a movie from Sean Baker, appeared on The New York Times' list of the greatest films from the 21st century.Sean Baker, who directed one of the best thriller movies of 2024 in Anora, has helmed many critically acclaimed movies over the years. The filmmaker is one of the most underrated directors currently working in the industry.
Baker has been an impactful director ever since his feature filmmaking debut in 2000 with Four Letter Words. So, it is no surprise that his name occurs in the New York Times' list of the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. Of the many films made in the last 25 years, one of Baker's movies appears on the list.
Baker is known for his emotionally charged and character-driven low-budget indie films that address sociopolitical concerns about the United States of America, especially the effects of late-stage capitalism on the country's working class. One of the biggest representatives of the capitalist entertainment industry is Walt Disney World, where Baker shot the film that is on the list:
"A heart-rending portrait of childhood imagination and innocence amid poverty and marginalization in America." – The New York Times

follows Brooklynn Prince's Moonee as she experiences the highs and lows of the summer holidays with her group of friends and her financially struggling family members. It is a heart-wrenching, albeit bright and sunny, meditation on the impact of late-stage capitalism. Moonee's family struggles to make ends meet against the flamboyant backdrop of Walt Disney World.

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After Anora won Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards, now is the perfect time to watch this other critically acclaimed Sean Baker movie.
The New York Times' 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century attempts to recognize the most influential, powerful, and well-made movies of the past 25 years. Some of the most popular names in Hollywood have been recognized by the list, and among them is Sean Baker, whose movie, The Florida Project, ranks 74th.
As the article on the website confirms, Anora star Mikey Madison, who won the Best Actress Academy Award for the movie, voted for The Florida Project. Most directors appear only once on the list, and Sean Baker is no exception, but The Florida Project being on the list is a milestone victory for indie cinema.
Many of the films in the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century are independent films.
Many of the films in the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century are independent films, which were made on low budgets and within tight schedules by passionate directors. The New York Times is one of the most influential publications in the world, and the significance of being named on this list can hardly be exaggerated.

Sean Baker has made an indelible mark on cinema with his undying dedication to the art. He has continued to make independent films despite the rise of Hollywood productions today. The critical acclaim he receives, like his film being picked by The New York Times, proves that there is still an audience for indie cinema that will champion it.
Walt Disney World was referred to as the Florida Project during its planning stages.
Guerrilla filmmaking is a dying art because of the moral conundrums and the difficulties it presents in a world of scrutiny and big-budget Hollywood productions. However, two movies were secretly filmed in Walt Disney World, one of the flashiest and most popular vacation destinations in the world. The production crews demonstrated great passion in bringing such projects to life.
The New York Times naming The Florida Project as one of the best 100 movies of the 21st Century further establishes Sean Baker's legacy as an independent filmmaker. It also demonstrates the undying relevance of independent cinema in a world where Hollywood productions dominate the box office and the award shows.
Sean Baker's Feature Filmography | |
---|---|
Four Letter Words | 2000 |
Take Out | 2004 |
Prince of Broadway | 2008 |
Starlet | 2012 |
Tangerine | 2015 |
The Florida project | 2017 |
Red Rocket | 2021 |
Anora | 2025 |
It is heartening to see Sean Baker's movie on the list, because he deserved to be included. A24, the studio that distributed the movie, has long been a champion of indie cinema, and The Florida Project is the perfect demonstration of both A24 and Sean Baker's philosophy regarding filmmaking as a medium of commentary.

The Florida Project
- October 6, 2017
The Florida Project is a drama film that follows a six-year-old girl named Moone and her mother, Halley, as they attempt to enjoy life to their fullest and make ends meet in the Disney-dominated county of Kissimmee, Florida. Halley and Moonee's lives are fraught with distress while living in a motel. However, Moonee befriends another child in the motel while her mother struggles to keep them above water and hold on to her daughter as the risk of protective services taking her grows ever larger.
- Brooklynn Prince, Christopher Rivera, Caleb Landry Jones, Sandy Kane, Bria Vinaite, Karren Karagulian, Valeria Cotto, Willem Dafoe, Macon Blair
- 111 Minutes
- Sean Baker
- Chris Bergoch, Sean Baker