The Top Ten Films of 2010

Now that Christmas has come and gone, it's only fitting to get nostalgic and discuss the top movies that 2010 had to offer. As the season's first snow storm pummels the east coast, what better time than now to start the debate?

2010 has been a strange year for cinema. The early months started out slow and left us all crossing our fingers for a redeeming Summer. However, Summer came and passed with plenty to be desired. We sat around wondering if there was any light at the end of the tunnel. And then all of a sudden Christopher Nolan's much-hyped, psychological tale Inception kicked off a relieving stretch run. It turned out to be a fantastic Fall, and ultimately, 2010 was a really good year for cinema. Unfortunately though, it's beginning to appear as though this will be a template for the major studios to follow in the upcoming years. If so, it could be a while until we have a smorgasbord of fantastic features again.

When thinking back to this year's releases, the phrase "very satisfying" comes to mind. There weren't any unbelievable films, however there's at least a baker's dozen worthy of top ten status. Not only were there plenty of solid movies this year, there were a plethora of top-notch performances. Everything from newcomer Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, to Colin Firth's depiction of King Henry VI during World War II. When all is said and done, the following ten films were this year's best:

#10) Toy Story 3

Very iconic of my childhood, Toy Story 3 was a film I was very excited to see this year. And when it finally came out, I was thrilled to watch it restore the franchise to it's original heights. Another adventure following Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the crew, Toy Story 3 addresses sincere topics like adulthood, friendship, and the passing of the torch. It's truly a pleasure for any audience.

#9) Black Swan

If you were to tell me in January that one of 2010's top films would center around a ballerina in New York City, I would've called you crazy. However, Darren Aronofsky's intense thriller Black Swan was one of this year's most beautifully crafted pictures. Natalie Portman gives a glaring performance as Nina Sayers, a young ballerina consumed by the pressure to be the best dancer in her company. The ending will stick with you for a while.

#8) True Grit

Jeff Bridges, fresh off an Oscar gold for his role in Crazy Heart last year, heads a wonderful cast in this Coen Brothers' remake. True Grit couples clever dialogue with pristine imagery to deliver one of the best Westerns in years. A murdered man's daughter seeks vengeance on the killer, and she hires a U.S. Marshall to help bring the man to justice. True Grit is a must see.

#7) The Town

As director Ben Affleck's successful follow up to Gone Baby Gone, The Town is highly entertaining. The film takes place in present day Boston, as a small community of crooks and thieves attempt a risky bank heist. Afterward, one of the robbers (Affleck) falls for the bank manager (Rebecca Hall) and it creates quite the controversy. The Town is more than just a typical cops and robbers movie, it offers a satisfying and deep look into redemption and change.

#6) Nowhere Boy

Despite the film's 2009 release in the United Kingdom, Nowhere Boy didn't reach the United States until this year. Starring Aaron Johnson (Kick Ass) as a teenage John Lennon in 1950s England, the movie explains the internal and external factors that helped breed a musical genius. Nowhere Boy teaches us a truth that Lennon so perfectly turned into a popular song. Sometimes ... all you need is love.

#5) The King's Speech

This year's festival darling, The King's Speech is perhaps 2010's most well-acted film. With an all-star cast containing Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech is an epic tale of overcoming great odds. Firth plays King George VI as he attempts to conquer his speech impediment. Bonham Carter as his wife, Queen Elizabeth, and Rush as his vocal coach, the film creatively ties together an unconventional story during a trying time.

#4) 127 Hours

Danny Boyle is one of the most gifted directors in Hollywood. As versatile as anyone else, Boyle used his rare gift in 2010 to give us one of the greatest survival pictures of all time. 127 Hours is based on the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) and the adversity he faces while being trapped in a canyon in Utah. Franco gives one of the year's top performances and helps Boyle create an intense, epic journey in the mind of a man desperate to survive. Quite graphic during its resolution, 127 Hours is worth seeing if you can stomach it.

#3) The Social Network

Clever and fast-paced, The Social Network examines the real life story of Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg). Zuckerberg, a Harvard undergrad, creates the world's greatest social website on a college campus with the financial aid of his best friend Eduardo Saverin (played by Andrew Garfield). However, when a billion dollar idea is at stake, anyone and everyone will do their best to get their hands on the prize. A story about friendship and betrayal, The Social Network is a brilliant portrayal of intellectual conquest and the American dream.

#2) Inception

Inception was 2010's first big name release. It was released in July and afterward, moviegoers worldwide never looked back. Director Christopher Nolan's thriller centers around a futuristic world where shared dreaming is possible. When a group of thieves are hired to implant an idea into an heir's mind, keeping track of reality becomes a difficult task. An ending that had everyone talking for months, Inception is yet another great film by one of Hollywood's best living directors, Christopher Nolan.

#1) Get Low

2010's list of great films is headed by an unknown, Get Low. The story follows a local hermit in 1930s Tennessee named Felix Bush (played by Robert Duvall). When Mr. Bush has a strange idea to have a funeral for himself while he's still living, a struggling funeral director (played by Bill Murray) is happy to take on the task. Filled with fabulous acting and a perfectly constructed story, Get Low is absolutely charming. Duvall delivers a performance for the ages, and it's wonderful watching the sly old man's interior motive come to life. Get Low is a great film and one suitable for any audience. Be sure to check out the best film 2010 had to offer.


Have you seen most of these movies? Are there ones you think I've missed? Feel free to leave a response and let me know what you think. Have a great new year!