2020 brings to us a new beginning, a new chapter of our lives and cinema. The 2010s has been a revolutionary decade of filmmaking. For myself personally, the 2010s is the decade that truly introduced me to the art of filmmaking. I realized my dream of becoming a filmmaker, and am now on the same journey as some of my heroes. There are so many great films in this decade, so it is almost impossible to pick which are my favorites, but I will try. So here are my top 15 films from the past decade.
15. Joker (2019)
The character Joker has been portrayed many times throughout cinema and TV. But personally, I think this is the most realistic Joker we’ve seen. Yes, Heath Ledger’s Joker will probably be considered the “best” performance of the character, my personal favorite is Joaquin Phoenix’s version. This may also because we are given a tragic backstory of the clown prince. Joker is a timeless movie. Even though the commentary applies perfectly to today’s world, the social issues it portrays may sadly still exist in the future.
14. You are the apple of my eye (2012)
那些年我们一起追的女孩, is a film for the fifteen year old inside everyone. When it came out in 2012, it was my favorite movie of the year. Even today I can still have a good time rewatching it. I am usually not a huge fan of Romcoms, but the humor and rather tragic love story in this film are things any teenager can relate to. Even though the film can come off as childish, it is still a great time at the movies. This film also has one of my favorite theme songs in cinema.
13. mother! (2017)
The 2010s gave us many odd and polarizing movies, but nothing was as weird as mother! directed by Darren Aronofsky. The movie pretty has no plot and is basically a two hour philosophical metaphor. Many audience members absolutely hated this movie. But for some reason, that I cannot quite explain, I loved it. It was a cinematic experience like no other. I felt uncomfortable, angry, horrified, yet somehow entertained at the same time. Mother will be remembered by some as garbage, but to me, it is what makes the cinematic art form unique.
12. Captain America Civil War (2016)
There were many great films in the MCU over the last decade. The first Avengers movie was a groundbreaking cinematic experiment, Black Panther was nominated for Best Picture, Thor Ragnarok gave the God of Thunder a new lovable tone, and Endgame was an epic conclusion. But I think the best MCU film made was Captain America Civil War. Cap vs. Iron Man will go down as one of the best biggest moments in the MCU, and it set the tone for many movies to come.
11. Ford V Ferrari (2019)
Ford V Ferrari is a movie based off Le Mans 66, a story i’ve seen many times through documentary or short subject format. However, this film is more than just a racing movie. It is a movie about the creative process and the agonizing battle between the artistic and corporate world. If you have a passion about something, you can connect with the characters. Ford V Ferrari is a film anyone can enjoy.
10. Inside Out (2015)
Animations have a special place in my heart. Even though animated movies are made for kids as the main target audience, adults can have a blast watching them too. Inside Out simplifies a complicated psychological phenomenon into something fun, entertaining, yet educational. Through animation, filmmakers can tell stories that are too goofy for live action. This movie utilizes the animation medium to perfection.
9. I, Tonya (2017)
Before this movie, I was never really interested in figure staking and never heard of the name Tonya Harding. After seeing I, Tonya, I was blown away by the beauty of this sport and surprised that I never heard about this story before. The movie is hilarious, filled with twists and turns, beautifully shot, and features a career best performance by Margot Robbie. It is also absolutely ridiculous this movie is based off a true story.
8. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is completely screwed up. At its core, Black Swan is a movie about obsession and how a person can be completely destroyed by chasing their goals. In the movie, Nina’s dream of being the perfect ballet dancer drives her off the edge. The movie also explores the battle between the light and dark, paralleling the white swan and black swan in the ballet piece. Just like any Aronofsky film, Black Swan is not for everyone, but it is a crazy and horrifying cinematic journey that everyone should experience once.
7. 22 Jump Street (2014)
Everyone loves a good laugh, but 22 Jump Street is more than just a comedy. It is a movie about brotherhood, relationships, and love, all somehow wrapped up in a buddy cop movie. The movie knows exactly what it wants to be and at time makes fun of itself and other movies of this genre. Everyone puts on a great performance, especially Ice Cube as the captain. This is a rare movie where the sequel is better than the original. So when is 23 coming out?
6. Her (2013)
Her is not your typical love story. What does it mean to have a ‘human’ connection? Can a person have an intimate physical connection with artificial intelligence, a voice? Her discuses these philosophical questions in the most beautiful way possible. Her also has one of the most beautiful cinematography I’ve seen in this decade. Hoyte van Hoytema truly made a name for himself after this film.
5. Tangled (2010)
Disney Princess movies might be targeted for young girls, but anyone can enjoy them. Tangled is by far my favorite Disney movie. The music is catchy, the story is cute, but most importantly, the art is breathtaking. Tangled’s lantern scene is hands down the most beautiful animated moment I’ve ever witnessed, and will forever be stuck in my memory. The movie takes the viewer into the European fairytale of your dreams.
4. Your Name (2016)
It is difficult to decide which is my favorite animation Tangled or Your Name. But In the end, Your Name edges the spot for its mind bending storyline. Director Makoto Shinkai created the most original movie of the 2010s. Your Name has elements of a mystery, a romance, and a fantasy, while still being relatable. It is everything you want in an animation. Every frame can be saved as a painting or wallpaper. The body swapping fantasy will be remembered as a classic. Hope the Hollywood remake does not ruin it.
3. Rush (2013)
Other than being a cinephile, I am a race fan, a motorsport fan. Ever since I saw my first race in 2005, I’ve been hooked by the sport and wanted to see a F1 story on the big screen. The rivalry between Nikki Lauda and James Hunt may not be the most famous rivalry in F1 history, but the unbelievable story behind it writes it own movie script. Rush combines two of my favorite things into one adrenalin filled film. The film shows the will to be the best, the bravery to stare death in the eye, and the sacrifice you are willing to make to achieve your dreams.
2. La La Land (2016)
La La Land is a love letter to LA, dreamers, and art. The film gives us the courage to search for our passion and chase our dreams. La La Land is a modern day musical that pays homage to the Hollywood. The music is mesmerizing and can be played on loop for ever and ever. The camera dances through the scene as the actors dance through the night. This movie simply gives off a positive vibe, warming up the viewer’s heart. I watched La La Land three times in theaters and many more times on digital. The more I watch it, the more I am in love with this masterpiece.
1. Inception (2010)
My favorite movie of the decade, is Christopher Nolan’s dream world of Inception. The movie is undoubtably one of Nolan’s best original stories (even though I still like The Prestige a touch more). It goes without saying Inception is an incredible film in ever definition of the word. However, to me, Inception is special because it is the movie that made me want to be a filmmaker. After seeing a behind the scenes documentary about the making of this film, I was hooked by the magic of cinema. The motion picture is a medium where we can travel into a dream, just like in Inception, and experience a whole new world of imagination. Thank you Christopher Nolan, thank you movies.
