4
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Spirited Away blends whimsy and melancholy by following a sulky 10-year-old girl whose family stumbles into a mysterious and abandoned theme park that turns out to be a gateway to a spirit world. When her parents are turned into pigs for their gluttony, Chihiro finds herself forced to navigate a surreal universe filled with gods, witches, and shape-shifting creatures while trying to save her family.
The Academy Award-winning Spirited Away charms with its unforgettable characters and quiet critique of greed and consumerism, fitting just right in on any list that celebrates what Coppola stands for: originality, atmosphere, and emotionally resonant stories that linger long after the credits roll. It’s not only a marvel of imagination, but also a captivating coming-of-age story that meditates on the bittersweetness of the passage of time, resulting in a universally appealing watch for both older and younger audiences.
3
‘Get Out’ (2017)
Directed by Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele‘s visionary directorial debut Get Out is the kind of movie that doesn’t let audiences go — it grabs them by the nerves and lingers in their minds long after the credits roll. Starring Daniel Kaluuya in the lead role, the film follows a Black photographer who heads to the countryside with his white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to meet her parents for the first time. But what starts as an awkward weekend of microaggressions quickly spirals into a much bigger nightmare.
Peele’s brilliant film is not only one of Coppola’s favorites, but also generally one of the best films of the 21st century, according to the New York Times. It’s not surprising that it continues to shock and awe many audiences, with memorable tension that is as much about the eerie behavior of the black servants as it is about Chris’ mounting paranoia and the literal threat to his autonomy. With biting satire and unforgettable performances, Get Out has become a cultural phenomenon, winning Peele the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, with him becoming the first black winner in the category.
2
‘In the Mood For Love’ (2000)
Directed by Wong Kar-wai
If there’s a romance film that would perfectly fit the Sofia Coppola universe, it’s Wong Kar-wai‘s In the Mood For Love, a 1960s-set masterpiece that is the very definition of moody and restrained. The film follows neighbors Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) as they slowly realize their spouses are having an affair — in turn, they find themselves drawn to each other and caught in a shared orbit of loneliness.
What makes this a compelling film is not what happens, but rather what doesn’t. Featuring stunning and absorbing visuals, In the Mood For Love fascinates in Wong Kar-wai and Coppola fashion, built on simmering tension and stolen moments. The result? A love story that is equally about passion as it is about time, memory, and the choices we make (or don’t make).
In the Mood For Love
- Release Date
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March 9, 2001
- Runtime
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98 Minutes
- Director
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Kar-Wai Wong
- Writers
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Kar-Wai Wong
1
‘Parasite’ (2019)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Bong Joon-ho‘s Parasite has become the blueprint of psychological thrillers, earning the title of the best movie of the 21st century according to plenty of cinephiles. This genre-bending masterpiece starts as a comedy about a struggling family living in a semi-basement apartment and barely scraping by. The drama steps into the picture when, one by one, they infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Parks, conning their way into jobs as tutors, housekeepers, and drivers.
Far from merely an “eat-the-rich” narrative, Parasite is a must-see story about survival, deception, and the lengths people will go to for a taste of dignity. Thanks to its unflinching look at the cracks in society and class differences, it’s the kind of movie that sticks with viewers and provides food for thought. For Coppola and many of us, Parasite is the kind of feature that reminds us why we love the seventh art: for its power to surprise, evoke, and stay with us after the screen turns pitch black.
