Awards Insights

Tag: 2010-2019

Future Hollywood Classics of the 2010s
[Update: 6/11/21 – Due to a comment, I have added Ex Machina to the list as I realized that it perfectly fits the criteria I have laid out and I can’t think of any reason it should not be included.]

What is a classic movie?

Classics aren’t always the greatest films and this is not a “greatest films of the 2010s list” (for that go here). My definition of a classic would be a film that has become a mainstay in popular culture either through widespread rewatches or through references in other forms of popular culture. They don’t necessarily have to be good films (even though for this list I’ll only focus on movies that are generally thought of to be good, sorry “Cats”), but usually the reason a film has staying power is because of it being either very entertaining, very successful, or very impactful (which is kind of vague, I know, but what I mean by this is that the film has a strong emotional impact).

I am only going to focus on films that are are “Hollywood” films made with Hollywood actors and/or at a Hollywood studio (so that excludes foreign-language films like ‘Parasite’, ‘A Separation’ or ‘The Hunt’ which all would have otherwise been on this list). Using all of the criteria that I have laid out so far some classics from the 90s would be: (in no specific order)
- Goodfellas (1990)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Schindler’s List (1993)
- Fargo (1996)
- Unforgiven (1992)
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
- The Matrix (1999)
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Fight Club (1999)
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Toy Story (1995)
- Se7en (1995)
- Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- American Beauty (1999)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Scream (1996)
- Clueless (1995)
- The Lion King (1994)
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Good Will Hunting (1997)
- Titanic (1997)
- Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
- Trainspotting (1996)
- Beauty and the Beast (1991)
- Edward Scissorhands (1990)
- The Truman Show (1998)
- Braveheart (1995)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Leon: The Professional (1994)
- 12 Monkeys (1995)
- Heat (1995)
- Home Alone (1990)
- A Few Good Men (1992)
- Jerry Maguire (1996)
- The Blair Witch Project (1999)
This, for example, would be my list if I was compiling the classics of the 90s as they are mix of blockbusters, dramas, and comedies that have persisted through time and remain a significant part of popular culture today as they are oft-referenced by the general movie-watching public.

With my list, I want to find movies from the 2010s that I believe are likely to have the same amount of popular culture significance that these films have had 20+ years after they were released.

So without further ado, here are my picks.

2010

Black Swan

‘Black Swan’ (Searchlight)

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Synopsis: “A committed dancer struggles to maintain her sanity after winning the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”.” (From IMDb)

Other than featuring an Oscar-winning turn from Natalie Portman, inspired direction from Darren Aronofsky, and themes of self-destructive obsession, “Black Sawn” is also, far and away, the most well-known film that centers around ballet (its closest competitor is probably “The Red Shoes”). With that distinction, when many people think of ballet, they will think of this movie (for better or worse) and that, in addition to the film’s own merit, will sustain its popularity for years to come.

Inception

‘Inception’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Synopsis: “A thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O (Cillian Murphy).” (From IMDb)

An amazing sci-fi thriller that stays in your mind long after the credits roll, “Inception” is a high-concept and ambitious film that achieves what it sets out to on multiple levels. The originality of the film’s conceit combined with its immense entertainment value will make sure that this film is well-remembered and still watched decades from now.

Shutter Island

‘Shutter Island’ (Paramount)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Synopsis: “In 1954, a U.S. Marshal (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigates the disappearance of a murderer who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane.” (From IMDb).

A very memorable experience filled with mystery, “Shutter Island” will probably be remembered as a great thriller by a master of suspense filled with shocking twists and turns.

The Social Network

‘The Social Network’ (Columbia)

Directed by: David Fincher

Synopsis: “As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins (Armie Hammer) who claimed he stole their idea, and by the co-founder (Andrew Garfield) who was later squeezed out of the business.” (From IMDb).

A modern classic in every sense, “The Social Network” will continue to be relevant even if Facebook ceases to become the behemoth it is today as the film really could be applied to any story about greed and power. However, as the Internet age shows no signs of ending any time soon, this film will continue to have especially immense relevance.

Toy Story 3

‘Toy Story 3’ (Disney/Pixar)

Directed by: Lee Unkrich

Synopsis: “The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy (John Morris) leaves for college, and it’s up to Woody (Tom Hanks) to convince the other toys that they weren’t abandoned and to return home.” (From IMDb).

The best film from the greatest animated trilogy of all-time, “Toy Story 3” is a perfect coming-of-age movie that deals with growing up and letting go in a very intimate way. This is a movie that parents will be showing their kids for years and years so it is destined to become a classic (if it already isn’t one).

2011

Bridesmaids

‘Bridesmaids’ (Universal)

Directed by: Paul Feig

Synopsis: “Competition between the maid of honor (Kristen Wiig) and a bridesmaid (Rose Byrne), over who is the bride’s (Maya Rudolph) best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef.” (From IMDb).

Of the pure comedies from this decade, “Bridesmaids” is probably the most fondly remembered. It is already an oft-referenced movie that launched the film careers of Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig, two people who have cemented themselves as two of this decade’s biggest names in comedy.

Drive

‘Drive’ (FilmDistrict)

Directed by: Nicholas Winding Refn

Synopsis: “A mysterious Hollywood stuntman and mechanic (Ryan Gosling) moonlights as a getaway driver and finds himself in trouble when he helps out his neighbor (Carey Mulligan).” (From IMDb).

A film that is primed for strong cult classic status, “Drive” is a stylish film with a terrific synth-laden soundtrack that boasts a Ryan Gosling performance that catapulted him from indie darling to mainstream star. This adrenaline rush of a film will be a pop culture mainstay for all those reasons and more.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: David Yates

Synopsis: “Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) search for Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.” (From IMDb).

The satisfying final film of one of the most popular film franchises of all-time, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is generally considered to be the best film in the franchise (I think ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ is slightly better but…) and is a rare example of a franchise conclusion done in a way that appeases die-hard fans, casual moviegoers, and critics alike.

The Tree of Life

‘The Tree of Life’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Directed by: Terrence Malick

Synopsis: “The story of a family in Waco, Texas in 1956. The eldest son (Hunter McCracken) witnesses the loss of innocence and struggles with his parents’ (Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain) conflicting teachings.” (From IMDb)

While it is seen as a quintessential “critics’ film” by the general public, “The Tree of Life” the divisive film will be remembered by those who have been profoundly affected by its’ stunning ambition, philosophical themes, and beautiful imagery. It is a pure art-house film made with A-list actors like Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn and, as a result, it made over $50 million dollars worldwide, which is outstanding for a film like this. Critics will definitely remember this film and general audience will as well as, due to the A-list talent, many of them experienced a kind of film that was vastly different than anything they had seen before.

2012

Django Unchained

‘Django Unchained’ (The Weinstein Company)

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Synopsis: “With the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), a freed slave (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio).” (From IMDb).

Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist western, “Django Unchained” is the best western of the decade and continues the sacred Hollywood tradition of the western into the future. The great cast is also full of performers that had great success during this decade and that could propel this film into the pop culture canon as well.

The Master

‘The Master’ (The Weinstein Company)

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Synopsis: A Naval veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

Led by two astonishingly intense performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, “The Master” is a deeply psychological exploration and character study that deals with cults (Hoffman’s character is based on Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard) and PTSD.

2013

12 Years a Slave

’12 Years A Slave’ (Fox Searchlight)

Directed by: Steve McQueen

Synopsis: “In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.” (From IMDb).

A movie that is starting to be shown in some high school history classes, “12 Years a Slave” is a brutally realistic and necessary film that will be looked at as the most important film about slavery.

Frozen

‘Frozen’ (Disney)

Directed by: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

Synopsis: “When the newly crowned Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) accidentally uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in infinite winter, her sister Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with a mountain man (Jonathan Groff), his playful reindeer, and a snowman (Josh Gad) to change the weather condition.” (From IMDb).

The highest grossing animated film that is not a sequel, spinoff, or remake, “Frozen” was by far the most popular movie among a generation of kids for a year. The film’s massive popularity and rabid fanbase is indicative of the fact that this film is a certified Gen Z classic.

Her

‘Her’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Spike Jonze

Synopsis: In a near future, a lonely writer (Joaquin Phoenix) develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system (Scarlett Johansson) designed to meet his every need.

This decade’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, “Her” (like that fellow romantic drama with a sci-fi twist) is destined to be a classic. This film will likely become even more relevant as its depiction of a man’s relationship with an operating system may be prophetic as advances in artificial intelligence continue.

The Wolf of Wall Street

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (Paramount)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Synopsis: “Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.” (From IMDb).

An exhilarating portrait of the greed and excess seen on Wall Street, “The Wolf of Wall Street” has one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s greatest performances and is an exciting cautionary tale that keeps the audience’s attention for all three hours of its runtime.

2014

Birdman

‘Birdman’ (Searchlight)

Directed by: Alejandro G. Inarittu

Synopsis: “A washed-up superhero actor (Michael Keaton) attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.” (From IMDb).

An artistic tour-de-force that is also a critique of the formulaicness of many modern Hollywood films, “Birdman” is a Best Picture winner that will age well due to its adventurous energy and creativity. This film is oftentimes very meta and features fantastic performances from Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, and Edward Norton.

Boyhood

‘Boyhood’ (IFC Films)

Directed by: Richard Linklater

Synopsis: “The life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), from early childhood to his arrival at college.” (From IMDb).

This decade’s ultimate American coming-of-age film (with “Moonlight” being its closest contender), “Boyhood” is really a slice of life film that sheds a light on the maturation years of a generation. That factor ensures that the film will be a nostalgia trip for millions and what is a classic but a nostalgia trip?

Ex Machina

‘Ex Machina’ (A24)

Directed by: Alex Garland

Synopsis: “A young programmer (Domnhall Gleeson) is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I. (Alicia Vikander)” (From IMDb).

As AI continues to become more prevalent and relevant in our society, “Ex Machina” will likely be deemed prescient which is an adjective that cements a sci-fi film’s place in the genre’s canon. The brilliant and thrilling story from Alex Garland is brought to life by a trio of great performances from Domnhall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander (in the performance that should of won her her Oscar instead of The Danish Girl).

Gone Girl

‘Gone Girl’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: David Fincher

Synopsis: “With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent.” (From IMDb).

Mystery thrillers often become classics because they are exciting films and are serious enough for people to feel proud that they enjoyed them. That pride often leads to mystery thrillers becoming classics through positive word-of-mouth from adult film enthusiasts. “Gone Girl” will likely follow this trend and become a classic through this word-of mouth.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (Searchlight)

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Synopsis: “A writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy (Tony Revolori) in the hotel’s glorious years under an exceptional concierge (Ralph Fiennes).” (From IMDb).

The most accessible film from one of the most well-known indie directors, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is (arguably) Wes Anderson’s masterpiece and boasts one of the most impressive casts ever put on screen.

Interstellar

‘Interstellar’ (Paramount)

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Synopsis: “A team of explorers (Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Wes Bentley, and David Gyasi) travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity’s survival.” (From IMDb).

An addition to the bounty of thought-provoking science-fiction films we saw this decade, “Interstellar” is an intelligent and emotional member of that canon. The novelty of some of the ideas in the film and their presentation in an accessible and entertaining way will make sure this film is remembered.

Nightcrawler

‘Nightcrawler’ (Open Road)

Directed by: Dan Gilroy

Synopsis: “When Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.” (From IMDb).

Anchored by a manic performance from Jake Gyllenhaal and an intelligent screenplay from Dan Gilroy, “Nightcrawler” is a dark satire about the state of journalism today that cements itself as part of the LA-noir canon that includes such classics as Chinatown, Heat, and LA Confidential.

Whiplash

‘Whiplash’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Synopsis: “A promising young drummer (Miles Teller) enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor (J.K. Simmons) who will stop at nothing to realize a student’s potential.” (From IMDb).

An intense and unforgettable experience to behold, “Whiplash” is about a drummer’s quest to be the greatest but the themes can be applied to any person with a drive to be the best in their field.

2015

Inside Out

‘Inside Out’ (Disney/Pixar)

Directed by: Pete Docter

Synopsis: “After young Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.” (From IMDb).

With a coming-of-age story that will resonate forever, “Inside Out” teaches kids that it’s OK to be sad and the emotion that the film provides while delivering that message will ensure that parents that needed this film when they were preteens will share it with their kids when they need it as well.

Mad Max: Fury Road

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: George Miller

Synopsis: “In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman (Charlize Theron) rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper, and a drifter named Max (Tom Hardy).” (From IMDb).

An action film that never stops and throws its audience through 120 minutes of top-notch action without taking a breath, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is one-of-a-kind experience that feels like a film that people will revisit over an over again in order to get that unique adrenaline rush you only can get from watching a great action film.

The Martian

‘The Martian’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Synopsis: “An astronaut (Matt Damon) becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.” (From IMDb).

A movie that was applauded for its realism, “The Martian” will be remembered for that and more as it is a well-told story with a great central performance from Matt Damon. As space exploration becomes more advanced this film may become prophetic.

Spotlight

‘Spotlight’ (Open Road)

Directed by: Tom McCarthy

Synopsis: “When the Boston Globe’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.” (From IMDb).

A film that demonstrates the utmost importance of the free press, Best Picture winner “Spotlight” is a celebration of investigative journalism, and therefore truth.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (Disney)

Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Synopsis: “As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey (Daisy Ridley), a desert scavenger, and Finn (John Boyega), an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to search for the one hope of restoring peace.” (From IMDb).

The least controversial chapter (and it definitely is controversial) of the sequel trilogy for Star Wars fans, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” remains the highest-grossing film in the United States which is a testament to the monumental impact it made back in 2015. It, more than any of the other films in the sequel trilogy, feels like a classic Star Wars film and that combination of nostalgia and new, dynamic characters will make this film persist for years to come.

2016

Arrival

‘Arrival’ (Paramount)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Synopsis: “A linguist (Amy Adams) works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecrafts appear around the world.” (From IMDb).

A thoughtful scifi-drama with an emotional gut-punch of an ending, “Arrival” is quiet but engaging and contemplative but suspenseful. The attention to detail that went into the film (the filmmakers made a fully functioning alien language) is astounding and will likely be talked about as part of the film trivia canon for decades. Also, Amy Adams was massively snubbed by the Oscars that year.

Deadpool

‘Deadpool’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: Tim Miller

Synopsis: “A wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal but ugly, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.” (From IMDb).

The movie that catapulted Ryan Reynolds into the realm of near-universal likability, “Deadpool” is a hilariously vulgar take down of the superhero genre and features a hilarious turn from Reynolds and a smart screenplay from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. As this decade will likely be known as the decade where the superhero genre completely took over the mainstream, movies like “Deadpool” that subverted the genre while staying firmly inside of it will be remembered for being distinctive and successful.

La La Land

‘La La Land’ (Lionsgate)

Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Synopsis: “While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an actress (Emma Stone) fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.” (From IMDb).

The greatest Hollywood film musical of the decade, “La La Land” is an emotional rollercoaster with stunning (and now iconic) imagery from Linus Sandgren and a fantastic musical score from Justin Hurwitz. The film harkens back to the classic Hollywood tradition of film musicals while adding satisfying contemporary touches: a combination that will make the film timeless.

Moonlight

‘Moonlight’ (A24)

Directed by: Barry Jenkins

Synopsis: “A young African-American man (Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes) grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.” (From IMDb).

Evocative and lyrical, “Moonlight” is an astonishing film with incredible cinematography from James Laxton, an amazing score from “Succession” composer Nicholas Britell, and a bevy of marvelous performances from the whole cast (especially Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and Trevante Rhodes). This film is a necessary addition to the coming-of-age canon and will persist for decades.

2017

Blade Runner 2049

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Synopsis: “Young Blade Runner K’s (Ryan Gosling) discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former Blade Runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who’s been missing for thirty years.” (From IMDb).

The years-in-the-making sequel to what is arguably the most acclaimed sci-fi film of all time, “Blade Runner 2049” had impossible expectations to meet yet somehow managed to end up satisfying the majority of fans. That is a major feat that will help Villenueve’s film endure as an achievement on its own.

Call Me By Your Name

‘Call Me By Your Name’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

Directed by: Luca Guadagnino

Synopsis: “In 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student (Timothee Chalamet) and the older man (Armie Hammer) hired as his father’s research assistant.” (From IMDb).

A beautifully-shot (courtesy of Sayombhu Mukdeeprom) tale of young love, “Call Me By Your Name” is Luca Guadagnino’s masterpiece and features magnificent performances from Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer, and Michael Stuhlbarg. It also contains a few Sufjan Stevens songs, “Mystery of Love” being one of my all-time favorites.

Coco

‘Coco’ (Disney/Pixar)

Directed by: Lee Unkrich

Synopsis: “Aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.” (From IMDb).

Probably one of the legendary animation studio’s more underrated films, “Coco” continues Pixar’s streak of effortlessly entertaining yet thoughtful original films. Films like “Inside Out”, “Coco”, and “Soul” bring that classic Pixar magic to a new generation of kids who will grow up and share those experiences with their kids.

Get Out

‘Get Out’ (Universal)

Directed by: Jordan Peele

Synopsis: “A young African-American (Daniel Kaluuya) visits his white girlfriend’s (Alison Williams) parents (Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener) for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.” (From IMDb).

Biting in its satire and shocking in its horror, “Get Out” has hilarious moments and just as often has moments of pure terror. This film from sketch-comedy master Jordan Peele is an accessible but intelligent examination of modern-day racism and fake “wokeness”.

It

‘It’ (New Line Cinema)

Directed by: Andy Muschietti

Synopsis: “In the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.” (From IMDb).

The highest-grossing horror film ever, “It” made a surprise splash when it was released in 2017 and became the kind of pervasive cultural object that the annual Marvel film often is. Accessible but scary, was one of the most-talked about films of 2017 (“Get Out” would also fit this description, probably to a greater extent), something a horror film hadn’t been since “The Ring” in 2002.

Lady Bird

‘Lady Bird’ (A24)

Directed by: Greta Gerwig

Synopsis: “In 2002, an artistically inclined seventeen-year-old girl (Saoirse Ronan) comes of age in Sacramento, California.” (From IMDb).

Featuring spectacular and Oscar-worthy performances from Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird” is a poignant, hilarious, and beautiful portrait of a young woman’s coming of age. The ensemble is full of remarkable young actors (Timothee Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, and Beanie Feldstein) who are destined to become bigger stars in Hollywood.

Logan

‘Logan’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: James Mangold

Synopsis: “In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) leads a quiet life. But when Laura (Dafne Keen), a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.” (From IMDb).

A “comic-book movie” that feels more like a Western, “Logan” is one of the most poignant superhero films of this century and features great performances from Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and the newcomer Dafne Keen. Patrick Stewart was actually nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Critics Choice Awards, something that is extremely rare for a superhero film performance to do (its only happened thrice, in 2017 for Stewart, in 2008 for Heath Ledger who won as well, and in 2018 for Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Black Panther, which happens to also be on this list).

2018

Black Panther

‘Black Panther’ (Marvel)

Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Synopsis: “T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.” (From IMDb).

A film that rises above its superhero movie trappings, “Black Panther” is a visionary Afrofuturist marvel that touched on socioeconomic issues while providing exhilarating action sequences. R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman.

Hereditary

‘Hereditary’ (A24)

Directed by: Ari Aster

Synopsis: “A grieving family (Toni Colette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro) is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.” (From IMDb).

A future cult classic, “Hereditary” will join the best of its genre with its top-notch supernatural horror empowered by Aster’s mastery of atmosphere. Toni Colette’s performance will also be remembered as a symbol of the Academy’s long-standing bias against horror film performances as she was not nominated even with dozens of awards accrued throughout the season.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (Sony/Marvel)

Directed by: Bob Persichietti, Pete Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman

Synopsis:

Probably my personal favorite superhero film of the decade, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a stunningly animated and emotionally impactful film that somehow finds a fresh way to tell the classic superhero origin story. Hilarious and heartwarming, this one of the best films of the decade, animated or not.

2019

1917

‘1917’ (Universal)

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Synopsis: “April 6th, 1917. As a regiment assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers (Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay) are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.” (From IMDb).

With stunning cinematography from the incomparable Roger Deakins, “1917” is an immersive and extraordinary war film that puts the audience in the shows of two World War I soldiers with the aid of long takes (the majority of the film is made to look like one unbroken shot), fantastic camerawork from Deakins, and solid performances from the cast.

Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (Marvel)

Directed by: Anthony and Joe Russo

Synopsis: “The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos (Josh Brolin) before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. After the devastating events of ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe.” (From IMDb).

Both in the top 5 all-time when it comes to worldwide box office gross, “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” were the biggest movies of the 2010s and that fact alone certifies their place as classics that will be oft-referenced and oft-discussed especially since the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows no signs of stopping.

Joker

‘Joker’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Todd Phillips

Synopsis: “In Gotham City, mentally troubled comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: the Joker.” (From IMDb).

A dark and gritty comic book film that draws more inspiration from Scorsese and Lumet than from Burton and Snyder, “Joker” was the origin story that the iconic villain deserved with an Oscar-winning performance from the chameleonic Joaquin Phoenix at its core.

Knives Out

‘Knives Out’ (Lionsgate)

Directed by: Rian Johnson

Synopsis: “A detective (Daniel Craig) investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.” (From IMDb).

A throwback whodunit that touches on very current themes, “Knives Out” is a delightfully fun murder mystery that you’ll want to watch and watch again. The stacked ensemble cast are all in strong form crafting distinct and quirky characters that are a joy to experience.

Uncut Gems

‘Uncut Gems’ (A24)

Directed by: Josh and Benny Safdie

Synopsis: “With his debts mounting and angry collectors closing in, a fast-talking New York City jeweler (Adam Sandler) risks everything in hope of staying afloat and alive.”

As one of the stated requirements of this list is that a chosen film has to be “generally thought of to be good”, it maybe a surprise to some that an Adam Sandler film has been included. However, “Uncut Gems” is not a normal Sandler project and will be recognized as a fantastic departure from the norm for one of the most famous comedians working today.

Cover image source

Find where these movies are available to watch at JustWatch
June 8, 2021
Greatest Films of the Decade (2010-2019) 50-26

Happy New Year!

Let’s start off the new year by continuing the Greatest Films of the 2010s. Here’s to countless more amazing films in the decade to come!

50. The Martian

‘The Martian’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: Ridley Scott

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. (20th Century Fox)

49. Zootopia

‘Zootopia’ (Disney)

Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop (Ginnifer Goodwin) and a cynical con artist fox (Jason Bateman) must work together to uncover a conspiracy. (IMDb)

48. The LEGO Movie

‘The LEGO Movie’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

“The LEGO (R) Movie” is the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO (R) adventure. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet (Chris Pratt) an ordinary, rules- following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. (Warner Bros)

47. The Big Sick

‘The Big Sick’ (Amazon Studios)

Directed by: Michael Showalter

Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail Nanjiani) and grad student Emily Gardner (Zoe Kazan) fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings. (IMDb)

46. Argo

‘Argo’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Ben Affleck

Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis-the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies. (Warner Bros.)

45. Nebraska

‘Nebraska’ (Paramount Pictures)

Directed by: Alexander Payne

An aging, booze-addled father (Bruce Dern) makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son (Will Forte) in order to claim a million-dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize. (IMDb)

44. Hell or High Water

‘Hell or High Water’ (Film 44)

Directed by: David Mackenzie

Texas brothers–Toby (Chris Pine), and Tanner (Ben Foster), come together after years divided to rob branches of the bank threatening to foreclose on their family land. For them, the hold-ups are just part of a last-ditch scheme to take back a future that seemed to have been stolen from under them. Justice seems to be theirs, until they find themselves on the radar of Texas Ranger, Marcus (Jeff Bridges) looking for one last grand pursuit on the eve of his retirement, and his half-Comanche partner, Alberto (Gil Birmingham). As the brothers plot a final bank heist to complete their scheme, and with the Rangers on their heels, a showdown looms at the crossroads where the values of the Old and New West murderously collide. (Rotten Tomatoes)

43. Arrival

‘Arrival’ (21 Laps Entertainment)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team–lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams)–are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers–and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity. (Rotten Tomatoes)

42. Moonrise Kingdom

‘Moonrise Kingdom’ (Focus Features)

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds (Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman) who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore — and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. (Focus Features)

41. Lady Bird

‘Lady Bird’ (A24)

Directed by: Greta Gerwig

Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird’s father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. (Rotten Tomatoes)

40. Paddington 2

‘Paddington 2’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Paul King

Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton’s) 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. (StudioCanal)

39. Short Term 12

‘Short Term 12’ (Cinedigm)

Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton

A 20-something supervising staff member (Brie Larson) of a residential treatment facility navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend (John Gallagher Jr.). (IMDb)

38. The Florida Project

‘The Florida Project’ (A24)

Directed by: Sean Baker

Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother (Bria Vinaite), all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World. (A24)

37. The Irishman

‘The Irishman’ (Netflix)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

This biographical crime thriller follows Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) as he recalls his past years working for the Bufalino crime family. Now older, the WWII veteran once again reflects on his most prolific hits and, in particular, considers his involvement with his good friend Jimmy Hoffa’s (Al Pacino) disappearance in 1975. (Rotten Tomatoes)

36. Get Out

‘Get Out’ (Universal Pictures)

Directed by: Jordan Peele

Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener) and Dean (Bradley Whitford). At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined. (Rotten Tomatoes)

35. The King’s Speech

‘The King’s Speech’ (The Weinstein Company)

Directed by: Tom Hooper

After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle. (The Weinstein Company)

34. Coco

‘Coco’ (Disney/Pixar)

Directed by: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. (Disney/Pixar)

33. The Handmaiden

‘The Handmaiden’ (CJ Entertainment)

Directed by: Park Chan-Wook

1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sookee (Kim Tae-Ri), is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Hideko (Kim Min-Hee), who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle (Cho Jin-Woong). But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions. (CJ Entertainment)

32. Django Unchained

‘Django Unchained’ (The Weinstein Company)

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago. Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. (The Weinstein Company)

31. Roma

‘Roma’ (Netflix)

Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron

A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid (Yalitza Aparicio) in Mexico City in the early 1970s. (IMDb)

ROMA is Alfonso Cuaron’s semi-autobiographical take on life in 1970s Mexico in the midst of political and domestic upheaval.

30. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: David Yates

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) search for Voldemort’s (Ralph Fiennes) remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts. (IMDb)

29. A Prophet

‘A Prophet’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

Directed by: Jacques Audiard

Condemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim), part Arab, part Corsican, cannot read or write. Arriving at the jail entirely alone, he appears younger and more fragile than the other convicts. He is 19 years old. Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang (Niels Arestrup) currently ruling the prison, he is given a number of “missions” to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader’s confidence in the process. Malik is a fast learner and rises up the prison ranks, all the while secretly devising his own plans. (Rotten Tomatoes)

28. The Grand Budapest Hotel

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Directed by: Wes Anderson

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. (Fox Searchlight)

27. The Artist

‘The Artist’ (The Weinstein Company)

Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

Hollywood 1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), it seems the sky’s the limit – major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies. (The Weinstein Company)

26. Under the Skin

‘Under the Skin’ (A24)

Directed by: Jonathan Glazer

A woman of unknown origin (Scarlett Johansson) combs the highways in search of isolated or forsaken men, luring a succession of lost souls into an otherworldly lair. They are seduced, stripped of their humanity, and never heard from again. (Rotten Tomatoes)

January 2, 2020
Greatest Films of the Decade (2010-2019) 75-51

75. Guardians of the Galaxy

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (Marvel)

Directed by: James Gunn

Brash adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan (Lee Pace), a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits-Rocket (Bradley Cooper), a gun-toting raccoon, Groot (Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand-with the galaxy’s fate in the balance. (Walt Disney)

74. Blue is the Warmest Color

‘Blue is the Warmest Color’ (IFC Films)

Directed by: Abdellatif Kechiche

Adèle’s (Adele Exarc life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire and to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adèle grows, seeks herself, loses herself, and ultimately finds herself through love and loss. (IMDb)

73. Avengers: Endgame

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (Marvel Studios)

Directed by: Anthony and Joe Russo

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe. (IMDb)

72. Incendies

‘Incendies’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Twin siblings uncover a shocking family secret after they agree to their mother’s dying wish: to locate the father they thought was dead, and a brother they never knew existed. (Amazon)

71. Inside Llewyn Davis

‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (CBS Films)

Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles-some of them of his own making. (CBS)

70. Blade Runner 2049

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. (Warner Bros.)

69. Captain Phillips

‘Captain Phillips’ (Sony Pictures)

Directed by: Paul Greengrass

The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama’s commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips’ unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control. (Sony Pictures)

68. Gone Girl

‘Gone Girl’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: David Fincher

On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? (20th Century Fox)

67. Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

‘Once Upon a Time in Anatolia’ (The Cinema Guild)

Directed by: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

In the dead of night, a group of men – including a police commissioner, a prosecutor, a doctor and a murder suspect – drive through the tenebrous Anatolian countryside, the serpentine roads and rolling hills lit only by the headlights of their cars. They are searching for a corpse, the victim of a brutal murder. The suspect, who claims he was drunk, can’t remember where he buried the body. As the night draws on, details about the murder emerge and the investigators’ own secrets and hypocrisies come to light. In the Anatolian steppes, nothing is what it seems; and when the body is found, the real questions begin. (The Cinema Guild)

66. Logan

‘Logan’ (20th Century Fox)

Directed by: James Mangold

In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) leads a quiet life. But when Laura (Dafne Keen), a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety. (IMDb)

65. Birdman

‘Birdman’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Directed by: Alejandro G. Inarritu

BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero – as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself. (Fox Searchlight)

64. Dallas Buyers Club

‘Dallas Buyers Club’ (Focus Features)

Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallee

Matthew McConaughey stars in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB as real-life Texas cowboy Ron Woodroof, whose free-wheeling life was overturned in 1985 when he was diagnosed as HIV-positive and given 30 days to live. These were the early days of the AIDS epidemic, and the U.S. was divided over how to combat the virus. Ron, now shunned and ostracized by many of his old friends, and bereft of government-approved effective medicines, decided to take matters in his own hands, tracking down alternative treatments from all over the world by means both legal and illegal. Bypassing the establishment, the entrepreneurial Woodroof joined forces with an unlikely band of renegades and outcasts – who he once would have shunned – and established a hugely successful “buyers’ club.” Their shared struggle for dignity and acceptance is a uniquely American story of the transformative power of resilience. (Focus Features)

63. Gangs of Wasseypur

‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (Studio 18)

Directed by: Anurag Kashyap

Towards the end of colonial India, Shahid Khan (Jaideep Ahlawat) loots the British trains, impersonating the legendary Sultana Daku. Now outcast, Shahid becomes a worker at Ramadhir Singh’s colliery, only to spur a revenge battle that passes on to generations. At the turn of the decade, Shahid’s son, the philandering Sardar Khan (Manoj Bajpayee) vows to get his father’s honor back, becoming the most feared man of Wasseypur. (Studio 18)

62. Moneyball

‘Moneyball’ (Sony Pictures)

Directed by: Bennett Miller

Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s and the guy who assembles the team, who has an epiphany: all of baseball’s conventional wisdom is wrong. Forced to reinvent his team on a tight budget, Beane will have to outsmart the richer clubs. The onetime jock teams with Ivy League grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) in an unlikely partnership, recruiting bargain players that the scouts call flawed, but all of whom have an ability to get on base, score runs, and win games. It’s more than baseball, it’s a revolution – one that challenges old school traditions and puts Beane in the crosshairs of those who say he’s tearing out the heart and soul of the game. (Sony Pictures)

The film boasts a magnificent screenplay from a dream duo of Steven Zaillan (Schindler’s List, The Irishman) and Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, Steve Jobs), and for any lover of sports analysis and statistics, this is the movie for you.

61. The Hunt

‘The Hunt’ (Magnolia Pictures)

Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg

Mads Mikkelsen won the Best Actor Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival for his penetrating portrayal of Lucas, a former school teacher who has been forced to start over having overcome a tough divorce and the loss of his job. Just as things are starting to go his way, his life is shattered when an untruthful remark throws his small community into a collective state of hysteria. As the lie spreads, Lucas is forced to fight a lonely fight for his life and dignity. (Magnolia)

60. Nightcrawler

‘Nightcrawler’ (Open Road Films)

Directed by: Dan Gilroy

NIGHTCRAWLER is a pulse-pounding thriller set in the nocturnal underbelly of contemporary Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a driven young man desperate for work who discovers the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism. Finding a group of freelance camera crews who film crashes, fires, murder and other mayhem, Lou muscles into the cut-throat, dangerous realm of nightcrawling — where each police siren wail equals a possible windfall and victims are converted into dollars and cents. Aided by Rene Russo as Nina, a veteran of the blood-sport that is local TV news, Lou thrives. In the breakneck, ceaseless search for footage, he becomes the star of his own story. (Open Road)

59. Selma

‘Selma’ (Paramount Pictures)

Directed by: Ava DuVernay

SELMA is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA tells the real story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. (Paramount)

58. Eighth Grade

‘Eighth Grade’ (A24)

Directed by: Bo Burnham

Thirteen-year-old Kayla (Elsie Fisher) endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school—the end of her thus far disastrous eighth grade year—before she begins high school. (A24)

57. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (Disney)

Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Three decades after the Empire’s defeat, a new threat arises in the militant First Order. Defected stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) and the scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley) are caught up in the Resistance’s search for the missing Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). (IMDb)

56. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (Paramount Pictures)

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) chooses to save his team over completing a mission, allowing stolen plutonium to fall into the wrong hands. Now, he must partner with a hard-hitting CIA agent (Henry Cavill) in a race against time to stop a nuclear threat. (Amazon)

55. The Favourite

‘The Favourite’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos

Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way. (Rotten Tomatoes)

54. Sing Street

‘Sing Street’ (Likely Story)

Directed by: John Carney

SING STREET takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina (Lucy Boynton), and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. There’s only one problem: he’s not part of a band…yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised – calling himself “Cosmo” and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. (Likely Story)

53. A Star is Born

‘A Star is Born’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Bradley Cooper

Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers-and falls in love with-struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer – until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. (Warner Bros.)

52. Burning

‘Burning’ (Well Go USA)

Directed by: Chang-Dong Lee

Jong-su (Ah-in Yoo) bumps into a girl (Jong-Seo Jun) who used to live in the same neighborhood, who asks him to look after her cat while she’s on a trip to Africa. When back, she introduces Ben (Steven Yeun), a mysterious guy she met there, who confesses his secret hobby. (

51. The Wolf of Wall Street

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (Paramount Studios)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

From the American dream to corporate greed, Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s. Excess success and affluence in his early twenties as founder of the brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont warranted Belfort the title “The Wolf of Wall Street.” (Paramount)

December 30, 2019
Greatest Films of the Decade (2010-2019) 100-76

As the decade draws to a close, I want to look back at the most critically-acclaimed and most-loved films of the decade. (Note: Even though there were some spectacular documentaries and shorts released this decade, I am limiting this list to feature-length narrative films.)

100. Kubo and the Two Strings

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’

Directed by: Travis Knight

In a small village in an ancient mythical Japan, Kubo (Art Parkinson) and his magic shamisen unwittingly summon vengeful spirits who wish to harm him and his ailing mother. While on the run, he encounters magical creatures, and learns the truth of his earthly family’s connection to the heaven and stars. (LAIKA)

99. 127 Hours

‘127 Hours’ (Fox Searchlight)

Directed by: Danny Boyle

127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston (James Franco) examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he can be rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers, family, and the two hikers he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet? (Fox Searc

98. Hugo

‘Hugo’ (Paramount)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Hugo is the astonishing adventure of a wily and resourceful boy (Asa Butterfield) whose quest to unlock a secret left to him by his father will transform Hugo and all those around him, and reveal a safe and loving place he can call home. (Paramount Pictures)

97. Silver Linings Playbook

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (TWC)

Directed by: David O. Russell

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything – his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother and father after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet – and to share their family’s obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives. (The Weinstein Company)

96. Lincoln

‘Lincoln’ (Dreamworks)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come. (Disney)

95. Winter’s Bone

‘Winter’s Bone’ (Roadside Attractions)

Directed by: Debra Granik

In this unflinching noir drama, a resilient teen (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing, drug-dealing father when his absence threatens the family’s safety. (Netflix)

94. Midnight in Paris

‘Midnight in Paris’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

Directed by: Woody Allen

This is a romantic comedy set in Paris about a family that goes there because of business, and two young people who are engaged to be married in the fall have experiences there that change their lives. It’s about a young man’s great love for a city, Paris, and the illusion people have that a life different from theirs would be much better. (Sony Classics)

93. Ex Machina

‘Ex Machina’ (A24)

Directed by: Alex Garland

Caleb Smith (Domnhall Gleeson), a programmer at an internet-search giant, wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company’s brilliant and reclusive CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Upon his arrival, Caleb learns that Nathan has chosen him to be the human component in a Turing Test-charging him with evaluating the capabilities, and ultimately the consciousness, of Nathan’s latest experiment in artificial intelligence. That experiment is Ava (Alicia Vikander), a breathtaking A.I. whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated–and more deceptive–than the two men could have imagined. (A24)

92. Baby Driver

‘Baby Driver’ (Sony Pictures)

Directed by: Edgar Wright

A talented, young getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. But after being coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom. (Rotten Tomatoes)

91. Black Swan

‘Black Swan’ (Fox Searchlight)

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her obsessive former ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who exerts a suffocating control over her. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side – a recklessness that threatens to destroy her. (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

90. Ida

‘Ida’ (Music Box Films)

Directed by: Pawel Pawlikowski

18-year old Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska), a sheltered orphan raised in a convent, is preparing to become a nun when the Mother Superior insists she first visit her sole living relative. Naïve, innocent Anna soon finds herself in the presence of her aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza), a worldly and cynical Communist Party insider, who shocks her with the declaration that her real name is Ida and her Jewish parents were murdered during the Nazi occupation. This revelation triggers a heart-wrenching journey into the countryside, to the family house and into the secrets of the repressed past, evoking the haunting legacy of the Holocaust and the realities of postwar Communism. (Amazon)

89. Phantom Thread

‘Phantom Thread’ (Focus Features)

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Set in the glamour of 1950s post-war London, renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) are at the center of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutants, and dames with the distinct style of The House of Woodcock. Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love. (Focus Features)

88. True Grit

‘True Grit’ (Paramount Pictures)

Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen

Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, a man with “true grit,” Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). (Amazon)

87. The Great Beauty

‘The Great Beauty’ (Janus Films)

Directed by: Paolo Sorrentino

Journalist Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo) has charmed and seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades. Since the legendary success of his one and only novel, he has been a permanent fixture in the city’s literary and social circles, but when his sixty-fifth birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Jep finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries, and looking past the extravagant nightclubs, parties, and cafés to find Rome in all its glory: a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty. (Janus)

86. Son of Saul

‘Son of Saul’ (Sony Pictures Classics)

Directed by: Lazslo Nemes

In 1944 Auschwitz-Berkenau, Saul (Geza Rohrig) decides to carry out an impossible task: offer a proper burial for the body of a boy he takes for his son. (Amazon)

85. Carol

‘Carol’ (The Weinstein Company)

Directed by: Todd Haynes

In an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s seminal novel The Price of Salt, CAROL follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest story emerges to reveal the resilience of the heart in the face of change. A young woman in her 20s, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), is a clerk working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an alluring woman trapped in a loveless, convenient marriage. As an immediate connection sparks between them, the innocence of their first encounter dims and their connection deepens. While Carol breaks free from the confines of marriage, her husband (Kyle Chandler) begins to question her competence as a mother as her involvement with Therese and close relationship with her best friend Abby (Sarah Paulson) come to light. (The Weinstein Company)

84. The Fighter

‘The Fighter’ (Paramount Pictures)

Directed by: David O. Russell

Mark Wahlberg stars in Paramount Pictures’ inspirational docudrama exploring the remarkable rise of Massachusetts-born lightweight title winner “Irish” Micky Ward. A determined pugilist whose career in the ring was shepherded by his loyal half-brother, Dicky (Christian Bale) – a hard-living boxer-turned-trainer whose own career in the ring was nearly sent down for the count due to drugs and crime. (Amazon)

83. Creed

‘Creed’ (Warner Bros.)

Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Once in a City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky down and asks him to be his trainer.

82. Paterson

‘Paterson’ (Amazon Studios)

Directed by: Jim Jarmusch

A quiet observation of the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details.

81. Black Panther

‘Black Panther’ (Marvel Studios)

Directed by: Ryan Coogler

When young King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is drawn into conflict with an old foe that puts his homeland Wakanda and the entire world at risk, he must release Black Panther’s full power to save them. (Amazon)

80. Drive

‘Drive’ (FilmDistrict)

Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn

Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac). After a heist intended to pay off Standard’s protection money spins unpredictably out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals. But when he realizes that the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash in his trunk-that they’re coming straight for Irene and her son-Driver is forced to shift gears and go on offense. (FilmDistrict)

79. Toni Erdmann

‘Toni Erdmann’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Directed by: Maren Ade

Winfried doesn’t see much of his working daughter Ines (Sandra Huller). He pays her a surprise visit in Bucharest, where she’s busy as a corporate strategist. The geographical change doesn’t help them to see more eye to eye. Practical joker Winfried annoys his daughter with corny pranks and jabs at her routine lifestyle of meetings and paperwork. Father and daughter reach an impasse, and Winfried agrees to go home to Germany. Enter Toni Erdmann: Winfried’s flashy alter ego. Disguised in a tacky suit, weird wig and fake teeth, Toni barges into Ines’ work circle, claiming to be her CEO’s life coach. As Toni, Winfried doesn’t hold back, and Ines meets the challenge. The harder they push, the closer they become. In all the madness, Ines begins to see that her eccentric father deserves a place in her life. (Fox Searchlight)

78. Zero Dark Thirty

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (Columbia Pictures)

Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the CIA began interrogating suspected Al-Qaeda agents across the globe in a bid to locate the elusive bin Laden. Upon arriving at a CIA black site and witnessing the brutal interrogation tactics firsthand, driven CIA operative Maya (Chastain) aids her unpredictable colleague Dan (Jason Clarke) in gathering the intelligence that will help bring bin Laden to justice. Over the course of the next decade, numerous false leads and dead ends make the search seem more futile than ever. Meanwhile, numerous suicide bombings all across the Middle East and Europe hint that Al Qaeda won’t go down without a fight. Then, just when it seemed as if the trail of clues had finally dried up, an old piece of evidence leads Maya to a suspect who may work directly for the man charged with planning the worst act of terrorism ever committed on American soil. (Columbia)

77. Brooklyn

‘Brooklyn’ (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Directed by: John Crowley

BROOKLYN tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.

76. Hunt for the Wilderpeople

‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (Piki Films)

Directed by: Taika Waititi

Ricky (Julian Dennison) is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle (Sam Neill) in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together.

December 28, 2019