Top 10 Best Movies Of 2015

Based on screenwriter Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name, “Room” may not have set the box office on fire, but its quality and the positive critical response it received are undeniable. The Canadian-Irish drama thriller stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay as a mother and son who are confined to a tiny room. After they make their escape, however, they must face the perils of the outside world. The two stars more than manage to carry the film practically all by themselves thanks to their nuanced, passionate performances, and the story, while unforgivably tense, goes to great lengths to show the unstoppable power of maternal love.

Nominated for five Golden Globes, “Carol” is another understated yet terrific movie. Hailed as the best movie of the year by multiple outlets, the romantic drama tells the story of a shopgirl/aspiring photographer who falls in love with an older woman... who also happens to have a husband and a daughter. While this may not sound as exciting as some of the other entries, the film’s acting and direction are some of the best seen in2015. Meanwhile, its 1950s New York setting provides an elegant and nostalgic backdrop for the personal drama it covers. If the critical acclaim and multiple award nods it’s received so far are any indication, “Carol” will definitely be one to watch out for during awards season.

Inspired by the novel based on real-life frontiersman Hugh Glass, “The Revenant” tells the dark and disturbing story of a man who survives a vicious bear attack and hunts those who left him for dead. The biographical western thriller is one of the most stunning films of the year, as it’s filled with gorgeous shots by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezski. Director Alejandro G. Inarritu plots and paces the movie perfectly, and the amazing cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, turn in terrific performances. It’s one of Leo’s finest movies and one for which that we hope he’ll finally get his Academy Award.

Just squeaking in to round out the year in style, Quentin Tarantino’s second western sees the director deliver yet another masterpiece that cements him as one of the greatest filmmakers of our generation. The movie contains an all-star cast, all at the top of their game, as they portray dangerous strangers who seek refuge from a blizzard in a stagecoach stopover. Set post-Civil War, “The Hateful Eight” is filled with Tarantino’s trademark style and dialogue, and the gorgeous cinematography is matched flawlessly by the beautiful score from iconic composer Ennio Morricone. If this movie doesn't bring back the Western, we don't know what will.

Just when we thought science fiction was a dying genre, in comes “Ex Machina,” a fantastic sci fi mystery thriller that no one saw coming. Centered around a programmer who is hired to perform the Turing test on a human-like robot, “Ex Machina” was not only one of the year’s best, but is also arguably one of the most memorable sci-fi movies in recent memory. It is visually striking and thrilling, as any great sci-fi should be, while at the same time introducing complex themes and concepts that left viewers thinking long after the credits finished rolling.

Ridley Scott is one of the greatest directors of our time, so it was time for him to give us another great movie after his recent attempts have fallen flat. Enter “The Martian,” an exhilarating and funny story about an astronaut who is mistakenly left behind on Mars and is forced to survive. The movie blends the survival story perfectly with surprising humor, gorgeous cinematography, and some incredible performances. While the sci-fi flick does focus on thrills and excitement, it remains grounded in emotion, satisfying critics and audiences alike - scoring a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing over $580 million at the box office.

While “Sicario” is a more subdued entry compared to the blockbusters that appear on this list, that doesn't mean that the action thriller isn't excellent. The story follows an FBI agent who is brought into the escalating drug problem at the US-Mexico border, and features mesmerizing performances from stars Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro. It's a dark tale, full of violence and brutality, but it also features some thought-provoking messages regarding its realistic storyline and themes. Exciting, dramatic, and haunting all in one, “Sicario” surprised everyone, and has been racking up the award nominations near and far.

Really, anything with Pixar and Disney in its name is bound to be good. But “Inside Out” is something else entirely. The story is completely unique and original, focusing on a young girl’s five personified emotions as she struggles to adapt in a new city. The 3D animated adventure flick makes you laugh and cry, while simultaneously touching your heart and assuring you that everything is going to be OK. Visually stimulating for the kids and thought provoking for adults, the comedy-drama mixes the ages of its audience members perfectly and provides something for everyone.

In what was no doubt the most anticipated movie of the year, and arguably one of the most anticipated movies ever, J.J. Abrams again delivered another delightful, moving, and overall wonderful science fiction movie experience. Mixing memorable new characters with the iconic cast of the original trilogy, the epic space opera follows the Resistance and the First Order as they battle in some of the most spectacular and imaginative action sequences in recent years. Surpassing all expectations, “The Force Awakens” easily stands among the originals and kick starts a new series for a new generation.
Before we reveal the best movie of the year, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Bridge of Spies” (2015)

“Trainwreck” (2015)

“It Follows” (2015)

“Steve Jobs” (2015)

“Creed” (2015)

“Spotlight” (2015)

In an age where many action movies rely heavily on CGI, it's exciting to see a film that uses a lot of actual stunts and stuntmen. Such is the case for this action extravaganza. The story follows Max as he helps a group of women cross a post-apocalyptic desert, but that's really just an excuse to crash cars and make things go boom. While the action is mindblowing and refreshingly sensational, the movie’s story also takes its time to develop characters and inject some humanity amid the chaos. Kudos to 70 year old director George Miller, who pretty much wipes the floor with every other action director working today, thanks to this 4th installment in the “Mad Max” franchise!