It's funny how the last two years at the end of each decade seem to bring out the highest quality consistency in films. There are no stragglers this year.
20. Avengers: Infinity War (superhero/action) It's amazing how well a superhero movie can work when entrusted to the storytellers to make the story work. Be warned - this is part 1 of a 2 part story.
19. A Star is Born (romantic drama) Yes, it's yet another remake of the classic story. Yes, this time,it has a catchy tune. That said, I don't think that many would have doubted Lady Gaga's ability to act. What's most impressive is her willingness to shed all of the external and vulnerably expose her internal self.
18. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (western/comedy) The Coen Bros once again prove their ability to go between dramatic crime stories and quirky comedies. The casting in itself is entertaining enough.
17. Black KKKlansman (suspense/drama) Spike Lee in top form, tackles a story that sounds like a Dave Chappelle sketch true story. While the truth is quite different, Lee transforms this story into something that liberals across the spectrum can get behind.
16. Blindspotting (drama) It's a film that feels right at home in the current political climate. That said, it never gets preach nor is it anything other than solid storytelling.
15. Thoroughbreds (dark comedy) This is a solid quirky film that happens to be extremely well-acted, including a final performance by the late Anton Yelchin.
14. Ready Player One (sci-fi/adventure) At first glance, this film should be the film that moved virtual reality into the mainstream. While they didn't happen, it does bring along some solid 80s/90s nostalgia and a rich, exciting story.
13. Crazy Rich Asians (comedy) This film cannot help but be hilarious and heartfelt. There are some great performances and moments that are sure to become foundations for many talented actors.
12. Mission Impossible 6: Fallout (thriller/action) Maybe it's just me, but I find it impressive when a series gets 6 movies into its run and still manages to be interesting and exciting. The film is supported by a terrific action performance by Cruise and a few solid action sequences.
11. The Hate U Give (drama) This film looks to be a ripped from the headlines story. They type you would write off pretty quickly as a cash grab. Do not make that mistake. The film packs a punch with its narrative and performances. While some of the dialogue is preachy, it is meant to be something that is accessible to a wide range of audiences.
10. A Simple Favor (comedy/drama) This film is deceptively funny/smart. It's a crime story that will have you captivated throughout.
9. Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse (animated) It's a stand-along comic book story that takes on the various incarnations of the superhero character and manages to turn it into the very essence of what makes this film so special.
8. Black Panther (superhero/action) I don't think I've enjoyed a comic book movie as much as this since The Dark Knight. This film challenges the very notion of what makes a superhero the good guy versus the protagonist. Michael B. Jordan absolutely steals it in this film.
7. Eighth Grade (comedy/drama) I cannot think of a film set in the social media editor that depicted a more vulnerable main character that feels completely fleshed out. The acting is solid and the writing is on point.
6. Won't You Be My Neighbor? (documentary) The power of nostalgia and of Fred Rogers to captivate children has never been so eloquently on display. It's interesting to learn more about how Fred really worked.
5. First Reformed (drama) This film fits nicely in tone/form with Taxi Driver, Last Temptation of Christ and Bringing Out the Dead. The film packs a powerful punch and raises some profound questions about religion and the environment.
4. Roma (foreign/drama) This is a type of film that feels like it's dying out. It's a contemplative, artistic story that is relentless in its commitment to great character and seemingly simple storytelling that packs a wallop.
3. Shoplifters (foreign/drama) This Japanese film showcases that the social/economic disparities that have become a rising force in America are not isolated. The film depicts a side of Japanese culture that has been widely unseen to the worldwide public. It's certainly an emotionally provocative movie.
2. A Quiet Place (suspense/horror) Great movies have you locked in from the start. Great scary films have you on the edge of your seat throughout. It's very hard to create that level of tension for almost 2 hours.
1. Sorry to Bother You (dark comedy) I cannot think of another film that has hit me this hard in this tone of filmmaking since Fight Club. It's a sharp, scalding critique on race, commerce, and art among many other elements of it.
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