12 Years a Slave (2013)
0.1593Canon Score · ranked #157 all time
Aggregated from 8 of 31 authoritative lists, weighted by authority and adjusted for each list's scope and age. How scoring works →
About the film
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
Why it ranks #157
Every list on which 12 Years a Slave appears, with its position as published.
| List | Authority | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Guardian 100 Best of 21st C (2019) | Critics' canon | #2 / 98 |
| Rolling Stone 21st Century 100 (2025) | Critics' canon | #40 / 102 |
| BBC 100 Greatest of 21st Century (2016) | Major international poll | #44 / 102 |
| NYT 100 Best of 21st Century (2025) | Major international poll | #51 / 100 |
| Variety 100 Greatest (2022) | Critics' canon | #70 / 100 |
| Letterboxd Top 500 (2026-07 snapshot) | Editorial list | #419 / 500 |
| 1001 Movies (2003-2024 union) | Critics' canon | Selected |
| Academy Award Best Picture winners | Award | Winner |