Okay, so I know that we are already nine days into the new decade, and many of us have decided to put 2009 behind us. But, let's take a step back really quickly and review the cinematic achievements the film industry underwent starting in 2000. The 2000s were a decade full of great achievements, reeling off from other advancements the decade before (such as the $1.8 Billion blockbuster and highest grossing film of all time,
Titanic, which eventually led them to one of the greatest accomplishments possible: 11 Academy Awards).
The 2000s were quite a profitable decade as well. Just think, of the top 10 highest grossing films ever, 9 of them were released in the 2000s. In fact, the recent hint
Avatar bumped its way up to the #2 spot just three weeks after its release.
So, where does that leave us now? During a sleepless night last night, I decided to compile a list of the best films of each year. From that, I have compiled a top-25 list of movies that were the best of the decade. This list, however, does not include Animated Films (which, with the exception of 1991's
Beauty and the Beast, remain separate from other films for best Picture. I decided to take a page from the book of the AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences--the people who give out the Oscars) and will have a separate blog later on compiling these top films). This list also does not contain movie series (such as, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy--in which all three films would rank highly). I will have another blog listing those winners as well.
So, without further adieu, let's begin with some
HONORABLE MENTIONS to recognize some great films of the decade that didn't quite make the cut. In no particular order:
Enchanted (2007), The Reader (2008), Kinsey (2004), Children of Men (2006), A Single Man (2009), Up in the Air (2009), Invictus (2009), Finding Neverland (2004), Memiors of a Geisha (2005), Dreamgirls (2006).
Of course, the films above are not the only ones I had in contention for some of the best. Those were the ones I had eliminated after two rounds of review of these films. They JUST missed the cut off!
Okay, so now that we are done with the runners-up, we can move into the
TOP 25! I will list them here, but also do a bit of explanation (leading up to #1)!
Top 25 of the 2000s
25. Julie and Julia (2009)
Amazing cast (Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Meryl Streep). Much buzz about this film, mainly for Meryl Streep. This could be the one that FINALLY gets her a third Oscar.
24. Frost/Nixon (2008)
Frank Langella as Nixon is a nail biter, as you watch and wait for him to let the cat out of the bag. He didn't disappoint, and the AMPAS rewarded him with an Oscar Nomination.
23. Changeling (2008)
This film is so underrated. It's major reward was three Oscar nominations. Due to other powerhouse films of the year, it left empty-handed. It is one of the BEST performances in Angelina Jolie's Career, and with Clint Eastwood's direction, propelled it into the top 25.
22. The Hurt Locker (2009)
Much buzz about this one among critics. On tap for a Golden Globe for best Picture-Drama, and many people are saying this is the best film of the year. Will the Academy reward it? Who knows. Until then, the powerful story about the Iraq War is quite intriguing!
21. Notes on a Scandal (2006)
Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett team up in a nerve-wracking film encompassing teacher/student relationships, jealousy, manipulation, and obsession. Powerful performances achieved them Oscar nominations in Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.
20. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Other than Ali, this may very well be Will Smith's best films to date. He might not have earned the Oscar, but he did deserve the nomination. His star power + the chilling story make this one of the best :)
19. Pearl Harbor (2001)
This is a controversial one, I know, but I love this film. It received 4 technical award nominations and won 1. Good cast, and a heartwarming story. I know the critics hated it, but I don't see the same things as they do. Anyway, I think it was one of the best.
18. Brokeback Mountain (2006)
Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Kate Mara, Heath Ledger, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Wow. Starpower, right? Add a screenplay which examines taboo issues in society then--and still somewhat today--and you get one of the best films of the decade, and possibly all time.
17. The Blind Side (2009)
This one is really recent, and it's out now. Go see it if you haven't. If you do, you are fortunate enough to see the best performance of Sandra Bullock's career. There is no doubt about that. She's nominated for the Golden Globe for lead actress in a Motion Picture Drama (and, amazingly, she is nominated a second one for Motion Picture- Comedy/Musical for The Proposal). I think an Oscar nomination is on the way, as well.
16. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Amidst all the dramas, we needed something comedic. And, no, it's not just because I am Greek. This tale has great talent and a heartwarming story. Unfortunately, not all of the content is exaggerated! It's recognizable name gives it longevity; it's a film people will talk about for years.
15. Atonement (2007)
Powerful war story which examines the "what if" factor. Keira Knightly, James McAvoy, and Saoirse Ronan provide an excellent cast. In fact, Ronan became one of the youngest actresses nominated for an Academy Award for the performance. The AMPAS awarded it with 7 nominations, and 1 award (original score).
14. Little Children (2004)
Kate Winslet is one of the best actresses of the decade. Patrick Wilson was equally amazing. Not much to say about this film that I haven't said about others. Powerful story, Screenplay/Lead Actress/Supporting Actor Oscar nominations, etc. You almost have to see this one, for I don't want to give the amazing plot away.
13. Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (2009)
I'm not talking about a ring, either. This is a true underdog story, but also a powerful story about the realities of today. We are introduced to new a actresse, Gabourey Sidibe, whose only Oscar competition this year may be Meryl Streep. And, how many films do you get to see Mariah Carey in (and Glitter doesn't count) and Lenny Kravitz as a nurse?
12. Doubt (2008)
I cannot stop ranting and raving about this film. Philip Seymore Hoffmann, Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, and Viola Davis had so much chemistry in the film. Amy Adams solidified her acting career and proved that she was a powerhouse actress. It was nominated for 5 awards, including 4 awards in 3 acting categories. I think, too, that Hoffman would have had a decent shot for a win in his supporting actor category, except for the untimely death of Heath Ledger.
11. In America (2002)
Many people haven't seen this one. And that is a shame. A Story about the American dream, and a chilling version of the Eagles' "Desperado" allows this to top my list as one of the best. Throw in 3 Academy Award nominations (Screenplay, Lead Actress, and Supporting Actor) and you'll see why this is a keeper.
10. Crash (2004)
One of the best ensemble casts in cinematic history. Take Sandra Bullock, Brenden Fraser, Ludacris, Matt Dillon, and Thandie Newton (to name a few) and you get the winner of the 2005 Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. A great way to start off the Top 10!
9. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
The little independent film that could. Straight out of Bollywood, Slumdog Millionaire became all the rage in 2008. While it was not nominated for a single award for acting, it's eight Oscar wins make it one of the most highly-honored films of all time.
8. I Am Sam (2001)
This 2001 film started off the decade great, and was really the breakout role for Dakota Fanning (she would win numerous awards, including the Young Artist Award). Add in Sean Penn (who was nominated for an Oscar for this role) and Michelle Pfeiffer, and this becomes a heartwarming tale surrounding a man who wants to gain custody of his daughter.
7. Milk (2008)
Yes, another Sean Penn film in the top 10. This was one of the greatest films of 2008, as well as one of the most critically acclaimed. I was more than ecstatic when Sean Penn won the Oscar (second lead actor Oscar of the decade!) because after seeing the other candidates in their respective films, Penn truly stuck out. Add in James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hersch--and what a film you get!
6. My Sister's Keeper (2009)
This one is surprising to a lot of you, I am sure. But, this is the most underrated film of the decade. The AMPAS and the Hollywood Foreign Press (Golden Globes) should be in love with this. The downfall was a summer release, however. Cameron Diaz exists in the most powerful role of her career, and Abigail Breslin/Alec Baldwin/Joan Cusack/Sofia Vassilieva all should be acclaimed for their roles. Critics thought the film was "too emotional" for them. Well, isn't that sometimes what makes films great? A powerful story and an amazing cast.
5. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Ann Hathaway surprised us ALL with this film. 2006 was the start of her post-Disney career. Add in Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep--of course it's great. Meryl Streep displays her ability to take on any role and is the character you love to hate.The AMPAS and HFP took notice, and nominated this film in numerous categories.
4. The Pianist (2002)
Won 3 of its 7 nominated Academy Awards, including the Best Lead Actor award for Adrien Brody, The Pianist is a heart-wrenching 2.5 hour film based in the World War II era. Well deserving of it's acclaim, definitely one of the best of the 2000s.
3. United 93 (2006)
Just 5 years after the September 11 Terrorist attacks, we got to witness one of the most chilling true-stories of them all: the story of United Flight 93 which, by the effort of its passengers, did not make it to its final destination (most likely, Washington DC). An amazing ensemble of individuals, this 2006 film should be highly acclaimed (which is why it makes it in my top 5).
2. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Man, do I remember the controversy when this came out. One of the most chilling true-life stories adapted to the big screen. Superb acting make this an incredible cinematic achievement. Fitting to be the runner up for the top film of the decade.
AND THE WINNER IS.....
1. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
This should really be self-explanatory. This 2001 hit is on a number of lists as one of the best films of all time, so it's fitting that it is the BEST film of the decade.
So, that's it! Keep checking the blog out as I will post more lists of "Tops" from the past decade, and from the year 2009 and beyond.
