A definite work in progress, this list will be updated on occasion to compensate for new releases, though I'll often wait for a while to make sure the movie has the staying power to keep on this list before I throw it on here. But as it stands, and as you glance through, these are my top 50 movies of the 2010s.
50. The Avengers - 2012
Directed by Joss Whedon
Though I could have just as easily slipped Guardians Of The Galaxy in this slot, I feel this movie deserves a position on here for sheer enjoyability, and being one of the only movies of this sort to ever be released. Utilizing plot devices and developments from a handful of individual superhero movies before it, The Avengers takes this monumental set-up and runs with it.
49. Leviathan - 2013
Directed by Lucien Castaing-Taylor & Verena Paravel
While also being one of the most uneventful films I've ever seen, this is definitely one of the most intriguing and beautifully-shot films I've ever come across. Much like Baraka and Koyaanisqatsi, this is a documentary-type film that tells no story, has no driving narrative, and serves little purpose other than to look incredible. It succeeded.
48. Beyond The Black Rainbow - 2010
Directed by Panos Cosmatos
Another beautifully-shot film, this time with an interesting story to go along with it. Director Cosmatos' feature debut, and quite an impressive one by anyone's standards.
47. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - 2010
Directed by Edgar Wright
Fast-paced, entertaining, and without a single dull moment, this is a movie designed for people with short attention spans. Fun performances, writing, and some of the most kinetic, insane, and ingenious editing I've ever seen in a movie.
46. Life Itself - 2014
Directed by Steve James
Being a longtime reader and idolizer of Roger Ebert, I was very excited to hear about this film in the first place. Equal parts informative, funny, and emotional, this is the documentary I've been wanting for quite some time.
45. Pacific Rim - 2013
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Giant robots and aliens slugging it out over the fate of the Earth. A massive set-up with awesome visuals that never cease to amaze. Easily one of Del Toro's most entertaining movies -- which is saying something.
44. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale - 2010
Directed by Jalmari Helander
Darkly humorous and with a heave dose of folklore, this obscure Christmas movie takes a much different approach than you would expect from a Santa-themed horror film. Incredibly imaginative, bizarre, and completely one-of-a-kind.
43. Moneyball - 2011
Directed by Bennett Miller
Although I've never been a fan of sports films, I am a fan of baseball, and this is the best baseball movie I've ever seen. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill's performances are great, the story is interesting, and successfully manages to pack an emotional punch by the ending.
42. The Descendants - 2011
Directed by Alexander Payne
One of Payne's stronger efforts and featuring one of George Clooney's best performances, this is a comedic drama that's difficult not to like. The Hawaiian setting helps it stand apart, giving the movie a unique look and feel.
41. The Skin I Live In - 2011
Directed by Pedro Almodovar
Crazy, challenging, and unpredictable, this film is completely unique. With great performances, writing, and camerawork, Almodovar has never been this daring or deranged before. And I loved it.
40. The Cabin In The Woods - 2012
Directed by Drew Goddard
A horror-comedy that totally turns the genre on its head. Thanks to great writing, fun performances, and an excellent set-up, this movie delivers on both scares and surprises. This movie will change the way you watch horror movies.
39. Holy Motors - 2012
Directed by Leos Carax
Visually incredible and an excellent showcase for the acting talents of Denis Lavant, this is a semi-episodic, surrealist fantasy-drama that never ceases to amaze and impress me. Totally imaginative and unique in more ways than one.
38. Frankenweenie - 2012
Directed by Tim Burton
.jpg)
Before this movie came along, I had all but written off Tim Burton. In the very least, this stop-motion remake of Burton's own short film is funny, charming, and a great reminder that despite having made some awful movies over the past 10+ years, Tim Burton is still one of the finest filmmakers in the business.
37. Inception - 2010
Directed by Christopher Nolan
A massive, surprisingly complex action blockbuster. Christopher Nolan may very well be the best mainstream director today, and this movie is great proof of that. Fueled by awesome visuals, great set designs, and a very memorable musical score (despite largely consisting of only two bassy notes), this is one of the best action movies of the decade.
36. Skyfall - 2012
Directed by Sam Mendes
Another great action film, this movie is the 23rd installment in the James Bond franchise, and easily one of the best yet. The entire cast (particularly Javier Bardem) give top-notch performances, the characters are surprisingly fleshed-out, and the music is great -- not to mention Roger Deakins' incredible cinematography, making this one of the most visually-pleasing movies of the decade.
35. Gravity - 2013
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron
And while on the subject of great visuals, let's talk about one of the most beautiful looking movies I've ever seen in my life. Absolutely breathtaking, while also being heart-stoppingly tense, this movie only suffers from a ho-hum script -- a flaw I am more than willing to forgive. CGI has never been better.
34. Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil - 2010
Directed by Eli Craig
Another movie (like The Cabin In The Woods) that toys with conventions of the horror genre, this movie tackles the subject in a less grandiose way, but handles it with a huge dose of humor, unbridled ridiculousness, and a surprising amount of heart. A very clever and effective satire.
33. Under The Skin - 2014
Directed by Jonathan Glazer
Though not what I would consider a "horror" film, this movie creeped me out and left a greater effect on me than most traditional horror movies I've seen. Johansson proves yet again why she is one of the best actresses out there, while the visuals, pacing, and characterization flesh out the rest of this unsettling sci/fi masterpiece.
32. The Raid 2 - 2014
Directed by Gareth Evans
Though it may not quite live up to the original, this elongated sequel still features the impressive cinematography and fight choreography found in the original, only now with even more action and silliness. By the end of this movie, I felt as exhausted as the characters were. A gripping, impressive, and chaotic action movie not to be missed by lovers of the genre.
31. Maniac - 2013
Directed by Frank Khalfoun
One of the most unsettling and disturbingly effective horror movies to come out in quite some time, this remake of the 1980 slasher more than lives up to the original and provides a vehicle for Elijah Wood to show off some impressive acting skills. Cringe-inducing gore intense violence, complete with a fantastic musical score and cool camerawork.
30. Shame - 2011
Directed by Steve McQueen
In case you haven't caught on yet, reader, I enjoy movies that leave a lasting impression. And when it comes to emotionally-draining film experiences, few directors are more adept than Steve McQueen. With fantastic writing and direction, as well as one of the greatest acting performances ever put on film (courtesy of Michael Fassbender), this is one of the darkest, most unrelentingly bleak movies I've ever seen.
29. The World's End - 2013
Directed by Edgar Wright
Despite it taking me several viewings to fully appreciate it, this final installment in Edgar Wright's loosely-connected "Cornetto Trilogy" just might be my favorite of the bunch. With just enough action and humor to balance it out, this movie manages to be intense, hilarious, emotional, and ceaselessly clever. Simon Pegg deserves more roles like this.
28. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - 2011
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Slow-paced, brilliantly acted, incredibly complex, and subtle to the point of near-perfection, this '70s-esque drama is one of the most effective spy movies ever made. Fantastic cinematography, music, and editing, with Gary Oldman giving one of the best performances of his career, this is a movie that only improves over time. Don't just watch it once.
27. The LEGO Movie - 2014
Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
The unstoppable duo of Lord & Miller prove once again why they are two of the most sought-after writer/directors out there, turning a base idea that could have easily been horrible and making it into one of the best animated films of the past decade. Fun, imaginative, and a complete surprise in many ways, this is a kids movie that anyone with half a brain (or a heart) should enjoy.
26. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Pt. II - 2011
Directed by David Yates
The dark, emotional, and fulfilling climax to an 8-movie-long series spanning a decade. The set-up is massive, the acting is fantastic, the cinematography, special effects, makeup, and musical score (which took a dramatic shift from the jovial nature that the series started with) are all completely top-notch in every way. This movie took every good element from the 7 films leading up to it, and delivered one of the most satisfying conclusions any series has ever given us -- all of which it manages to achieve in a shorter running time than any of its predecessors. Simply amazing.
No comments:
Post a Comment