The Top 10 Movies of 2010 (So Far)

As we're getting closer and closer to the end of the year, it's only a matter of time before the major Oscar contenders bust out into the world. Before they have a chance to steal the show, here are the 10 best movies of the year thus far (minus "127 Hours", which I still have yet to see).


10. THE GHOST WRITER
Roman Polanski's chilling story about a ghost writer uncovering the mysteries of the corrupt leader he's writing for may not stay on the top ten list too much longer, but it deserves recognition as an excellent, quiet, and suspenseful thriller. Oh, and that ending...

9. SHUTTER ISLAND

You're always in good hands with Martin Scorsese in the director's chair, and Shutter Island is no excuse. It's a terrifying psychological nightmare that will haunt you for days. 

8. THE TOWN

Ben Affleck's Boston crime drama may be conventional, but it's conventional done right. You don't need too many twists and turns when you have an outstanding cast and a fantastic director who has really come into his own.

7. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 1

Some will find the first half of the biggest series conclusion of this generation too slow or too unfulfilling, but I thought the experience was right on. It has its flaws for sure, but its darkness and deep character development provides for the most haunting, moving, and emotionally satisfying episode of the series.

6. HEREAFTER

Hereafter definitely wasn't for everybody - many found it too slow or too and some too hokey. But I found Clint Eastwood's meditative drama on death and the afterlife profoundly moving and quietly riveting.

 5. WINTER'S BONE
One of the most criminally unseen movies of the year is also one of the best - the horrifying drama Winter's Bone, a dark and eerie story about a girl trying to find her missing father in order to save her family.

 4. SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD
Edgar Wright delivered comic gold with Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, and his newest feature, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World makes him 3 for 3. It's the most fun, heartwarming, bizarre and clever creation of the year, one that can be described as nothing other than the awesomest awesome you can imagine.

3. TOY STORY 3

Over a decade of precedents set by Pixar and the original Toy Story comes to a close with the grand finale to childhood: Toy Story 3, a real tearjerker, is the most touching movie of the year.

2. INCEPTION
Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller is the most talked about movie of the year, and deservedly. One of only two movies this year to earn a perfect 10 from me, Inception is a suspenseful, exciting, riveting, and emotionally powerful action adventure that will screw with your thoughts and haunt your mind.

1. THE SOCIAL NETWORK
David Fincher's The Social Network is the other movie this year to earn a perfect 10 - it's a modern American classic. It's incredibly funny, achingly intelligent, and ultimately tragic. It defines our generation and shows the pain of being alone in the world - no matter how many "friends" you have.