Best Black and White Movies of the 2000s

The realm of black-and-white cinema has a distinct and timeless appeal, so as the world marched onward into the digital age, a bunch of visionary filmmakers refused to abandon the monochrome magic that captivated audiences before and had the potential to usher in a new era of cinematic artistry once again.

In the 2000s, the entertainment industry was all about making use of dazzling colors and cutting-edge special effects to make contemporary films stand out. But a select few directors dared to take the road less traveled and embraced the charm of a bygone era. They understood that the absence of color was not a limitation, but rather a canvas they could paint their most intimate and heart-rending stories on. The black-and-white gems of the 2000s on this list capture the same spirit as the classics that came before.

10

‘Werckmeister Harmonies’ (2000)

Werckmeister Harmonies is a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking Hungarian film based on a novel written by László Krasznahorkai. It’s set in the heart of a small, desolate town in post-war Hungary, and it follows the lives of a young man named János and his uncle György. The story shifts its tone with the arrival of a mysterious circus and the sinister shadow it casts upon everyone’s lives, forcing János to try and make sense of the chaos, agitation, and violence it leads to.

A Mesmerizing Meditation on the Human Condition

Director Béla Tarr’s movie is a cinematic and slow-burning exploration of the human condition. On the surface, it may seem like another psychological horror movie, but peel back the curtain, and you’ll find yourself in awe of its exploration of suffering, societal breakdown, and the never-ending search for meaning in a world that’s indifferent to all sorts of things. The stark black-and-white palette only emphasizes the bleakness of the premise and the existential questions it raises.

9

‘The Man Who Wasn’t There’ (2001)

Marking a remarkable start of the 21st century is this neo-noir crime thriller created by the directorial duo of the Coen brothers. The Man Who Wasn’t There is set in 1949 and it follows a mind-mannered and unassuming barber named Ed Crane living a mundane life in a small California town. When he’s offered a part in a get-rich-quick scheme, Ed sets in motion a series of actions that turn his carefully constructed life into a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder.

A Sharp and Engaging Neo-Noir Thriller

The Coen brothers are known for being meticulous with their direction, and his cinematic gem is a display of their skills. The movie pays homage to the classic film noir but is also infused with distinct modern sensibilities. Shot in stunning black-and-white, the film’s visuals and languid pacing create a sense of unease. Also worth praising is Billy Bob Thornton’s performance as Ed Crane, who nails the character’s despair and detachment.

8

‘Coffee and Cigarettes’ (2003)

Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, Coffee and Cigarettes is a playful and quirky anthology film featuring a series of vignettes where characters sit across from each other and share a cup of coffee and a smoke. Each segment explores unique interactions, both humorous and contemplative, with the dialogue and the dynamic between the characters taking center stage.

Offbeat and Charming Indie Movie

Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes is not just a brilliant showcase of his signature directorial style and use of deadpan humor, but also a demonstration of all that’s possible with minimalist, black-and-white storytelling. The timeless and intimate feel of the style and the rawness of each conversation reveals how complex relationships are and the subtle ways in which we connect (or fail to connect) with one another. The ensemble cast includes Bill Murray, Iggy Pop, Cate Blanchett, Steve Buscemi, Roberto Benigni, and more.

7

‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ (2005)

Good Night, and Good Luck is a historical drama directed by George Clooney, set in the midst of the McCarthy-era Red Scare and the early days of broadcast journalism in the 1950s. It chronicles the real-life confrontation between veteran CBS news anchor Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy, whose aggressive anti-Communist tactics engulfed the nation. Murrow, producer Fred Friendly, and their team, used the power of television to challenge McCarthy and the government and protect civil liberties.

Celebrates the Role of the Free Press in a Democracy

Clooney’s movie is among the few dramas known for their timeless relevance. He shot the film in crisp black-and-white, which lends it an air of authenticity, evokes the period’s atmosphere and tension, and transports audiences to the era of vintage television news while underscoring the seriousness of the battle being waged on the screen. The cast, which included David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, Robert Downey Jr., and Frank Langella, delivered powerful performances that made the movie impactful.

6

‘Sin City’ (2005)

Based on Frank Miller’s comic book series of the same name and directed by Miller with Robert Rodriguez, Sin City welcomes audiences to the dark and gritty metropolis that is Basin City, Washington, where heroes and villains appear the same and violence and corruption runs rampant. It weaves together interconnected stories of four individuals as they try to navigate their own demons and the moral ambiguities plaguing their city.

A Stunning Graphic Novel Adaptation

Embracing the monochromatic, high-contrast aesthetic of Miller’s original comics, Sin City pushes the boundary of the medium and brings an incredible story to life. The film’s bold visuals, the use of shadows and silhouettes, and the selective colorization, creates a mesmerizing landscape that complements life of the flawed main characters and the gritty narrative, which unfolds in the violent underbelly of Basin City.

5

‘Angel-A’ (2005)

Angel-A tells the story of a down-on-his-luck crook in Paris named André who is deeply in debt and on the verge of despair. Just as he contemplates ending his life, he encounters a beautiful and mysterious woman named Angela, who is about to jump into the Seine. André saves her life and in exchange, she promises to ease his troubles and help him navigate his chaotic life.

Poetic Romance Told in Monochrome

Luc Besson’s Angel-A is a modern fairy tale about an angel guiding a man on his path of redemption and helping him realize his self-worth. Both whimsical and poignant, it features tender black-and-white cinematography, which transforms the streets of Paris into a dreamy canvas where everything is possible. Jamel Debbouze’s portrayal of André and Rie Rasmussen’s performance as Angela are the highlights of this complete package of a movie.

4

‘Brand upon the Brain!’ (2006)

Made on an estimated budget of $40,000 in just nine days, Brand upon the Brain! is a surreal semi-autobiographical drama set on a remote island, where a boy named Guy Maddin grew up with his family in a lighthouse orphanage. When he returns to the island as an adult, Guy recalls his childhood and is haunted by the ghosts of his past and the mysteries that have long settled themselves in his mind.

Surreal and Haunting Cinematic Experience

Maddin’s film is celebrated for its distinct visual style and inventive storytelling, and this movie explores memory, family and the strange way in which the human mind works. It also embraces the essence of the silent-era cinema and is both nostalgic and unsettling at the same time. The haunting score is perfect and so is Isabella Rossellini’s narration, which harmonizes with the overall tone and atmosphere of the movie.

3

‘Control’ (2007)

Based on the book, Touching from a Distance, written by Deborah Curtis, Control is a biopic about the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the post-punk band Joy Division. Starting from his early days in Macclesfield, England, the movie dives into the entirety of Curtis’ life and captures his rise to fame as the up-and-coming lead of the band, the touring, as well as his struggles with epilepsy and depression.

Paints the Enduring Legacy of an Icon

Directed by Anton Corbjin, Control is a delicate yet striking portrait of a great artist and how his life was cut tragically short. Anchored by a soulful performance from Sam Riley as the troubled Curtis, and a supporting cast including Samantha Morton and Alexandra Maria Lara, it immerses viewers in 1970s England and mirrors the complexity and emotions and the fragile mental state of its central character. Control won numerous awards, including five British Independent Film Awards.

2

‘In Search of a Midnight Kiss’ (2007)

An award-winning independent romantic comedy, In Search of a Midnight Kiss follows a cynical, heartbroken, recently-single writer named Wilson, who faces the idea of spending New Year’s Eve alone in a city overflowing with families and couples. Reluctantly, Wilson posts a Craigslist ad looking for a companion for the night and receives a response from Vivian, an eccentric woman with her own share of sorrows. Together, they stroll down the streets of LA as the clock ticks towards midnight.

A Charming Modern Romance

This heartfelt movie plays around with the idea of new beginnings when all hope seems lost. It shines with its raw and authentic portrayal of love and human connection. Written and directed with a deft hand by Alex Holdridge, In Search of a Midnight Kiss captures the beauty of Los Angeles in black-and-white, giving it a timeless quality. The chemistry between Scoot McNairy and Sara Simmonds, too, is very endearing.

1

‘The White Ribbon’ (2009)

Taking place in a small, isolated German village on the eve of World War I, The White Ribbon is a haunting drama that explores a series of unsettling events that begin to unfold in the community. Most of these accidents and acts of cruelty involve children. A village schoolteacher narrates the story and tries to unravel the truth behind these dark and troubling occurrences.

Stark Portrait of Social Decay

In the hands of Michael Haneke, The White Ribbon is more than a black-and-white thriller. It’s a mosaic of the rigid and oppressive social structures that govern a village and the authoritarianism that resides within its community. The cinematography by Christian Berger makes use of both light and shadow to create a foreboding atmosphere, and coupled with the cast’s heavy, multi-layered performance, this is a powerful film. The White Ribbon also won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and two Academy Award nominations.