Deadpool

Image Courtesy of Marvel Studios

By Luis Zonenberg 

Another year has come and gone, with a new one now rising on the horizon. As moviegoers await the latest hits of the new year, I feel it is only fitting that we revisit some of the best last year had to offer. With huge box-office successes like Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, audiences had plenty of wonderful films to enjoy.

10. Late Night with the Devil 

Image Courtesy of IFC Films 

While it remains tough to put a new spin on an old idea, this film outdid itself by having an exorcism story told in the form of a late night talk show documentary, of all things! The movie features some of the best world-building I’ve seen all year and is terrifying to sit through, constantly having the audience question the line between fantasy and reality. Topped off with great effects and a fantastic performance from David Dastmalchian, Late Night With the Devil is one entertaining horror film you cannot miss! 

9. Deadpool & Wolverine

Image Courtesy of Marvel Studios 

Just when the Marvel Universe seemed to flatline with The Marvels and Secret Invasion, Deadpool & Wolverine reinjected some much R-rated life into it. Packed with laughs and gore galore, the film serves as a sweet tribute to the original Marvel superhero films that came before. Packed with fun cameos and surprising easter eggs, it provides so much fun for all the adults in the family to enjoy! 

8. Wicked 

Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures 

Wicked: Part One took the world by storm, becoming one of the most “popular” movies of the year! Amazing dance numbers and a good story fueled by terrific performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo combine to make a highly entertaining ride. While the adventure is far from over, it’s easy to see how it became the highest-grossing musical movie of all time. 

7. Heretic

Image Courtesy of A24

In a day and age where it’s hard to find some fresh scares, Heretic finds a new approach that’s more cerebral with its terror. Hugh Grant shines with a charming–albeit sinister–performance that almost makes you feel like rooting for his villainous character. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also help anchor the film as they traverse through a maze of secrets, coming across an earth-shattering realization that will make your blood run cold. 

6. Saturday Night

Image Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Director Jason Reitman took a break from busting ghosts to instead give us insight into one of the most important nights in television history. Saturday Night brings a fresh, chaotic sense of mayhem that truly allows the audience to feel the amount of pressure the cast and crew, as well as the absolute anarchy they had to go through to make this first episode of the show Saturday Night (SNL) happen. With an amazing script and wonderful cast, Saturday Night provides so much laughter and soul that it will leave you in awe by the end. 

5. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 

Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

This high-octane prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road still stands as the pinnacle of action movies for the year. George Miller’s signature style serves him well, making each frame feel like a vibrant painting moving at great speed. It may be a typical revenge story, but you easily identify with Furiosa’s struggles, and her determination makes you just as eager to see her succeed when all seems impossible. 

4. Transformers One

Image courtesy of Paramount Animation

While the Transformers brand has usually been used as a punching bag for Hollywood consumerism, they easily made up for it with this animated piece of pure cinema. Its beautiful animation coupled with a fairly powerful story really allows you to see how two friends like Optimus and Megatron could become such great enemies. It truly serves as the “Spider-Verse” of the franchise, and  has some great laughs for the whole family as well. 

3. Dune: Part Two

Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The second half of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel brought to life a grand cinematic experience that truly redefined the word “epic”. Boasting amazing VFX and an all-star cast, this concluded the adaptation on an extremely satisfying note that left audiences craving more. With an adaptation of Dune: Messiah on the horizon, it’s clear that film junkies are ready to return to Arrakis once more. 

2. Nosferatu 

Image Courtesy of Focus Features

This remake of the 1922 classic saw director Robert Eggers in full command of his craft, merging a macabre horror tale with a cast that any filmmaker would dream of. The film boasts amazing cinematography and makeup, creating a Gothic environment so reminiscent of the 1800s that you truly feel the story is brought to life. The film’s superb cast and excellent story make it an entertaining watch that stands out as a true highlight for the year! 

1. The Wild Robot 

Image Courtesy of Dreamworks Animation

The latest animated film from Dreamworks saw audiences shedding tears of joy for a story about motherhood and the perils of nature. Its beautiful watercolor animation brings to life a lush world reminiscent of a fairy tale. The film’s excellent voice cast help elevate the story to new heights, making it a must-watch for families of all ages.

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