Not many decades produced movies as unforgettable as the 2010’s. A groundbreaking era, the decade forever changed Cinema. Whether it’s social network founders, L.A. lovers or parasitic housekeepers, it offered strong characters. Given th number of movies made during the decade, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of a decade that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Social Network
Friendships are relationships that face hardships. I remember forming friendships with a kid in school that I grew up to treasure. We enjoyed playing soccer creating bonds with each other. However, our relationship came to a closure. No longer the friend I had grown up to adore, he became a stranger that I didn’t recognize anymore. Years later, I lost all touch with a friend on social networks that I once used to treasure. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the hard work it takes to maintain friendships as powerfully as “The Social Network”. Ever since its release in 2010, David Fincher’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film of the decade. With the greatest film of his career, Fincher captured the formation of a famous social network organization in which friendships are a burden to bear. Fincher is one of those filmmakers that has alway had an aptitude for conveying emotions through low-key lighting, and his strengths are evident in “The Social Network”. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo throws a temper tantrum breaking Mark’s laptop after his shares in the company are lowered is one of the greatest moments of the decade. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the anti-social Mark Zuckerberg. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” the greatest film of the decade is its message. The film delivers a profound message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made during the decade, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. During an era when social media has taken over the lives of people, the film remains more relevant than ever today. Nearly 15 years after the release of a classic film about the history of a social network organization, it’s a fantastic reminder of a decade that made movies which deserve celebration.
2. The Place Beyond the Pines
Fathers are powerful figures that ensure children’s success rather than failures. As far back as I remember, I’ve always admired my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. Without his powerful words of wisdom, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the crucial roles fathers play in the lives of children facing declines as powerfully as “The Place Beyond the Pines”. Released in 2013, Derek Cianfrance’s movie captured sinful fathers shaping children’s destinies. Unlike most movies released during the decade, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” stand out is its bravery. Cianfrance took a huge risk telling the story in three acts, but it paid off. For instance, the scene in which Luke bonds with his son by eating ice cream together is one of the most memorable moments of the decade. Anchoring the film is an amazing performance by Ryan Gosling, who embodies a grieving father. Ultimately, what makes “The Place Beyond the Pines” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the roles which fathers play in shaping children’s fate, it’s a strong reminder of a great decade that produced movies audiences appreciate.
3. Parasite
Social class is a barrier that impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family nicely in a generous manner. However, appearances can be deceiving. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen precious jewelry. As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for using dark humour in his movies, and “Parasite” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper is one of the best moments of the decade. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Korean movies targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the parasite social class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a decade that produced movies that deserve spotlight.
4. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. However, immigration became a barrier bringing bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated to Canada, I was forced to give up my romantic relationship with a girl that I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured sacrifices involved in achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Since its release in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest musical of the decade. Chazelle has an aptitude for staging musical numbers, and “La La Land” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Mia and Sebastian dance on a lovely night is one of the finest moments of the decade. It’s anchored by a pair of strong turns from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, capturing lovers chasing dreams in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a musical masterpiece is its message. Unlike most musicals, it tackles encompassing themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about sacrifices which would resonate with everyone. As strong as relationships between lovers in L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated decade that produced timeless movies which deserve to be appreciated today.
5. Boyhood
Childhood shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of childhood that shaped my persona. I was often worried about passing classes that were challenging, being bullied and finding social acceptance among peers. Nevertheless, my childhood shaped the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the process of growing up in childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Ever since its release in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Linklater effectively used the technique of shooting the film over 12 years to paint powerful portraits of adolescence. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids emotional goodbyes to his mother as he leaves for college is one of the best moments of the decade. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ellar Coltrane, who embodies a child growing into an adult over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over 12 years of childhood, it’s a compelling reminder about a great decade that made movies which are treasured in Hollywood.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting atrocities committed against slaves in American history. In an industry that always avoided tackling a subject that’s grave, it’s worth praising “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning biopic honoured a real-life slave that endured atrocities. Unlike most movies of the era, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its violence. McQueen didn’t shy away from depicting harsh realities of slavery through innovative cinematic techniques. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is extraordinary in the lead role, McQueen captured slavery. A powerful portrait of slavery in American history, it’s a profound reminder of a decade that produced commemorated movies audiences loved dearly.
7. Inception
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Christopher Nolan. With their non-linear storytelling, powerful acting and stunning effects, Nolan’s movies have earned a huge following. Nolan made many great movies during the decade earning recognition but “Inception” stands out as his best work. Unlike most movies made during the decade, what makes “Inception” stand out is its originality. Nolan showcased his technical strengths by using practical effects to stage dream sequences which are awe-inspiring. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is excellent in the lead role, Nolan made a movie that forever changed the science-fiction genre. As strong as Cobb’s desires to make his dreams come true, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated decade that produced unforgettable movies which audiences value.
8. Moonlight
Gay people are rarely depicted respectfully in movies today. Hollywood has a history of building barriers against LGBTQ communities. In an industry where the barriers queer people fight are hidden in plain sight, it’s worth praising “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning movie depicted African-American queer men. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its empathetic portrayal of queer people. Barry Jenkins used stunning symbolism to capture hardships queer men are facing. Anchored by a phenomenal performance by Mahershala Ali, Jenkins celebrated the LGBTQ community. A powerful portrait of painful hardships faced by black men that are queer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a decade that produced rare movies about which audiences deeply care.
9. Manchester by the Sea
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His devastating passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured loss causing a sea of grief as powerfully as “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie offered a realistic portrait of grief. Unlike most movies made during the era, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its emotions. Lonergan used stunning flashbacks to create a portrait of grief that’s compelling. Assisted by an extraordinary performance from Casey Affleck, Lonergan captured family tragedy. A phenomenal portrait of grief causing lives of janitors in Manchester to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that made art holding a precious place in every movie-goer’s heart.
10. Whiplash
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. In high school, I formed bonds with a music teacher that was cruel. He would humiliate students that showed up to class late. Nevertheless, he inspired me to achieve goals of graduation. As someone treasuring a teacher that changed my life in a flash, I loved “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s masterpiece captured jazz band teachers shaping students’ destinies. Chazelle used stunning montages to capture jazz music teachers that are inspiring. Assisted by J.K. Simmons who is excellent in the lead role, Chazelle honoured teachers today. As precious as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic decade that produced timeless movies which will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 