2018 was one hell of a year for films. While that might be a phrase you’ll hear from every best movies of the year list, it is a phrase that does indeed hold truth. This year we see all genres of film firing on all cylinders. We got mega-blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War & Mission Impossible: Fallout, unnerving horror flicks from fresh directors such as A Quiet Place & Hereditary, and not mentioning more art-house films such as Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and even comedy did its part with flicks such as Game Night.

But as we see every year, some of these films just shine brighter than others & sticks with you till the end of the year. Let’s talk about them shall we?

HONORABLE MENTIONS

While this bunch were eventually outshined by other films, they’ve earned a bit of recognition and it’d be a crime to not mention them;

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR – Marvel’s 10 year plan pays off with a blast. The Russo Brothers have earned their place in blockbuster film-making for orchestrating the biggest movie of all time, not mentioning the incredible performance in Josh Brolin’s Thanos.

GAME NIGHT – John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein’s Flash movie might never come to fruition considering the DCEU’s horrendous track record. But none of that matters because we have Game Night. A witty and fast-paced comedy with great action, and incredibly likable characters.

LOVE SIMON – an incredibly relatable & charming coming of age story. Nick Robinson’s best performance so far, and proves Greg Berlanti’s skills behind the camera.

BLACKKKLANSMAN – Spike Lee has told an incredibly dark and tragic story with the use of levity and irony that stops us in our tracks, and makes us think about the world we’re creating today.

A SIMPLE FAVOR – Paul Feig’s pseudo-thriller could’ve been something that went off the rails with his signature playful tone, but it worked wonders. Featured an engaging story, not to mention Anna Kendrick & Blake Lively’s chemistry were electrifying.

FIRST MAN – A tragic box office bomb, but strip that away; this is one of Damian Chazelle’s finest work, elevated by Ryan Gosling’s subdued performance, and an ending that’ll break your heart.

THE RIDER – An emotional slow-burn that eloquently tells the story of a broken man whose desires are restrained by life. Chloé Zhao is someone you need to keep in your sights.

THE BEST MOVIES OF 2018

10. THREE IDENTICAl STRANGERS – Tim Wardle

One hell of a documentary that starts off as an incredibly heartwarming story, and will fill your heart with the fuzzies… until it doesn’t. You will feel haunted by the darkness that eventually ensues in this true story, and it will stay with you for a long-long time.

9. ROMA – Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón’s most personal work. A film that is so full of life, and immerses you in the lives of these characters. Beautifully shot, and crafted with love.

8. EVERY DAY – Michael Sucsy

A masterpiece that got swept under the rug because of its ‘YA’ source material that’s considered too childish. The former couldn’t be more further from the truth. Every Day is a deep exploration into smashing the boundaries of love & sexuality. Presented in an interesting sci-fi-esque manner that’ll hook you from the first frame.

7. SEARCHING – Aneesh Chaganty

Aneesh Chaganty’s directorial debut, and it’s a marvelous one. A techno-thriller that features a simple-story that’s transcended by its execution. Searching is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish.

6. A STAR IS BORN – Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper proves himself as a capable director with his take on the classic rags-to-riches story. Featured deep themes, bolstered by incredible performances by Cooper himself, and the magnificent Lady Gaga who stole the show. Not to mention, an ending that’ll knock your fuckin‘ hair back.

5. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE – Peter Ramsey, Robert Persichetti Jr., Rodney Rothman

The biggest surprise of the year, and easily the best animated film of the year. Introducing us to a new hero; Miles Morales while honoring the legacy of Peter Parker with an It’s a Wonderful Life-esque story that has you caring for these wacky characters.

4. BLACK PANTHER – Ryan Coogler

An afro-futuristic geo-political thriller disguised as a superhero film. Black Panther is not only a blast overall, but it takes the superhero genre to greater heights with a socially relevant story, a villain that serves as a cautionary tale in Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger, and a message that sticks with you after leaving the theater.

3. BLOCKERS – Kay Cannon

To simply write this off as a female-superbad would be a disservice to Kay Cannon’s excellent directorial debut. Blockers will have you laughing from start to finish, but like all good comedies. It has a story to tell, and it’s a relatable one.

2. MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN – Ol Parker

…My my, how can I resist you? A sequel that surpasses its predecessor, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again oozes charm, and exuberates infinite amounts of joy.

1. THE FAVOURITE – Yorgos Lanthimos

The Favourite will pique your interest with its Victorian charm alone. Not even mentioning its clever cinematography, set design, and masterfully done performances by Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, and Olivia Coleman. It’s a story that leaves you wondering about ego, and our need for power. Easily Lanthimos’ best work so far.