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Welcome to our celebration of the 100 Best Films of the 2010s, a decade defined by bold storytelling and innovative filmmaking. The 2010s saw a remarkable shift in cinema, with emerging voices and fresh perspectives reshaping the industry and expanding the boundaries of traditional genres.
In this list, we highlight the 100 highest-rated and most critically acclaimed films of the decade, showcasing the diverse styles and creative breakthroughs that marked this dynamic period. From visually striking dramas to genre-defying narratives, these films offer a compelling snapshot of the era’s cinematic evolution.
Explore how Denis Villeneuve created visually arresting and thought-provoking films that pushed genre boundaries, Greta Gerwig introduced a fresh, authentic voice with her nuanced character-driven narratives, and Damien Chazelle examined the power of music and ambition through dynamic and emotionally charged stories.
Join us as we celebrate the films that not only captured the spirit of the 2010s, but also left an enduring impact on the world of cinema. Each film on this list stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that defined filmmaking in the decade.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
Top10nerScore77.208 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Leos Carax
WRITERS: Leos Carax
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Caroline Champetier, Yves Cape
STARRING: Denis Lavant, Édith Scob
GENRE: Surrealism, Postmodernism
We follow 24 hours in the life of a being moving from life to life like a cold and solitary assassin moving from hit to hit. In each of these interwoven lives, the being possesses an entirely distinct identity: sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes youthful, sometimes old. By turns murderer, beggar, company chairman, monstrous creature, worker, family man.
Intriguingly unconventional and boldly nonconformist, Holy Motors delivers a mesmerizing visual spectacle coupled with a captivating, albeit uncompromising, storyline. Its audacious nature challenges conventional cinema, making it an indelible cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore77.232 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alejandro González Iñárritu
WRITERS: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Mark L. Smith
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Emmanuel Lubezki
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter
GENRE: Revisionist Western, Period Drama, Survival, Northern
In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling.
The Revenant is an immersive journey through raw nature and human resilience. With breathtaking cinematography and a powerhouse performance by DiCaprio, it’s a visceral experience that lingers, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.
Top10nerScore77.307 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Darius Marder
WRITERS: Derek Cianfrance, Darius Marder, Abraham Marder
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Daniël Bouquet
STARRING: Riz Ahmed, Paul Raci, Olivia Cooke
GENRE: Psychological Drama
A drummer begins to lose his hearing and has to come to grips with a future that will be filled with silence.
Sound of Metal provides a poignant exploration of the deaf community’s journey, amplified by Riz Ahmed’s compelling portrayal. His impassioned performance adds depth to a film that thoughtfully delves into the profound challenges and resilience of the deaf world.
Top10nerScore77.545 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Gareth Evans
WRITERS: Gareth Evans
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matt Flannery, Dimas Imam Subhono
STARRING: Iko Uwais, Arifin Putra, Tio Pakusadewo, Alex Abbad, Oka Antara
GENRE: Gangster Film, Martial Arts
After fighting his way through an apartment building populated by an army of dangerous criminals and escaping with his life, SWAT team member Rama goes undercover, joining a powerful Indonesian crime syndicate to protect his family and uncover corrupt members of his own force.
The Raid 2 elevates the strengths of its predecessor, delivering a thrilling, expansive narrative with pulse-pounding action sequences. It transforms from a compact and raw adventure into an epic, adrenaline-fueled spectacle, leaving a lasting buzz.
Top10nerScore77.596 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Laeta Kalogridis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Richardson
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
World War II soldier-turned-U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane, but his efforts are compromised by his troubling visions and also by a mysterious doctor.
Shutter Island masterfully navigates the labyrinth of the mind, blending suspense and psychological depth flawlessly. With DiCaprio’s captivating performance and Scorsese’s expertise, it’s a gripping thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, long after the credits roll.
Top10nerScore77.649 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
WRITERS: Tomoyuki Takahashi, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Tadashi Nohara
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yoshio Kitagawa
STARRING: Sachie Tanaka, Hazuki Kikuchi, Maiko Mihara, Rira Kawamura
GENRE: Drama, Slice of Life
Four women in their thirties reevaluate their relationships, both shared and private, after a startling revelation concerning one’s marriage forces each of them to ask one of life’s biggest questions: “Am I who I want to be?”
Happy Hour masterfully intertwines the complexities of female friendship with raw emotional depth. Its languid pacing allows poignant character exploration, delivering a refreshing take on mid-life crises. A cinematic gem, offering profound insights into the human condition.
Top10nerScore77.663 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
WRITERS: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Trent Opaloch
STARRING: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Karen Gillan, Brie Larson
GENRE: Superhero, Time Travel, Action, Science Fiction, Epic
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.
Thrilling, captivating, and profoundly moving, Avengers: Endgame goes above and beyond to provide a gratifying conclusion to Marvel’s monumental Infinity Saga. With remarkable character arcs and breathtaking action, it’s a cinematic achievement worth celebrating.
Top10nerScore77.680 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Andrey Zvyagintsev
WRITERS: Andrey Zvyagintsev, Oleg Negin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mikhail Krichman
STARRING: Aleksei Serebryakov, Elena Lyadova, Vladimir Vdovichenkov
GENRE: Drama, Family Drama
In a Russian coastal town, Kolya is forced to fight the corrupt mayor when he is told that his house will be demolished. He recruits a lawyer friend to help, but the man’s arrival brings further misfortune for Kolya and his family.
Leviathan navigates the tumultuous waters of human existence with haunting cinematography and a profound exploration of societal decay. Its searing critique of power dynamics and stunning visuals establish it as a thought-provoking and impactful cinematic achievement.
Top10nerScore77.681 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
WRITERS: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Trent Opaloch
STARRING: Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatc, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Don Cheadle, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Pom Klementieff
GENRE: Superhero, Action, Science Fiction, Epic
As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.
Avengers: Infinity War skillfully orchestrates an impressive ensemble of MCU heroes, uniting them against their most formidable adversary to deliver an exhilarating, emotionally charged spectacle that largely fulfills its monumental aspirations. A triumph in superhero storytelling.
Top10nerScore77.749 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Noah Baumbach
WRITERS: Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sam Levy
STARRING: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner
GENRE: Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life
An aspiring dancer moves to New York City and becomes caught up in a whirlwind of flighty fair-weather friends, diminishing fortunes and career setbacks.
Frances Ha bursts with vibrant energy, capturing the essence of navigating adulthood with humor and heart. Gerwig’s performance is a revelation, supported by Baumbach’s sharp direction. A modern classic in indie cinema; it’s a delightful dance of self-discovery.
Top10nerScore77.949 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sergio Pablos
WRITERS: Sergio Pablos, Jim Mahoney, Zach Lewis
STARRING: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack
GENRE: Animation, Christmas, Family, Comedy
When Jesper distinguishes himself as the Postal Academy’s worst student, he is sent to Smeerensburg, a small village located on an icy island above the Arctic Circle, where grumpy inhabitants barely exchange words, let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up and abandon his duty as a postman when he meets local teacher Alva and Klaus, a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys.
Klaus impresses with its exquisite hand-drawn animation and a heartwarming, humor-infused storyline. It’s poised to secure a cherished spot in the holiday film canon, offering a delightful blend of visuals and storytelling that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Top10nerScore77.978 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Naoko Yamada
WRITERS: Reiko Yoshida
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kazuya Takao
STARRING: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki
GENRE: Melodrama, Anime
Shouya Ishida starts bullying the new girl in class, Shouko Nishimiya, because she is deaf. But as the teasing continues, the rest of the class starts to turn on Shouya for his lack of compassion. When they leave elementary school, Shouko and Shouya do not speak to each other again… until an older, wiser Shouya, tormented by his past behaviour, decides he must see Shouko once more. He wants to atone for his sins, but is it already too late…?
A Silent Voice gracefully marries its artistry with a profoundly impactful narrative. It stands out by taking a remarkably sobering look at teenage bullying, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling.
Top10nerScore78.025 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Yorgos Lanthimos
WRITERS: Tony McNamara, Deborah Davis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robbie Ryan
STARRING: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn
GENRE: Period Drama, Black Comedy
England, early 18th century. The close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah’s cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen’s favourite.
In The Favourite, Yorgos Lanthimos adeptly harmonizes a historical backdrop with resonant contemporary undertones. His discerning casting yields outstanding performances, underscoring the film’s triumph in merging the past with astute present-day relevance.
Top10nerScore78.114 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Todd Phillips
WRITERS: Scott Silver, Todd Phillips
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lawrence Sher
STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Crime
During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.
Joker offers a riveting descent into madness, anchored by Phoenix’s tour de force performance. Its raw portrayal of societal alienation and mental health challenges captivates, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. A hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human psyche.
Top10nerScore78.139 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig
WRITERS: Greta Gerwig
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yorick Le Saux
STARRING: Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep
GENRE: Period Drama, Coming-of-Age, Family Drama
Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Little Women spins a radiant web of sisterhood, love, and ambition, captivating audiences with its timeless narrative and wonderful performances. Gerwig breathes fresh life into Louisa May Alcott’s classic, a cinematic gem that’s both heartwarming and empowering.
Top10nerScore78.140 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Anurag Kashyap
WRITERS: Anurag Kashyap, Zeishan Quadri, Rutvik Oza, Sachin K. Ladia
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rajeev Ravi
STARRING: Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadda, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Huma Qureshi, Piyush Mishra
GENRE: Drama, Gangster Film, Dacoit Film
A clash between Sultan and Shahid Khan leads to the expulsion of Khan from Wasseypur, and ignites a deadly blood feud spanning three generations.
Gangs of Wasseypur deftly blends gritty realism with electrifying storytelling, offering a riveting saga of power, revenge, and family dynamics. An epic achievement in Indian cinema, it captivates with its raw authenticity and unforgettable characters.
Top10nerScore78.290 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Terrence Malick
WRITERS: Terrence Malick
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Emmanuel Lubezki
STARRING: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Hunter McCracken, Sean Penn
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Family Drama
The impressionistic story of a Texas family in the 1950s. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father. Jack finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith.
The Tree of Life mesmerizes with its poetic visual narrative, exploring the cosmos and the intricacies of human existence. Malick’s direction intertwines profound themes seamlessly, inviting reflection on life’s mysteries. A cinematic symphony that lingers in the soul.
Top10nerScore78.339 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Maren Ade
WRITERS: Maren Ade
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Orth
STARRING: Sandra Hüller, Peter Simonischek
GENRE: Drama, Comedy, Berliner Schule
Without warning a father comes to visit his daughter abroad. He believes that she lost her humor and therefore surprises her with a rampage of jokes.
Toni Erdmann delivers a poignant exploration of familial bonds through uproarious comedy and heartfelt moments. With exceptional performances and daring storytelling, it’s a gem that defies convention and leaves audiences both laughing and deeply moved.
Top10nerScore78.441 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
WRITERS: William Davies, Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins, Gil Zimmerman
STARRING: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson
GENRE: Computer Animation, Family, Fantasy, Adventure
As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father
In How to Train Your Dragon, DreamWorks concocts a soaring adventure that captivates audiences with its breathtaking animation and heartfelt narrative. With its endearing characters and exhilarating dragon flights, it ignites the imagination and leaves a lasting impression.
Top10nerScore78.497 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mamoru Hosoda
WRITERS: Mamoru Hosoda, Satoko Okudera
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ryo Horibe
STARRING: Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Haru Kuroki, Yukito Nishii
STARRING (ENGLISH): Colleen Clinkenbeard, David Matranga, Jad Saxton, Micah Solusod
GENRE: Anime, Low Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Family Drama
After her werewolf lover unexpectedly dies in an accident, a woman must find a way to raise the son and daughter that she had with him. However, their inheritance of their father’s traits prove to be a challenge for her.
Wolf Children is a heartwarming and beautifully animated film that seamlessly blends fantasy and realism, offering a touching exploration of the challenges of single parenthood. Its profound narrative and exquisite visuals make it a must-see for all audiences.
Top10nerScore78.498 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Masahiko Nishimura, Morio Kazama
STARRING (ENGLISH): Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Martin Short, William H. Macy
GENRE: Anime, Period Drama, Romance, Melodrama
A lifelong love of flight inspires Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, whose storied career includes the creation of the A-6M World War II fighter plane
The Wind Rises is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated film that beautifully intertwines historical events and personal dreams, offering a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of creativity, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion.
Top10nerScore78.513 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
WRITERS: Quentin Tarantino
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Richardson
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie
GENRE: Period Drama, Black Comedy, Alternate History
Los Angeles, 1969. TV star Rick Dalton, a struggling actor specializing in westerns, and stuntman Cliff Booth, his best friend, try to survive in a constantly changing movie industry. Dalton is the neighbor of the young and promising actress and model Sharon Tate, who has just married the prestigious Polish director Roman Polanski…
Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood captivates with its nostalgic flair, blending Tarantino’s signature style with impeccable performances. A love letter to cinema, it’s a vibrant tapestry of 1960s LA, weaving a story that’s both poignant and electrifying. A must-watch ode to an era.
Top10nerScore78.520 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Éric Toledano, Olivier Nakache
WRITERS: Éric Toledano, Olivier Nakache
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mathieu Vadepied
STARRING: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
GENRE: Buddy, Comedy, Drama
A true story of two men who should never have met – a quadriplegic aristocrat who was injured in a paragliding accident and a young man from the projects.
The Intouchables is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that masterfully blends humor and emotion. With brilliant performances from Cluzet and Sy, it offers a poignant exploration of friendship, transcending societal barriers in a refreshingly authentic and moving way.
Top10nerScore78.526 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Lee Chang-dong
WRITERS: Lee Chang-dong
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kim Hyun-seok
STARRING: Yun Jeong-hee, Lee Da-wit
GENRE: Drama, Melodrama
A sixty-something woman, faced with the discovery of a heinous family crime and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, finds strength and purpose when she enrolls in a poetry class.
Poetry tenderly weaves the threads of human emotion into a rich tapestry of introspection. Chang-dong’s direction, coupled with Jung-hee’s exquisite performance, invites viewers into a soul-stirring exploration of life’s complexities and the transformative power of artistic expression
Top10nerScore78.592 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Paweł Pawlikowski
WRITERS: Paweł Pawlikowski, Janusz Głowacki, Piotr Borkowski
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Łukasz Żal
STARRING: Joanna Kulig, Tomasz Kot, Borys Szyc, Agata Kulesza
GENRE: Romance, Period Drama
A man and a woman meet in the ruins of post-war Poland. With vastly different backgrounds and temperaments, they are fatally mismatched and yet drawn to each other.
Cold War marries a striking visual minimalism with its concise storytelling, ensuring not a single moment is squandered in its brief duration. The film’s poignant emotional resonance remains uncompromised, delivering a compact yet powerful viewing experience.
