The 2010s begun in the aftermath of Avatar (remember that small film?), ushering in a digital age of technological marvels. What followed was a decade full of cinematic universes, superheroes, reboots, remakes, and, I would argue, some truly great films.
Before you attack me for these rankings, I love every movie on this list, and the ones near the top are some of my favorite films of all time. So let’s get into it.
50. The Irishman (Martin Scorsese, 2019) – the culmination of Scorsese’s career of crime epics, with an All-Star cast. Never show up late to a meeting with Al Pacino.
49. The Town (Ben Affleck, 2010) – the introduction of Affleck as a director to be reckoned with, and a great old-fashioned heist film. Plus, a great loose-cannon performance by Jeremy Renner.
48. This Is The End (Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, 2013) – hilarious performances from Seth Rogen & Co. as versions of themselves make for one of the most enjoyable and quotable raunchy comedies in recent memory.
47. Doctor Sleep (Mike Flanagan, 2019) – Flanagan combines elements of Kubrick’s The Shining with King’s bestselling book to make for a heady psychological horror that successfully stands on its own.
46. Prometheus (Ridley Scott, 2012) – this Alien prequel is perfect for anyone looking for atmospheric, heady sci-fi. Plus, Michael Fassbender’s performance as the android David is one of my personal favorites of the decade.
45. The Spectacular Now (2013) – Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley combine for one of the most intimate, sincere, and realistic romance films in recent years.
44. John Wick (Chad Stahelski & David Leitch, 2014) – the introduction of Stahelski’s infectious “gun fu” style not only established John Wick as an iconic action star, but hinted at an alluring world of assassins to be explored in the sequels.
43. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (Christopher McQuarrie, 2015) – Tom Cruise continues to one-up himself with mind-blowing stunts, and the additions of Rebecca Ferguson and Alec Baldwin to the series give the on-screen action more weight.
42. The Dark Knight Rises (Christopher Nolan, 2012) – the culmination of Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy expands the scope to epic proportions. This also introduces the Tom-Hardy-in-a-Mask trend of the 2010s.
41. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Rupert Wyatt, 2011) – one of the biggest surprises of the decade, Rise introduced the great primate protagonist of Caesar. Impressively stands on its own and sets up the great sequels that would follow.
40. Avengers: Endgame (Anthony & Joe Russo, 2019) – a dizzying cast list, high blockbuster stakes, and fan service done right in bringing 23 films together into a cohesive ending.
39. The Favourite (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2018) – a gorgeous period piece mixed with psychological warfare and black comedy. Unpredictable and wildly entertaining.
38. Alien: Covenant (Ridley Scott, 2017) – Ridley Scott wisely returned the Alien series to its horror roots here, and doubled down on Fassbender’s role as an android. It doesn’t get better than Fassbender teaching Fassbender to play the flute.
37. Silver Linings Playbook (David O. Russell, 2012) – this confirmed Jennifer Lawrence as a superstar. Simultaneously a great romance, comedy, and commentary on mental illness.
36. 50/50 (Jonathan Levine, 2011) – one of the only films that can make me laugh and cry. Plus, Seth Rogen is great here in a more dramatic role.
35. Us (Jordan Peele, 2019) – engaging, pulpy horror that weaves social commentary into an X-Files-like story. By now, you can probably tell I’m a sucker for an actor playing two versions of themselves (this time by Lupita Nyong’o).
34. Nocturnal Animals (Tom Ford, 2016) – he’s not just a fashion designer! This is an expertly crafted psychological thriller with a great cast and multiple layers, bolstered by an incredible ending.
33. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (Christopher McQuarrie, 2018) – the first Mission Impossible that continues the previous film’s story, this is the grandest and most exciting film yet in the series. And come on, Tom Cruise flies a helicopter through a canyon.
32. Under the Skin (Jonathan Glazer, 2013) – this film just feels different from everything else you’ll see, like you’re viewing the story through alien eyes. And no spoilers, but this is the 2nd most horrifying ending of the decade (behind #4 on this list).
31. Hereditary (Ari Aster, 2018) – speaking of horrifying endings, Hereditary expertly ratchets up the tension until a bizarre, mind-numbing conclusion that you’ll never be able to shake.
30. John Wick: Chapter 2 (Chad Stahelski, 2017) – in addition to the same great action as the original, Chapter 2 expands the world established by the original, and sets up the crazed frenzy of the third.
29. The Place Beyond the Pines (Derek Cianfrance, 2012) – split into two distinct halves, Pines delivers crime thrills and familial drama in spades, with a killer soundtrack. Plus, tatted Ryan Gosling.
28. The Social Network (David Fincher, 2010) – Fincher’s classic turned out to be prophetic in the impact of digital media on the decade. Beyond that, we’re also treated to an addicting thriller with incredible dialogue.
27. 1917 (Sam Mendes, 2019) – the film nerd in me marvels at the one-shot wonder of 1917, while the rest of me just lets this ride wash over me. Check out my review here.
26. Dunkirk (Christopher Nolan, 2017) – very similar to 1917, Christopher Nolan expertly throws a barrage of survival situations at the audience. For me, Dunkirk gets the slight emotional edge because of it’s ending. Plus, Tom-Hardy-in-a-Mask Part II.
25. Enemy (Denis Villeneuve, 2013) – the best of an actor-playing-two-of-themselves, beating out Alien: Covenant and Us. This is the type of movie I love showing friends: 95 minutes long, mysterious, unnerving, and a great ending. The film version of a puzzle.
24. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Matt Reeves, 2014) – a sequel done right, expanding on the predecessor with a dark, intense story. The best decision of all was to fully center the film around the character of Caesar – this rightly cemented the apes as the stars of the show.
23. Inception (Christopher Nolan, 2010) – the great Leo DiCaprio, the multiple layers (literally), the exciting action, the introduction of Tom Hardy, and the “wait what?” ending. If the Dark Knight hadn’t done it already, this announced Christopher Nolan as the Master of the Hollywood Blockbuster (and with three movies on this list!).
22. The Revenant (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 2015) – more DiCaprio (and believe me, he’s far from done). Way more than just “The One Where Leo Fights A Bear”, the cinematography and camerawork makes the familiar revenge story exhilarating.
21. Skyfall (Sam Mendes, 2012) – seamlessly bringing together classic James Bond action with the flawed character set up in Casino Royale. Unlike more cartoony Bond films of the past, Daniel Craig’s character feels mortal and constantly at risk.
20. Birdman (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 2014) – the OG “one-take” visual spectacle, this time used to create the chaotic madness behind-the-scenes of a theater play. Simultaneously comedic and touching, with bonus points for self-referential performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton.
19. Creed (Ryan Coogler, 2015) – despite all its “cliches”, Creed works so well because it is genuinely powerful, thanks to Coogler’s direction and Michael B. Jordan’s performance. I’d be lying if I said tears weren’t flowing by the third act.
18. War for the Planet of the Apes (Matt Reeves, 2017) – the conclusion of the decade’s best trilogy (here’s how to continue the legacy of a famous sci-fi franchise, Star Wars). With top-notch visual effects, stunning cinematography, and timely social commentary, this is blockbuster filmmaking done right. Andy Serkis deserved an Oscar nomination.
17. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (Chad Stahelski, 2019) – the only series that would rival Planet of the Apes for 2010s supremacy, except we (luckily) have a 4th Wick on the way. Parabellum outdoes its predecessors because of the sheer insanity and excitement of its set pieces – the Baba Yaga is pushed to his limits, and he pushes back.
16. Uncut Gems (Josh & Benny Safdie, 2019) – this is one of those films that will spawn countless inside jokes with my friends. Endlessly watchable and darkly comedic. Check out my review here.
15. Ad Astra (James Gray, 2019) – I love when science fiction meshes with raw human emotion, and that’s exactly what you get here. The best father-son film of the decade, plus some jaw-dropping visual effects and action scenes.
14. The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorsese, 2013) – probably the most quotable film of the decade (“Steeeeeeve Maddddennnnn”), made all the better by a gonzo performance from DiCaprio that should have been his first Oscar. The entire cast is hilarious and perfect, but Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie take Wolf to the stratosphere.
13. Prisoners (Denis Villeneuve, 2013) – this holds a special place in my heart for introducing me to the master, Denis Villeneuve. This is simply an expertly crafted thriller, with moments and performances that will stick with you long after your first viewing. And that haunting final shot – perfect.
12. Ex Machina (Alex Garland, 2015) – Alex Garland knows how to do unnerving sci-fi (as you’ll see later on this list). Essentially a cabin-in-the-woods story, with the twist of not knowing who the true enemy is, Ex Machina rewards repeat viewings and will leave you staring out a window, contemplating life.
11. Get Out (Jordan Peele, 2017) – this cultural phenomenon is genius because it not only flawlessly combines comedy and horror, but delivers its message without ever being overbearing. You know it’s great when it transforms the director from a well-known sketch comedian into the next Alfred Hitchcock.
10. Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese, 2010) – Scorsese’s best-ever non-crime film. The story is so cleverly hinted and paced, that even when you know what’s happening, it’s still incredibly thrilling and entertaining. If you don’t know what happens in the third act, watch this ASAP.
9. Django Unchained (Quentin Tarantino, 2012) – this film is arn good (the D is silent). Everything a Tarantino fan could want is bountifully here: the nonstop dialogue, the Western score, the revenge plot, the twisted villains, the cathartic violence. I watched this for the first time in 3 years recently and still remembered every scene vividly – a testament to its addicting viewing experience.
8. Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011) – I wish I could be as silently cool as Ryan Gosling. This neon-drenched noir simultaneously feels new and like a callback to old B movies. The soundtrack’s amazing, and the whole film simply feels like nothing else released this decade.
7. Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (Quentin Tarantino, 2019) – Tarantino’s funniest and most emotional film still delivers on the trademark dialogue and violence his fans expect, but it’s the quieter moments (“You’re a good friend, Cliff”) that have stuck with me. Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio (who has 6 films on this list!) make for my favorite duo of the decade.
6. Mad Max: Fury Road (George Miller, 2015) – incredible character designs, post-apocalyptic landscapes, mind-blowing stunts, zero story exposition, and a non-stop chase. Fury Road is easily the best action film of the decade, and completes the trilogy of Tom-Hardy-in-a-Mask on this list.
5. La La Land (Damien Chazelle, 2016) – O.K., you caught me, I have a romantic musical in my Top 5. I’m not ashamed of it because Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are amazing, the music and dance numbers are exciting and further the story, and L.A. is rarely caught on film so well. An underrated aspect of the film is how it smartly subverts romantic tropes – resulting in the saddest happy ending since 2004’s Eternal Sunshine.
4. Annihilation (Alex Garland, 2018) – sorry The Revenant, but Annihilation has the best bear scene of all time. This is terrifying, hallucinogenic science fiction at its finest, with unforgettable Lovecraftian horror images. This movie left me speechless the first time I saw it, and I still have yet to assign the right words to it.
3. Blade Runner 2049 (Denis Villeneuve, 2017) – films like Blade Runner 2049 just don’t get made anymore, or ever. The best cinematography of the decade, if not of all time, makes the grimy world of 2049 Los Angeles feel real and tangible. Ryan Gosling’s third film in this Top 10 is simultaneously an intimate existential journey, an epic story of rebellion, and a blockbuster sequel to the 1980s classic.
2. Arrival (Denis Villeneuve, 2016) – Denis Villeneuve is the MVP of the 2010s. With Arrival, he crafted the most emotional film of the decade, with one of the best twist endings of all time. I watched Arrival 5 times in the theater when it came out, and saw something new every time – if you haven’t seen this film yet, it’s a must-see.
1. Whiplash (Damien Chazelle, 2014) – Whiplash has it all. Funny, intense, quotable, emotional, and powerful, Chazelle’s masterpiece will speak to anyone who’s passionate about something. The film is both triumphant and tragic, with an all-time great performance from J.K. Simmons. If you watch only one film from all of the 2010s, make it Whiplash.
What did I miss? Tell me your favorites in the comments below. Happy New Year, and here’s to another decade of movies!
Uncut Movie Reviews 