The article ranks the best-looking films of the 21st century, arguing that visual brilliance can enhance a film without being essential to its overall quality. It stresses that impressive cinematography is not solely dependent on large budgets, while highlighting films that use style, colour, scale and design particularly effectively.

The excerpt discusses several notable entries and honourable mentions:

– *Dune: Part Two* is praised for its epic scale, striking use of colour and faithful depiction of its source material.
– *Sin City* is celebrated for transforming comic-book imagery into intensely stylised live action.
– *Mulholland Drive* is described as visually bold and distinctive, emerging from an abandoned television pilot.
– *Babylon* is commended for its varied, often horrific imagery and its simultaneous celebration and criticism of the film industry.
– *Dune* and *Blade Runner 2049* receive honourable mentions for their impressive science-fiction visuals.