What started as a Top Ten list has evolved into a Top Fifty of 2000-2009. I’m pretty pleased with the final countdown, though admittedly there are some important movies I’ve missed even in the last year or so such as Synedoche , New York, District 9 (this will be fixed during the weekend), and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. Whether they would have made my list I’ll never know, but I’ll give you what I got. These are the fifty movies that I feel were most important in the last decade. Enjoy or debate my list, and enjoy the peoples choice poll results at the bottom as well. Thank you Facebook and Polldaddy!
50. A History Of Violence (2005)
Tom Stall, a humble family man and owner of a popular neighborhood restaurant, lives a quiet but fulfilling existence in the Midwest. One night Tom foils a crime at his place of business and, to his chagrin, is plastered all over the news for his heroics.
49. Finding Nemo (2003)
There are moral messages sent throughout the movie but they are never in your face. The sentiment behind everything is genuine, and not corny, and what’s most amazing is Pixar somehow created another film that is not meant for children alone, but everyone young and old. Nemo was a film full of heart and sweetness. As long as Pixar sticks around to keep making movies, I’ll be there to watch them. Pixar is a gift to this generation.
48. Vanilla Sky (2001)
David Aames, a tycoon’s son who, in the eyes of many, is a spoiled child who has no realization of his wealth or luck. Inhereting his fathers company after both parents were killed in a road accident some years prior, David meets a girl whom his friend brings to a lavish house party one night and instantly falls in love with her.
47. Zack And Miri Make A Porno (2009)
Only Kevin Smith could make a romantic comedy about making a porno film and get away with it. In his newest comedy that has intricately twisted a romance in it, we get to see the Kevin Smith that I’m used to. Unapologetic bathroom humor, blatant sexual language, and of course dialogue that is written for the mind rather than actually speaking, but Smith stays true to form and pulls it off in a way that paces itself naturally, making this film humanized even in it’s subject matter. Zack and Miri may be a little hardcore for a more mainstream audiences, but the love story within is cute enough that it won’t offend the tough at heart, but will still open a wider appeal to those who aren’t acclimated to Smith’s crude humor.
46. Casino Royale (2006)
The smooth and perfect Bond the world has grown accustomed to is now a bit altered on his first mission where errors and trouble are a muck. Our new Bond, played by Daniel Craig, no doubt is the same Bond we’ve watched years over, but certainly on the green side. The Bond we all know wouldn’t lose a fight, screw up, or be confused and caught by the bad guys, and if he would his escape and retreat would be so delicate it would see as though it were his plan in the first place anyway. But of course he had to start somewhere, and Casino Royale offers a trip to see where it all began for our favorite secret agent hero.
45. Eastern Promises (2007)
Eastern Promises began with the birth of a child and gave it’s tale in the brief time that it’s fate in the world was determined. With many questions unanswered yet a resolve in the story, it was a truly invigorating glimpse into the life of some very different people thrown into extenuating circumstances. This morality play was destined for heartbreak, and yet in the midst of all the dark overtones there lied the briefness of hope. Eastern Promises was a fascinating story with fascinating characters and captivating performances. Absolutely one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.
44. Oceans Eleven (2001)
When Daniel Ocean is released from prison in New Jersey, his next heist is already planned. Danny’s target are three Las Vegas casinos: The Bellagio, the Mirage and the MGM Grand. They all belong to ruthless entrepreneur Terry Benedict, who, by the way, also shows a certain interest in Danny’s beautiful ex-wife Tess.
43. The Last Samurai (2003)
The finale of the film and what follows Cruises imprisonment is what largely makes it mark. Even though the most enjoyable part of the story is the season spent with the Samurai, the inevitable conclusion emoted all it intended. It was an entertaining movie that had a soul to it. Ken Watanabe’s performance alone is worth watching. The beauty of the film, with it’s powerful score, and well scripted story made it a good epic to take in. This is a good one.
42. Shrek (2001)
The name Shrek means “fear” or “terror” but this animated character was far from terrifying. With a rough and scary exterior Shrek proved it didn’t matter what was on the outside, but what was on the inside that mattered, but in a most unconventional way. The reluctant hero is both funny and sweet. There is a reason there was three films made about his adventures and there is more in the makes. Shrek is not only unforgettable, but infectious.
41. Gran Torino (2008)
Gran Torino is slow moving but so character driven that each scene has you completely enamored. The evolution of the story was so naturally compiled together the film almost felt slightly like voyeurism it became so honest and intimate at times. If anything Eastwood knows how to tell a story and make it fascinating. GranTorino was a provocative story that really had something to say. If it’s making you uncomfortable it’s doing it’s job.
40. Kingdom Of Heaven (2005)
It is the time of the Crusades during the Middle Ages – the world shaping 200-year collision between Europe and the East. A blacksmith named Balian has lost his family and nearly his faith. The religious wars raging in the far-off Holy Land seem remote to him, yet he is pulled into that immense drama.
39. Reign Of Fire (2002)
Dragons come back from mythology to exterminate man in a feeding frenzy. Honestly, the idea is so badass, it almost seems like the perfect recipe for disaster if the script landed in the wrong hands, but thankfully it didn’t. Man kinds end against the famished fire breathing big bads was a relentless and seemingly hopeless battle portrayed brilliantly threw special effects only when necessary, but moreover great characters and actors playing them, and the very realistic terror instilled from the monstrous opponent that was both intelligent and miles stronger. Dying by hungry fire breathing dragon equals scary end to man.
38. Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins gave the promise of a new kind of superhero film that set the bar that much higher for this genre of film. It’s sequel, “The Dark Knight”, proved to take it to an even greater level. While it seems nearly impossible to make a third addition just as brilliant as The Dark Knight, the anticipation and excitement for more of this kind of Batman is exuberant. These films are something to really get excited about, and the big screen doesn’t offer this kind of appeal too often anymore. Batman Begins appeal is pretty much for anyone and everyone should see it.
37. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
The disappearance of a magical jade sword spurs a breathtaking quest for the missing treasure. Li is embittered by the loss of his jade sword, and his unrequited pursuit of Yu is further complicated by the mysterious intrusion of an assassin.
36. Children Of Men (2006)
Without question Children Of Men was one of the best movies of the last decade. The doomed theme Children of Men emotes is met with a small chance that even in our darkest hours we are given a small bite of hope, just to see what we do with it, and the journey and lengths one will go to, to make that hope shine bright. The film wasn’t overwhelmed with special effects or distracting side plots. The entire story followed Theo, the man with the least hope left, and watched the lengths he went to to save the hope. Children Of Men proved humanity can be violent and dark, but it also showed hope in man, that even at our worst we still have some goodness in us. It also was a clever prediction of a possible future as so many different versions of our apocalypse have been predicted, this one is the most simplistic, yet efficient.
35. Constantine (2005)
Constantine is one of my favorite films in this genre and as I’ve mentioned I believe has the ability to last threw the times as a classic in it’s category. It captured all the positive aspects of a supernatural story, the visual landscape of a comic, the timing of a great suspense thriller, and characters that were captivating and mysterious. Even though the conclusion of the story gives you answers and closure, it feels like the characters continue to live on in their twisted and demented world that seems to coincide with our own. This is a movie for an adult audience that isn’t afraid to let their imagination be whisked away by darkness. Absolutely brilliant.
34. Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man is more than just an action film with special effects. For a movie that is riddled with the fantastic, it becomes a story that really delves into the depth of it’s main characters, the villains, and makes a story that adds substance to mix with it’s phenomenal FX , truly making the superhero genre fun again. Regarded as one of the best movies of 2008 it is without question a well deserved acknowledgment. The Dark Knight brought us drama and a deeper look into the more melancholy side of the genre, but Iron Man was all about the amusement and joy of this kind of film has been missing. Every once in awhile you get lucky enough to watch a movie that is somehow more special than everything around it and director Jon Favreau seemed to understand what that meant. It’s future predicts a classic of it’s kind, and for once actually has me excited about the notion of a sequel.
33. Minority Report (2001)
Minority Report is a completely original movie with a swift moving intelligent plot that carries a complexity you don’t see often today. With a stellar cast, and outstanding CGI, and a brilliant script that really questions the boundaries of morality and science this movie is one of a kind. Without a doubt Minority Report is one of the most engaging Science Fiction films in the last ten years.
32. King Kong (2005)
King Kong was absolute perfect film making. You don’t take a beloved movie and remake it unless there is something new to bring to the table, and Jackson’s interpretation of this story was not only magnificent but enrapturing. I’m glad I can rely on a filmmaker to walk into a theatre and know I’m going to see something that’s going to amaze me. Films are rarely made with this much depth and this much attention to detail on every end of the spectrum. King Kong is a brilliant masterpiece.
31. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Bourne is the thinking mans action hero. Jason Bourne is the character that changed how action movies were viewed and made. However, if not for Martin Riggs, Jason Bourne wouldn’t exist, but let me not get ahead of myself. Bourne took the element of Riggs that was more than a killing, gun toting machine, but a real man with events in life that made him the killer he is. The complexity of his character, and the desire to discover who he is, is a battle we all struggle with on some level or another. While Bourne is trying to understand who he is and how he got to the point in his life, there is a real metaphor there for anyone who looks hard enough, which is why this character is so tangible when he has super assassin skills. His style of fighting, and his reluctance to the world of violence, even though he lives and breathes violence makes this character have the depth and complexity to have far greater impact with years to come.
30. Grandma’s Boy (2004)
Forget The Hangover, Grandma’s Boy is easily one of the funniest movies of the decade. When I said Failure To Launch has been done much funnier and much better before, Grandma’s Boy is the epitome of job well done when poking fun at the underachieving thirty-something basement dweller that moves back home. From the outrageous character’s to the completely out there scenario’s, this movie will have you laughing hysterically.
29. Pirates Of The Carribean (2003)
What Pirates exudes is pure and simple action and fun. You can almost feel what a great time the cast and crew had making this film. Whether they predicted it’s box office surplus or not, the spirit of the films creation is clearly emoted in it’s enthusiastic finished product. Pirates hit the marker on what we love that’s cliche about Pirates, but also was clever enough to poke fun at itself without losings it’s dramatic integrity. With all the story book elements of great plots involving love story’s, maniacal villains, action, and hilarious dialogue, this film hits the marker as an adventure story that will go down in history with films like the Indiana Jones series, The Princess Bride, and Lord Of The Rings.
28. Miyazaki’s: Spirited Away (2001)
While moving to a new home in Japan, Chihiro and her parents take a wrong turn down a mysterious wooded path. They come across an ominous-looking tunnel of which only Chihiro is scared. There is a restaurant filled with all different kinds of delicious foods. Chihiro’s parents then start helping themselves to some food. Her parents turn into pigs and she becomes lost in a world she doesn’t understand.
27. Donnie Darko (2001)
As far as out there films that have been subjected to being puzzled over and analyzed Donnie Darko is on the top of that list, and after years of hype I finally see what the talk is all about. My son has referred to this film as DONKEY Darko , which I really enjoy as a title, mostly because I’m easily amused. There is a clear theme and story, and a very strong point of view that writer and director Richard Kelly takes, but any film this outside the box is going to be subject to interpretation, and that is what really makes a movie of this nature so provocative.
26. Snatch (2000)
Bare Knuckle Boxing, British gangsters, pigs with a taste for man, and Pikeys are the recipe for the film Snatch. Countered by an insanely talented and charismatic cast, with a cleverly written script by Guy Ritchie, and a nonstop pace of entertainment for the audience makes this one of the most exciting and enjoyable movies to begin a new decade. A twisting story told from individual perspectives that eventually connect together one way or another, with an absolutely fantastic array of characters that make this movie an adventure of a wild and crazy surrounding the fate of a stolen diamond.
25. Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)
In it’s essence Kill Bill Volume 1 is an ambitious homage to old school kung-fu revenge flick’s. The dark humour of Tarantino and the unification of pop culture with blood soaked battles on a grandiose scale of style makes it very much so it’s own fresh addition to a genre long since forgotten. Volume 1 never stops to take a breath. It’s a pure adrenaline rush that’s speed increases with each passing scene. Stylized to the point of magnificence, it’s an event to behold.
24. Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)
The final battle is emotional and painful to watch, not to mention cool, but the viewer is right there with Harry. By the end of this movie, you’ve been on an emotional roller coaster that never slowed down once. The maturity, the darkness, the close adaptation to the novel, and the brilliant pacing of this Potter movie made it my favorite out of the series of five, with Azkaban a close second. If they can keep this up for the Half Blood Prince and opt for the same writers and director, we’re in for a wild ride.
23. Wall-E (2008)
This movie was stellar in every aspect. There were characters to love and hate, a plot that actually had brains behind it, comedy, was visually awesome, and had pacing that was just perfection. It is quite clear to me that Pixar can do no wrong. This was one of the best movies in 2008 by a long shot, and one to go out and buy without thinking twice. It’s a pleasure to go back a be a kid for a few hours.
22. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang certainly has it’s levels of comedy to offer, but make no mistake, it does not shy from the brutal violence that comes with territory of it’s subject matter. Without hesitation violence breaks out in moments when you least expect it, and the character’s constantly keep you guessing. The most successful aspect of it’s mystery is it keeps you so entertained and so engulfed in what’s happening in the now, it is easy to distract and forget about what happens next. It is that satisfying. The only disappointment for me was that it took me so many years to finally see it. I could have purchased it and had numerous viewings at this point. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a clever movie that is too genius to define.
21. The Dark Knight (2008)
If you are a Batman junkie, this movie is for you. If you are an action hero or superhero junkie this movie is for you. If you are a chick flick junkie this movie is for you. It doesn’t matter who you are, this movie is for you. Don’t bother to wait for it to hit DVD’s, go to your theatre this second, stand in line for an hour, buy a ticket and prepare to be blown away. Three years seemed a long wait after Batman Begins, but now I can’t seem to muster the patience to wait five months till I can own it on DVD. Best movie this year. Heath Ledger’s performance as the harbinger of death and chaos is alone worth every penny and every second devoted to this film.
20. 300 (2006)
The cinematography in this film is groundbreaking, and quite possibly the most amazing visual effects I have ever seen on film. It was beautiful, gritty, and seemed to make the screen itself come alive. Visually it stimulated you, but also it’s nonchalant brutality separates it from other films in this genre in a way that really does make it an original film. In the mix of the unapologetic violence there is an excellent mix of humor and otherwise entertainment. 300 doesn’t try and make all of it’s action a reflection of realism but rather a fictional interpretation of that realism, and it doesn’t try to capture that realistic violent perspective other films often do. It let itself wallow in it’s brutality with a smile on it’s face, but still managed to emote more than a superficial front. 300 and it’s horrific battle is one in a million.It was lines like this mixed with an awesome soundtrack, beautiful visuals that made 300. Simply, it was just cool. The theme of the underdog out there fighting for their freedom never gets old. And this film never will to me either. It’s one of those movies that the more I watch it, the more I enjoy it.
19. Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous is one of the most fulfilling movies I’ve ever watched. Very few films will I stop when channel surfing and watch at any point it’s at until it’s finish, but this film has a kinetic life that draws you in. It’s truly just a story about a boy coming of age, he just happens to be doing it on tour with a rock band. It will make you laugh, break your heart, and strike up a genuine feeling of nostalgia, and for those of us that are old enough, we might just crawl into our attics and caress the vinyl we have gathering dust in boxes, with memories of the first song that made you love music. There is nothing like watching a movie that has heart and soul and is willing to share it’s joy with an audience.
18. Pitch Black (2000)
For being a film fairly low-budget on the science fiction genre scale, the director utilized what he had brilliantly. The creatures themselves are almost never revealed, which keeps the illusion of their mysteriousness about them, and also doesn’t expose bad CGI. Because of this there was not one time that it became obvious that they were CGI creations. Even in the close encounter scene where Riddick goes head to head with one. The depth beyond the tale, mixed with mystery and the unknown, tagged together with fabulously curious characters makes Ptich Black a new and interesting addition to the science fiction family, and hopefully will be around to inspire other films in the genre to think outside the box.
17. Memento (2001)
Memento is a shocking and exhilarating film that challenges your mind and your soul. It stands out in a sea of films that are look-alike copycats. There has not been a movie made like it before or since, and any director and writer would be hard pressed to try and pull off the absolute genius and integrity Memento exudes. It is a plush combination of brilliant casting, utterly mind boggling writing, unique directing, and perfect editing. Memento is a cinema masterpiece. It’s what making movies and going to the movies is all about. It will completely astound you.
16. 28 Days Later (2002)
The concept of waking up to an empty hospital and a world gone is still one of the most daunting concepts ever made for a movie. There is an element of realism added into 28 Days Later, that makes the setting even more palpable. The eerie aspect of an incurable, highly contagious disease taking over London and literally making it hell on Earth is absurdly creepy, but taking the element of first person, and Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, awaking to a world he doesn’t understand is the perfect creation for a sense of solitude and fear. Danny Boyle acknowledges the fact that in our busy bee world, silence can be the most terrifying sound of all. When the second half of the story does take place, we get a From Dusk Till Dawn feel, where suddenly our main character’s are thrown into a situation where the nature of man is reflected on and the infected aren’t the only thing to fear. At this point the character’s are important to us and their survival is what we desire most.
15. Zodiac (2007)
Zodiac is an enrapturing story based on fact mixed with fantastic fiction and an all star cast that pay the real life people they play an amazing homage. Zodiac has just given me another reason to rant and rave about the brilliance and genius behind David Fincher. A lot of films stand out because of acting, CGI, the writing, but Fincher has a unique quality and specific attention to detail and the bigger picture sets him apart. Zodiac just gave me another reason to declare him my favorite directer out there. Zodiac was outstanding.
14. Lost In Translation (2003)
It’s no surprise this film won Best Screenplay at the Oscars, nor any surprise that Bill Murray was nominated for Best Actor. The brilliant writing of Sofia Coppola and her insight into the hearts of the young and the old made for absolutely beautiful and original writing. Lost In Translation is one of the most original and fulfilling movies I’ve ever seen. It will lighten your heart and inspire you to ask yourself your own self examining questions. It ends on a beautiful note that tells you, while the two are no longer lost, the story is hardly over.
13. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds was a pure and simple masterpiece. To me it isn’t even debatable that this has been the best movie I have seen in 2009, and even more so probably my second favorite film ever made by Quentin Tarantino . It was that good. From the moment you see his name and hear his soundtrack play you know you are in for something special. Why can’t other film makers be so distinct in who they are and their point of view? Nobody makes films like QuentinTarantino, and his adoration for the movies themselves comes across in spades in each creation he deems us worthy of sharing.
12. American Psycho (2000)
This is a movie that has on occasion be greatly misunderstood. It’s not an exploitation of violence, but an exploration of the power of delusions in the human psyche. A satire against 80’s style Wall Street and the dementia that this lifestyle and stress of holding up it’s exterior could create. American Psycho is far more witty and darkly humorous than it is usually given credit for. The writing, some of which is directly copied from it’s novel creation, is violently delectable, while visually intoxicating as well. Whether you end up loving or hating this movie, there is no turning away from it while you are watching it.
11. Pans Labyrinth (2006)
It’s a nightmarish fantasy world for adults who can’t protect children from their wrong doings. The results of the evils of war and violence on the innocent leaves for little room for hope, but by the time the film has finished there is a small glint of peace and hope. Visually and conceptually brilliant, it’s execution was even more. Pan’s Labyrinth is the kind of movie you don’t ever forget about and will linger with you indefinitely. It was profound and heartbreaking. I loved every minute of it.
10. Hero (2002)
This is visually the most beautiful film I have ever set eyes on. The cinematography of this Hero will leave you breathless. Christopher Doyle had a beautiful vision of this majestic world and made a creation that even most dreams lack the power and imagination to create. As far as martial arts films go this could very well be considered my favorite. The complex story of many different individuals and how their lives play into one another engages you into the stories overall feeling of despair, but it’s the magical feel of the film and it’s amazing scenery make this epic tale a piece of mastery.
9. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
This may not have an appeal to a general audience, but everything about it is so exquisitely done. The screenplay is profound, gripping, and oddly comical at times. The visual stimulation is there, and the acting by Carrey and Winslet is simply astounding. Being so exceptional in every category I find it difficult not to recommend this film to anyone that comes across it. It’s so baffling and personal it will inspire-watch after re-watch. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is a masterpiece.
8. Gladiator (2000)
The story of Maximus is incredibly powerful. It depicts the power that inner strength and determination can have in any situation. Maximus is a slave but suddenly becomes more powerful than the Emperor himself. He is so powerful that Commodus cannot even have him murdered. The resolve Maximus has to earn his freedom back and to give a dying friend his last wishes is overwhelming.
7. Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Requiem for a Dream exposes four paralleled individuals and their menacing addiction to heroin, cocaine, and diet pills (speed). Taking place in Brooklyn amidst the waning Coney Island, the drugs are very easily obtained and keep each main character in its cycle of dependence.
6. Oldboy (2003)
Oldboy is one of the best movies of the decade and absolutely one of my favorite foreign films of all time. It is ground breaking, mind shattering, and consistently shocking to the heart and soul. We care about our characters even though they aren’t always the most moral of people, it’s pretty much what makes them human. The choices they take, and what leads them to their inevitable ending is a journey that is astounding. As difficult as it might be, I recommend anyone who is a true fan of cinema see this movie. You will be better for it, even if your brain won’t be able to comprehend the insane ride it’s taken. Oldboy was insane and genius.
5. Serenity (2005)
Hopefully this film won’t be lost on the general public and the buzz of it continues to spread and people go out and buy it or rent it. You don’t have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy Serenity, you just have to be a fan of movies period. Serenity deserves Four brilliant stars for it’s pure and simple amazing ingenuity. Joss Whedon, my message to you is this: Hollywood still doesn’t seem to get you, but there are those of us out here that do, and we will wait ever patiently for whatever breadcrumb you will throw us until you can make the next thing you want the way you want, because when you do, only good things happen.
4. Black Hawk Down (2003)
This is a very violent and disturbing movie to watch. It will sit with you for hours, maybe even days after festering in your mind, possibly touching you in ways you didn’t know a movie could. It certainly isn’t a film everyone could handle, or something to be viewed by children, but it’s definitely a film that I would recommend everyone to see, and whether or not you agree with the policies of our military or government, you can at least appreciate the sacrifices these men make every day. Stories like Black Hawk Down that you don’t necessary hear about in the news or on CNN. Every one of those men and women are heroes.
3. The Departed (2006)
Scorsese makes great gangster films, and a great one hasn’t been made in nearly a decade, not one of this caliber. The score, which molded in beautifully, especially the scene with Farminga and DiCaprio with Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”. It left goosebumps on my arms. The cinematography was gritty and abrasive with his typical edge. Every character was flawless in creation, and every scene was enigmatic and mesmerizing. The plot escalates to a level unseen or even attempted by most movie makers these days. Every once in awhile you take a trip to the theatre and are completely moved and shocked by what you see. The Departed dumbfounded me.
2. Avatar (2009)
No one in the universe has the imagination of James Cameron, and if they do, they don’t have the ability to convey it into the world of film. Not like he does. Avatar was the best film of 2009, and one of the best films to come out this entire decade. Avatar is unlike any movie I have ever seen. Cameron takes a simple, almost cliche story, and makes it an authentic tale about two races, two people, and the world that lives and breathes around them. The fairyland of Pandora becomes a reality and you as a viewer are lucky enough to have been invited to see it through the eyes of Jake Sully.
1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy
For you nit-pickers out there, if I had to pick only one of the films to represent the series I would choose The Two Towers for it’s incredible pacing, content, and the emotional battle of Helms Deep, however I don’t think it’s fair to break this series up, as it isn’t separate films added together for one story. It’s one story broken up because of time restraints. In protest I often refer to the Trilogy, because it is essentially one film to me.
The screenplay adapted by Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson himself, was done with such care for the original work of Tolkien and such great lengths were met to keep the integrity of the character’s and their journeys that this is without a doubt some of the best literature translated to the big screen ever. Every aspect of this story was done with the admiration of a true fan and the brilliance of an amazing filmmaker. This trilogy is some of the most amazing film making ever in the history of cinema. A frequent question is what the best of the three is, but in truth there really isn’t one. Each are unique to the part of the story they told, and each are portions of the journey. The Beginning, the Middle, and the End.
Honorable Mentions: Star Trek, Lord Of War, Adaptation, Zombieland, Sin City, Miami Vice, Little Miss Sunshine, and Ratatouille
Poll Results:
Lord Of The Rings: 10 Votes
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind: 8 Votes
Requiem For A Dream: 5 Votes
Black Hawk Down: 4 Votes
Avatar: 4
Gladiator: 4 Votes
28 Days Later: 2 Votes
Lost In Translation: 2 Votes
The Departed:1 vote
Serenity: 1 Vote
Oldboy: 1 Vote
Mulholland Drive: 1 Vote
Batman Begins: 1 Vote
Almost Famous: 1 Vote
Cloverfield: 1 Vote
District 9: 1 Vote
Do you agree with this list? Rate it and let us know!
Fantastic list! I would have changed the order on a few of them. Sometimes you forget about movies so now I want to watch movies all day.
Absolutely love your list. It’s amazing how similar it is to the top 100 I’m currently working on. Only disappointed not to see Mulholland Dr. up there but I agree with the vast majority of it. It’s also nice to see movies like American Psycho, or The Last Samurai which don’t figure prominently on most top films of the decade list.
I haven’t seen Mulholland Dr. It’s nothing personal! It’s actually in my 100 movies to see in 2010 list!
Glad to see the appreciation for some of the movies I love but don’t get enough attention!
And……….I can’t wait to read your Top 100. Great minds and all.
Merry Christmas by the way
Thank you, I hope you had a Merry Christmas as well.
great list….I don’t know how you do it!!
George they watch movies and then write a list. you should write your fave’s.
Great list, a lot of thought must have gone into a top 50, I have enough trouble with top tens. I love 85% of the movies on the list so it is hard to criticise but a few points where our opinions differ. I hate Vanilla Sky and King Kong, probably because they are week remakes of films I love! Constantine is okay but how did it find itself ahead of the brilliant Children of Men. The Bourne Identity was excellent but where are its equally as great sequels? Avatar was average at best and will fade in time. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy was brilliant but number one? Not for me! There are a few great comic book movies on the list but not X-Men 2, surly you can find the space for that. A few of my top ten that didn’t make your top 50; City of God, Million Dollar Baby, Battle Royale and the aforementioned Mulholland Drive. All of this can be forgiven for finding space for Serenity, the only movie of the last ten years to make it onto my Top Ten Post Star Wars Sci-Fi Movies list.
A lot of people didn’t enjoy Vanilla Sky so I’m not too surprised on that, but I loved Jacksons King Kong. It was an incredible remake, and I’m a fan of both of the other interpretations.
Still haven’t seen City Of God or Mulholland Drive, but each are on my 100 movies to watch next year.
Love the list Heather! Did you make me a cool signature for my posts? If not would you?
Done and Done!
I loved Vanilla Sky glad its on there. Where is Blow? Johnny Depps best film IMO. Oh well, my fav movie of all time is at #6 so I can’t complain
Great list Heather.
Blow is good, very good, but not my Top Fifty, 100 maybe.
I would however like to add District 9, Collateral, and Hot Fuzz somewhere in the list, but I’m not quite sure what I’d replace where, but each of those flicks belong in the fifty.
Heather, this list is very well thought out, and I believe that many of these films definitely belong here, albeit slightly out of order in my opinion. I’m glad you were wise enough to include Oldboy, Pans Labyrinth, and Donnie Darko on this list; and that by the same token, you excluded the garbage of the Star Wars Prequels, and Mel Gibsons over-zealous Passion of the Christ.
I actually like the Star Wars prequels but you are right, they don’t have any business on this list. Thanks for your thoughts Rob.
As always, Heather, your list is eccentric and painstakingly done. Excellent job!
“The Departed” certainly deserves the high spot you gave it, as does “Serenity,” a fitting and very witty end to “Firefly.” “Requiem” should most certainly be in any top 10 list, and it made my top 20 all-time favorite films.
You’ve inspired me to do a top 100 movies. It’s going to hurt, but I’m going to make it!
Great list, think I’ve seen about half of them but there’s loads on there I want to see!
Don’t agree with you on all of them, for example I’ve already got into loads of trouble for trashing eternal sunshine and lost in translation, but I’m not surprisd to see them on the list!
Eternal Sunshine is widely loved so that surprises me, but LIT not so much. A lot of people haven’t found love for it.
WOW ! Now THAT is what I call a LIST.
…I love the picture of Clint Eastwood !!!
Glad to see “Pitch Black” included. It
is indeed a taught little sci-fi thriller…
Way too underrated.
Clint Eastwood is just badass.
Thanks for giving Pitch Black props. It doesn’t often get the love it deserves. I haven’t seen such an innovative Sci-Fi flick till D9. I always appreciate originality.
Great list! It does have some interesting choices in it. Serenity scored surprisingly high. I really like the Firefly series but wouldn’t put Serenity in the top 10. I also don’t think 300 would show up anywhere on my list. Glad to see Lost in Translation though!
Fantastic list, containing not only some of my favorite films but also a lot of films which are in my list of best 50 films of the decade.
Lord of the Rings is such an important trilogy for me personal, because if it wasn’t for The Fellowship of the Ring I would not have totally gotten into films and appreciating them. So I owe that film a lot of praise it is possibly my most watched film. Reading this has inspired me to watch LOTR again extended editions all the way.
Thank you! LOTR is such an inspirational film and story. It’s one of those rare movies that make me love the movies more everytime I watch any of the tales. And to think my husband (boyfriend at the time) had to DRAG me to see the Fellowship. I was against because I hated Liv Tyler and didn’t love Viggo. Needless to say, they had me at hello and Viggo is probably my favorite actor right now.
yeh bahut hi behtarin prayash hain, taki koi bhi pichle 10 saalo ki best films chaant sakein. bhid se bahut hi alag, isme kuch file chootl hain, kekin koi bhi pyash pehla aur antim bhi nahi hota, so dhanyawad….
Some of my favs are in here. Good list!
Eternal Sunshine is a DVD I love to revisit along with Lost in Translation and Pan’s Labyrinth. No wonder I love you so much, Ms Ninja.
Xoxo,
Lady Mew
As bad as this sounds, I could not for the life of me get into Eternal Sunshine and stopped watching it midway through. I hardly EVER do that. I need to maybe revisit it and see if it was just my frame of mind at the time.
“The Dark Knight” at number 21?! I think it’s criminal to have it that low … that movie is one of very few released in the past decade that I still watch carefully to see what else I can gain from it.
And while I wholeheartedly admire “Avatar” for returning the urgency of the theatrical experience, I have a hard time saying that it was the second best movie of the last ten years.
I’m proudly sitting here in my Avatar t-shirt. I’m just not going to budge on it! Ha!
As for Dark Knight. It was initially #35 and then I rewatched it because I hadn’t in awhile and saw that upon repeat viewings it actually got better, but in the scheme of things was not a better film than those I ranked before it. Excellent film though.
Glad to see you have “The Departed” up so high! I absolutely love that movie!
Everything about it is great and it’s showing the capacity to live up to its greatness in repeat viewings as well.
Holy shit, at first I thought your list was pretty alright….then, I saw Avatar, hahahahahahahahahah, at number 2, hahahahahaha, must be a mistake, considering its one of the worst movies I’ve seen in a long time….then I saw Serenity, number 6, hahahahahaha, there’s some great acting…….I’m done wasting my time here….Grow the fuck up and watch some good shit. R-tard!!!
Are you serious?
Probably not. Have fun trolling the web!!!!!!!!! Sorry movie fan lists upset you so greatly?
This list is horrible,what are you retarded? I’m not even gonna begin on the piece of shit movies you chose but I can’t believe the ones you left out like No Country For Old Men was by far the best movie of the decade. Also the lord of the rings trilogy is three films but somehow all three are number 1. Moron! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks this list is pure shit.
Serenity? Really, really?
In the top 10, you must have lost a bet or something and were forced to put that in there. So Heather, are you like rain man retarded. Can count cards but can’t cook toast. Or in your case can work for a movie website but can’t tell what a good movie is. Oh and by the way you forgot to put Gigli in your top ten,ya stupid.
Thanks for your input. I’m sure I’ll quit writing about movies from now on because of your comment! Thank you so much!
Are you a fucking kid?
Grrrr…. you don’t agree with my values! You are wrong! And not only are you wrong, but you suck at life and your entire value system is incorrect. Because you enjoyed a movie that I didn’t, you should be banned from life!
We can have an epic showdown to settle this, but I fear your wrestling skills may have me at a disadvantage. Perhaps I’ll bring a gun to the knife fight.
I really, really wanted to like “Vanilla Sky,” but after two viewings I haven’t managed to accomplish this goal. I think my general distaste for Tom Cruise is holding me back.
I would never be able to put a list together of my favorite movies. I’ve seen most of the action ones, and Black Hawk Down is one I want to see, including Iron Man(1 and 2, when out) and Batman Begins(saw Dark Knight). Gladiator, 300, and yea were good movies.
But what I really love is the trilogy of Lord of the Rings. That’s like the best series out there! I just watched the Two Towers today, and tomorrow I’m gonna watch Fellowship and Return of the King. I can’t pick a favorite, they’re all just so good. And great idea about keeping them together because they are just a contimuim of each other.
did you even see 25th hour?
I just got to reading this list….Since you have “Zack and Miri” maybe you’ll know why I included “The Amateurs” on my recent comedies list. It is interesting as after reading the films here I have a very good sense of your taste in films. It is too bad we cannot debate in person because I would have to do so to go nuts on your #3, #4 and #5 here….On my own list I have “Almost Famous” at number one and only did my top 10 of the decade. Kudos to you for going so indepth with it. Nicely done. A very eclectic list, even if it does have Donnie Darko on it
A lot of people have distaste for Donnie Darko. I get it. It’s certainly an eccentric film, but more than anything I fell in love with the mood. It captured the twisted isolated silence of my youth.
I like your list and agree for the most part.
Probably 30 movies from your list are in my list too.
I miss City of God, The Pianist,Slumdog Millionaire,No Country for Old Men and Sin City.
City of God and the Pianist are in my Top5 and i reckon you haven’t seen one of them.
Harry Potter,Spirited away and 28Days later are defintely not in my Top 50, but whatever.
My secret love is Harold and Kumar go to White Castle.
Harold and Kumar! Ha! We all need our guilty pleasures.
Slumdog Millionaire I hadn’t seen before, nor The Hurt Locker or they would have made the list, along with The Prestige. Sin City nearly made the cut.
These are great articles. Keep up the good work.
Better late than never I’m working on my Top 50 of the decade! Heather, your list definitely gives me some food for thought. I’ve already made up the 50 but there is still room for some movement of placings. I’ve split the LOTR films and…I’ll let you into a little secret…The Two Towers doesn’t make the top 50!
Although my list is a little different to yours, many of your choices are films that I’ve enjoyed throughout the last ten years. Bit surprised how highly you placed Avatar – you must have really loved that movie! I enjoyed it but I’d like to give it a couple of years to see if it still stands up to multiple viewing.
TDK shoulda been MINIMUM 6 spots higher!
Kai B. Parker recently posted..THE HAPPY 101 AWARD
The author’s praise for Inglorious Bastards is just one example of his bias in films. For that film was nothing more than a fanciful bit of midiocrity, which some might have found fun. In any event, it was certainly no masterpiece as the author asserts.
Love the list! The only thing I would change is replace Avatar with D-9, and maybe move it back a space or two. There are some amazing movies on here though! I’m glad to see someone finally giving credit to movies like Pitch Black and Hero. Check out me and my friends movie rating blog “cazrevilo Teen Reviews @ blogger”! Tell us what you think!
i realy loved gladiator and piartes of the caribean