100 greatest movies of the 2010s – cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was a decade seemingly ruled by big budget franchises and studios, from the MCU and "Star Wars" to Pixar and "The Hunger Games."

And yet, looking back on the past 10 years, you'll find yourself celebrating the little movies that could and did become cultural forces. That included Jordan Peele's influential directorial debut, a surprising Oscar-winner from Barry Jenkins and an animated Spider-Man movie that was better than anything Marvel did.

This was a diverse decade in filmmaking. One that delivered very original movies in between blockbusters that set box office records.

Whether a big budget thriller or a tiny indie film, the best movies left us wanting more and often picking are jaws up off the floor.These 100 films did it better than the others.

Disney/Marvel

100. The Avengers (2012)

We might as well start with the most culturally significant movie of the decade. There's no denying it. "The Avengers" took the already successful Marvel Cinematic Universe and shot it into the stratosphere. There was no turning back. Marvel and its cast of well developed comic book characters would rule the movie world for the next several years. And with the launch of Disney+, there's no signs of things slowing down.

Next Entertainment World

99. Train to Busan (2016)

"Train to Busan" was a massive success in South Korea and for good reason. Zombie movies are all the rage and having it so the apocalypse happens while the characters are traveling along innocently enough on a train is genius. It provides for some amazing action and unpredictable scenarios. It also helps that the characters have depth, giving us engaging stories within a story about redemption.

Disney

98. Frozen (2013)

"Frozen" is not the greatest Disney movie of all time. But it feels like the biggest. The recent success of "Frozen II" helps. The original is also one of the most theatrical animated films you see. It feels tailor made for Broadway, which makes sense considering it stars Idina Menzel. Maybe it's the music or the characters or the story or all of it. "Frozen" was a movie that just wouldn't go away. And you can expect more sequels.

Claire Folger

97. The Way, Way Back (2013)

"The Way, Way Back" didn't get the attention of a "Juno" or "Little Miss Sunshine," films that came from the same studio. But it's just as charming. Coming of age films are common. But "The Way, Way Back" comes with a fantastic cast of funny players who make it one of the sweetest and most fulfilling summer movies you'll see.

Jaap Buitendijk

96.World War Z (2013)

The production behind "World War Z," the adaptation of the popular novel of the same name, was famously a mess. This was a movie that either shouldn't have been made or was doomed to be terrible. Yet, it somehow works. All the script changes, hirings and firings result in a movie divided into two parts. The first is a bonafide action horror film. The second is a slow-moving zombie flick. Both are compelling and anchored by Brad Pitt's star power. He deserves all the credit for getting this thing made.

A24

95.Amy (2015)

"Amy" doesn't have any visual tricks or special narrative elements. It's pretty basic in the telling of the rise and fall of one of the greatest singers of her generation. But as a documentary, it's a brilliant look into the mind and struggles of Amy Winehouse. It would have been easy to sum her life up as just an artist who crumbled under the pressures of fame. But there was more to it, from toxic relationships to enablers around her. "Amy" is a look at the human element of an artist that was gone too soon.

Kerry Brown

94. Silence (2016)

Martin Scorsese gets the rap as a guy whose been making gangster films his entire career. That's not really true. It's actually a film like "Silence" that he's been working towards his whole life. Even in his mob flicks, Scorsese often tackles the idea of faith. No movie questions it more (including "The Last Temptation of Christ") than "Silence." It's one of those long, drawn out, late career Scorsese movies. But unlike, say, "The Irishman," there's a payoff in the end. It's not sexy or tidy in the least. But the thoughts on religion and spirituality stay with you after the brutality.

Universal Pictures

93. Queen and Slim (2019)

It may seem too early to say, but "Queen and Slim" feels like one the biggest political statements, in terms of movies, of the decade. Other films have tackled police violence towards African Americans. But "Queen and Slim" turns that on its head, creating a modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Yes, it's a fugitive story. But the timing couldn't be any better.

Disney

92.Moana (2016)

A movie like "Moana" might have fell victim to stereotypes and cliches if released by Disney back in the early 1990s. But not these days. The film, with its amazing songs and animation, is a family-friendly tale with charismatic performances led by a strong female character. It's one of the most well-rounded films Disney has released in some time.

Lionsgate

91.Locke (2013)

Tom Hardy spends every second of "Locke" inside a car. That's all the viewer gets for 85 minutes. And yet, "Locke" is still one gripping movie. Much of the credit goes to Hardy in one of his finest performances. But Director Steven Knight keeps the anxiety flowing with a man at the center who has everything to lose and nothing to gain other than doing the right thing.

Lionsgate

90. Youre Next (2010)

The trailer and plot for "You're Next" would lead you to believe it's a pretty generic slasher film. That doesn't tell the true story of how entertaining and funny of a film this is. It's bloody as hell, but the magic is in how the gore makes you laugh. Maybe you'll feel guilty. But you'll never stop enjoying the fun.

David James

89.Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Tom Cruise actually made several movies during the decade that could have appeared on this list (including multiple Mission: Impossible films). But the most compelling of the bunch was "Edge of a Tomorrow," a movie with a live-die-repeat "Groundhog's Day" plot to go along with its spectacular science fiction visuals. As a viewer, the frustration of living every day just to die builds. But once you start putting the puzzle pieces together, the intrigue will consume you.

Robert Zuckerman

88.Unstoppable (2010)

"Unstoppable" is probably the most unlikely great action movie of the 2010s. Director Tony Scott and Denzel Washington have routinely done great work. But with "Unstoppable," they create a thrill ride that unexpectedly leaves you on the end of your seat. The idea of a runaway train might seem pretty straightforward, but not in the hands of these two.

Lacey Terrell

87.Enough Said (2013)

If you only knew James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, "Enough Said" is a must-see in terms of showing his full capabilities as an actor. It's a romantic comedy that leaves its characters' flaws on full display. Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are fantastic as an unlikely couple that's reached the point in life where a fairy tale ending may not be in the cards, and that's okay.

Alan Markfield

86.Looper (2012)

"Looper" had all the makings of a sci-fi classic. It didn't quite reach those heights, but it wasn't for lack of trying. The movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a contract killer (called a "Looper") who is hired to kill people from the future. All is good until he's asked to kill the future version of himself. JGL goes to great lengths to look and act like a younger version of Bruce Willis. And both actors are game in a visionary film by Rian Johnson. The plot is a lot to take in, but over-arching themes offer up serious impact potential if you embrace them.

Merie Wallace

85. The Descendants (2011)

There's this thought that George Clooney never really plays a character. That all of his roles are merely extensions of his own personality and charisma. There's some truth to that. But if you want an argument to the contrary, look no further than the scene in "The Descendants" where Clooney's character finds out his wife, who is in a coma, was cheating on him. He runs through the neighborhood in dad flip-flops looking for answers. The scene breaks down the wall Clooney's charisma and sets the stage for a powerful moment later in the film where he confronts his wife, who is still in a coma.

Paramount Pictures

84.A Quiet Place (2018)

Coming up with originality in a horror film isn't easy. But John Krasinski's "A Quiet Place" gets the job done. The story of a family trying to survive in a world where even the slightest of sounds draws the attention of blind alien monsters puts you right in a "What would I do?" state of mind. Krasinski was wise to give the leading role in the film to his real-life wife Emily Blunt, who gives one of her best performances as a mother running out of ideas.

Paranoid Pictures

83.Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

One of the most fascinating documentaries ever made, some people still think "Exit Through the Gift Shop" was all a hoax. The truth is, it doesn't matter. The most amazing aspect of the film is its unparalleled look at the underground art world and the ability to bring its figures who have achieved larger than life reputations back Earth.

Lionsgate Films

82.The Hunger Games (2012)

You could spend days arguing about which is the best "Hunger Games" film. But the impact of that blockbuster series will always come back to the first entry, where Jennifer Lawrence gave us one of the decade's best film heroines. From that moment on we'd follow the girl on fire anywhere.

Claire Folger

81.The Town (2010)

Ben Affleck's movies as a director, from "Gone Baby Gone" to "Argo," have a distinct feel to them. And his most entertaining is "The Town," a crime thriller with precision action scenes that are jaw-dropping. A movie like "The Town" doesn't usually offer much depth with its characters. But strong acting performances by Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm and Rebecca Hall, among others, leave us attached to characters whose fates are up in the air until the very end.

Pixar

80. Inside Out (2015)

It's tough to remember now, but "Inside Out" arrived at a time when Pixar was in a downswing. "Cars 2," "Brave" and "Monsters University" were all considered disappointments. Some even thought the studio's glory days were over. But "Inside Out" redefined Pixar as a company that could still make beautiful films while also setting the stage for great acting performances. It's a movie about emotions and the characters deliver moments that are funny, touching and heartbreaking, multiple times over.

A24

79. Uncut Gems (2019)

If you're familiar with the Safdie brothers' films, you know they move fast and carry a ton of tension throughout. "Uncut Gems" is essentially a two-plus hour panic attack. Part of that is the gritty visuals that go along with a career best performance by Adam Sandler. "Uncut Gems" is a crime thriller that can be funny one minute and dark the next. Credit to the Safdie brothers for handling that balancing act.

Paramount Pictures

78.Top Five (2014)

"Top Five' marked the return of Chris Rock to doing good work. And all it took was him writing a script that was somewhat autobiographical. The chemistry between Rock and Rosario Dawson is what drives the film. But the standout moments are plenty, from J.B. Smoove's one-liners to Rock discussing his favorite rappers with Leslie Jones and others (a clear improv session) to a refreshing standup scene that strikes at the heart of what comedy is.

20th Century Fox

77.Life of Pi (2012)

"Life of Pi" isn't the fastest moving film and its ending doesn't quite feel as impactful as it does in the book. Still, Ang Lee does a breathtaking job bringing Yann Martel's novel to life. The end result is one of the those most visual stunning films ever created. What pushes "Life of Pi" from good to great is the subtle emotional weight it carries. You'll find yourself crying without knowing why.

Jay Maidment

76.Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

"Guardians of the Galaxy" might be Marvel's biggest triumph and biggest risk. The MCU was on a role when the adaptation of a comic book mainstream audiences weren't familiar with was announced. But Marvel and Disney knew better. The tremendous humor and entertainment value of "Guardians" turned Chris Pratt into a leading man and proved that Marvel could pretty much do no wrong.

Fox Searchlight

75.Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

If more people were to see "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," the world would be a better place. It's a coming-of-age movie whose takes on death and friendship in far more captivating ways than most movies characters twice the age. The tale of a high-school kid who was afraid to befriend anyone but grows attached to a girl dying of leukemia is sure to break your heart. But the self discovery of the three lead characters is something to behold.

Spot Films

74.The Assassin (2015)

Director Hun Hsiao-hsien won Best Director at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for "The Assassin" and it's easy to see why. Few directors have ever found such a mesmerizing balance between restraint and stunning artistic displays. "The Assassin" is one of the most beautiful films you'll see. But it doesn't overpower you with its scenes. The movie seeks to build tension. Being patient can have great rewards and "The Assassin" is one of them.

Magnolia Pictures

73.Blackfish (2013)

Whether you're a big animal lover or not, the most affecting horror movie of the past decade is a documentary about a whale. "Blackfish" follows Tilikum, a killer whale at Sea World that embodied the consequences of the theme park's captivity of killer whales. Needless to say, Sea World doesn't come out looking good. The movie paints a picture of greed and neglect by corporate entities that produces tragic results both for the creatures and for the people trying to care for them.

Oscilloscope Laboratories

72.We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)

"We Need to Talk About Kevin" doesn't slow play its tragic ending, letting you know from the start that Kevin is in prison after committing a massacre at his school. But that doesn't make the gut punches felt throughout the movie any less painful. Your heart breaks for Kevin's mother, played by Tilda Swinton. Did she do everything she could to save her son and prevent such a tragedy? There are no easy answers.

A24

71.The Farewell (2019)

You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger tearjerker from 2019 or a better movie about family this whole decade. "The Farewell" follows a family who finds out its matriarch has just a short time to live, but doesn't tell her. Instead, they schedule one last get together to say goodbye. The examination of these relationships, life lessons and concept of death provides for one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride that will make you want to get your family together sooner rather than later.

Nordisk Film

70. Melancholia

There are two films from 2011, both by polarizing, experimental directors whose art is highly regarded by critics but somewhat baffling to the masses. One is "The Tree of Life," Terrence Malik's Palme d'Or winner that some might rank as the best movie of the decade. Clearly, we didn't see it that way. But Lars von Trier's "Melancholia" holds up as an art film that leaves you in awe in watching the end of the world as von Trier sees it.

IFC Films

69. Frances Ha

Noah Baumbach may have directed "Frances Ha," but the real driving force behind the film is writer and star Greta Gerwig. "Frances Ha" isn't a movie with a traditional plot format. Instead, it's a look into the life of Frances, played sensationally by Gerwig. She's a New York City woman who deals with relationships, loneliness and pursuing her dreams in such authentic ways.

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100 greatest movies of the 2010s - cleveland.com

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero