Top 13 Films Of The Decade: Mastery At The Highest Degree

Top 13 Films Of The Decade

13. "War For The Planet Of The Apes" (2017)

No blockbuster since "Terminator 2", "Dark Knight", or "Aliens" has demonstrated the impressive ability to produce an adult, Hollywood action film, until now.  Touching on the vulnerability of war, the pain of the Holocaust and much more, "War For The Planet Of The Apes" is an epic end to one of the greatest trilogies of all time. 

  12. "Ida" (2013)

A black and white stunner, "Ida" tackles intimate themes with a graceful edge. Exquisitely shot, subtly acted, and artfully sad, it's impossible to look away. 

11. "Amour" (2012)

Michael Haneke's "Amour" is not easy to sit through, but is as rewarding as any film I've seen this decade. A masterpiece, that includes scenes that have haunted me eight years later, "Amour" will always live on, for those who experience this heartbreaking drama. 

10. "Another Earth" (2011)

The most thought-provoking science fiction film in recent memory (made on a $100,00 budget), "Another Earth" is out of this world. All you can do is marvel at its execution and label director Mike Cahill as a modern genius. 

9. "45 Years" (2015)

Charlotte Rampling's understated performance is not to be ignored. "45 Years" is a methodical approach to love, that will inevitably get under your skin.

8. "The End Of The Tour" (2015)

The brilliant and often misunderstood, David Foster Wallace (played wonderfully by Jason Segel), finally gets his due, in this instant classic. Similar to Richard Linklater's films, "The End Of The Tour" hinges on its expert dialogue to convey intellectual ideas through the brainpower of a mastermind.

7. "Lean On Pete" (2018)

Growing up is a painful experience, that is predicated on our ability to move past our failures. "Lean On Pete" exemplifies this by showing the bond between a homeless boy and his horse named Pete. Through the difficulties of maintaining his family, friends, and Pete, we can't help but relate.

 6. "Blue Valentine" (2010)

Brutally draining, "Blue Valentine" holds nothing back. A relationship that is on the brink of collapse, has never looked so beautiful. By the end, you'll feel like you know each individual personally and that's an achievement, alone, worth celebrating. 

5. "Waves" (2019)

Possible recency bias aside, "Waves" is a superior film. Sterling K. Brown's riveting showcase is unforgettable, and director Edward Trey Shults has proved himself to be a master of his craft. "Waves" is under-appreciated, to a point of being criminal, it's that wonderful. 

4. "Shame" (2011)

Michael Fassbender's off the charts performance is one of the greatest of all time. Add to that, a film about exposing the honest truths about sex addiction and relationships, and you have a director in Steve McQueen ("Hunger") that has entered legendary status with his 2011 film "Shame". 

3. "Silence" (2016)

Martin Scorsese's greatest achievement in his long film career, "Silence" is an engaging history lesson, that leaves all of its answers in the hands of its viewers. Remarkably filmed, and thoroughly thought-provoking, "Silence" left me in complete awe. 

2. "12 Years A Slave" (2013)

"12 Years A Slave" should be mandatory viewing in every classroom in the United States. The history of America with slavery is not pretty, and director Steve McQueen ("Shame", "Widows", "Hunger") doesn't shy away from showing its graphic reality. Solomon Northrup's true story is not easy to take but must be seen. A classic for the ages. 

1. "Beasts Of The Southern Wild" (2012)

One to rule them all, "Beasts Of The Southern Wild" is like nothing you've ever seen. Not only is it the greatest film of the decade, but it's the most extraordinary film of the last couple of decades. I've never seen something so emotionally tender in my years of analyzing film, and "Beasts Of The Southern Wild" is a complete magic act. Prepare to be blown away.