Top-Rated Movies of the 2010s: Must-See Cinema
The 2010s reshaped the film industry. Streaming platforms rose, cinematic universes dominated, and diverse voices emerged. This decade brought critically acclaimed and award-winning movies across various genres.
From superhero epics to intimate character studies, these films defined 2010s cinema. Let’s explore the must-watch movies that have become iconic works and masterpieces of the decade.
Key Takeaways
- The 2010s saw a pivotal transition in the film industry, with the rise of streaming and the dominance of cinematic universes.
- Diverse voices and perspectives emerged, challenging the status quo and redefining the boundaries of what constitutes essential viewing.
- Critically acclaimed 2010s films spanned a wide range of genres, from blockbuster superhero epics to intimate character studies.
- Award-winning 2010s pictures showcased the artistry and innovation of both established and up-and-coming filmmakers.
- The decade’s defining movies 2010-2019 have become must-watch cinematic works that have left a lasting impact on the industry and audiences.
Defining the 2010s in Cinema
The 2010s brought big changes to movies. Streaming platforms like Netflix shook up the industry. Marvel movies and other franchises changed how Hollywood works. Filmmakers tried new things as they adjusted to these shifts.
This decade blurred the lines between genres. It also changed what we think of as a “movie”. The film world was in flux, trying to find its place.
A Decade of Transition and Identity Crisis
Netflix and other streaming services grew fast in the 2010s. They changed how we watch movies and what kinds get made. Streaming opened doors for unique and experimental films.
It also allowed for longer, episodic storytelling. At the same time, Marvel movies became the new normal. This shift affected both filmmakers and viewers.
The Rise of Streaming and Cinematic Universes
Streaming and cinematic universes defined 2010s cinema. Netflix launched its streaming service in 2010. In 2015, it released its first original film, “Beasts of No Nation”.
Disney dominated the box office during this time. Its Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and cartoon films were top earners. This showed the power of expansive movie universes.
| Trend | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rise of Streaming | Challenged traditional distribution and viewing models, enabled more niche and experimental films |
| Growth of Cinematic Universes | Reshaped the blockbuster landscape, became the dominant Hollywood studio model |
The 2010s were a time of big changes in movies. Streaming platforms and cinematic universes took center stage. This decade transformed how films were made, shared, and watched.
Audiences got to enjoy a wide range of movie experiences. The film industry adapted to new ways of storytelling and distribution.
Marvel’s Groundbreaking Impact
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) dominated cinema in the 2010s. It became Hollywood’s most successful film franchise. Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther in 2018 stood out as a true game-changer.
Black Panther featured a predominantly Black cast and crew. It made history as the first Marvel superhero movie nominated for Best Picture Oscar. The film redefined the genre with its focus on representation and cultural empowerment.
Ryan Coogler directed this visionary film. Chadwick Boseman delivered a career-defining performance. The movie’s impact on superhero films and diversity representation was undeniable.
“Black Panther wasn’t just a superhero movie – it was a cultural phenomenon that shattered expectations and challenged the status quo in the industry.”
Black Panther‘s success opened doors for diverse storytelling in superhero films. It showed the appeal of mainstream movies with non-white casts. Audiences craved authentic, empowering narratives celebrating underrepresented communities.
After Black Panther, the Marvel Cinematic Universe embraced more diverse voices. This shift enriched the cinematic landscape. It also influenced the broader cultural conversation about representation in Hollywood.
Auteurs and Personal Visions
The 2010s saw a comeback of auteur filmmaking alongside blockbuster franchises. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood stands out as a prime example. This film offers a gripping revisionist take on the Manson murders.
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood: Tarantino’s Revisionist Tale
Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt deliver stellar performances in this movie. Tarantino’s signature style shines through with pop culture nods and snappy dialogue. The film reimagines history through a unique cinematic perspective.
Tarantino dives into the gritty side of 1960s Hollywood. He creates a personal story that makes viewers question their understanding of the past. The film’s rich period details and strong cast enhance its impact.
“Tarantino’s flair for pop culture references, pitch-perfect dialogue, and a unique ability to rewrite history through a cinematic lens.”
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood showcases Tarantino’s auteur filmmaking at its finest. The movie blends fact and fiction seamlessly. It explores celebrity culture, storytelling power, and how the past shapes our present.
Innovative and Experimental Filmmaking
The 2010s saw a boom in innovative and experimental filmmaking. Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy’s The Tribe led this cinematic revolution. Set in a Ukrainian deaf school, it uses no subtitles, voiceover, or non-diegetic music.
The film immerses viewers in a world of silence and sign language. It creates a tense atmosphere while exploring a criminal underworld within the school. The Tribe reinvents film language, challenging audiences to engage more deeply.
This powerful experience showcases the potential of innovative filmmaking and experimental cinema. It proves that unique approaches can create unforgettable cinematic moments.
“The film creates a suffocatingly tense atmosphere as it explores a criminal underworld operating within the school’s walls.”
The 2010s saw many other innovative films push cinema’s boundaries. Silent films and sign language narratives gained popularity. Artists like Deborah Stratman and Ben Rivers blended film and video techniques.
Grassroots organizations and artist-run labs supported filmmakers working across different mediums. This led to a more diverse and international experimental film community. New voices and perspectives emerged, enriching the cinematic landscape.
Short-form mobile videos on TikTok and Snapchat explored new visual frontiers. This shift towards inclusivity marked a significant evolution in innovative filmmaking and experimental cinema.
Historical Dramas and Biopics
High-quality historical dramas and biopics made a comeback in the 2010s. They offered fresh views on key moments and figures in American history. Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln stands out, with Daniel Day-Lewis giving a career-defining performance as the 16th President.
Tony Kushner’s script explores the chaos of American politics and wartime leadership. It presents a complex picture of Lincoln’s legacy, going beyond the usual great-man story. The result is a rich, vital portrait of a crucial era.
Lincoln: A Nuanced Portrayal of American Politics
Lincoln focuses on the President’s last four months. It shows his tireless work to pass the 13th Amendment and end slavery. The Civil War rages on as he fights for this change.
The film’s historical accuracy and thoughtful script offer a fresh view of politics. It shows the compromises needed for big changes. Daniel Day-Lewis brings Lincoln to life as a complex, flawed leader.
He’s not a myth, but a real person dealing with 19th-century politics. Lincoln shows how historical dramas can teach us about leadership and governance.
“In this age, in this country, public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail. Against it, nothing can succeed.”
This quote from Lincoln sums up the film’s main theme. It explores the balance between ideals and political reality. Lincoln shines as an example of great historical drama.
It brings the past to life while speaking to today’s audiences. The film offers timeless lessons about leadership and political change.
Blurring Genres and Boundaries
The 2010s saw a rise in genre-blending, boundary-pushing films. Olivier Assayas’ Personal Shopper is a prime example. This film stars Kristen Stewart and explores grief and the supernatural.
It mixes character study, ghost story, and existential thriller elements. The movie delves into mortality, mourning, and the search for meaning. Its approach is both moving and ambiguous.
Personal Shopper: A Transcendent Ghost Story
Kristen Stewart shines as Maureen, a medium working as a personal shopper in Paris. Maureen is haunted by her twin brother’s recent death. She balances her work in luxury fashion with her search for supernatural signs.
“The film explores themes of mortality, mourning, and the search for meaning in a way that feels both profoundly moving and unsettlingly ambiguous.”
Director Olivier Assayas skillfully combines different genres in this film. It’s a psychological study, ghost story, and reflection on identity and loss. The movie’s eerie atmosphere and Stewart’s subtle acting create a lasting impression.
Personal Shopper showcases the power of mixing genres in cinema. It explores the human experience in complex ways. The film stands out for its unique approach to storytelling.
Assayas’ work blurs the line between the real and the supernatural. It resonates with both audiences and critics alike. This movie is a haunting journey into the unknown.
International Cinema Gems
The 2010s saw a boom in acclaimed international cinema. Filmmakers worldwide captivated audiences and critics alike. Diao Yinan’s Black Coal, Thin Ice stands out as a prime example.
This Chinese neo-noir thriller blends gritty realism with crime genre elements. It follows an ex-detective revisiting an old murder case. The film offers sharp commentary on modern China.
Simmering tension, bursts of violence, and an unforgettable dance sequence mark this film. These elements create a thrilling cinematic experience.
“Diao Yinan’s Black Coal, Thin Ice is a triumph of international cinema, seamlessly weaving together elements of neo-noir and social commentary to create a captivating cinematic experience.”
Diao’s masterful direction and striking visuals earned critical acclaim. The film won the Golden Bear at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival. Yet, this Chinese film struggles to find wide U.S. distribution.
Distribution barriers often block exceptional international cinema from reaching broader audiences. Streaming platforms offer hope for more exposure. Growing interest in global storytelling may help cinephiles discover these hidden gems.
Horror Renaissance
The 2010s saw a horror revival. Filmmakers pushed boundaries, creating unsettling and thought-provoking works. Ari Aster’s Hereditary explores grief, trauma, and dark family legacies.
Toni Collette’s stellar performance anchors Hereditary. The film builds intense tension, delving into the human psyche’s horrors. Its unsettling atmosphere and complex family dynamics make it a key horror renaissance entry.
The decade brought diverse horror films. “Cabin in the Woods,” “The Conjuring,” and “Get Out” pushed genre limits. Foreign horror gained prominence, showcasing varied storytelling and cultural influences.
Low-budget films like “Insidious” reshaped horror. Jason Blum’s productions focused on genuine terror. Blumhouse Studios became a major player, influencing other indie companies.
Indie filmmakers shifted towards personal horror stories. This disrupted the market of big-budget, bombastic films. The 2010s saw refined, artistic expressions in American horror.
“Hereditary stands out as a standout example, offering a deeply unsettling exploration of grief, trauma, and the dark legacies that haunt families.”
Intimate Character Studies
The 2010s saw a revival of intimate character studies. These films explored the complexities of human experience. Michael Haneke’s Amour was a standout, captivating audiences and critics alike.
Amour: A Devastating Look at Love and Mortality
Amour stars Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva as an elderly Parisian couple. The film is a poignant meditation on love, aging, and shared life.
It explores the challenges the couple faces as Anne’s health declines. Their devotion and intimate bond are tested to their limits.
“Amour is a film about the cruelty of nature, the fragility of the human condition, and the limits of love.”
Haneke’s masterful direction combines with raw, nuanced performances. The result is a profoundly moving cinematic experience that lingers long after viewing.
Amour stands as a poignant exploration of intimate character studies. It exemplifies the depth and power of this genre in the 2010s.
Social Commentaries and Moral Dilemmas
The 2010s saw a rise in films tackling social issues and moral quandaries. These movies used cinema to explore human complexities. Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Elena is a prime example, examining the gap between rich and poor.
Elena follows a woman in her sixties trying to help her troubled son. This slow-burn thriller questions how people justify self-interest at others’ expense. It explores moral dilemmas faced by those caught in class disparities.
“Elena is a quiet thriller about class divide that questions people’s willingness to justify their own self-interest, even at the expense of others.”
Zvyagintsev’s masterful storytelling earned Elena widespread critical acclaim. The film’s nuanced approach to social and moral issues resonated with audiences. Its nomination for the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2011 cemented its status as a cinematic gem.
Powerful Documentaries
The 2010s saw a surge in acclaimed documentary filmmaking. These works offered profound examinations of critical social and political issues. Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro stands out, using James Baldwin’s unfinished writings to explore racism in America.
I Am Not Your Negro: A Profound Examination of Race
I Am Not Your Negro blends Baldwin’s words with archival footage and interviews. It’s a searing work that reminds us of America’s complex racial history. Peck’s documentary masterfully weaves Baldwin’s insights and experiences into a powerful exploration of identity and equality.
“The story of the negro in America is the story of America. It is not a pretty story.”
Peck and Baldwin invite audiences to confront America’s harsh realities. They challenge viewers to grapple with the country’s painful history of racial injustice. The film’s impact underscores documentaries’ power to shed light on crucial issues.
It inspires meaningful dialogue about race and equality. The critical acclaim shows how documentaries can spark important conversations in society.
The best movies of 2010s
The 2010s brought us amazing films that changed cinema forever. From big blockbusters to small character stories, we saw many unique voices and styles. These movies were groundbreaking, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional.
The Coen Brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis” ranks 15th, showing their skill in character-driven stories. David Robert Mitchell’s “It Follows” takes 14th place as the decade’s top horror movie.
Dave McCrary’s “Brigsby Bear” is 13th, while Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me By Your Name” sits at 12th. Both highlight the decade’s focus on intimate stories. Celine Sciamma’s “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and Alma Ha’Rel’s “Honey Boy” make the top 10.
| Rank | Movie | Director | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Inside Llewyn Davis | Coen Brothers | Character-driven storytelling |
| 14 | It Follows | David Robert Mitchell | Favorite horror movie of the decade |
| 13 | Brigsby Bear | Dave McCrary | Intimate, character-driven narrative |
| 12 | Call Me By Your Name | Luca Guadagnino | Intimate, character-driven narrative |
| 11 | Portrait of a Lady on Fire | Celine Sciamma | Rise of diverse voices and personal visions |
| 10 | Honey Boy | Alma Ha’Rel | Rise of diverse voices and personal visions |
The 2010s also gave us groundbreaking films that left a lasting impact. “Mad Max: Fury Road” wowed with its technical skills. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” amazed us with stunning visuals.
These top movies offer a wide range of experiences. They’re sure to inspire and excite viewers for years to come. Whether you like deep character studies or eye-popping spectacles, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
The 2010s transformed cinema with changes in technology, distribution, and audience expectations. Films from this decade reflect our modern world and remain timeless art. Superhero blockbusters rose, while international and independent cinema experienced a renaissance.
The must-see movies of the 2010s offer insights into creative and cultural forces. They shape the future of moviemaking. This decade’s cinema legacy paves the way for a new era of filmmaking.
Boundaries between mainstream and independent, local and global continue to shift. The future of film promises greater diversity, innovation, and artistic expression. Revisiting 2010s cinema helps us understand the evolving film industry.
Movies from this era showcase the enduring power of film. They captivate, inspire, and challenge audiences worldwide. The 2010s left an unforgettable mark on cinema’s rich history.
FAQ
What were some of the most acclaimed and influential films of the 2010s?
The 2010s brought us groundbreaking and thought-provoking films. These works defined the decade with blockbuster superhero epics and intimate character studies. They also included innovative, genre-blending films that captivated audiences worldwide.
How did the rise of streaming and cinematic universes shape the film industry in the 2010s?
Streaming platforms and the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominated the 2010s. They challenged traditional filmmaking and reshaped Hollywood. This shift changed how we create and consume movies.
How did Black Panther redefine the superhero genre?
Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, was a groundbreaking moment in cinema. It featured a predominantly Black cast and crew. The film explored themes of representation, cultural empowerment, and African identity.
What were some of the standout examples of auteur-driven cinema in the 2010s?
Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood showcased personal vision on the big screen. It represented the work of renowned filmmakers asserting their unique styles.
What were some of the most innovative and experimental films of the decade?
Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy’s The Tribe pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. It features no subtitles, voiceover, or non-diegetic music. This approach reinvented the language of film.
What were some of the standout historical dramas and biopics of the 2010s?
Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln offered a nuanced perspective on American history. Daniel Day-Lewis delivered a career-defining performance in the title role.
What were some examples of films that defied easy categorization in the 2010s?
Olivier Assayas’ Personal Shopper blended genres and pushed storytelling boundaries. It’s a beguiling portrait of grief and the supernatural.
What were some of the acclaimed international films of the decade?
Diao Yinan’s Chinese neo-noir thriller Black Coal, Thin Ice captivated audiences. It impressed with its gritty realism and innovative approach to crime stories.
What were some standout examples of the horror genre’s renaissance in the 2010s?
Ari Aster’s debut feature Hereditary explored grief and trauma. It offered a deeply unsettling look at dark family legacies.
What were some of the most intimate and acclaimed character studies of the decade?
Michael Haneke’s Amour is a poignant meditation on love and aging. This beautifully crafted film explores the realities of a shared life.
What were some films that tackled pressing social issues and moral quandaries in the 2010s?
Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Elena explores the divide between society’s haves and have-nots. This gripping thriller questions how far people go for self-interest.
What were some standout examples of acclaimed documentary filmmaking in the 2010s?
Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro uses James Baldwin’s unfinished writings. It explores racism in America and the struggle with the nation’s foundational sins.
What were some of the best movies of the 2010s?
The films in this article represent the 2010s’ most impactful works. They range from blockbuster superhero epics to intimate character studies. These groundbreaking films are now considered essential viewing.