10. The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is director Christopher Nolan's sequel to his 2005 original, Batman Begins. It is about Batman's attempt to capture his most infamous adversary, the Joker. This movie is probably one of the best superhero movies to ever come out. Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is eerily remarkable. It not only was a fan favorite, but also a critical success as well, winning 2 Oscars. It doesn't reinvent the genre; it just does everything in superb fashion. It is a must see for any Batman fan!9. Zodiac (2007)
Zodiac is a psychological thriller in the vain of other movies like Se7en. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal as an amateur detective trying to solve several horrific murders in the San Fransisco Area in the late 1960s to 1970s. What makes this movie very intriguing is the fact that the killer, who calls himself "The Zodiac", leaves cryptic messages about the murders. He taunts the police telling them that he will never be found. Probably the most interesting fact about this movie is that it is based on real events, where the serial killer has never been found. Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as well as supporting actors Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffulo. It is one of the best of the decade that shouldn't be missed!8. Crash (2004)
Crash is written and directed by Paul Haggis. It is the story of several different people and how each of their lives ultimately "crash" into each other. Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, and Matt Dillon are just a few of the stars who are in this movie and give a gripping performance. It is incredible to see how Haggis set up the lives of the characters, making them come together. Each character can be associated with another directly or indirectly through the course of the film. It is a strong film that has more of a human element than we see from most films. It's definitely a film for the ages!7. The Departed (2006)
The Departed is about the two different sides of the law. In this case, it involves the police and the mafia. Each side has a mole in the other's agency. They both know they have a mole, but each side does not know who it is. They search for answers, until they finally figure out who is behind what, resulting in one of the best endings of the decade. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg are just a few of the actors in this star-studded cast. This film is directed by Martin Scorsese and it is arguably his best film. It is a masterful work of art that shouldn't be missed by any movie fan!6. There Will Be Blood (2007)
There Will Be Blood is Paul Thomas Anderson's 2007 film about an greedy oilman, in 1898, who is willing to do anything to make a quick buck. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis in a tour de force performance as Daniel Plainview, the monopolizing oilman. Many critics have said that this is Lewis' best performance ever. It is something of beauty to watch an actor who really knows his craft. His performance is probably the best of the decade, not to mention one of the best of all time. It is a film about greed and what it does to people when they are obsessed with it. There Will Be Blood is an awe-inspiring film about what money can do to people, and is one anyone can enjoy, especially because of the performance given by Daniel Day-Lewis.5. Avatar(2009)
Avatar is a futuristic movie about a paraplegic marine who gets the opportunity to travel to a new planet and have a new life. He gets the once-in-a-lifetime chance to become an alien on this other planet called Pandora, using special technology humans have made. Director James Cameron has outdone himself once again. The technology used in this movie is outstanding. You really feel immersed in the world. Movies like this are the next evolution in film-making and everyone should see this to get a glimpse into the future. (If you would like to read more about Avatar, you can read my review right below this post.)4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button(2008)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is about a man, Brad Pitt, who ages in reverse. While the concept may sound strange, the movie is anything but. It is a remarkable journey about one man, whose journey through life is a little different than the rest of us. Brad Pitt is Benjamin, and Cate Blanchett is his love interest. It is a great movie with a different twist. To fully understand this movie it is something that must be seen. It is very worthy of being one of the best of the decade!3. No Country For Old Men(2007)
No County For Old Men, based on the book by Cormac McCarthy, is about a man who stumbles upon $2 million and some dead bodies. The man, played by Josh Brolin, takes the money and flees. Not too long after he takes the money, he finds out that someone is after him and the money. That person happens to be a crazed killer named Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bardem. Bardem gives a grand performance as this sociopath, who stops at nothing to get what he wants. Directors Joel and Ethan Cohen have done a remarkable job with this movie. It is a must-see for any movie fan!2. Million Dollar Baby(2004)
Million Dollar Baby is a film about a young woman who wants to become a boxer. Hilary Swank plays the woman and reluctantly gets a coach, played by Clint Eastwood, to help her train. Eastwood isn't too fond of her at first, but through the course of the movie they develop a father-daughter relationship. It is an inspiring movie. One of the scenes near the end where Eastwood has to make a life-altering decision is one of the greatest scenes I've ever seen in a movie. Swank and Eastwood give great performances. This film has real emotional depth where other films just scratch the surface. It a great film that is definitely one of the best of the decade!1. Memento(2000)
The number one film of the decade just happens to be from the first year of the decade. Memento is based on the short story "Memento Mori," written by Jonathan Nolan. The film is directed by his brother, Christopher Nolan. The film is about a guy who has short-term memory loss. He uses tattoos, pictures, and notes as a way to try to find the guy he think killed his wife. The movie is told in reverse. The first scene of the movie happens to be the last scene in the time line or plot. While this may seem confusing, and at times it is, this gives a layer of depth other movies just don't have. It makes sense because of several things throughout the movie. The best part about it is that you have to watch it several times to understand the various facets. You can't really learn everything there is to learn in one viewing; it really takes multiple viewings. This is the pinnacle of film-making and something everyone should see. This movie is without a doubt the best film of the decade!So there's my list for my top 10 films of the decade. Feel free to leave comments and let me know what you think. You can even let me know what you thought were your best films of the decade.
