2020 brings with it the conclusion of the previous decade and the beginning of a new one. In celebration of this transition, I asked our contributors to put together lists of their respective top ten films from the previous decade (2009-2019). I left the definition of “top” to each individual in order to create more diversity in the lists; some of our writers used the term “best”, some used the term “favorite”, and some (like me) attempted to blend the two. We’ll be publishing these lists over the next two weeks and at the end of it all, Kent, Richard, and I will be releasing our own lists in podcast form. Enjoy today’s entry by Ellen Toudouze and make sure you check out all of the lists over the coming days. -BG
This was the decade when I really discovered my love for movies, and many of the films on this list are the reason why. Like our fearless leader Brian, I, too, meshed together the idea of “best” and “favorite” when comprising the list. It was not an easy task by any means and I’m sure I’ll have to resist the urge to send changes, but I’m happy with this list and I think it reflects all the things I look for in a film: strong performances, a good script, and a director with a distinct point of view.
Honorable Mention: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part 2 (2011)
My all-time favorite story, in print and on screen, all culminated in a truly epic ending after ten years of movie magic. It did not have to be as well-made as it was, but aren’t we glad all the stars aligned so perfectly on this one? I stan for life.
10. A Quiet Place (2018)
My top ten list is somewhat dominated by “new” filmmakers and none surprised me more than John Krasinski. A Quiet Place is so much more than the horror film it was marketed as. It is a genuinely lovely story about family, sacrifice, and love, all in the context of a scary monster movie. Krasinski might be the greatest non-verbal actor there is, and I am here for it.
9. What We Do in The Shadows (2014)
Hear me out. What We Do in The Shadows is criminally underrated. This decade introduced us to Taika Watiti and those who know, know that his entrance into filmmaking still holds up as comedy gold. Just when you thought mockumentary comedy was dead, he made it un-dead and cool again. It’s my top comedy of the decade and is perhaps the most rewatchable movie on my list.
8. A Star is Born (2018)
While I normally always seek out original stories over sequels or remakes, A Star is Born is the wonderful exception to the rule. Who knew that Bradley Cooper had it in him? I wouldn’t consider this list complete without a musical and the choice is a no-brainer. Lady Gaga is pure greatness as Aly and I will never not cry as she sings “I’ll Never Love Again”
7. Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson has been making movies for over three decades now, and I would say Grand Budapest is his best of the 2010’s. It may be the most Wes Anderson-y movie he’s ever made, and I can’t get enough. His style and sensibility are so unique and completely his own, it’s no wonder everyone wants to work with him.
6. Parasite (2019)
This could be recency bias, but I don’t anticipate my opinion changing anytime soon, if ever. Parasite is pure perfection and a true standout as we near the end of the decade. Bong Joon-ho has so much to say and not once does he fall prey to what many lesser filmmakers would: thinking the audience is too dumb to get it. Every element is precisely placed and paced throughout this film, allowing it to be simultaneously thrilling and thought-provoking.
5. Hell or High Water (2016)
Hell or High Water has everything: Texas landscape, the best Chris, Jeff Bridges as a cowboy, small town authenticity (the nostalgia factor), and a Dr. Pepper/Mr. Pibb joke. Jokes aside, this is, in my opinion, one of the better scripts of the decade. It’s a western and a heist movie while still having something to say about family and fatherhood. Jeff Bridges is truly great, and I stand by my opinion that he should have won the Oscar for supporting actor, don’t @ me.
4. Arrival (2016)
Another example of a director introduced to me during this decade. Denis Villenueve has accomplished much in the 2010s and has set himself apart as an auteur and I am a fan. Arrival was one of my favorite experiences in the theater this decade. I was completely transfixed by the story, the visuals, and the knockout performance by Amy Adams. Sign me up for any and all future movies by Denis.
3. Ladybird (2018)
Of the new filmmakers that this decade has given us, none have created a love-at-first sight experience like Greta Gerwig. Ladybird made me laugh out loud, audibly sob, and want to call my mom just to tell her I love her. It is my favorite coming of age movie and I wish I had been half as cool or honest as our girl Christine/Ladybird when I was a teenager. I could go on and on about the perfect casting, the highly underrated (under-nominated) directing, and the sweet vulnerability that is achieved, but I’ll stop myself before the full rant starts. I love Ladybird.
2. The Social Network (2010)
There is little I could say that has not been said before about the greatness of The Social Network, but I’ll offer my two cents anyway. The team up of Sorkin and Fincher is one that we didn’t know we needed until we found ourselves watching what many would consider a perfect film. Never have I been so impressed by not only the script and directing, but the score, the editing, the acting…every part of this movie is amazing, and it never gets old.
1. Inception (2010)
I am a huge Nolan fan and I would consider this the be him at his best. His affinity for layered storytelling and reality-bending ideas is on full display with what I would consider his best cast ensemble. As stated before, I am always here for a well-executed original idea in a world full of sequels and remakes. Inception started the decade with a bang and is one that I will always go back to if only to admire one of my favorite filmmakers doing what he does best.