HitFix's Top Ten Movies Of The Decade
We wrap up the decade with eternal sunshine, angry inches, Pixar superheroes, hobbits, the zed word, a hidden dragon, black gold, and Werner Herzog.
A decade in movies
Many of the decade's best moments, from the top ten and our runners-up, are represented by the images you see here. Can you name all twelve of them?
Click on the numbers above to see the top ten movies of the decade chosen by HitFix's Film Editor Drew McWeeny.
You can also check out all forty of the runners-up on the Motion/Captured blog.
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Login or create a HitFix account Login Signupstormshadow4life
December 29, 2009 at 6:12PM EST Reply to CommentI only saw Crouching Tiger once, and I really REALLY didn't like it. I hated the floaty wire-fu, and never really got into the story. I was 20 at the time (and not nearly as open minded about film as I am now)....so I wonder if my thoughts would change. I DO know however that it will NEVER come close to LOTR for me...that's just IMPOSSIBLE. LOTR is the single greatest thing ever committed to film. As for the other top 10, you have some personal favorites of mine....and one movie I still haven't seen, City of God. CoG is sitting on my desk just waiting to be watched (and I will watch before vacation is over).
stormshadow4life Oh, and my personal top 10 (which I'm sure you won't agree with all of them).... 10) Stardust. 9) Wall E. 8) Batman Begins/The Dark Knight. 7) District 9. 6) The Fountain. 5) V For Vendetta. 4) Pan’s Labyrinth. 3) Moulin Rouge. 2) Gladiator. 1) The Lord of the Rings.
December 29, 2009 at 6:22PM ESTLucasdefender
December 29, 2009 at 7:00PM EST Reply to CommentReally great list but, NO FRIGGIN NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. That stinks.
drew I knew that one would bother some people, but if I'm being honest with myself, it just didn't make the cut. We're talking about for the decade. It was on my top ten list that year, but not high enough for inclusion here. And it's not even my favorite Coen Bros. film. Or second. D'oh!
December 29, 2009 at 7:04PM ESTBugKiller Oh Brother Where Art Thou
December 29, 2009 at 7:17PM ESTFargo
The Big Lebowski
Blood Simple
Question: What are Coen films better than No Country For Old Men?
BugKiller
December 29, 2009 at 7:15PM EST Reply to CommentDrew,
Thank God for you, Drew.
If left up to douche bags like Greg Elwood, who sets out to make a top-20 films list of the decade, saying he wanted to put films on his list that would have a lasting impact on audiences in the future, something memorable, to paraphrase, and then fill his list with mostly critically adored crap that no one ever saw AND have the balls to leave LOTR off...
... if it weren't for guys like you, guys who get it, guys who are GEEKS FIRST...
... the achievement of LOTR would be lost because of douches like him.
How can you claim to set out to make a list of films of the decade that will be beloved 20 years from now and NOT include LOTR???
What a pretentious douche bag.
Thank you. Drew. You are a geek after OUR own hearts, and that's what keeps people coming back to you day after day after day.
Don't ever change, man!
stormshadow4life While BugKiller could have said that a little more nicely....he IS 100% correct.
December 29, 2009 at 7:30PM ESTdrew Greg's perspective on films is equally valid, but just different. One of the things I always loved about AICN and that I now love about HitFix is the chance for radically different voices to co-exist. There's room for every opinion, as long as it comes from a place of real passion and as long as there's room for conversation about it. Greg's a good guy... really. Give him a chance.
December 29, 2009 at 7:33PM ESTBugKiller Greg may be a great guy.
December 29, 2009 at 11:27PM ESTBut to create the list he did, with the guidelines HE set down... and then to leave LOTR off of that list...
... it's the height of pretentious douchey-ness.
It smacks of the kind of revisionist history I have to fight every day as a serious student of history and one day history teacher.
If you were to name ONE film from the past decade that people will remember and still love 20 or 50 years from now, LOTR would be the only logical choice.
The Potter flicks are more individualistic and hard to chose from. But think about it...
... LOTR is The Wizard of Oz of OUR generation.
It is something far greater than Star Wars even. It's The Wizard of Oz.
You're right. People have a right to their own valid opinions.
Even when they're very, very wrong. And douchey.
stormshadow4life That's kind of the point. If Greg was simply doing his "personal favorite" films, no one could argue. But he went out of his way to say that that wasn't the case. So him leaving out the biggest film(s) of the 2000s is pretty ridiculous (and NO ONE can argue that they weren't the biggest as far as box office and awards go)
December 30, 2009 at 2:24AM EST
December 30, 2009 at 5:31AM ESTReally. If having the label of a pretentious douche bag means not putting LOTR in the top 25 of a decade, than I will proudly wear that tattooed on my forehead. I before anyone, have said that "The Fellowship of the Ring" should have beaten "A Beautiful Mind" for Best Picture in 2002, but the idea that "Return of the King" with its ludicrously self indulgent ending(s) beat "Lost in Translation" as a "reward" for the hard work making all three movies is a joke. There are great and memorable individual moments in all three films, but that doesn't mean as a series either of them or all of them combined should rank as the best of a decade. As another poster already noted, the shine is starting to come off these films -- which doesn't mean they are bad by the way -- they are just movies of their time. It happens and what separates the true classics from the "new classics" label on TNT.
And just because a film wins an Oscar, doesn't mean it will rank in the top 25 or 50 of anyone's list. Shoot, I had one film from 2009 in my top 25. Drew had 2 and one of those won't even be released in theaters until 2010!
If you disagree, that's your right, but you need to respect that there are other opinions that are valid beyond your own. I think "Crash" is one of the worst "acclaimed" films about Los Angeles ever made, but does that mean I discredit anyone who thinks differently....(wait a second...) no, I don't.
And here's the other thing...if any critic, commentator or writer was REALLY going to do a best films of the decade list, half of them would be art films most real critics have never heard of. Cinema that will end up influencing filmmakers for generations to come, but mainstream audiences will never be exposed to.
Truth hurts.
(And yes, I really am I great guy who knows his [expletive] about movies)
BugKiller Personal opinions, are as we know, valid to anyone who has them.
December 30, 2009 at 8:32AM ESTThe fact is, you laid out a few ground rules for your list, that kind of superceded personal opinion.
Awards mean nothing, in that, the often mean more to people for the films and television shows that got snubbed.
Think Saving Private Ryan, or Battlestar Galactica, or the most odious case this decade, The Wire.
The fact is, it is understandable that LOTR may not be in the top-25 of your personal favorites.
Go to RT and look at Armond White's reviews. The man hates great films, but loves absolute crap like GI Joe. And it drives people nuts.
But to set up parameters where you want to find films that will be lasting...
... and then NOT put LOTR on you list, which is filled with a bunch of Sundance or Cannes faves that most people could give two hoots about...
... yeah, dude, I hate to say it, but that IS the definition of pretentious douchey-ness.
The Wizard of OZ : The Lord of the Rings.
In 20 years, there will be one (set of) film(s) that people will love and remember from this decade above all others.
Hey, like stormshadow and I have been saying... YOU set the rules.
And then you wonder why people are WTF-ing all over your list.
To quote a much better film, "You called down the thunder. Well know you got it!"
BugKiller And just to re-clarify...
December 30, 2009 at 8:38AM EST... this isn't about opinion. Drew's list definitely is. I, and many others, probably would have found a place for Casino Royale on a top-50 list, because we don't have the ability to see all of the wonderful foreign films that Drew or you do.
It's about the idea of films that will be lasting and remembered for the decades to follow.
That's the point stormshadow and I are trying to make.
There are many films on your list that will be remembered fondly in the decades to come, and then there are some head scratchers that absolutely no one will remember or care about, leading up to the most illogical omission.
It's not opinion. It's logic.
If it was about opinion, you'd still have douche bags bitching and complaining. So I guess you're screwed either way.
Trekscribbler Let it be said that lists -- if nothing else -- make for great debate. That's why I tend to think, "Well, there really shouldn't be that many ground rules when establishing your list because rules -- like the addage goes -- were made to be broken."
December 30, 2009 at 11:24AM ESTI agree with the side who states that leaving LOTR off any list of greatness in the last 10, 20, or 50 years is either bias or carelessness.
And, in my opinion, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN is like a visual fart. I think the Coens lost the script after filming the first half, so they just made a stream of consciousness storytelling attempt.
stormshadow4life the only "shine" coming off of LOTR are some of the FX. As far as the stuff that REALLY matters (story, music, memorable characters), LOTR is in a class all its own. Like the novels, I am fairly certain that the movies will be remembered 40 years from now as well.
December 30, 2009 at 12:02PM ESTJordo It's not worth getting so butt hurt that your favorite film isn't on one critic's Best of the Decade list. Respecfully disagree, but going off on such a tyrade makes it look like you have issues. Besides, if we're talking about pretentious douchebags, check out the New Yorker list. I'm like 60% sure that one of those films doesn't even exist.
December 30, 2009 at 3:55PM ESTstormshadow4life Well said. Far too many critics are very out of touch with what an actual human likes about movies... I sometimes do wonder if they actually do "love" the movies they claim to, or if they just say they do to look more intelligent.
December 30, 2009 at 8:56PM ESTChris M I have to disagree with this. I am a geek. I know many geeks. I've read the Lord of the Rings books multiple times each, I've watched the Star Wars trilogy probably 100 times (I've even watched all the prequels dozens of times). I haven't watched the Lord of the Rings in 6 years. I don't know anyone who has watched the Lord of the Rings in about that same amount of time. If it's on TV, sure, I'll tune in and watch a bit of it, but they're not movies that I lose myself in, and I honestly don't know anyone for whom they are.
January 5, 2010 at 10:30PM ESTObviously, my circle of friends isn't conclusive, but I think it's pretty damning evidence that LOTR is NOT the Wizard of Oz, nor is it Star Wars. Those are both eminently re-watchable films. LOTR was great the first time I saw it (at least the first two were - I was not pleased with ROTK), but it's just too long and too boring to make me want to go back. I'm sure someday I'll sit my kids down and have them watch it, but it will be long after I sit them down and make them watch Wizard of Oz and the Star Wars Trilogy. And I really, strongly feel that I'm far from alone.
That said, it absolutely belongs in the top 10 of any list from this previous decade, much the same way Titanic belonged in any list of the 90's.
lucasdefender
December 29, 2009 at 7:16PM EST Reply to CommentNo Country is one of my all time faves. I am an absolute Coen brothers fanboy, just think they are amazing filmmakers. That said, No Country is my favorite by them. I'm curious what you place above it? Barton Fink, Blood Simple or Fargo maybe?
Think its pretty cool that you actually respond and sometimes comment with your readers on the site.
Thanks.
drew For me, "Miller's Crossing," "Raising Arizona," and "The Big Lebowski" would all rank above "No Country." Those just punch me right in the chest in different ways. Having said that, the Coens rock. Period. So we're just talking about degrees of greatness.
December 29, 2009 at 7:24PM ESTlucasdefender HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! So funny. I took legitimate guesses at what I thought would be reasonable to assume one would consider as the 3 best Coens. Not even one of them in your list. Proof that the Coens have been able to create a real library of compelling awesomeness. Degrees of greatness indeed.
December 29, 2009 at 7:30PM ESTstormshadow4life for me only Raising Arizona ranks above No Country (which is a GREAT movie)
December 30, 2009 at 2:25AM ESTBugKiller
December 29, 2009 at 7:22PM EST Reply to CommentI do have to say, though, Drew...
... how can you have a top-FIFTY...
... and leave off Casino Royale???
Not only is it an amazing film that revitalized a sagging and tepid franchise...
... it was also the best reviewed film the year it came out according to RT's aggregate fresh rating.
That's pretty stinking impressive.
Please tell me you struggled with leaving Casino Royale off of this list.
drew I did consider it, and on a list of the 50 coolest films of the decade, no question it would qualify. But when you're boiling something like 4000 films down to 50, sometimes, you gotta lose the things you love.
December 29, 2009 at 7:39PM ESTblorp
December 29, 2009 at 9:07PM EST Reply to CommentSo if The Good, The Bad, The Weird was your #2 for 2008, where the hell is it on your Top 50 of the decade list?
longspur
December 29, 2009 at 10:39PM EST Reply to Commentamazing list. i would probably have about 7 of your top 10 in mine as well (Eternal Sunshine being my all-time favourite film). will always be astounded at the accomplishment that LOTR was - but it has not held up for me. top 20 of the decade for sure.
i must also applaud you for remembering In America (seems to have been generally forgotten in many of these lists). that movie absolutely destroyed me (couldn't speak for a couple hours afterward). brilliant work. there have been some truly emotional masterpieces this past decade.
Will
December 29, 2009 at 11:11PM EST Reply to CommentMr. Drew thank you for including Hedwig in this list. I watched with movie hoping for a laugh but I walked away changed. My notion of love and need for love has forever been changed by this brillant bit of cinema. Thank you.
December 30, 2009 at 1:14AM EST Reply to CommentGreat List Drew! I thought it would be fun to do a top ten list of films that didn't make the list and should. Did any of these come close?
1)Dancer In The Dark 2) Before Night Falls 3)Whale Rider 4) O Brother Where Art Thou 5)Munich 6)Wall-E 7)Mullholland Drive 8)Knocked Up 9)Y Tu Mama Tambien
10)The Hurt Locker
Remy
December 30, 2009 at 1:55AM EST Reply to CommentJust a comment on "The Incredibles."
Drew wrote: "I also find it amazing that in this age of lowered expectation, someone had the balls to make a movie where the message is, "If everyone is special, no one is special," a movie that dares to actually say out loud that we are not all created equal. For a message that subversive to be delivered in a package this fetching makes this more than just a great entertainment; it's a culture bomb, delivered successfully."
It may be uncommon to see that message in a children's film today, since a standard message is that everyone is unique and has special talents, etc. But uncommon and "subversive" are not the same thing. The message that some people are better than others, deserve to be treated differently, and deserve to be recognized for their natural superiority is pretty much the dominant ideology of all societies, whether we say so or not. That's why Wall Street doesn't think it should give up its bonuses; that's why politicians get away with criminal incompetence while others lose jobs, freedom, money and lives because of it; that's why some people have the hubris to try and get away with the things that many people wouldn't even think about. Because some believe that the rules don't and shouldn't apply to them because they belong to a special (or "'super") class. And the message of "If everyone is special no one is" is just another way of saying, some people are special, and some people aren't. Or some people are better than others.
So, yeah, some people are better than others is not subversive. It's not something that challenges people to question society and its ills. It is a message that seeks to uphold the way things are. That may be a ballsy thing to say, but it's certainly not an inspired, well thought out position.
Personally, I find the message of "anyone can cook" to be more well thought out, more accurate, and yes, actually subversive as opposed to just fake subversive.
kadoogan Well said Remy. The objectivist message of THE INCREDIBLES is the one aspect of the film that really bothers me. I think that Syndrome's plan is actually a really good one and would be pretty beneficial to society. And it's not like The Incredibles (the family) had to work to become special -- they were born with their abilities. Compare that to Syndrome or Remy who actually had to put in hours of hard work to develop their special skills. Hell, THE INCREDIBLES almost makes a case for eugenics. And Drew you wonder what kids who grew up on THE INCREDIBLES might do? Well, some of them might commit suicide once they realize that they aren't special and therefore have no worth. Shit, now I'm all worked up. Let me shift gears...
December 30, 2009 at 4:53PM ESTExcellent list, Drew and I was very pleased SHAUN OF THE DEAD crack your top ten (it's personally my top film of the 00s). Also tickled to see CROUCHING TIGER as your number one just because it was so unexpected and I love that feeling of surprise.
Now that you're done with this you can finally finish that 90s list, right?
Jeff
December 30, 2009 at 2:37PM EST Reply to CommentMULHOLLAND DRIVE is a masterwork from one of our great living directors. Why didn't it crack your list?
Jeff
December 30, 2009 at 2:42PM EST Reply to CommentOh, and great lists and great writing. Thanks.
stormshadow4life
December 30, 2009 at 3:17PM EST Reply to CommentJust finished watching City Of God. I liked it, but to be honest, it's not the type of movie I usually fall for, and it was no different with this one. I doubt I'll ever feel the urge to watch it again. Oh well, they can't all be winners
synack1138
December 31, 2009 at 8:28AM EST Reply to Commentwhat a strong list. Three films that jump out at me that were not on your list: High Fidelity,The way of the Gun, and unbreakable. Three films that i love and to me defined my decade.
mark vincent k
January 3, 2010 at 3:28AM EST Reply to CommentI was happy to see and read your list, and agree with most choices, although I was surprised to see the omission of 'Requiem for a Dream'. However, the thing that most perplexed me was a comment regarding Marisa Tomei's 'surprisingly good' performance in 'The Wrestler'. There has always been controversy regarding her Oscar for 'My Cousin Vinny' in the 90's, despite the fact that the byte of one of her lines...'My biological clock is ticking' is one of the most recognizeable film quotes for that decade. Also, her performance in 'In The Bedroom' was one of that year's best, standing up to Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, and an all-star cast. Also, her work in 'Before The Devil Knows Your Dead' and other parts in film/TV have cemented her as a great character actress and timeless beauty. So I would say that it is not a 'surprisingly', but an 'expectedly' good performance from Tomei in 'The Wrestler'. Just an opinion on a small detail in a very well-crafted list...
Rob Epstein
January 5, 2010 at 11:54AM EST Reply to CommentPlease stop the insanity. 2009 was NOT the end of the decade. The end of 2010 will be the end of the decade. With such intellectual content I expected more of you guys.
nate Give it up guy. Everybody knows we didn't start with year 0, but it makes since to group decades like we do.
January 6, 2010 at 12:29AM ESTgocoltz
March 2, 2010 at 8:10PM EST Reply to CommentAmen. This movie is exquisite and DDL's performance is like no other.