Just like I did with the 2010s decade, I've assembled an all-star list of films I enjoy viewing. (Click here for 2010s)
10) The Patriot (2000)
I think this film is exceptional and by far the best Revolutionary War picture to date. Mel Gibson stars as a militia leader looking to get revenge. Leave it to German director Roland Emmerich to make an American patriotic movie that has everything. We have nominated sound, cinematography, and score. However, I believe directing, actor, supporting actor, and best picture all could have been feasible as well.
The infamous "hatchet attack in the woods" scene is filmmaking at its best. I consider it one of the best at least in modern-day if not all time. (Film Review Here)
9) Walk the Line (2005)
This is my favorite music biopic to date. It helps that Johnny Cash is one of my favorite solo artists of all time. Then, sprinkle in Joaquin Phoenix (won Golden Globe) as the titular character alongside Reese Witherspoon's Oscar-winning performance makes this a special combo.
You also need to remember the director James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari, Logan) for putting all of this together. I've seen this movie maybe 10 times so far, and I don't plan on stopping!
8. Gladiator (2000)
Russell Crowe gives the performance of a lifetime en route to an Academy Award win. The character goes through so much pain and tragedy. This film portrays the harsh realities of the old Roman empire. Gladiators fought to the death, and the emperor (great job by Joaquin Pheonix) had so much control.
The score, "The Battle", from Hans Zimmer is epic in this film (link here). It wasn't even the main score, and you can hear it in Pirates of the Caribbean main score too also from Zimmer (listen here).
This picture was well received at the Oscars winning best picture, actor, costume, sound and visual effects. Oh ya, there were 7 other nominations.
***Are you not entertained?!?
7. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
It's hard to decide which POTC film is my favorite to begin with, but I landed on the sequel Dead Man's Chest. This flick is an all-around solid piece. The visuals (won the Oscar), costumes, and set decorations support the fantastic performance of Johnny Depp. No other actor could do this performance the same. The villain, Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), is up there with the best too. Also, don't forget Kiera Knightly and Orlando Bloom. Remember the ending sword fight? Great stuff! It'll always befuddle me that this film recieved a rotten score from critics.
They managed to make a theme park ride into an epic story. It makes me want to go back to Disney World, and experience it again!
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
I think you'll notice a little trend here as you scroll down. The 1st LOTR, The Fellowship of the Ring, spearheaded perhaps the *GREATEST trilogy of all time*. The cast is marvelously acceptable. I'm not even going to bore you with a long list of actors who make it so. Watching the Fellowship work together is awesome. Just know that Peter Jackson managed to take the popular book series and make it into an even more popular film series.
What makes up the heart of this film? I think it's the hero hobbits. Their dedicated performances make it all the much better.
The flick won best makeup, cinematography, score and visual effects with several more nominations at the Oscars.
5. Casino Royale (2006)
The Daniel Craig James Bond personification is my favorite to date, and it started with Casino Royale. This film and Batman Begins started darker more serious tellings of popular characters. Many films have tried since, but many have failed to try and replicate their success. The film is smooth and perhaps the best Bond film. It's an A+. The beginning scene alone is epic with the parkour chase scene. Also, Eva Green is one of the best "Bond Women" on the screen.
This one didn't receive any major nominations, but it still makes my top 5!
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Look at that! The 2nd LOTR film makes the top 10. Following the trend here? This trilogy is amazing, and LOTR: The Two Towers is a crucial part of its achievements.
The Battle of Helm's Deep is enough alone to be considered admirable. The battle is one of the best put to screen, and I'll always stand by that statement. Everyone down to the extras were focused. The orcs were scary because they were real people in award-winning makeup (why The Hobbit Trilogy never measured up because they used CGI instead).
This film won the least Oscars of the three with 2 wins, but it did get a best picture nomination.
3. The Incredibles (2004)
This is the only animated film to make this top 10. Not that there aren't other excellent ones in the decade, The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar film to date. Everything is perfect. The story is original with sympathetic characters. The visuals are terrific with competent directing. The film won animated feature of the year.
Comparing it to recent Pixar entries, nothing is going to surpass this movie anytime soon. That's enough said.
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The final installment of this INCREDIBLE trilogy lands the #2 spot in my top ten! I love it. This film won 11 Academy Awards which ties for the most all-time, but it should have 12... Oh, it won all awards it was nominated for, yet Sean Astin did not get a nomination as Sam. It's one of the best performances ever, and he would have swept the award circuit if the film company pushed for him (it's all very political).
Again, this film concluded the greatest trilogy ever made. All three made my top ten, and all three fully deserve the honor.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
It's #1!!! The Dark Knight is something else. First, it's the *BEST superhero film of all-time*. Second, *Heth Ledger's performance may be the best or one of the best portrayals of all-time*. Christopher Nolan had the perfect vision and displayed it beautifully. The influence of this film is far-reaching. Many many filmmakers have tried to replicate this success and come up feeble.
The Dark Knight is a TOP FIVE movie for me period. This film literally changed the Academy's stance on only five nominees for best picture since this movie was snubbed. 8 nominations but not picture? Hugh Jackman trashed the Oscars in his opening monologue when he was host because of this.
It's one of the most influential, exceptional, famous, and formidable films to ever grace the screen.
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