100 greatest movies of the 2010s – cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It was a decade seemingly ruled by big budget franchises and studios, from the MCU and “Star Wars” to Pixar and “The Hunger Games.”

And yet, looking back on the past 10 years, you’ll find yourself celebrating the little movies that could and did become cultural forces. That included Jordan Peele’s influential directorial debut, a surprising Oscar-winner from Barry Jenkins and an animated Spider-Man movie that was better than anything Marvel did.

This was a diverse decade in filmmaking. One that delivered very original movies in between blockbusters that set box office records.

Whether a big budget thriller or a tiny indie film, the best movies left us wanting more and often picking are jaws up off the floor. These 100 films did it better than the others.

Disney/Marvel

100. The Avengers (2012)

We might as well start with the most culturally significant movie of the decade. There’s no denying it. “The Avengers” took the already successful Marvel Cinematic Universe and shot it into the stratosphere. There was no turning back. Marvel and its cast of well developed comic book characters would rule the movie world for the next several years. And with the launch of Disney+, there’s no signs of things slowing down.

Next Entertainment World

99. Train to Busan (2016)

“Train to Busan” was a massive success in South Korea and for good reason. Zombie movies are all the rage and having it so the apocalypse happens while the characters are traveling along innocently enough on a train is genius. It provides for some amazing action and unpredictable scenarios. It also helps that the characters have depth, giving us engaging stories within a story about redemption.

Disney

98. Frozen (2013)

“Frozen” is not the greatest Disney movie of all time. But it feels like the biggest. The recent success of “Frozen II” helps. The original is also one of the most theatrical animated films you see. It feels tailor made for Broadway, which makes sense considering it stars Idina Menzel. Maybe it’s the music or the characters or the story or all of it. “Frozen” was a movie that just wouldn’t go away. And you can expect more sequels.

Claire Folger

97. The Way, Way Back (2013)

“The Way, Way Back” didn’t get the attention of a “Juno” or “Little Miss Sunshine,” films that came from the same studio. But it’s just as charming. Coming of age films are common. But “The Way, Way Back” comes with a fantastic cast of funny players who make it one of the sweetest and most fulfilling summer movies you’ll see.

Jaap Buitendijk

96. World War Z (2013)

The production behind “World War Z,” the adaptation of the popular novel of the same name, was famously a mess. This was a movie that either shouldn’t have been made or was doomed to be terrible. Yet, it somehow works. All the script changes, hirings and firings result in a movie divided into two parts. The first is a bonafide action horror film. The second is a slow-moving zombie flick. Both are compelling and anchored by Brad Pitt’s star power. He deserves all the credit for getting this thing made.

A24

95. Amy (2015)

“Amy” doesn’t have any visual tricks or special narrative elements. It’s pretty basic in the telling of the rise and fall of one of the greatest singers of her generation. But as a documentary, it’s a brilliant look into the mind and struggles of Amy Winehouse. It would have been easy to sum her life up as just an artist who crumbled under the pressures of fame. But there was more to it, from toxic relationships to enablers around her. “Amy” is a look at the human element of an artist that was gone too soon.

Kerry Brown

94. Silence (2016)

Martin Scorsese gets the rap as a guy whose been making gangster films his entire career. That’s not really true. It’s actually a film like “Silence” that he’s been working towards his whole life. Even in his mob flicks, Scorsese often tackles the idea of faith. No movie questions it more (including “The Last Temptation of Christ”) than “Silence.” It’s one of those long, drawn out, late career Scorsese movies. But unlike, say, “The Irishman,” there’s a payoff in the end. It’s not sexy or tidy in the least. But the thoughts on religion and spirituality stay with you after the brutality.

Universal Pictures

93. Queen and Slim (2019)

It may seem too early to say, but “Queen and Slim” feels like one the biggest political statements, in terms of movies, of the decade. Other films have tackled police violence towards African Americans. But “Queen and Slim” turns that on its head, creating a modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Yes, it’s a fugitive story. But the timing couldn’t be any better.

Disney

92. Moana (2016)

A movie like “Moana” might have fell victim to stereotypes and cliches if released by Disney back in the early 1990s. But not these days. The film, with its amazing songs and animation, is a family-friendly tale with charismatic performances led by a strong female character. It’s one of the most well-rounded films Disney has released in some time.

Lionsgate

91. Locke (2013)

Tom Hardy spends every second of “Locke” inside a car. That’s all the viewer gets for 85 minutes. And yet, “Locke” is still one gripping movie. Much of the credit goes to Hardy in one of his finest performances. But Director Steven Knight keeps the anxiety flowing with a man at the center who has everything to lose and nothing to gain other than doing the right thing.

Lionsgate

90. You’re Next (2010)

The trailer and plot for “You’re Next” would lead you to believe it’s a pretty generic slasher film. That doesn’t tell the true story of how entertaining and funny of a film this is. It’s bloody as hell, but the magic is in how the gore makes you laugh. Maybe you’ll feel guilty. But you’ll never stop enjoying the fun.

David James

89. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Tom Cruise actually made several movies during the decade that could have appeared on this list (including multiple Mission: Impossible films). But the most compelling of the bunch was “Edge of a Tomorrow,” a movie with a live-die-repeat “Groundhog’s Day” plot to go along with its spectacular science fiction visuals. As a viewer, the frustration of living every day just to die builds. But once you start putting the puzzle pieces together, the intrigue will consume you.

Robert Zuckerman

88. Unstoppable (2010)

“Unstoppable” is probably the most unlikely great action movie of the 2010s. Director Tony Scott and Denzel Washington have routinely done great work. But with “Unstoppable,” they create a thrill ride that unexpectedly leaves you on the end of your seat. The idea of a runaway train might seem pretty straightforward, but not in the hands of these two.

Lacey Terrell

87. Enough Said (2013)

If you only knew James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, “Enough Said” is a must-see in terms of showing his full capabilities as an actor. It’s a romantic comedy that leaves its characters’ flaws on full display. Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are fantastic as an unlikely couple that’s reached the point in life where a fairy tale ending may not be in the cards, and that’s okay.

Alan Markfield

86. Looper (2012)

“Looper” had all the makings of a sci-fi classic. It didn’t quite reach those heights, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. The movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a contract killer (called a “Looper”) who is hired to kill people from the future. All is good until he’s asked to kill the future version of himself. JGL goes to great lengths to look and act like a younger version of Bruce Willis. And both actors are game in a visionary film by Rian Johnson. The plot is a lot to take in, but over-arching themes offer up serious impact potential if you embrace them.

Merie Wallace

85. The Descendants (2011)

There’s this thought that George Clooney never really plays a character. That all of his roles are merely extensions of his own personality and charisma. There’s some truth to that. But if you want an argument to the contrary, look no further than the scene in “The Descendants” where Clooney’s character finds out his wife, who is in a coma, was cheating on him. He runs through the neighborhood in dad flip-flops looking for answers. The scene breaks down the wall Clooney’s charisma and sets the stage for a powerful moment later in the film where he confronts his wife, who is still in a coma.

Paramount Pictures

84. A Quiet Place (2018)

Coming up with originality in a horror film isn’t easy. But John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” gets the job done. The story of a family trying to survive in a world where even the slightest of sounds draws the attention of blind alien monsters puts you right in a “What would I do?” state of mind. Krasinski was wise to give the leading role in the film to his real-life wife Emily Blunt, who gives one of her best performances as a mother running out of ideas.

Paranoid Pictures

83. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

One of the most fascinating documentaries ever made, some people still think “Exit Through the Gift Shop” was all a hoax. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. The most amazing aspect of the film is its unparalleled look at the underground art world and the ability to bring its figures who have achieved larger than life reputations back Earth.

Lionsgate Films

82. The Hunger Games (2012)

You could spend days arguing about which is the best “Hunger Games” film. But the impact of that blockbuster series will always come back to the first entry, where Jennifer Lawrence gave us one of the decade’s best film heroines. From that moment on we’d follow the girl on fire anywhere.

Claire Folger

81. The Town (2010)

Ben Affleck’s movies as a director, from “Gone Baby Gone” to “Argo,” have a distinct feel to them. And his most entertaining is “The Town,” a crime thriller with precision action scenes that are jaw-dropping. A movie like “The Town” doesn’t usually offer much depth with its characters. But strong acting performances by Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm and Rebecca Hall, among others, leave us attached to characters whose fates are up in the air until the very end.

Pixar

80. Inside Out (2015)

It’s tough to remember now, but “Inside Out” arrived at a time when Pixar was in a downswing. “Cars 2,” “Brave” and “Monsters University” were all considered disappointments. Some even thought the studio’s glory days were over. But “Inside Out” redefined Pixar as a company that could still make beautiful films while also setting the stage for great acting performances. It’s a movie about emotions and the characters deliver moments that are funny, touching and heartbreaking, multiple times over.

A24

79. Uncut Gems (2019)

If you’re familiar with the Safdie brothers’ films, you know they move fast and carry a ton of tension throughout. “Uncut Gems” is essentially a two-plus hour panic attack. Part of that is the gritty visuals that go along with a career best performance by Adam Sandler. “Uncut Gems” is a crime thriller that can be funny one minute and dark the next. Credit to the Safdie brothers for handling that balancing act.

Paramount Pictures

78. Top Five (2014)

“Top Five’ marked the return of Chris Rock to doing good work. And all it took was him writing a script that was somewhat autobiographical. The chemistry between Rock and Rosario Dawson is what drives the film. But the standout moments are plenty, from J.B. Smoove’s one-liners to Rock discussing his favorite rappers with Leslie Jones and others (a clear improv session) to a refreshing standup scene that strikes at the heart of what comedy is.

20th Century Fox

77. Life of Pi (2012)

“Life of Pi” isn’t the fastest moving film and its ending doesn’t quite feel as impactful as it does in the book. Still, Ang Lee does a breathtaking job bringing Yann Martel’s novel to life. The end result is one of the those most visual stunning films ever created. What pushes “Life of Pi” from good to great is the subtle emotional weight it carries. You’ll find yourself crying without knowing why.

Jay Maidment

76. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

“Guardians of the Galaxy” might be Marvel’s biggest triumph and biggest risk. The MCU was on a role when  the adaptation of a comic book mainstream audiences weren’t familiar with was announced. But Marvel and Disney knew better. The tremendous humor and entertainment value of “Guardians” turned Chris Pratt into a leading man and proved that Marvel could pretty much do no wrong.

Fox Searchlight

75. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

If more people were to see “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” the world would be a better place. It’s a coming-of-age movie whose takes on death and friendship in far more captivating ways than most movies characters twice the age. The tale of a high-school kid who was afraid to befriend anyone but grows attached to a girl dying of leukemia is sure to break your heart. But the self discovery of the three lead characters is something to behold.

Spot Films

74. The Assassin (2015)

Director Hun Hsiao-hsien won Best Director at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for “The Assassin” and it’s easy to see why. Few directors have ever found such a mesmerizing balance between restraint and stunning artistic displays. “The Assassin” is one of the most beautiful films you’ll see. But it doesn’t overpower you with its scenes. The movie seeks to build tension. Being patient can have great rewards and “The Assassin” is one of them.

Magnolia Pictures

73. Blackfish (2013)

Whether you’re a big animal lover or not, the most affecting horror movie of the past decade is a documentary about a whale. “Blackfish” follows Tilikum, a killer whale at Sea World that embodied the consequences of the theme park’s captivity of killer whales. Needless to say, Sea World doesn’t come out looking good. The movie paints a picture of greed and neglect by corporate entities that produces tragic results both for the creatures and for the people trying to care for them.

Oscilloscope Laboratories

72. We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

“We Need to Talk About Kevin” doesn’t slow play its tragic ending, letting you know from the start that Kevin is in prison after committing a massacre at his school. But that doesn’t make the gut punches felt throughout the movie any less painful. Your heart breaks for Kevin’s mother, played by Tilda Swinton. Did she do everything she could to save her son and prevent such a tragedy? There are no easy answers.

A24

71. The Farewell (2019)

You’d be hard pressed to find a bigger tearjerker from 2019 or a better movie about family this whole decade. “The Farewell” follows a family who finds out its matriarch has just a short time to live, but doesn’t tell her. Instead, they schedule one last get together to say goodbye. The examination of these relationships, life lessons and concept of death provides for one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride that will make you want to get your family together sooner rather than later.

Nordisk Film

70. Melancholia

There are two films from 2011, both by polarizing, experimental directors whose art is highly regarded by critics but somewhat baffling to the masses. One is “The Tree of Life,” Terrence Malik’s Palme d’Or winner that some might rank as the best movie of the decade. Clearly, we didn’t see it that way. But Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia” holds up as an art film that leaves you in awe in watching the end of the world as von Trier sees it.

IFC Films

69. Frances Ha

Noah Baumbach may have directed “Frances Ha,” but the real driving force behind the film is writer and star Greta Gerwig. “Frances Ha” isn’t a movie with a traditional plot format. Instead, it’s a look into the life of Frances, played sensationally by Gerwig. She’s a New York City woman who deals with relationships, loneliness and pursuing her dreams in such authentic ways.

Universal Pictures

68. Catfish (2010)

Forget for a moment the MTV reality show that has gotten a bit out of control. The original “Catfish” documentary is one of the more influential movies of the past decade. It introduced the concept of catfishing to the masses and showed the odd horrors that can occur when you meet someone on the Internet.

Francois Duhamel

67. Steve Jobs (2015)

Danny Boyle’s “Steve Jobs” isn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser. It paints one of the most innovative men in the history of the world as, well, a jerk. It also has A LOT of dialogue, thanks to a script by Aaron Sorkin. Yet, “Steve Jobs,” which is structured into three acts that run the course of 14 years, is a masterful the portrait of a determined genius who climbed his way to the top of the tech world. Was some of the stuff he did terrible? For sure. But Michael Fassbender does an excellent job in the title role, showcasing a man who was motivated by his own demons and insecurities, using them to power a new age of American culture.

Warner Bros.

66. Wonder Woman (2017)

If Warner Bros. and DC Comics only got one thing right this past decade, it was surely “Wonder Woman.” Following the model established by the first “Captain America” film, “Wonder Woman” plays like an origin story/war film. And Gal Gadot wields the title characters sword and shield with immense power. The battlefield scene stands as one of the best movie moments of the 2010s. The film as a whole ranks with the best superhero movies of the decade.

Paramount Pictures

65. Fences (2016)

The more times you watch “Fences” the more you realize just how amazing of an accomplishment it is. Denzel Washington did not have to make this modest movie, which comes off less like a film and more like the August Wilson play it’s an adaptation of. Washington’s passion in making “Fences” can be felt throughout a movie that demands the best from its actors. Washington is great as always. But it’s Viola Davis who gives us her career tour de force as a broken woman who stands by her flawed man.

Chuck Zlotnick

64. Warrior (2011)

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has seen “Warrior” and doesn’t love it. It’s not a complex movie. Two estranged brothers, at different stages of their lives, reunite inside an octagon as one seeks to win money to save his family’s house and the other who is consumed by anger and regret. Thus, “Warrior” is one of the rare movies featuring a final fight scene that has you rooting for both combatants.

A24 Films

63. The End of the Tour (2015)

It would have been one thing to design a straightforward biopic about author David Foster Wallace. But following the lead of the book “Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself,” “The End of Tour” views the influential writer through the eyes of a journalist. Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg give amazing performances. The former somehow captures the persona of the late Wallace, something that seemed impossible to his legion of intellectual followers.

Jess Pinkham

62. Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Sometimes it takes end of the decade lists like these to remind you of a forgotten gem like “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Beautifully shot by Behn Zeitlin, “Beasts”  is a story about imagination with a young Quvenzhane Wallis playing the central hero. It’s visually amazing amazing, but it’s Wallis performance that moves you.

Radius – TWC

61. Snowpiercer (2013)

Repeat viewings of “Snowpiercer” might lead you to conclude that it’s a bit overdramatic. But it never stops being a visual wonder. Bong Joon-ho is all about examining classism. And this time he set it on a train that travels around the globe carrying people who have survived a devastating climate event in cars based on their societal status. As you can imagine, it’s not fun being in the back. But when the poor rise up, things get interesting with a variety of epic fight scenes and incredible visual effects.

ESPN Films

60. O.J.: Made in America (2016)

ESPN’s enthralling “O.J.: Made in America” documentary is five-parts and a whopping 467 minutes. And you’ll want to watch it over and over again. Viewing the O.J. Simpson trial is always interesting. And seeing the chief players go over the fine details again is something to marvel at. But the key to the documentary is that it shows the O.J. trial and its verdicts for what it is – a reflection of a torn American society at that time.

Cait Adkins

59. Fruitvale Station (2013)

The events of “Fruitvale Station” feel like they could happen today, tomorrow or the next day. And that’s the scary part. The day that saw an unarmed Oscar Grant shot by a BART Police officer who thought he was using his stun gun actually happened 10 years ago. Michael B. Jordan showcases the human side of Grant all the way up to his death, which feels even more tragic after seeing him grow as a father and son. Octavia Spencer’s scene as Grant’s mother viewing her son’s body will absolutely wreck you.

Sony Pictures

58. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

“Call Me by Your Name” is a unique kind of love story worth watching multiple times. It centers on a gay love affair between a 17-year-old (Timothy Chamalet) and a 24-year-old grad student (Armie Hammer) one summer in Italy. There are no expectations for a love that seems exist outside of each character’s reality. It’s a tale of first love that will move your heart. And when you realize the film is set in 1983, you also view it as beautiful moment right before the AIDS epidemic that defined a loss of innocence.

Disney/Pixar

57. Coco (2017)

“Coco” isn’t the kind of movie you’d expect Pixar to make. It tackles some of the same topics you might find in “Up,” “Finding Nemo” and “Toy Story.” But “Coco” does a tremendous job wrapping them in family and culture. More than any other animated film of its time, “Coco” embraces the idea of death by setting the film in a world saturated with it. By doing so, we learn lessons about family that remain relevant here on Earth and in the afterlife.

Warner Bros.

56. Gravity (2013)

Alfonso Cuaron works wonders in “Gravity,” one of the most visually stunning movies you’ll ever see that becomes all the more impressive when you read about how Cuaron shot it. The film’s special effects are dazzling, along with a masterful performance by Sandra Bullock that balances out any weaknesses that might arise (sorry, George Clooney).

Tatum Mangus / Annapurna Picture

55. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

For the follow up to his Oscar-winning film “Moonlight,” Barry Jenkins crafted a movie equally as beautiful. Based on James Baldwin’s amazing novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk” is about the power of love in the face of tremendous adversity. The film features touching performances with Jenkins’ stunning images as the backdrop. But the movie’s true power is almost unintentional. It’s set in the 1970s, but its message and look at racism is just as relevant today.

A24

54. Green Room (2015)

A punk band finds itself playing a gig at a neo-Nazi clubhouse. If that wasn’t dangerous enough, all hell breaks loose when the band witnesses a murder and finds itself trapped in neo-Nazi hell. The suspense in “Green Room” is intense and the violence is brutally intimate. Then Patrick Stewart shows up to play a neo-Nazi leader who masks pure evil with level-headed restraint. “Green Room” wants to be a shock to your system. It’s all that and then some.

Paramount Pictures

53. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

Most years, you wouldn’t expect a mockumentary horror film to work its way onto “best of” lists. Then again, not many movies are as funny as “What We Do in the Shadows.” If you thought the TV adaptation was fun, the film is even better, with a group of vampires firmly committed to continuing their lifestyle while somehow trying to blend in with the human world. It’s shocking, hilarious and an endless amount of fun.

Lionsgate

52. Hell or High Water (2016)

“Hell or High Water” isn’t your run of the mill western. There is a great shootout scene at the movie’s end. But the depth of the characters and their motivations are what drives the film. Jeff Bridges is brilliant as always. As is Ben Foster as the wilder half of two brothers on a crime spree. But the heart of the movie is Chris Pine, the other brother who is robbing banks with a motivation that’s hard to argue against.

Chuck Zlotnick

51. Nightcrawler (2014)

Jake Gyllenhaal is one creepy dude in “Nightcrawler.” He plays Louis, a wannabe stringer who films crime and accident scenes without moral limitation and then sells them to news stations. We quickly realize Louis is willing to do whatever it takes to get the shots he needs. Gyllenhaal’s performance is freaky. But the scariest thing about “Nightcrawler” is just how much the Los Angeles news stations want and need his compelling footage.

Marvel Studios

50. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

As much as any Marvel movie, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” has it all. There’s a hero we are more than happy to root for, a mysterious villain with a backstory that relates to the previous film, another villain we don’t see coming and supporting heroes we love just as much as the lead. The political undertones of the film only adds weight to a movie that ranks near the top of the MCU.

Sony Picture Classics

49. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Riding the modest success of his previous film “Merantau,” Welsh director Gareth Evans set out for something grand — a massive gangster film that would decimate all. Realizing he didn’t have the money, Evans scaled things down and the result was “The Raid” (later changed to “The Raid: Redemption”). It’s a simple concept that follows a police raid of a building where one of the cops is looking to rescue his criminal brother. One of the complaints of “Merantau” is that it took a while to get to the action. Not a problem with “The Raid,” which is all high-octane fight scene after high-octane fight scene that became a game-changer for the action movie industry.

Weinstein Company

48. Carol (2015)

Todd Haynes’ “Carol” is visual mastery, creating a stylish atmosphere that feels both old and new. But all of that deserves to somewhat get lost in the subject matter and acting performances. “Carol” tells the story of a forbidden love between a younger woman (Rooney Mara) and an older woman going through a divorce (Cate Blanchett). The performances are award-worthy, as the centerpiece of “Carol” is the idea and power of human desire.

Atsushi Nishijima

47. A Most Violent Year (2014)

“A Most Violent Year” is a crime drama without any flashy moments. But at nearly every turn you can cut the tension with knife. Oscar Isaac plays a guy in the oil business trying to grow things in a legit fashion when violence and corruption seem like the only options. His wife, played by a fantastic Jessica Chastain, has mob ties and the ADA (played by David Oyelowo) won’t stop until he cleans up 1980s New York. At any moment things could explode. And director J.C. Chandor knows how to milk it for all its worth.

Ben Rothstein

46. Logan (2017)

In crafting “Logan,” director James Mangold combined elements of the “Old Man Logan” comic book and his western remake “3:10 to Yuma.” The result is a different kind of superhero movie that paints badass Wolverine in a different light. He’s a mutant on his last leg just trying to get by with old man Professor X. Then a kid who is just like him enters the mix. “Logan” turns into a heartfelt story about an outcast with one last shot at redemption.

Sarah Shatz

45. The Big Sick (2017)

“The Big Sick” is such a modest film it feels out of place on a list like this. But make no mistake, it is one of the best-written and most lovable movies of the decade. Written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani and based on their real life romance, “The Big Sick” is a relationship story complicated by cultural differences. Watching the interactions between family members who don’t understand each other, no matter how hard they try, is what resonates.

Jaimie Trueblood

44. Fast Five (2011)

“Fast Five” is the best movie from one of the biggest franchises of all time that brings all of our favorite characters from the previous films together, while adding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the mix. And there’s no shame in its popcorn-movie tendencies. What: you weren’t hoping for a fight between Vin Diesel and The Rock? What makes it all work is the connection between these characters. We’ve seen them fight, breakup, get back together and survive near death. Now, let’s see them pull of a heist for the ages.

Pixar

43. Toy Story 3 (2010)

Each of the “Toy Story” movies find some of our favorite characters out in the world trying to make it back to Andy. “Toy Story 3” just dives deeper. Its central theme is the fear of abandonment. But it’s the relatable conclusion of the film that will leave you wiping tears away. We all once had to grow up and say goodbye to the things that made us whole for so many years. It’s one of the great emotional moments in Pixar history.

Diyah Pera

42. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

“The Cabin in the Woods” starts out like a typical, yet engaging horror film. That it gets smart. Part scary movie, part comedy, “The Cabin in the Woods” is one of the wittiest films you’ll see in any genre. The scares are fun, but the overall theme and plot twist of the movie is what you’ll be talking about for days afterwards.

Richard Foreman

41. Sicario (2015)

The action sequences in “Sicario” are enough on their own to call this a movie great. But it is more than just an action thriller. The performances are top notch, from the film’s moral center in Emily Blunt to the tightly wound Benicio del Toro. Driven by its actors and shootouts, “Sicario” makes you question the methods used to take down a drug trade. Does the end justify the means? Maybe, just maybe.

Barry Wetcher

40. Creed (2015)

Another “Rocky” sequel seemed like a very (VERY) bad idea. But writer-director Ryan Coogler had a plan. He also had Michael B. Jordan has is ideal leading man to play the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed. All they needed to do was convince Sylvester Stallone, who was no doubt hesitant. But there’s no denying the script for “Creed,” which is brilliantly written and well-thought out, crafting a movie that could approach the power of the original “Rocky.” Coogler’s shooting style for the film’s fights is amazing and Stallone gives perhaps the best performance of his career. “Creed” is a real winner.

A24

39. Spring Breakers (2012)

“Spring Breakers” is the most attractive film of the 2010s. Not in the sense that it has four beautiful women strutting around in bikinis for most of the movie. But in the alluring vibe it creates. You’re caught watching the pursuit of the American Dream in a movie where every character seems delusional. Director Harmony Korine turns it into something profound, while James Franco’s performance as rapper/drug dealer Alien is sensational, both in its humor and menace. Elsewhere, the music of Skrillex and Cliff Martinez does everything it can to create the vision of a spring break dream that quickly turns into a beautiful nightmare.

Lionsgate

38. La La Land (2016)

Boy, did “La La Land” get a bad rap. The film, which finds Ryan Gosling representing the love of jazz music (cringe), didn’t play well in the post #OscarsSoWhite era. But that doesn’t make it any less amazing. Damien Chazelle’s intentions here were well-meaning and he does deliver a beautiful film where the performances are mesmerizing and the set pieces dazzle. “La La Land” should be looked as a love-letter to musical films, every bit deserving of the initial praise it received.

Entertainment One

37. The Babadook (2014)

Jump scares were all the rage during the 2010s. But “The Babadook” gives us real psychological horror with a deep story to back it up. At its heart, “The Babadook” is a story about motherhood, and a relatable one at that. The injection of horror (it’ll scare the pants off of you) is merely an entertaining plot device. It all builds to a satisfying conclusion narratively speaking that you might not see coming, cementing “The Babadook” as one of the most well-rounded horror films in quite some time.

Netflix

36. Marriage Story (2019)

Director Noah Baumbach’s movies often contain some sort of indictment on relationships. But nothing has felt quite as authentic and tragically relatable as “Marriage Story.” Injecting his own real life experiences of what happens when a marriage falls apart, Baumbach gives us the heartbreaking tale of two characters who embark on a divorce with a child caught in the middle. It’s the kidn of story that demands the most out of its actors. Thankfully, Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver are game, delivering two of the best action performances of the decade.

David Lee

35. John Wick (2014)

You could list all three “John Wick” films individually on this list or group them as one. But it’s the first movie that sets the awesome chain of events into motion. The title character is the role Keanu Reeves was born to play (Screw you, Matrix franchise!). Armed with a flair for gun-fu, director Chad Stahelski Americanizes gives what feels like a Hong-Kong film with mesmerizing action sequences that teach us one of the most important lessons of the decade: You don’t mess with John Wick’s dog.

Niko Tavernise

34. Black Swan (2010)

Darren Aronofsky has made films more haunting than “Black Swan.” But maybe nothing as creepy. At the center of it all is the idea that performance art and such a commitment can break you. “Black Swan” is layered in subtext and complexities that make the audience wonder what is real and what isn’t, as Natalie Portman’s Nina Sayers strives for her triumphant moment that doesn’t exactly go as planned.

Sony Picture Classics

33. Before Midnight

The conclusion to director Richard Linklater’s “Before…” trilogy isn’t the simple happy ending viewers might have expected. Not that Linklater would give us anything simple. Instead, “Before Midnight” finds couple Jesse and Celine at a crossroads. They’re struggling as in their relationship and as parents. No, Linklater’s movie isn’t tragic. It’s just real. Like all couples, there is resentment that drives the central conflict. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that these two love each other. Years ago, Linklater gave us a modern couple that’s endlessly relatable. He gives their story a proper conclusion.

Cinedigm

32. Short Term 12 (2013)

“Short Term 12” feels like a sort of warm-up for some of the great movie moments of the 2010s. It’s young cast is amazing and contains two future Oscar-winners from the decade. But the film also a powerful look at the struggles of teenagers living in a group home. Led by a great performance from Brie Larson, “Short Term 12” is as gripping a look at neglected youth as you’ll ever see. Its message remains timeless.

Andrew Cooper

31. Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (2019)

For as critically acclaimed as Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” was, there’s also a decent chance you hated things about it. Yes, Margot Robbie is underused and the portrayal of Bruce Lee borders on shameful. But the main focus of the film is the relationship between actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth, played perfectly by Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, respectively. Tarantino’s love letter to 1960s Hollywood thrives through them, building to a storyline involving the Manson murders that’s rather matter a fact until it turns utterly shocking.

Stephen Vaughan

30. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

“Blade Runner 2049” didn’t live up to the hype. Because the hype wasn’t real. As “Star Wars” has proven, it’s damn near impossible to follow up one of the biggest geek-movies of all time. But as a film, “2049” is every bit as dazzling as Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking original “Blade Runner.” Few movies from the past decade can measure up visually. But what makes “Blade Runner 2049” work so well is how thrilling it is from a narrative standpoint. It more than builds on the universe created by the first film, giving fanboys the kind of fulfillment they’d been demanding for 35 years.

Open Road

29. Spotlight (2015)

It’s been called the modern day “All the President’s Men” for its look at investigative journalism. But you could make the case that “Spotlight” is more powerful because  the moral stakes are higher. The movie is based on The Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team that uncovered the widespread child sex abuse by priests in Boston’s Roman Catholic church. The film is accurate and mesmerizing in its focus on the power of investigative journalism. But it also gives us a window into the reporters’ souls, as emotion can’t help but creep in when the devastating results of their investigation begin to take shape.

Melissa Moseley

28. Inception (2010)

The last half of “Inception” takes place in a dream within a dream, within another dream. And as an audience, you often feel like you’re living in yet another dream as well. The fact that Christopher Nolan pulls off such an intricate story (literally, changing one plot point would cause the entire movie to crumble) is a miracle within itself. But what’s truly exceptional about “Inception” is that it’s the rare kind of blockbuster — one with originality and heart that keeps you guessing as its bending your mind.

A24

27. Under the Skin (2013)

It’s easy to take away themes of feminism and gender roles in Jonathan Glazer’s masterful “Under the Skin.” But then again, Scarlett Johansson’s character isn’t a woman. She’s not even human. In stripping away all personality from the character, Johansson is at the center of a movie that feels like a critique of the entire human experience. Men make easy prey for her because she’s nothing more than a sex object. Boy, do they come to regret that.  Glazer is masterful in the way he films Johansson. The message here lies in how powerful and troublesome the human condition truly is.

Marvel

26. Black Panther (2018)

Sometimes a superhero movie isn’t just a superhero movie. Marvel had a specific goal for “Black Panther” — bring in all the fans that have flocked to Marvel movies throughout the 21st century, while drawing in a new, under-represented audience of African American movie-goers to the MCU. It was an obvious success. But in the process of genius marketing, Marvel stumbled upon its greatest achievement, a comic book movie that tackles the issue of racial identity, obligations and classism with poignancy. Director Ryan Coogler brings out the best in his subjects, especially Michael B. Jordan as “Killmonger.” He’s the villain, but he’s also the character we most identify with. His pain is real and rooted in something so heartbreaking it almost justifies his actions.

Jonathan Olley

25. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

“Zero Dark Thirty” tells the story of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and we see the entire thing through the eyes of Jessica Chastain’s character, a hotshot CIA agent who refuses to give up. “Zero Dark Thirty” doesn’t have the jarring nature of “The Hurt Locker” (director Kathryn Bigelow’s other big war movie that won the Oscar), which may be why it gets overlooked. But Chastain’s performance perfectly conveys the roller coaster ride of emotions that came post 9/11. It’s in the hours after Bin Laden’s death is confirmed that she lets out a decade’s worth of pure anguish. The audience can do the same.

Bold Films

24. Drive (2011)

Ryan Gosling doesn’t so much play a man in “Drive,” but more so a machine, vehicle or car. He’s a walking metaphor in Nicolas Refn’s stylish movie. “Drive” is both modern in its synth wave vibes, while also feeling like a throwback to 1980s cult films. Gosling’s character has a good heart buried beneath the rage he’s capable of letting out. The amazing elevator scene goes from a blissful kiss with Carey Mulligan to unflinching brutality. There’s no coming back for the main character who has secured the audience along for the ride.

Paramount Pictures

23. Shutter Island (2010)

“Shutter Island” is by no means the first Martin Scorsese film that comes to mind when you’re talking the 21st century. But anyone who has seen it, knows its power. Leonardo DiCaprio’s U.S. Marshal Teddy is haunted by something far greater than the case of missing patients at a psychiatric facility. Following that mystery along, the viewer becomes increasingly convinced that something is off. Scorsese is so good that “Shutter Island” would function well as a straight-forward psychological thriller. But it comes with one hell of a twist that will make you want to watch the entire thing again.

A24

22. Ex Machina (2015)

“Ex Machina” isn’t the first movie to predict what might happen when human’s underestimate the power of artificial intelligence. It just does it in an unmatched, mesmerizing fashion. It’s hard to blame anyone for falling in love with Alicia Vikander’s humanoid Ava. She’s absolutely stunning. But the real beauty of “Ex Machina” is that it never prepares you for the horror that’s coming.

Matt Lankes/IFC Films

21. Boyhood (2014)

Some films can make you feel like a real part of the characters you’re watching. With “Boyhood,” you don’t have a choice. As you’ve probably heard, Richard Linklater shot the movie over the course of 12 years with the same actors. You can’t help but watch them grow up, especially the central character Mason. But the journey isn’t just about aging. It’s about growing as a person, something we see both in Mason and his parents (played with brilliance by Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke). Getting this film done was something of a miracle for Linklater. The fact that its great is beyond words.

Weinstein Company

20. The Master (2012)

When “Joker” arrived in 2019, fans were floored by Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, calling it his career tour de force. We’re here to tell you it’s not. That distinction belongs to his performance in “The Master” as a lost war veteran who finds comfort in a religion that is clearly inspired by Scientology. Phoenix embodies the emotional and physical attributes of his character in a way that proves he’s one of the finest actors of his generation. It’s a feat matched by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as the leader of the group. There is nothing transparent about “The Master,” which makes it an extremely challenging film. But the reward lies in the performances that take you to the dark center of the film.

Roadside Attractions

19. Winter’s Bone (2010)

Jennifer Lawrence’s mainstream coming out party was with “The Hunger Games,” while her acceptance as a top-tier actress came with “Silver Linings Playbook.” But Lawrence’s best performance arrived before both of those films. “Winter’s Bone” finds Lawrence playing Ree Dolly, a teenage girl that has to grow up fast. Not only must she overcome the struggles of growing up in the meth-lab infested section of The Ozarks, but she has to save her family’s home after the mysterious disappearance of her father. “Winter’s Gone” functions as a murder-mystery of sorts with Lawrence as the captivating emotional center. The film nearly gets stolen out from under her by an excellent John Hawkes. Yet, the climactic scene finds Ree having to go to unthinkable lengths to protect her family. You’ll never forget Lawrence’s performance or the film it drives to greatness.

Daniel McFadden

18. Whiplash (2014)

“Whiplash” sets itself up as a would-be triumph for an aspiring jazz drummer (played by Miles Teller). You’re ready to cheer…until J.K. Simmons’ character shows up. “Not quite my tempo” is the least of his young pupil’s worries. Simmons’ music instructor is abusive in how he breaks his students’ spirits. But the twist of “Whiplash” is that it leaves you to wonder if there’s a method to the all the madness.

Vice Films

17. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

If there’s one movie on this list that you haven’t seen, it’s probably “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night.” The Iranian film is an art piece of sorts that didn’t even come close to grossing $1 million. To tell you it’s a vampire film still doesn’t prepare you for what’s coming. “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” operates in an imaginary world that lures you in with its gorgeous cinematography, music and charming lead performance by Sheila Vand. Then it bites you in the neck.

Jaap Buitendijk

16. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Based on Solomon Northrup’s 1853 memoir of the same name, “12 Years a Slave” is as powerful as a movie about slavery gets, which is saying something. And director Steve McQueen accomplishes this by refusing to soften the subject mater in a brutal movie that wears on you. Watching Chiwetel Ejiofor stand on his toes with around his neck as children play around him and slaves carry food to their master is horrifying, yet masterful. And Ejiofor wears his characters pain in his eyes throughout, aided by a heartbreaking supporting performance from Lupita N’yongo that rightfully earned her an Oscar.

Warner Bros.

15. Her (2013)

We’ve all, at one time, felt the sense of loneliness showcased in “Her.” But what makes the movie special is that it puts things in futuristic terms. A lovable Joaquin Phoenix fills the void in his life by falling in love with a computer system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). On paper, it sounds ridiculous. But Spike Jonze’s heartfelt film will make you feel that connection. At times, the results are heartbreaking. But it’s a journey we’re committed to following all the way through.

Everett Collection/Neon

14. Parasite (2019)

If you’ve followed Bong Joon-ho’s films, you know the director is no stranger classism in Asian culture. But “Parasite” is where it all comes together. Joon-ho weaves through various film genres, leaving you on the edge of your seat for movie that has a lot to say about society and economy in Korea that’s ultimately universal. You’re left to wonder who is the villain and who is the hero. Or if one even exists. “Parasite” will be something to talk about for decades to come.

A24

13. Lady Bird (2017)

Director Greta Gerwig had one roller coaster ride of a decade. And at its peak was “Lady Bird,” a beautiful coming of age story that’s resonates because its dialogue, acting and story feel so real. Saoirse Ronan’s performance is deeply heartfelt in one of the greatest films to depict the relationship between a teenager and her mother ever put to screen.

Sony Pictures Animation

12. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

In a decade full of more live-action superhero movies than we could handle, the best comic book film was actually an animated one. That’s part of why “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” works so well. The stunning animation gives it a certain freedom. The comedy and fan-service feels more genuine. But there’s a method to the madness as well. “Into the Spider-Verse” takes chances. But its brilliance always comes back to a main character and the idea that we can all be a superhero.

Sony Picture Classics

11. The Raid 2 (2014)

Just about every moment of action in “The Raid 2” will make you realize just how lame most Hollywood action movies are. The Indonesian action film pulls no punches, both literally and figuratively. A single fight scene contains more stunning choreography than your favorite action movie of the past 25 years. “The Raid 2” is best compared to an awesome video game, one where plot only serves as a break between the action, which gets increasingly more awesome all the way up to a final fight sequence that will dazzle you with its technique. Action movies don’t get more breathtaking.

Suzanne Hanover

10. Bridesmaids (2011)

Following a decade of Judd Apatow films that defined the comedic movie landscape, “Bridesmaids” accomplished the same thing in the 2010s, only in even funnier fashion. Fittingly, Apatow serves as producer. But the script comes from the minds of Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. Maybe it’s the female perspective that makes it so refreshing. Or perhaps it’s the performances of the five women in the main cast. The list of LOL moments is endless. But if you had to choose one, it’s ultimately Maya Rudolph pooping herself in a wedding dress in the middle of the street. “Bridesmaids” proves women in comedy can be vulgar too. And possibly more enduring.

Sony Pictures Classics

9. Take Shelter (2011)

What if you knew you, through a series of terrifying dreams, that you had to save your family from a devastating event. Only, you’re not entirely sure if the monster coming for them is the natural disaster you’ve been envisioning or you. It’s enough to drive a good man insane, which is essentially what happens to Michael Shannon’s character in “Take Shelter.” Shannon is a clenched fist of a man who eventually explodes. It’s an acting clinic. But just when you think you’ve figured out Jeff Nichols’ endlessly compelling film (set and shot in Ohio), it hits you with a jaw-dropping ending we won’t spoil here.

Northern Lights Films

8. It Follows (2014)

You have to figure that if someone like Quentin Tarantino is willing to critique your film, you’ve probably done something right. David Robert Mitchell’s “It Follows” feels like a throwback to the golden days of the horror genre. Only, it comes with a completely original concept. Girl has sex with boy and, in the process, takes on the curse of being followed by something that wants to kill you. The only way to survive is to pass it along and hope it never gets back to you. Needless to say, “It Follows” keeps you guessing. But what’s most haunting is the fact that the thing follow you looks like an everyday person. You’re not running from a monster, you’re potentially running from, well, anyone you can imagine.

Alison Rosa

7. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

“Inside Llewyn Davis” is the movie equivalent of a folk song. It feels like it’s always been there, floating along in its sadness, thought-provoking nature and emotional weight. The title character is the anti-Bob Dylan — the talented folk singer of the 1960s who never made it. Only, Davis is far more relatable than Dylan, which is the point of the Coen Brothers’ film. Oscar Isaac gives the performance of his life as a musician who refuses to compromise his artistic integrity to make it. You know he’s doomed from the start. But you can’t help rooting for a guy who at times has nothing more than a cat to hold onto.

Melinda Sue Gordon

6. Interstellar (2014)

Director Christopher Nolan has movies that are closer to perfect than “Interstellar.” But we’re not sure he’s made anything that feels so affecting and personal. It’s easily Nolan’s most ambitious project — a movie about Earth’s decline and the search for a new planet to live on. The plot elements can be puzzling. But without warning, a movie that has drawn you in based on its visuals backs an emotional wallop you didn’t see coming. Matthew McConaughey balling his eyes as he realizes his life has passed him by despite him not aging is one of the most emotionally devastating film moments of the last 10 years. It takes audacity and brilliance to make such an out of this world film in this day and age.

Mary Cybulski

5. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

“I’ve been a poor man, and I’ve been a rich man. And I choose rich every f***ing time.” To say this is symbolic of Trump’s America would be letting off “The Wolf of Wall Street” rather easy. Jordan Belfort made his money the legal way…until he didn’t. But just like Gordon Gekko, he makes greed look damn good, thanks to a stunning performance from Leonardo DiCaprio. Martin Scorsese  nails every moment in a movie about highs and lows of greed that might be the director’s most re-watchable movie since “Goodfellas.”

A24

4. Moonlight (2016)

You’ve never seen anything like “Moonlight” — a mainstream movie and Oscar contender (and winner) about African American characters that doesn’t have racism as its central issue. These are compelling characters who just happened to be black. Much like Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood,” we follow one of them from childhood to adulthood. But “Moonlight” wasn’t shot over 12 years. Thus, we get three amazing acting performances in the lead role. The movie’s final third is a quiet emotional tour de force and master showcase of all the things that can be said without words. Everything about “Moonlight” stays with you because it’s a tale of self discovery that sacrifices a traditional happy ending for something more poignant and real.

Merrick Morton

3. The Social Network (2010)

“The Social Network” was never meant to be taken literally. Sure, Mark Zuckerberg probably didn’t get 500 million friends without making a few enemies. But he also wasn’t pure evil. And yet, nine years after the movie’s arrival, no one feels sorry for Zuckerberg. It turns out “The Social Network” stands as the most relevant movie from the 2010s. Not because it centers on the launch of social media’s biggest force. But because it dives into the idea of what one must sacrifice and become to become to make millions. Maybe (at least for his sake), this is never what Zuckerberg was like. But the lead character in director David Fincher’s and writer Aaron Sorkin’s amazing film is a symbol of the times. Brilliantly written and acted, “The Social Network” is a movie that has already helped defined its generation.

Universal Pictures

2. Get Out (2017)

Some horror feels real. And in today’s America, perhaps nothing is more terrifying on both a fictional and real level than the premise of “Get Out.” Imagine your girlfriend’s dad letting you know he voted for Barack Obama hours before auctioning you off like a slave to one of his rich buddies. The mind of writer-director Jordan Peele is a twisted thing. With one of the greatest directorial debuts ever, Peele delivers a horror movie that doubles as a dark comedy. Only, the joke isn’t really on anyone. The twist you couldn’t see coming is even more insane than you ever imagined. It leaves you shocked, horrified and rooting for our African American hero to survive (and get revenge) in a world where the odds are stacked against him.

Jasin Boland

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Movies like “Mad Max: Fury Road” aren’t supposed to exist anymore. An artsy blockbuster with digital effects built from the ground up that doesn’t sell out for our approval? Get the heck out of here. All praise to George Miller and his team for crafting a movie like no other from this decade with its title character (a stoic Tom Hardy) playing second fiddle to our mighty heroine Furiosa (Charlize Theron as the movie’s heart). “Fury Road” will stand the test of time as an adrenaline rush of a film that defies logic while being endlessly entertaining. What a lovely day, indeed.

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