It’s been a great year for movies. From high budget blockbusters to smaller indie films, every year we get these amazing works of art. It only makes sense to remember which of these left us with the feeling of utmost enjoyment, right?
Keep in mind that the movies mentioned below are in no particular order of quality. We’re ordering the list in the sequence of their release dates. We recommend all 10 of these films, and if the film buff in you is hungry for more movies to munch on, here are the best ones of the year.
1. Isle of Dogs
Wes Anderson does it again! If Isle of Dogs looks odd, it’s because it’s intentional. Stop-motion? Check. Dogs? Double check. Anderson’s wacky sense of humor and direction? Bingo. You’ve got a winner on your hands.
2.Black Panther
Marvel Studios has made a lot of movies. But after 10+ movies with a straight white male in the lead, it was time to change things up. Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa made perfect sense for that. And Killmonger? Who can not love Killmonger?
Thought-provoking, yet loads of fun, Black Panther may not succeed at everything, but a lot of it works.
3. A Quiet Place
A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, tells the story of a family living in a world overrun by monsters. The only way to survive? Keep quiet. And just like that, A Quiet Place slowly crawls up to be yet another sleeper hit, instantly reminding us what a great time it is to be at the movies.
4. Avengers: Infinity War
10 years in the making, Avengers: Infinity War boasts an ambitious plot, that involving over 25 superheroes in one movie. This is what the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building up to.
The Russos have managed to weave together a narrative that constantly shocks, surprises, and most of all, tugs at your heartstrings all in one go. Avengers: Infinity War is a treat to the eyes, and the sheer scope and scale of the story are enough to justify a second viewing. And a third. We called it The Empire Strikes Back of all Marvel movies, so there’s that.
Now, to wait for the Endgame to play out…
5. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Mission Impossible: Fallout is a great reminder of why we love this franchise. With over-the-top, but believably thrilling sequences, and a plot which doesn’t disrespect the audience’s intelligence, Mission: Impossible- Fallout proves to be another great installment in the franchise. McQuarrie has managed to improve upon his style from the last one and makes this one feel different (in a good way) from the last one.
6. Searching
Aneesh Chaganty’s directorial debut is one of the best uses of found-footage in movies. Presented entirely through web cams, camcorders, and archival-style footage, the film presents a gripping mystery that
David Kim (John Cho) has to solve in order to find his daughter.
7. First Man
Damien Chazelle has been on the rise lately. With critically acclaimed movies like Whiplash & La La Land behind him, Chazelle moves in a different direction for this one. Telling the story of Neil Armstrong (played brilliantly by Ryan Gosling), the first man to step foot on the Moon.
8. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is finally here and boy does it deliver! Forget the MCU Spider-Man, this is the one to keep an eye (or two) on. It proves to be not just the
9. Roma
Some are calling it Alfonso Cuarón’s masterpiece. Others? They’re calling it a masterpiece. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus reveals it as telling the most powerfully personal story of his career. With praise as high as these, you’d be hard pressed to think if it’s overrated. Well, we’ll let you be the judge of that. In the meanwhile, you can go catch it on Netflix.
10. Paddington 2
Some Honorable Mentions
Call Me By Your Name 
Game Night 
Sorry To Bother You 
BlacKkKlansman 
Hereditary 
A Star Is Born 
Annihilation