Top Films of the Decade

I love lists. I love making lists (and checking them twice). And what’s better than an end-of-year list? Answer: one that incorporates an entire decade of great films. This was fun to compile. But first, here’s a super long list of films that almost made the cut.

Honorable mentions: Phoenix, Inside Out, Lady Bird, Looper, Parasite, Paddington 2, I Am Love, The Favourite, Black Swan, Short Term 12, Toy Story 3, Ex Machina, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Roma, Get Out, Blade Runner 2049, Leave No Trace, The Cabin in the Woods, Hereditary, Arrival, True Grit

This film initially piqued my interest because Tom Hardy is shirtless for half of the film. Duh. But Warrior is more than sweaty fighting. It’s the best sports film of the decade with wonderful performances and so much heart that you’re willing to forgive the small story clichés. Besides the great leads (Hardy and Edgerton), Nick Nolte really earned his best supporting Oscar nomination.

I’ve been a fan of Saoirse Ronan since her work in Atonement. She received an Oscar nomination at 12-years-old for that role and I knew she would be an actor to watch. Brooklyn was her first big film as an adult actor and Saoirse did not disappoint. Her chemistry with Emory Cohen (who seemed like a young Marlon Brando here) was adorable and only one of the many highlights for this quaint romance.

I’m counting this one as a 2010 release since that’s when it hit the US and when I had the privilege of seeing it at the New Beverly. Micmacs is both magical and clever. Jean-Pierre Jeunet is one of my favorite directors and this is his best film since Amélie and his best use of a talented ensemble. It’s a can’t-miss if you enjoy Jean-Pierre’s cinematic style.

Fair warning: this film is polarizing. I’ve recommended it to a few people who did not enjoy it. But some stories just affect people differently. Maybe Inside Llewyn Davis hit home for me because I know what it’s like to watch a dream slip through your fingers or the struggle of trying to sell yourself to creative executives. The tone of the film and Oscar Isaac’s performance are both pitch perfect. It’s my favorite Coen Brothers film of the decade.

Taika Waititi, director/writer/actor, has been on a roll of good films since releasing this gem in 2014. Jojo Rabbit, Taika’s offering this year, is a truly excellent film that will probably only get better with subsequent viewings. But What We Do in the Shadows still remains my favorite film of his. It’s an uproariously funny mockumentary that would make Christopher Guest proud.

Nolan starts every decade off with a bang: 2000 with Memento, 2010 with Inception, and he’s bringing us Tenet in 2020. But we’re here to talk about Inception. This was probably my favorite theater experience of the decade. Inception is a visual treat, backed by a script that was unique, intriguing, and complex. I always love science-fiction that involves dreams. And Nolan did not disappoint with his addition of the heist element. Add in a memorable score by Zimmer and you have a masterpiece action film.

This beautiful film by Luca Guadagnino didn’t top my list for 2017 (that was Lady Bird, which I still find excellent and made the decade’s honorable mentions). Call Me By Your Name is a film that has grown on me. Two scenes in particular are etched in my mind and take the film from good to great. The final scene as Elio reflects on the end of his relationship is haunting and memorable. But the best scene is Michael Stuhlbarg’s heartbreaking monologue on the couch. He said all the right words that not only Elio needed to hear, but half of the film’s audience too.

Besides creating one of my favorite comedy shows of the decade with Veep, Armando Iannucci wrote and directed my favorite comedic film of the decade with The Death of Stalin. Based on the true (and incredibly insane) aftermath that happened after Stalin died, Iannucci mixes absurdist humor and horrific situations to set the bar for black comedy. Plus, the film is beautifully shot and perfectly cast. I’ve seen this film four times already and more viewings are in store.

Ben Foster is one of my favorite actors. And his work in Hell or High Water, supported by great fellow cast members, is stunning. The film is essentially a western heist, with themes of brotherly love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. I found it to be understated yet powerful. There’s one scene, that serves as the “calm before the storm” moment, where the brothers spend their last quiet night together as Gillian Welch’s cover of “I’m Not Afraid to Die” plays in the background. It’s haunting as the brothers know what’s on the horizon. A perfect moment in a near-perfect film.

Sue me, I like ties. I couldn’t decide between these two great films and so they will share the prize for first place. They are vastly different in tone and pacing. But they have one thing in common: brilliance and staying-power. I’ll always remember these films and rewatch them throughout my life. One film was by a filmmaking veteran: George Miller. With Mad Max, he created the greatest action film of the decade. One with a message and with a soul. Even though Tom Hardy was excellent as Max, Charlize Theron stole the show and led the film with enough horse-power to outrun any villain.

The other film was written and directed by a newcomer: Jennifer Kent. Babadook is an astonishing debut. It’s my favorite horror film of the decade. Beyond the scary visuals and eery tone, the film gets under your skin by the real emotions that the monster represents. And the consummate performance by Essie Davis is just icing on the cake for this killer film. Thank you to my friends Jen and Shane who introduced me to The Babadook!