Another decade, another round of truly great movies. It was HARD narrowing down this list. But I did it anyway. Ask me next year and this list could probably change, but these are my favorite movies of the decade as of December 31st, 2019. See you in 2020.
What I Said Then:
“..it is one ludicrous and thrilling ride filled with
jaw-dropping camerawork, effects, and production value that
completely blows the original films out of the water.”
And Now: “Fury
Road” still holds up as an amazing piece of action filmmaking. Part
big budget spectacle part weirdo art house flick, this film is
essentially one long, exciting car chase set to an awesome Junkie XL score that hardly ever lets up for
a second. And the fact that it actually has something to say about
society – the roles of men and women, about the environment, etc –
goes to show how truly special this fourth Mad Max entry truly is.
There’s nothing quite like it and I’ll be damned if there ever
will be again.
2 Bridesmaids (2011)
What I Said Then: “a
flat out funny and heartfelt romp that will have you laughing
hysterically one moment and then practically tearing up the next.”
And Now:
“Bridesmaids” continues to be one of my all-time favorite
comedies. Kristin Wiig is so freaking hilarious and it’s amazing
how big Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy became after turning in
steal-stealing performances here. The film was so much more than just
a female version of “The Hangover.” Does anyone even remember or
quote “The Hangover” anymore? I pretty much quote “Bridesmaids”
on a daily basis, now if you’ll excuse me it’s New Year’s Eve
and I’m ready to paaaaaarrrrrr-tttttyyyyyyyy!
3 Avengers: Endgame
(2019)
What I Said Then:
“It’s no easy task weaving elements and characters from a
series of 21 feature films that connect, overlap, and converge into a
three hour mega-finale that is everything you want it to be and more.
It’s – dare I say it – a perfect closing saga.”
And
Now: Yeah this movie came out 8 months ago and yes it’s one of the
best movies of the decade. I freaking love this movie so much. I’ve
watched it over and over again since it’s release and I never get
sick of it. In fact, I even watched in a plane ride when there was
literally hundreds of other options. “Avengers Endgame” is the
perfect three act movie and each part is expertly crafted for maximum
emotion and entertainment. I still cry every. Single. Time. I think
it’s officially time to admit that it’s my favorite Marvel movie,
sorry “Winter Soldier;” move down the bench!
4 Hereditary (2018)
What I Said Then:
“The film is a searing tragedy about the horrors of loss and
grief and morphs into horror of a different nature. It’s destined
to be a modern genre classic.”
And
Now: I honestly never thought I could ever watch “Hereditary” a
second time because it disturbed me so much. But I’ve gotten over
that and watch it regularly. It’s so freaking good; it’s the best
horror film of the decade. Toni Collette’s performance is so
exquisite; she just punches you in the gut. The imagery is so
memorable and shocking; then there’s the music, the atmosphere, the
naked old people, Ann Dowd, etc. Ari Aster is a genius.
5 The Conjuring
(2013)
What I Said Then:
“It’s a film that can arguably hold up against such classics
as The Exorcist, The Omen, and Poltergeist. It has everything you
could ask for in a great horror film.”
And
Now: If Hereditary is the best horror movie of the decade “The
Conjuring” is certainly a close second. “The Conjuring” is
pretty much a perfect movie with a delectable 70s vibe and proof that
the studio horror film isn’t dead. The film is proof that you can
have a decent budget ($20 million) and not waste a single dollar.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are great as the real life “ghost
hunters” The Warrens. Everyone in Connecticut knows about them
(I’ve seen their lectures many times) and they finally got to go
mainstream. I still can’t believe that James Wan who went so
over-the-top with his debut “Saw” that he restrained himself
enough to make such an emotionally satisfying family drama that also
just happens to be scary as hell. Anyone wanna play Hide and Clap??
6 Gravity (2013)
What I Said Then:
“There aren’t enough adjectives in the galaxy to describe how
wonderful ‘Gravity’ is.”
And
Now: “Gravity” still remains one of my all-time favorite movie
theater going experiences. I saw this movie four times in IMAX 3D and
it was simply breathtaking each time. Sure it loses a bit of that
wonder at home, but it no less emotionally gratifying. Essentially a
disaster movie in space, I’m still not quite
sure how Alfonso Cuarón pulled it all off. Sandra
Bullock is fantastic, the music score from Steven Price is so
exciting and some cues literally bring me to tears. I’m always a
big ol’ mess when this movie ends; you feel like you’ve been on
this scary journey with Sandra and I haven’t been the same since.
7 Whiplash (2014)
What I Said Then:
“It’s almost Hitchcockian in its approach to enthrall you with
this fascinating cat and mouse game between a borderline sadistic
college music professor and an in-it-to-win-it student.”
And
Now: What a gift to cinema Damien Chazelle is. He has hit home run
after home run and it all started with “Whiplash” (though, fun
fact: “Whiplash” was not his first feature, that would be “Guy
and Madeline on a Park Bench”). A steering drama about a music
student and his masochistic professor functions like a thriller and
offers moments of true suspense and a completely rewarding final act.
You could almost forgive
Chazelle for only telling stories about white dudes.
8 Prometheus (2012)
What I Said Then:
“‘Prometheus’ might just be a modern sci-fi horror classic.”
And
Now: I called it a classic then and I’d call it a classic now. The
sometimes unfairly maligned “Prometheus” stands as a great piece
of thrilling sci-fi filmmaking and anyone who hates on it is only mad
because it’s not the movie they thought it would be. It turns out
it’s not really
a
direct prequel to “Alien” and the less you think of it that way
the more enjoyable it really is. So what if it gets a bit bogged down
in muddled mythology Ridley Scott has still concocted some truly
memorable moments, some of which are simply terrifying. I’m
looking at you med pod abortion scene! I find the film simply
entertaining and daring in its decision to
ask
more questions (who are we, why are we here dammit??) than it
answers. God forbid you’re forced to actually think for a minute
while digesting horrifying moments of sci-fi terror.
9 Get Out (2017)
What I Said Then:
“The best horror films are a reflection of their time and ‘Get
Out’ is no exception.”
And Now: Was there
any film more relevant in the 2010s than “Get Out?” The biggest
real-life twist of the decade is that we are in fact, NOT living in a
post-racial America. In fact, the country is just as racist as its
ever been. And “Get Out” is a perfect reflection of that. It’s
a disturbing film from comedy guy Jordan Peele about a Black guy who
goes home with his wife girlfriend for the weekend to meet her
parents. But don’t worry, her dad would vote for Obama a third time
if he could. It only gets worse from there for our hapless hero. This
modern “Twilight Zone” take on “The Stepford Wives” is a
witty delight from beginning to end and brought a new modern horror
master in Peele who also hit big with his equally good second feature
“Us.”
10 Love, Simon
(2018)
What I Said Then:
“The equally sweet and cheesy “Love, Simon” is not only
influenced by 80s and 90s teen films but it’s actually three
great films in one.”
And Now: “Love,
Simon” is a very important movie for me. It actually shaped what I
see as the second chapter of my life and I’m eternally grateful for
it. The film really is a fun ode to those 90s teen films except it
offers the type of point-of-view those movies never got around to
showing. Simon is a closeted teen who falls for an anonymous
classmate who is also closeted and his life gets turned upside down
when another student threatens to out him. Greg Berlanti’s modern
take on teen romance is funny and witty and is sheer bliss from
beginning to end. And let’s not forget the film pivotal scene in
which Simon and has a heart to heart with his mom. Jennifer Garner
has never been better. I’m not cyring, YOU’RE CRYING!
You didn't think I'd actually stop at ten did you??
11 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Well this used to
be my favorite Marvel movie! A perfect example of a sequel completely
blowing the original out of the water. The 3 Days of the Condor vibe
is palatable.
12 Us (2019)
There is so
sophomore slump when it comes to Jordan Peele. Lupita is amazing. The
score is fan-freaking-tastic. This is one of my favorite movies to
discuss. Don’t @ me.
13 La La Land (2016)
I’ll never
understand why people dislike this movie so much. The music, the
colors, the score. I love the scrappy quality. I don’t care that
Emma and Ryan aren’t great singers but they’re likable and
charming as hell. Who the hell did you want in this? Christina
Aguilera and Justin Beiber??
14 Inception (2010)
BRAWWWWWNNNNN. This
movie is mindbogglingly good once you figure out exactly what’s
happening. I always appreciate what Christopher Nolan is doing. Keep
doing it.
15 It (2017)
Make Clowns Scary
Again. Accomplished. Another example of studio horror done right. The
kids and Bill Skarsgard are fantastic.
16 Hidden Figures
(2016)
The Help in space!
No but really, I love this more and more every time I watch it.
Taraji’s bathroom monologue is so moving; it’s this close
to curing racism. (One can dream)
17 Baby Driver
(2017)
Sure it has Kevin
Spacey but it has cool car chases, cooler editing, and is the
definition of fun.
18 Insidious (2010)
This is when I
realized that James Wan actually knows what he’s doing. Rose Byrne
might be my favorite find of the decade.
19 Thor: Ragnarok
(2017)
It’s retro cool
and just the shot in the arm the Marvel movies needed.
20 This Is the End
(2013)
I was obsessed with
this hilarious meta disaster comedy when it came out. I still think
it’s fun and rather clever.
21 Mission
Impossible – Fallout (2018)
How does these
movies keep getting better as they go on. This ending alone is the
definition of a nailbiter. The whole thing is impeccably filmed and
wholly entertaining and thankfully the least confusing
22 Prisoners (2013)
Still ashamed I
missed this intense sleeper drama in the theater. Melissa Leo (not to
mention her soda bottles) has never been more terrifying.
23 The Help (2011)
I rolled my eyes
while watching this movie with about a dozen housweives in the
theater, but I’ve warmed up to it. Jessica Chastain is gloriously
over-the-top. The third National Treasure should be about Octavia
Spencer because she is one.
24 Marriage Story
(2019)
I’ve watched this
twice already and loved it even more on a second viewing. The divorce
paper serving scene is a stand out scene of the entire year. And this
movie made me fall in love with the song “Being Alive.” Thank you
Adam Driver, thank you.
25 You’re Next
(2011)
This clever twist on
the home invasion thriller is actually a dark family comedy in
disguise. Adam Wingard could do no wrong (unless you count Blair
Witch, ugh).
26 Happy Death Day
(2017)
What a sheer delight
from beginning to end. Sure it’s not actually scary but I wanna be
best friends with Jessica Roth’s character and I’d like to think
she’d wanna be best friends with me. (And for the record I loved
the wackado sequel)
27 Black Panther
(2018)
Representation can
go a long way when it comes to a fun, action spectacle. This film is
like weird superhero conglomeration of Star Wars and James Bond while
somehow being better than those.
28 Inside Out (2015)
One of the most flat
out clever and fun Pixar movies which is saying something in a roster
of films that are nothing but clever and fun. Pixar has suffered from
sequelitis this decade but it’s nice to know they still know how to
knock it out of the park.
29 Manchester by the
Sea (2016)
Oh god this movie
wrecked me. I don’t know how I can watch it over and over again but
I do. Grief porn at its best. But still surprisingly humane and
funny.
30 127 Hours (2010)
Another one that
wrecked me. I never thought watching James Franco stuck under a rock
could be so entertaining, suspenseful, and moving. This one still
brings me to tears at the end. I blame Sigur Ros.
31 Coco (2017)
Another colorful and
fun Pixar outing. Another bittersweet ending. I cry a lot at movies
don’t I?
32 Midsommar (2019)
Ari Aster is back
again with something completely different from “Hereditary” but
no less disturbing. The opening sequence is brilliant and
jaw-dropping. The daylight has never been scarier.
33 Deadpool (2016)
What a great decade
for super hero movies. Ryan Reynolds was born to play this character.
Irreverent, and violent; two of my favorite ingredients. And Bea
Arthur references. You can’t ask for more.
34 Easy A (2010)
Here’s the sitch
MELODY BOSTIC….For a second I thought the teen movie was dead. But
hello Emma Stone and her winning personality and beautiful big eyes.
I knew she was destinite for bigger and better things ever since she
got head butted by drunk Jonah Hill in Superbad.
35 Room (2015)
What could have
easily been a Lifetime movie-of-the-week was turned into a moving,
cinematic tour-de-force. Jacob Tremblay gives one of the best kid
performances of all time.
36 Moonlight (2016)
Such a moving
cinematic piece of art. The three act structure was an interesting
take on a life rarely seen in mainstreen films. I could feel this
movie.
37 Halloween (2018)
God bless American
icon Jamie Lee Curtis. I’m pretty sure she’s my favorite actress
of all time. I know she hates horror movies so much, but bless her
for going back to the Laurie Strode well yet again. Somehow this all
worked and was completely satisfying. I can’t wait for Halloween
H60.
38 Neighbors (2014)
Jesus Christ how
many times do I mention Rose Byrne on here? She’s amazing. This
movie is way better than it has any right to be and proves that Zac
Efron is more than hot abs, a cute face, a nice butt, muscular arms,
a sexy voice, perfect hair, perfectly straight teeth, a nice thick
neck, broad shoulders, gorgeous eyes, etc...
39 Ready Player One
(2018)
The decade was not kind to Steven Spielberg fans in my opinion. If anyone tells you that
War Horse, Lincoln, or The Adventures of Tintin is their favorite
Spielberg movie then run away. This nostalgia porn is super fun and I
dug every minute. The Shining sequence is worth the price of
admission alone.
40 Arrival (2016)
I’m still bitter
that Amy Adams got snubbed at the Oscars.
41 The Big Sick
(2017)
I’m still bitter
that Holly Hunter got snubbed at the Oscars.
42 Skyfall (2012)
The movie that made
me actually like James Bond movies.
43 Tickled (2016)
What a freaking
bizarre story in this fascinating investigative documentary.
44 Nightcrawler
(2014)
I’m still bitter
that Jake Gyllenhaal got snubbed at the Oscars.
45 The Wolf of Wall
Street (2013)
This movie gave us
Leonardo DiCaprio blowing cocaine in a hooker’s ass AND Margot
Robbie. Thank god.
46 Call Me by Your
Name (2017)
I’ve really warmed
up to this 80s gay romance. I found it hard to relate to wealthy,
literate Americans living la dolce vita in Northern Italy. The
soundtrack really is great.. And then there’s the whole peach
thing...
47 Spider-Man Into
the Spider-Verse (2018)
A movie that could
give you a seizure during the opening credits, this wacky take on the
Spider-Man character is filled with gorgeous animation and a truly
fun and original storyline.
48 Argo (2012)
Ben Affleck was born
to direct. The Town is probably number 51 on here for the record. I
love the 70s style here. Pure cinematic bliss.
49 Unstoppable
(2010)
The only true Speed
sequel as far as I’m concerned.
50 mother! (2017)
I was super excited
to see it. I didn’t get it. And then once I did get it I freaking
loved it. I get why people hate it but they’re wrong. Bonus points
for Kristin Wiig’s bizarro cameo.
Other movies that
came so close but I feel like I can’t not mention them….
50/50, The Town, Birdman, Boyhood, The Dark Knight Rises, Three
Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Fighter, Piranha 3D,
Guardians of the Galaxy, It Follows, Interstellar, Gone Girl, A Quiet
Place, A Star is Born, Under the Skin, The Shallows, Drive, The Kids Are Alright, Shame
