Everyone will have a different answer for what thebest films of the 21st centuryare, but one movie expert’s controversial response will surprise you. As a decade that includes some of the most stunning releases in the history of cinema, the latestNew York Timespollwas filled with modern classics, cult favorites, andunderappreciated hidden gems.
However, of the over 500 Hollywood names asked to submit their choices fortop films of the past 25 years, one movie executive’s opinions went against the grain. Having picked one ofthe most controversial moviesof recent times, it’s clear that tastes vary in the movie industry and that films some outright dismiss will be others’ absolute favorites.
Neon Executive Tom Quinn Picked Spring Breakers As A Top Film Of The Century
Quinn’s Choices Were Quite Eclectic
Tom Quinn is the CEO of Neon, the film company known for many modern classics, includingParasite, which was voted the number one film of the 21st century in this same poll. With a diverse range of choices, Quinn also signaled out dreamy cult favorites likeMulholland Driveand modern episodes such asThere Will Be Blood.
Quinn’s full list of top films of the century wasAmélie,Darwin’s Nightmare,Gomorra,Man on Wire,Mulholland Drive,Oldboy,Parasite,Portrait of a Lady on Fire,Spring Breakers, andThere Will Be Blood.
Among Quinn’s diverse choices, the most surprising pick wasSpring Breakers, a Harmony Korine-directed movie about hedonist college girls whose spring break trip to Florida descends into a cacophony of crime, drugs, and violence. With an abrasive aesthetic that blended social commentary with gaudy excess and sexuality, this divisive film walked the fine line between high art and pornography.
Spring Breakers Is More Remembered For Its Controversy Than Anything Else
The Film Divided Critics
With a cast that included James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, and Selena Gomez, much of the conversation aroundSpring Breakerswas taken up by controversy. With accusations of sexism and the objectification of women, the discussion of this film was more centered on feminist talking points and whether or not the film glorified sexual assault.
Spring Breakersdivided audiences and critics, some of whom thought it worked well as a biting social satire encompassing the hedonism of modern times, while others called it out as being exploitative and shallow in its portrayal of youth culture. The jury is still out onSpring Breakers’ultimate legacy, but its appearance in Quinn’s list showcases its enduring appeal.
A Spring Breakers Sequel Is On The Way
Spring Breakers 2 Is In Development
The conversation aroundSpring Breakers’merits may be reignited as a long-festering sequel has recently been officially announced. While a movie titledSpring Breakers: The Second Cominghad been planned as far back as 2014, an announcement in May 2025 (viaVariety) statedthe follow-up film would now be calledSpring Breakers: Salvation Mountain.
Korine was the creative driving force behindSpring Breakers, yet Matthew Bright was announced as the director, with no mention of Franco, Hudgens, or Gomez returning. Instead, new stars like Bella Thorne, Ariel Martin, True Whitaker, and Grace Van Dien were attached. Whether or notSpring Breakers 2will have the same cultural impact as before remains to be seen.
