Simu Liu, who gained widespread fame through Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has called Christopher Nolan Interstellar best films in a ballot for The New York Times’ list of top movies from this century. Liu’s acknowledgment comes after Interstellar’s impressive $758 million box office success and its recognition as a standout science fiction achievement.
Simu Liu’s Rise and His Picks for Greatest Films
Over the past several years, Simu Liu has transitioned from relative obscurity to Hollywood stardom, first capturing attention in Shang-Chi and later appearing in major productions such as Barbie alongside Margot Robbie, Atlas with Sterling K. Brown, and Last Breath opposite Woody Harrelson. Liu was chosen by The New York Times to participate in compiling their recent list of the 100 best films of the 21st century, which sourced votes from acclaimed actors, directors, and writers. Among his choices, Interstellar secured its place as one of Liu’s top films, ultimately ranking at number 89 overall. In his top 10, he also named movies like Inside Out, Get Out, La La Land, and Tropic Thunder.
Interstellar’s Legacy and Recent Milestones
Directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2014, Interstellar stars Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway in an epic space adventure. The film was honored with an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and earned a 73% rating from critics as well as 87% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Its reputation has only grown, and a 10th-anniversary re-release at the end of 2024 pushed its total box office earnings to $758 million—an impressive figure for a movie with a $165 million budget. The film’s cast is filled with acclaimed actors, including Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael Caine. Interstellar frequently appears on lists of not just the best sci-fi movies but the greatest films of any genre.
Enduring Influence of Nolan’s Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences, highlighted by endorsements from stars like Simu Liu and acknowledgments from major publications such as The New York Times. With its financial achievements, critical acclaim, and celebrated ensemble including Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and others, the film’s legacy as one of the best movies of the 21st century is only set to strengthen with time.
