20 Great Movies Since 2000 That You Forgot Existed

8. Michael Clayton (2007)

Honestly: when was the last time you heard anybody talk about Michael Clayton? When was the last time you genuinely heard somebody say the words "Michael Clayton" out loud? As in: "Michael Clayton - that was a great film," or "Michael Clayton is on television tonight - I should really watch that again." You just haven't, have you? What is a shame, given that Michael Clayton - as a movie - has absolutely everything going for it. Firstly, there's that brilliant, Oscar-worthy performance courtesy of one George Clooney, who is - let's face it - at the absolute top of his game here (he was nominated but lost to Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood; fair enough). Then there's Tilda Swinton, who bagged an Oscar for her role as a lawyer on the verge of a breakdown who Michael Clayton is sent in to "fix." You'll have to watch the movie to see what that entails. This is pretty much a film firing on all cylinders; like Clooney himself, it's sleek, irresistible and impeccably crafted. Do yourself a massive favour, will you? Go back and remind yourself why you loved this in '07.