Not many characters in movies have earned the mainstream appeal of the team. Since the 1970’s, stories of team seeking goals have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s casino robbers, dreamers or comic-book heroes, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about teams that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Inception
Dreams have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother that was fascinated with dark dreams causing damage. She would often love to share her dreams with my family which she often recalled clearly. Sometimes, her dreams were joyous events about which she came to care. However, she also had vivid nightmares that caused her to face fears. Few science-fiction films I have ever seen have captured how teams can make dreams come true as powerfully as “Inception”. Ever since its release in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about teamwork. With the greatest film of his career, Nolan used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a team of thieves infiltrating dreams causing despair. Nolan has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about teams in danger, and “Inception” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Cobb assembles together his team seeking to prepare them for a dangerous mission causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied a thief seeking to assemble teams causing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” my favourite film about teamwork of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most science-fiction films, it tackles relatable themes that everyone would identify with. It delivers a meaningful message about guilt which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film about thieves seeking to make dreams come true, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has manufactured movies which audiences tremendously value.
2. The Avengers
The Avengers is a spectacular superhero team that once inspired my brother. I remember my brother was once a huge fan of a superhero team saving the world from grave danger. He would often marvel at the powerful teamwork exhibited by superheroes working together that were special. In 2012, Joss Whedon honoured the iconic team of superheroes facing dangers in his movie “The Avengers”. Whedon used captivating aerial perspective shots capturing a superhero team facing villains that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which the Avengers assemble together to save New York City from Loki’s henchmen causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robert Downey Jr., who embodied a superhero working with a team to save the world from danger. Ultimately, what makes “The Avengers” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies that are targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as the Avengers’ desire to collaborate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies about powerful teams which audiences tremendously appreciate.
3. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. A person with larger-than-life presence, he always offered students valuable guidance. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing in the world I couldn’t accomplish. His words of wisdom motivated me to pursue film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured teachers guiding adolescents in a boarding school. Weir used captivating montages capturing the strong bond between a poetry professor and his students he grows to treasure. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell to his students standing on chairs in a classroom is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he was before he passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of teachers that play a role guiding teens to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.
4. The Social Network
Friendships are fragile relationships that are rarely meant to last forever. I recall a close friend in my high school that I grew up to treasure. However, our strong bond came to closures. No longer the friend that I had grown up to adore, he became a total stranger that I didn’t recognize anymore. As someone treasuring a close friend on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured teams that contributed towards the formation of Facebook. Fincher used captivating montages capturing teams working hard to create a social network organization that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo throws a temper tantrum breaking Mark’s laptop after his shares in social media are lowered is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed a renowned social network founder. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be Facebook users to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A groundbreaking tribute towards a company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing movies which are worth seeing in the modern-day Cinema.
5. Short Term 12
It’s always challenging to recover from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid experiencing abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he shared broken relationships with parents which were abusive. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from a past that left him terrified. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care teams taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth forming teams that are engaging. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers in an American mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens experiencing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a bold genre making movies about which audiences care.
6. Ocean’s Eleven
Teamwork is one of those skills which has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have found it challenging to work within groups. As someone that has always struggled working in teams to complete a mission, I loved “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, Steven Soderbergh’s movie captured teams achieving casino robberies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ocean’s Eleven” stand out is its depiction of casinos. Soderbergh uses captivating montages capturing a team of thieves planning a casino heist that’s frightening. Assisted by George Clooney who is spectacular in the lead role, Soderbergh created a compelling casino team movie. As strong as Danny Ocean’s desire to rob a casino, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about teams giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.
7. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about teams that are inspiring, it’s worth discussing The Lord of the Rings. Since its publication in the 1950’s, the fantasy series has built a lasting legacy. Teamwork has always been a crucial theme in a book series about rings that are frightening. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the series about a ring in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Fellowship of the Ring” stand out is its symbolism. Jackson uses captivating symbolism capturing strong dynamics between a team of ring bearers. Assisted by Ian McKellen who is amazing in the lead role, Jackson honoured an inspiring fantasy book. As precious as the ring, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies that are worth tremendously celebrating.
8. Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill is a commemorated prime minister that guided Britain. During WWII, Churchill became a prime minister that citizens of Britain would value. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader facing his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Darkest Hour” stand out is its depiction of politicians. Wright uses captivating makeup to capture a politician working in a team to achieve objectives. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured Winston Churchill’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable films about the lives of larger-than-life historical figures which audiences tremendously treasure.
9. Apollo 13
Teamwork has often been a crucial part of NASA. NASA has often relied on teams that face obstacles to ensure that astronauts are transported into space. Without teams, space missions would not have been accomplished with doubt. The roles that teams play in allowing astronauts to carry out their routine is beautifully depicted in the film “Apollo 13”. Released in 1995, Ron Howard’s movie captured teams that ensured the Apollo 13 space mission. Howard used captivating cross-cutting editing to capture engineers ensuring that astronauts survived a disaster in space that’s frightening. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is amazing in the lead role, Howard honoured NASA’s teams. A powerful tribute to moon landings in space, it’s a soaring reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about strong teams that audiences embrace.
10. Argo
Few movies ever made about teams formed years ago are as beloved as “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured teams that contributed to the Iranian hostage crisis. Affleck used locations across the Middle East to recreate a real-life hostage crisis. Assisted by John Goodman who is spectacular in the lead role, Affleck honoured a crisis that occurred years ago. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a hostage crisis that isn’t historically accurate has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent saved civilians in Iran facing imprisonment, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies about teams with strong commitment to achieving goals which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 