THE 100
BEST FILMS
OF THE 2010s

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.

100

Holy Motors

2012 | 1h 55m | FRANCE & GERMANY | FRENCH

Top10nerScore77.208 / 100

p>

"To have to live with yourself."

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.

99

The Revenant

2015 | 2h 37m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.232 / 100

p>

"I ain't afraid to die anymore. I'd done it already."

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.

98

Sound of Metal

2019 | 2h 01m | USA | ASL/ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.307 / 100

p>

"Serenity is no longer wishing you had a different past."

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.

97

The Raid 2

'Serbuan maut 2: Berandal'

2014 | 2h 30m | INDONESIA | INDONESIAN

Top10nerScore77.545 / 100

p>

"No... I'm done."

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.

96

Shutter Island

2010 | 2h 18m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.596 / 100

p>

"You're a fucking rat in a maze."

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.

95

Happy Hour

'Happî awâ'

2015 | 5h 17m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore77.649 / 100

p>

"Am I who I want to be?"

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.

94

Avengers

Endgame

2019 | 3h 01m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.663 / 100

p>

"Avengers! Assemble."

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.

93

Leviathan

'Leviafan'

2014 | 2h 21m | RUSSIA | RUSSIAN

Top10nerScore77.680 / 100

p>

"Nothing on Earth is its equal. It is king over all that are proud."

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.

92

Avengers

Infinity War

2018 | 2h 29m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.681 / 100

p>

"Motherf…"

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.

91

Frances Ha

2012 | 1h 26m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.749 / 100

p>

"I'm so embarrassed. I'm not a real person yet."

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.

90

Klaus

2019 | 1h 36m | SPAIN & UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.949 / 100

p>

"A true selfless act always sparks another."

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.

89

A Silent Voice

'Koe no katachi'

2016 | 2h 10m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore77.978 / 100

p>

"You can change from now on."

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.

88

The Favourite

2018 | 1h 59m | UK, IRE & USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.025 / 100

p>

"Some wounds do not close; I have many such."

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.

87

Joker

2019 | 2h 02m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.114 / 100

p>

"All I have are negative thoughts."

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.

86

Little Women

2019 | 2h 15m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.139 / 100

p>

"But I'm so lonely…"

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.

85

Gangs of Wasseypur

Parts 1 & 2

2012 | 5h 21m | INDIA | HINDI

Top10nerScore78.140 / 100

p>

"Every fucker is trying to become the hero of his imaginary film."

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.

84

The Tree of Life

2011 | 2h 19m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.290 / 100

p>

"Do good to them. Wonder. Hope."

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.

83

Toni Erdmann

2016 | 2h 42m | GERMANY & AUT | GERMAN

Top10nerScore78.339 / 100

p>

"I don't want to lose my bite."

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.

82

How to Train
Your Dragon

2010 | 1h 38m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.441 / 100

p>

"Everything we know about you guys is wrong."

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.

81

Wolf Children

'Ôkami kodomo no Ame to Yuki'

2012 | 1h 57m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore78.497 / 100

p>

"Why is the wolf always the bad guy?"

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.

80

The Wind Rises

'Kaze tachinu'

2013 | 2h 06m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore78.498 / 100

p>

"Inspiration unlocks the future."

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.

79

Once Upon a Time…
in Hollywood

2019 | 2h 42m | USA & UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.513 / 100

p>

"Well... the fuckin' hippies aren't."

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.

78

The Intouchables

2011 | 1h 53m | FRANCE | FRENCH

Top10nerScore78.520 / 100

p>

"I'm not gonna lead you in the back like a horse."

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.

77

Poetry

'Shi'

2010 | 2h 19m | SOUTH KOREA | KOREAN

Top10nerScore78.526 / 100

p>

"To love poetry is to seek beauty, right?"

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

76

Cold War

'Zimna wojna'

2018 | 1h 28m | POL, UK & FRA | POLISH/FRENCH

Top10nerScore78.592 / 100

p>

"The view will be better there."

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.

SHARE THIS LIST