The 25 for ’25 Selection Show Special - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2026-01-02

Duration: 2 hr 4 min

Guests: Bobby Wagner

Summary

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, alongside guest Bobby Wagner, finalize their list of the top 25 films of the 21st century. They discuss the challenge of making definitive choices and balancing personal taste with cultural impact.

What Happened

In this unique episode, recorded in March 2025, Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins embark on the task of selecting the top 25 films of the 21st century. They express anxiety about the permanence of their choices and reveal a process that involves creating long lists and then narrowing them down, often influenced by personal experiences and professional backgrounds as magazine journalists.

The list includes only one film per director to ensure diversity, highlighting directors like Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and David Fincher. Films like 'The Social Network', described as the 'Citizen Kane' of its generation, and 'There Will Be Blood' are debated for their cultural significance and personal resonance.

Sean and Amanda discuss the impact of films like 'Children of Men', deemed the perfect movie of the century, and 'Parasite', praised for its thriller satire at its best. They acknowledge that 'The Social Network' may be losing relevance with younger audiences, yet it remains a pivotal movie for them.

The hosts wrestle with the idea of omitting certain directors like Steven Soderbergh and Steven Spielberg, despite the eligibility of films such as 'Oceans 11' and 'Minority Report'. They also reflect on the representation of different genres, including the inclusion of only one horror film and three sequels.

Amanda notes the significance of films like 'Something's Gotta Give', described as the height of Nancy Meyers' powers, and 'The Devil Wears Prada', recognized for its portrayal of women in big-budget films. The absence of major stars like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone from the list raises eyebrows.

Ultimately, the episode highlights the subjective nature of film appreciation, with Sean and Amanda aiming to balance personal preferences with the broader cultural impact of the films selected. They acknowledge this list as a snapshot in time, subject to change as new films emerge and their own tastes evolve.

Key Insights