The Best Movies Of 2006

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Updated September 23, 2023 16.3K votes 934 voters 30.4K views
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 2006
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 2006.

Over 900 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best movies of 2006. This list is packed with a variety of genres - from comedies to dramas, sci-fi epics to romances - and features some of the most iconic films in modern cinema.

Featuring performances by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, these are the movies that defined 2006 as one of the greatest years in film history. From quirky indie hits like Little Miss Sunshine to blockbuster smash The Departed, there's something here for everyone. Fans particularly love Pan's Labyrinth for its imaginative visuals and compelling story about a young girl's struggle against an oppressive regime while trying to find her way back home. Meanwhile, Borat provides nonstop laughs thanks to Sacha Baron Cohen’s outrageous portrayal of a bumbling Kazakh journalist on an ill-fated journey across America. Other popular 2006 films include The Prestige, The Devil Wears Prada, 300, and Casino Royale.

These movies prove why 2006 was such an incredible year at the box office, making it clear why they've earned so many votes on this list from movie fans around the world. If you're looking for your next must-watch flick or just want a trip down memory lane, then check out this comprehensive ranking and vote up your favorite flicks from 2006.

Most divisive: The Da Vinci Code
Ranked by
  • The Departed
    1

    The Departed

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
    577 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    In the gritty crime thriller, The Departed, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young undercover cop in Boston who infiltrates an Irish mob run by the ruthless Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Simultaneously, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a criminal planted within the state police, climbs the ranks. As both sides become deeply entrenched in their disguises, they grapple with divided loyalties and deadly stakes. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this intense cat-and-mouse game won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie's layered plot mirrors a complex labyrinth of deception and betrayal.

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  • Pan's Labyrinth
    2

    Pan's Labyrinth

    Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero
    539 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
    In the hauntingly beautiful Pan's Labyrinth, a young girl, Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), steps into an eerie yet enchanting world of mythical creatures and perplexing tasks. A backdrop of post-Civil War Spain underpins her journey, as she navigates through Guillermo del Toro's fairytale-like universe to escape her grim reality with her sickly mother (Ariadna Gil) and brutal stepfather (Sergi López). The film, a masterful blend of fantasy and historical drama, won three Oscars and is widely lauded for its captivating visuals and compelling narrative.

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  • The Prestige
    3

    The Prestige

    Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine
    543 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Christopher Nolan
    In the dark thriller, The Prestige, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are rival stage magicians in London at the end of the 19th century. Obsessed with creating the best stage illusion, they engage in competitive one-upmanship, with tragic results. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, delves into themes of obsession, secrecy, and sacrifice. Twisted turns abound as both men vie for supremacy in their craft. A tense narrative filled with surprises, The Prestige is a cinematic magic trick in itself.

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  • Casino Royale
    4

    Casino Royale

    Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
    552 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Martin Campbell
    In the thrilling action movie Casino Royale, James Bond (Daniel Craig) embarks on his first mission as 007. He's dispatched to Madagascar, where he locks horns with Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a ruthless financier aiming to recover funds in a high-stakes poker game. The stakes couldn't be higher, and with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) by his side, Bond enters a dangerous game of deception and espionage. As the plot thickens, Bond finds himself entangled in a world of treachery that tests his resolve like never before. This film won the BAFTA for Best Sound.

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  • Night at the Museum
    5

    Night at the Museum

    Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Dick Van Dyke
    433 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Shawn Levy
    Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a down-on-his-luck dreamer, lands a job as a night watchman at the Museum of Natural History. He's tasked with ensuring everything runs smoothly, but little does he know that after sunset, the exhibits spring to life. Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), an adventurous T-Rex skeleton, and a mischievous monkey are just some of the characters he encounters. As Larry navigates this wild new world, he finds himself in the middle of an epic struggle for power. Night at the Museum, directed by Shawn Levy, is a whimsical family comedy-adventure that combines historical figures with modern-day humor.

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  • Children of Men
    6

    Children of Men

    Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
    479 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
    In the dystopian genre film Children of Men, humanity grapples with infertility, a crisis threatening extinction. The protagonist, Theo Faron (Clive Owen), is a disillusioned bureaucrat who gets entangled in a mission to protect the world's only pregnant woman. Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore), an activist and Theo's ex-lover, leads this desperate quest for survival. The movie, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, won acclaim for its immersive storytelling and technical excellence, particularly its long-take action sequences. It offers a bleak yet poignant exploration of hope amid despair, challenging viewers to reflect on society's resilience in the face of impending doom.

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