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Just like that, 2018 is in the books. It wasn’t a particularly strong year for cinema, but there were definitely some standout movies. Regardless of the title, this isn’t the ultimate list of the best movies from 2018, but it is a list of some of the best from my recollection. No, I didn’t get a chance to watch every single notable movie released last year, however, I did watch more than most.

Note that all of the films in my honorable mentions could’ve slipped into any spots from 6 to 10, but top my five movies on the list are staying put no matter what day it is. Each film will have a brief explanation as to why I enjoyed it, but you can always click through to the actual review for a more meaty analysis. Without further ado, here are my top 10 flicks for 2018 (starting with honorable mentions)…

Mid90s, Black Panther, Mission Impossible: Fallout, You Were Never Really Here, Upgrade, Love, Simon

The 10 Best Movies Of 2018

 

10. Avengers: Infinity War

Ten years in the making and this film did not disappoint one bit. It’s quite a balancing act of storylines and characters, but it never crumbles under the pressure. Not to mention, it presents us with the most formidable villain in the MCU so far and he’s a bonafide purple beast.

“Little one, it’s a simple calculus. This universe is finite, its resources, finite. If life is left unchecked, life will cease to exist. It needs correcting.”- Thanos

Avengers: Infinity War full review

9. Searching

Filming everything from the perspective of social media, Searching is a nerve-racking maze of mysteries and surprises with a fantastic performance from Asian-American actor John Cho. The film keeps you guessing and engaged while showcasing the benefits and drawbacks of social media.

“I didn’t know her. I didn’t know my daughter.”- David Kim

Searching full review

8. A Star Is Born

Lady Gaga is getting plenty of attention for her performance, but Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliot are tremendous in this film. To be fair, Gaga is the voice of the movie and she makes the soundtrack, but Cooper holds his own in the singing department too. Making takes from you as it gives to the rest of the world and that’s depicted beautifully in A Star Is Born.

“Jack talked about how music is essentially twelve notes between any octave. Twelve notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story told over and over, forever. All any artist can offer the world is how they see those twelve notes. That’s it. He loved how you see them.”- Bobby

A Star Is Born full review

7. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch

The choose-your-own-adventure twisted film where you’re given control over the main character’s actions is a late entry, but it can’t be denied. It’s an exercise of free-will and deconstruction of control, making for an exhilarating cinematic ride with plenty of layers to peel back.

“So many choices and you don’t know what you want.” – Stefan

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch full review

6. A Quiet Place

John Krasinski’s directorial debut is a post-apocalyptic nail-biter with heart. He presents an engaging premise where monsters wreak havoc on our planet, but can only rely on their auditory and olfactory senses to rip us to shreds and devour us. There are some amazing performances in this film, no boring parts, and a riveting ending. Krasiniski is welcomed with open arms to keep directing.

“Who are we if we can’t protect them? We have to protect them.” – Evelyn

A Quiet Place full review

5. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

The Coen brothers present six very different old west tales on the Netflix platform and the amalgamation of all the vignettes is a perfect sample platter of their talents. Each story depicts how life likes to kick you when you’re down, especially when you’re reaching for the stars, but that’s the only game there is to play. This anthology is a must-see for film junkies.

“Don’t let my white duds and pleasant demeanor fool ya. I, too, have been known to violate the statutes of man… and not a few of the laws of the Almighty!” – Buster Scruggs

The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs full review

4. BlacKkKlansman

Spike Lee puts his talents on display with BlackKklansman as if to say, “ya’ll must’ve forgot!” Although the film is hilarious at times, he never dilutes the theme of racism in the film. The movie will have you roaring with laughter throughout until Lee brings the film back to how racism has evolved, sobering you up before you leave the theater.

“With the right white man, we can do anything.” – Ron Stalworth

BlacKkKlansman full review

3. Annihilation

Alex Garland’s second directorial effort is just as enthralling and perhaps even creepier than Ex-Machina. Loosely based on a sci-fi novel written by Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation is an incredible sci-fi horror film analyzing our self-destructive nature and our common reactions to the unknown. Natalie Portman gives a committed performance as a tough biologist and military veteran named Lena, and she’s joined by a fantastic female cast, including Tessa Thompson and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

“It’s not destroying. It’s making something new.” – Lena

Annihilation full review

2. Hereditary

One of the most absorbing and disturbing horror movies in the past decade, Hereditary is both a riveting family drama and a grotesque scare-fest. It perfectly blends arthouse flair and mainstream storytelling for a chilling experience you’ll stew over for quite some time. Toni Colette gives the performance of her career and director Ari Aster makes a name for himself with his debut film.

“I never wanted to be your mother.” – Annie

Hereditary full review

1. Sorry To Bother You

Not only does this film have the most original script of 2018, but the execution of its ludicrous story also couldn’t have been done any better. The film depicts life as a hilarious, greed-fueled scripted nightmare disguised as the American Dream. Lakeith Stanfield plays the go-for-broke Cash and shines has genuine chemistry with Tessa Thompson’s Detroit. Chances are you’ve never seen anything quite like this, and I mean that in the best way possible.

“Welcome, Cassius Green. I hope you have not masturbated today. We need you sharp and ready to go.” – Voice in Elevator

Sorry To Bother You full review