The best movie of every year since 2000, according to critics

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Each year in film, one movie stands out from the rest as the most critically acclaimed picture of the year.

Since the turn of the new century, review aggregator Metacritic has compiled an annual list of the years' most well-received movies by assigning scores based on their composite critical reception.

We selected the top film from each year's list, starting with 2000 and including the best of 2017 so far.

The resulting list includes cultural landmarks like "The Social Network" and "Moonlight," and multiple appearances from the "Lord of the Rings" series.

Check out the best movie of every year since 2000, according to critics:

2000: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"

Critic score: 93/100

User score: 8.1/10

Summary: "In 19th century China, a magical sword given by a warrior to his lover is stolen and the quest to find it ensues. The search leads to the House of Yu where the story travels in a different direction with the introduction of a mysterious assassin and another love story."

What critics said: "Ang Lee, a world-class director working at the top of his elegant form, has done something thrilling." — Rolling Stone

2001: "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"

Critic score: 92/100

User score: N/A

Summary: "An epic adventure of good against evil, a story of the power of friendship and individual courage, and the heroic quest to pave the way for the emergence of mankind, J.R.R. Tolkien's master work brought to cinematic life."

What critics said: "So consistently involving because the excellent cast delivers their lines with the kind of utter conviction not seen in this kind of movie since the first 'Star Wars.'" — New York Post

2002: "Spirited Away"

Critic score: 96/100

User score: 9.0/10

Summary: "A young girl, Chihiro, becomes trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world."

What critics said: "The most deeply and mysteriously satisfying animated feature to come along in ages." — New York Magazine

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