Top 10 Movies of 2018

We’ve come to the start of 2019 and it’s time to list off my top ten movies of 2018. This was a difficult list to make as a lot of movies were big surprises and I was pleasantly surprised by the way the year has played out. Fair warning, I did not manage to catch Hereditary because I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to horror, so that will not be on here, although I’m certain it’s good. Now, before we start, I would like to point out that this isn’t based on ratings I’ve given out. This is simply which movies I enjoyed the most from 2018 for whatever reason. I have four honorable mentions. Creed II, Incredibles 2, Annihilation, and BlacKKKlansman all were considered for this list, and very closely made it, but in the end, there were ten movies I liked just a little bit more. Let’s begin.

10. Love, Simon

What a charming movie this ended up being. Greg Berlanti did a wonderful job directing this movie and gave it such a good feel that one can just sit back and enjoy everything about it. The screenplay was well adapted from the novel that it is based on and Nick Robinson is incredibly likeable as Simon. He just gives the character such realism and makes him easy to root for. Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel are also great in their role as supportive parents. Round that all out with the rest of the young cast and you’ve got yourself a charming, feel-good movie that you should check out.

9. A Quiet Place

John Krasinski made his directorial debut with a damn good horror film. This movie had great scares, an interesting plot, a lot of tension, and beautiful performances by Krasinski, Blunt, and child stars Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. It is also interesting to note that Millicent Simmonds is actually deaf in real life, and I felt that that added great realism to her character that might not have been there otherwise. The creatures themselves are interesting and bring a certain element of horror, but the real story here is the family element that was implemented. These actors all play so well off each other, and one can get submersed into their struggle and emotions. All in all, it is a great, unique film that should definitely be given a watch.

8. Avengers: Infinity War

The Russo Brothers know how to direct a superhero film, and they had the difficult task of joining together all of these heroes and give them something meaningful to do while also juggling a narrative of end of the world proportions, and dammit did they pull it off. This movie was fantastic. It was darker than most Marvel films, but still fills in with humor in a way that plays well and doesn’t feel out of place. Not to mention the great ensemble cast that was assembled played great together. This movie was an absolute thrill-ride. From the battle of Wakanda, the battle on Titan, and the scene in Knowhere, this movie will excite you as well as tug on your heartstrings.

7. You Were Never Really Here

This psychological thriller is basically Joaquin Phoenix giving a masterclass performance, and it was brilliant. Phoenix plays a veteran who works as a hired gun named Joe who takes care of his elderly mother and has very little motivation in life until he takes up a job that leads him to rescuing a young girl named Nina from a sex-slave trade. From there, an alarming discovery is made and results in a bunch of chaos with Phoenix needing to figure out how to stay alive. This film is dark, gritty, has an interesting narrative, and Phoenix gives one of his best performances to date.

6. Searching

This movie was awesome. I’m typically not into these gimmicky films, but this one was perfectly executed. The story is also enthralling. I haven’t been this invested in a suspenseful murder mystery film since Prisoners. Typically, I find myself figuring out the ending halfway through the film, but that didn’t happen here. I was legitimately on the edge of my seat and chowing down my popcorn in anticipation of the ending because I was so invested in the plot. John Cho also gives a great performance here. All in all, this is the best mystery film in a long time.

5. Paddington 2

I know what you may be thinking, isn’t this a kid’s movie? Well, technically, yes, but it is also so much more. The Paddington franchise has become my favorite kid’s franchise in part because of the way it is written. It is so clever and pure in its representation and they give the films such a charm and beauty. Paddington is such an innocent bear that wants nothing more than to learn and help his family, and I love how the community has accepted him, and do not make fun of him for his curiosity and lack of knowledge. It gives such a good example of how we should treat the curiosity of today’s youth. Not with indifference or annoyance, but with joy at their desire to learn. This is a movie with a lot of heart that the whole family can enjoy.

4. Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Christopher McQuarrie knows how to direct an action film and this one may be his best. All the Mission: Impossible films are enjoyable, even the second one, but recently they been on an absolute tear. Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation, and Fallout will go down as on the best trilogies, and possibly the best action trilogy since the original Bourne films. Fallout combines breathtaking sequences and a great plot with solid performances from Tom Cruise and company. I had the pleasure of catching this in IMAX and the halo jump scene might be the best visual I have seen in a film in all 2018. This is a must watch for any action fan.

3. Blindspotting

Terrific acting, culturally impactful, and one of the best screenplays of 2018. Blindspotting was a great film. The way it presents real world issues and their impacts on those involved is both incredible and important. One thing that caught me by surprise was how funny this was. This film is hilarious, and that is something I didn’t expect considering the issues it tackles. This film is a must watch for anyone. I think it is important for films like this one to be seen by everyone because it helps shed light on real world issues that aren’t talked about enough, or just aren’t taken as seriously as they should be. Blindspotting was fantastic and could very well have taken the number one spot if not for the next two films on this list.

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

What a damn fun experience this turned out to be. Sony, you did it. This is without a doubt the best Spider-Man film that has been made and the best animated feature of 2018. They got so much right about this. From the unique animation style, terrific voice acting, and the hilariously fun screenplay, this was a joy from start to finish. Sony finally hit the jackpot on a Spider-Man universe that they can expand on that doesn’t have to revolve around Peter Parker, and I fully expect them to capitalize on the success of this. This movie had great action sequences, awesome music, a terrific story, and it was so dang hilarious. This move can make you feel excited, laugh, cry, and everything in between. This deserves to not only win best animated feature, but also be nominated for best picture. It’s that good. It also has the greatest post-credits scene ever. There is only one film in 2018 that keeps it from claiming the top spot, and that is the film that I think should win best picture…

1. A Star Is Born

A star was surely born in 2018. You don’t often find a remake to be better than the original, but this is probably the best remake ever. Bradley Cooper shines in his directorial debut, and what a star Lady Gaga is. This was her first big role in a feature film and she knocked it out of the park. Amazing music, beautiful visuals, and the best onscreen connection that 2018 had to offer with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. They were amazing together. Truly a wonderful pairing, they both brought their A game and I expect Oscar nominations for them both. Sam Elliot was also terrific in this and deserves a nomination himself. Everyone in this was fantastic. It was such a journey watching this story unfold, and by the end of it, I was definitely crying. This movie had everything you could’ve wanted. Love, heartbreak, pain, redemption, and happiness. This is the type of movie that sticks with you long after the credits stop rolling. A Star Is Born is such a beauty to watch unfold. There was never a doubt that this would be number one.