In 1970s Mexico City, two domestic workers help a mother of four while her husband is away for an extended period of time.
Top10nerScore83.028 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve
WRITERS: Eric Heisserer
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bradford Young
STARRING: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Science Fiction, Alien Invasion
Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.
Arrival captivates with its intellectually stimulating narrative, rooted in linguistics and theoretical physics. Villeneuve’s direction, alongside Adams’ compelling performance, crafts a cerebral, emotionally resonant sci-fi drama that challenges and engages audiences on a profound level.
Top10nerScore83.087 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuarón
WRITERS: Alfonso Cuarón
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alfonso Cuarón
STARRING: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira
GENRE: Drama
In 1970s Mexico City, two domestic workers help a mother of four while her husband is away for an extended period of time.
Roma intricately intertwines historical and personal narratives, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. The visuals, inspired by Cuarón’s own upbringing, vividly captures 1970s Mexico City, enriching the viewer’s experience with authenticity and cultural resonance.
Top10nerScore83.410 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Lee Unkrich
WRITERS: Matthew Aldrich, Adrian Molina
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matt Aspbury, Danielle Feinberg
STARRING: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
GENRE: Music, Computer Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Coco intricately intertwines Mexican culture, seamlessly blending vibrant visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and a resonant exploration of family ties. The film’s painstaking attention to Dia de los Muertos traditions and its emotionally resonant soundtrack elevates it as a cultural triumph.
Top10nerScore83.460 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Makoto Shinkai
WRITERS: Makoto Shinkai
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Makoto Shinkai, Hitomi Fukuzawa
STARRING: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryo Narita, Aoi Yuki
GENRE: Anime, Low Fantasy, Romance, Coming-of-Age, Teen Movie
High schoolers Mitsuha and Taki are complete strangers living separate lives. But one night, they suddenly switch places. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body, and he in hers. This bizarre occurrence continues to happen randomly, and the two must adjust their lives around each other.
Your Name mesmerizes with its captivating blend of breathtaking animation and touching storytelling, seamlessly weaving themes of love and destiny. Shinkai crafts a transcendent experience, earning universal acclaim for its emotional resonance and visual splendor.
Top10nerScore83.749 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Steve McQueen
WRITERS: John Ridley
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sean Bobbitt
STARRING: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson
GENRE: Biopic, Period Drama
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
12 Years a Slave is an unflinching portrayal of Solomon Northup’s harrowing journey from freedom to captivity. The film’s meticulous historical accuracy and powerful performances, notably by Ejiofor and Nyong’o, convey the brutal realities of slavery with haunting authenticity.
Top10nerScore83.926 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Michael Haneke
WRITERS: Michael Haneke
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Darius Khondji
STARRING: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert
GENRE: Drama, Family Drama
Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple’s bond of love is severely tested.
Amour gracefully navigates the complexities of love and loss, weaving a poignant narrative that resonates deeply. With mesmerizing performances and elegant direction, it offers an intimate portrayal of life’s profound moments. A cinematic gem that lingers in the heart.
Top10nerScore84.418 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
WRITERS: Isao Takahata, Riko Sakaguchi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Keisuke Nakamura
STARRING: Aki Asakura, Kengo Kora, Nobuko Miyamoto, Takeo Chii, Atsuko Takahata
STARRING (ENGLISH): Chloë Grace Moretz, Darren Criss, Mary Steenburgen, James Caan, Lucy Liu
GENRE: Fairy Tale, Anime, Drama
Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her – but ultimately she must confront her fate, the punishment for her crime.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya mesmerizes with its breathtaking animation and poignant storytelling, weaving a spellbinding narrative that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the power of human connection. A cinematic gem that transcends time and culture.
Top10nerScore84.995 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Lee Unkrich
WRITERS: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, John Lasseter, Michael Arndt
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeremy Lasky
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Michael Keaton
GENRE: Computer Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy, Low Fantasy
Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys haven’t been played with in years. With Andy about to go to college, the gang find themselves accidentally left at a nefarious day care center. The toys must band together to escape and return home to Andy
Toy Story 3 is a heartwarming journey into nostalgia, blending humor and emotion seamlessly. Its captivating storytelling, coupled with vibrant animation, crafts a poignant tale of friendship and acceptance. A delightful adventure cherished by audiences of all ages.
Top10nerScore85.396 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve
WRITERS: Denis Villeneuve, Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne, Wajdi Mouawad
CINEMATOGRAPHY: André Turpin
STARRING: Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Rémy Girard
GENRE: Drama, Mystery, War
A mother’s last wishes send twins Jeanne and Simon on a journey to Middle East in search of their tangled roots. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad’s acclaimed play, Incendies tells the powerful and moving tale of two young adults’ voyage to the core of deep-rooted hatred, never-ending wars and enduring love.
Incendies immerses audiences in an emotional labyrinth, navigating through war-torn landscapes and familial mysteries. Denis Villeneuve’s deft direction and powerful performances ignite a cinematic journey that’s both haunting and profoundly moving.
Top10nerScore85.493 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Jordan Peele
WRITERS: Jordan Peele
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Denson Baker, Toby Oliver
STARRING: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Lil Rel Howery
GENRE: Psychological Horror, Satire, Psychological Thriller
Chris and his girlfriend Rose go upstate to visit her parents for the weekend. At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.
Get Out skillfully navigates the horror genre, blending social commentary with suspense. Peele’s directorial debut captivates with its insightful exploration of race relations, delivering a thought-provoking narrative that’s both culturally relevant and cinematically compelling.
Top10nerScore85.511 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Thomas Vinterberg
WRITERS: Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charlotte Bruus Christensen
STARRING: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Lasse Fogelstrøm, Annika Wedderkopp, Alexandra Rapaport, Susse Wold, Anne Louise Hassing
GENRE: Drama
A teacher lives a lonely life, all the while struggling over his son’s custody. His life slowly gets better as he finds love and receives good news from his son, but his new luck is about to be brutally shattered by an innocent little lie.
The Hunt deftly navigates the complexities of human perception and societal hysteria, showcasing a tour-de-force performance by Mikkelsen. Its nuanced storytelling, and Vinterberg’s finesse, elevates this film into a profound exploration of innocence shattered and redemption sought.
Top10nerScore85.960 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino
WRITERS: Quentin Tarantino
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Richardson
STARRING: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington
GENRE: Revisionist Western, Black Comedy
Two years before the Civil War, Django, a slave, finds himself accompanying an unorthodox German bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz on a mission to capture the vicious Brittle brothers. Their mission successful, Schultz frees Django, and together they hunt the South’s most-wanted criminals.
Django Unchained expertly navigates sensitive subject matter with Tarantino’s trademark style, delivering a gripping narrative that combines historical accuracy with exhilarating action. Its bold performances and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in modern cinema
Top10nerScore86.045 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hirokazu Kore-eda
WRITERS: Hirokazu Kore-eda
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ryūto Kondō
STARRING: Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Mayu Matsuoka, Kirin Kiki, Jyo Kairi, Miyu Sasaki
GENRE: Drama, Family Drama
After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them.
Shoplifters delicately weaves empathy and complexity into its narrative, inviting audiences into the lives of its flawed yet deeply human characters. With poignant performances and thought-provoking themes, it’s a soul-stirring exploration of family and morality.
Top10nerScore86.324 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan
WRITERS: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hoyte van Hoytema
STARRING: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Mackenzie Foy
GENRE: Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Space Exploration
The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.
Interstellar captivates with its breathtaking visuals and emotional depth, seamlessly blending science and humanity. Nolan’s direction navigates through space and time, while McConaughey’s performance soars. A cinematic odyssey that ignites wonder and contemplation.
Top10nerScore86.447 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Barry Jenkins
WRITERS: Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney
CINEMATOGRAPHY: James Laxton
STARRING: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Janelle Monáe
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, LGBTQ+
The tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.
Moonlight is a poignant exploration of identity and societal expectations, skillfully navigating the complexities of race, sexuality, and masculinity. The nuanced performances, particularly Ali’s Oscar-winning turn, contribute to its powerful portrayal of human vulnerability and resilience.
Top10nerScore87.450 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Don Hertzfeldt
WRITERS: Don Hertzfeldt
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Don Hertzfeldt
STARRING: Don Hertzfeldt
GENRE: Animation, Psychological Drama, Surrealism, Black Comedy
Bill struggles to put together his shattered psyche, in this feature film version of Don Hertzfeldt’s animated short film trilogy.
It’s Such a Beautiful Day transcends traditional animation, blending poignant storytelling with experimental visuals. Hertzfeldt’s innovative storytelling captivates with its poignant examination of mental health, existentialism, and the delicate interplay between memory and mortality.
Top10nerScore87.505 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Park Chan-wook
WRITERS: Park Chan-wook, Chung Seo-kyung
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeong Jeong-hun
STARRING: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong
GENRE: Erotic Thriller, Period Drama, LGBTQ+, Drama
In 1930s Korea, a new girl is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate. But the maid has a secret: She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler, who is posing as a Japanese Count, to help him seduce the Lady and steal her fortune.
The Handmaiden mesmerizes with its exquisite blend of mystery, romance, and betrayal. Park Chan-wook’s meticulous direction and stunning cinematography craft a lush, unforgettable tale. A triumph in storytelling and visual artistry, it captivates from start to finish.
Top10nerScore87.930 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: George Miller
WRITERS: George Miller, Nick Lathouris, Brendan McCarthy
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Seale
STARRING: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne
GENRE: Post-Apocalyptic, Carsploitation, Action
An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order.
Mad Max: Fury Road seamlessly blends adrenaline-pumping action with a visually stunning dystopian landscape. Miller’s meticulous attention to practical effects paired with Seale’s groundbreaking cinematography elevates this post-apocalyptic epic to a genre-defining triumph.
Top10nerScore88.121 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson
WRITERS: Wes Anderson, Hugo Guinness
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert D. Yeoman
STARRING: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Saoirse Ronan, Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Jude Law, Harvey Keitel
GENRE: Comedy, Adventure
The Grand Budapest Hotel tells of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship with a young employee who becomes his trusted protégé. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for an enormous family fortune and the slow and then sudden upheavals that transformed Europe during the first half of the 20th century.
The Grand Budapest Hotel spins a whimsical tale of charm and nostalgia, wrapped in Wes Anderson’s signature visual flair. With a stellar ensemble cast and meticulous attention to detail, it’s a delightful journey through a bygone era, leaving audiences enchanted and eager for more.
Top10nerScore89.212 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan
WRITERS: Christopher Nolan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Wally Pfister
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard
GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Heist Film, Psychological Thriller
Cobb, a skilled thief who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious of his targets is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: “inception”, the implantation of another person’s idea into a target’s subconscious.
Inception electrifies with its mind-bending narrative, seamlessly blending action and intellect. Nolan’s visionary direction immerses audiences into a labyrinth of dreams, questioning reality. A cinematic marvel that’s both thrilling and intellectually stimulating.
Top10nerScore89.571 / 100
p>DIRECTORS: Rodney Rothman, Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti
WRITERS: Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord
STARRING: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Kimiko Glenn, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, Liev Schreiber, Lily Tomlin
GENRE: Superhero, Computer Animation, Action, Comedy, Family
Struggling to find his place in the world while juggling school and family, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales is unexpectedly bitten by a radioactive spider and develops unfathomable powers just like the one and only Spider-Man. While wrestling with the implications of his new abilities, Miles discovers a super collider created by the madman Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk, causing others from across the Spider-Verse to be inadvertently transported to his dimension.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse transcends conventional animation, seamlessly blending innovative visual styles. Its multiverse narrative unfolds with a rare combination of wit and heart, while the diverse soundtrack mirrors the film’s commitment to breaking boundaries.
Top10nerScore90.335 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Damien Chazelle
WRITERS: Damien Chazelle
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sharone Meir
STARRING: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist
GENRE: Music, Psychological Drama
Andrew, a promising, young music student who specializes in the drums enters a highly competitive conservatory where he clashes with a verbally abusive instructor. Under his ruthless direction, Andrew begins to pursue perfection at any cost—even his humanity
Whiplash delivers an electrifying symphony of tension and passion, with J.K. Simmons’s commanding performance and Chazelle’s dynamic direction hitting all the right notes. The film’s relentless rhythm and raw emotion resonate long after the credits roll, making it a modern classic.
Top10nerScore90.763 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Asghar Farhadi
WRITERS: Asghar Farhadi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mahmoud Kalari
STARRING: Leila Hatami, Payman Maadi, Sareh Bayat, Sarina Farhadi, Shahab Hosseini
GENRE: Legal Drama, Family Drama
When his wife leaves him, Nader hires a young woman to take care of his senile father. But he doesn’t know his new maid is not only pregnant but also working without her unstable husband’s permission. Soon, Nader finds himself entangled in a web of lies manipulation, and public confrontations.
A Separation is a riveting drama that intricately weaves familial conflicts with societal pressures, offering profound insights into human complexities. With stellar performances and nuanced storytelling, it captivates audiences, leaving a lasting impact on hearts and minds.
Top10nerScore91.509 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Céline Sciamma
WRITERS: Céline Sciamma
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Claire Mathon
STARRING: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami, Valeria Golino
GENRE: Romance, Period Drama, LGBTQ+
In late 18th century France, painter Marianne is commissioned by a countess to paint the wedding portrait of her daughter Héloïse. While posing as her hired companion, Marianne is instructed to complete the portrait in secret. However, intimacy and attraction begin to blossom between both women.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire ignites the screen with its mesmerizing tale of love and liberation. With exquisite cinematography and profound performances, it’s a symphony of emotion, capturing the essence of forbidden romance with unparalleled grace and poignancy.
Top10nerScore94.082 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Bong Joon-ho
WRITERS: Bong Joon-ho, Han Jin-won
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hong Kyung-pyo
STARRING: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-Sik, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Hye-jin
GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy, Satire
Ki-taek’s family of four is close, but fully unemployed. The son Ki-woo is recommended for a well-paid tutoring job. Carrying the expectations of all his family, Ki-woo heads to the Park family home for an interview. But following this first meeting, an unstoppable string of mishaps lies in wait.
Parasite stands as a masterfully crafted cinematic achievement, seamlessly blending genres while dissecting societal nuances with surgical precision. Joon-ho’s exactitude, coupled with a stellar ensemble cast, yields a riveting narrative that transcends cultural boundaries, earning its status as…
The Best Film of the 2010s
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