A few weeks after everyone else seemed to do their list, here is my top-40 in reverse order.
Standard disclaimers: I may have forgotten some movies. When the decade started I was 14 years old and had maybe been in a movie theater three times. That has, erm, changed. Still, I am definitely not a repository of critically acclaimed "deep, artistic" films. In fact, I am generally quite happy with the whole "flavor of the month twee" movies. The rankings are more important in the first 20 or so titles... after that things get pretty blurry. All dates from IMDB. Whatever. The list:
40.
Unbreakable (2000)
Perhaps the second best super-hero movie ever? Unbreakable lacks flash, focusing instead on how a common man responds to the call. It is dark and moves slowly, climaxing in a typical M. Night Shymalon (or whatever his name is) twist. Yet unlike many Shymalon movies, Unbreakable works aside from the twist--indeed, the twist makes sense within the context of comic book lore.
39.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is an indie-kid approved roadtrip where Sufjan Stevens is the soundtrack and twee-indie-humor is the name of the game. A kiddie beauty pagent results in a family roadtrip. Tensions mount during financial troubles and crushed expectations. Everything ends in an extravagant dance. Forget about the frills--this is the story of one family banding together. There are laughs and there are tears, and most importantly realistic family problems.
38.
Burn After Reading (2008)
Great cast + insane scenario + pandemonium = awesomeness
37.
Everything Is Illuminated (2005)
The fact that Elijah Wood can act in non-Lord of the Ring movies and NOT come off as a hobbit makes him, in my opinion, a fantastic actor. In addition, the roles he's picked since LotR fervor have been varried and not blockbusters. The fact that I can enjoy him in other movies is monumental, considering I loathe LotR with a passion. This movie is rather quiet and unassuming--yet packs a rather impressive emotional punch. The music fits the mood, as does the awkward culture shock.
36.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
This probably ranks higher than 36... however, I didn't see this until I had already made my list and was working on my little blurbs and searching for the right images. So I looked at all the films that were left and eliminated the one I was most unsure about. I don't even remember what I eliminated... oh yes! No Country For Old Men. A nice film, but never one to capture my imagination enough to truly justify a spot on this list. On the other hand, I've always loved the book Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. While the movie deviates from the book (especially in the final third of the movie), there is enough of the little details kept to keep a book fan like me smiling. Visually it is perfect and the voice acting fits well with the characters. Probably should be a top-20 movie for me.
35.
WALL-E (2008)
It is a pretty impressive feat when a movie can get by without a lot of dialog. With the main characters of Wall-E being robotic, the larger sum of character relations advancement is done without speaking. It works well, though, as Pixar succeeded at displaying the affection Wall-E has for Eve. The way he protects her from the elements and yet also tries to be with her is touching and remarkable.
34.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
I don't like most of the actors involved with Tropic Thunder... Ben Stiller is obnoxious in most movies. Jack Black just needs to cease existing, his movies suck and his attitude ticks me off. Despite the mediocre cast, Tropic Thunder is really, really funny. Perfect role for Stiller, and Robert Downy Jr is absolutely a riot as he plays a black man. Though only a brief role, perhaps the surprise star of the movie is Tom Cruise.
33.
The Ninth Gate (2000)
The Ninth Gate is another forray into forgotten Johnny Depp territory. Here Depp plays an unscrupulous rare book dealer who not only rips-off the people who seek appraisals of their collection, giving them pennies on the dollar for ridiculously rare titles, but telling them that less rare books are worth much more than they really are, making it impossible for the people to sell the books. With this attitude, Depp gets roped into a job he quickly decides is much more dangerous than the money is worth. He can't disengage, finding himself in an occultic mess. It is another perfect role for Depp--the only downside to the movie being a script that has a rather unsatisfying ending.
32.
UP (2009)
UP! is a complete fantasy. People who are bothered by houses flying by helium balloons and dogs who talk through their collars will want to stay away. That said, for everyone else UP is a fabulous adventure--both environmental and emotional. I was crying after the first 10 minutes of the movie, then I was laughing. Then I was crying. Each added element to the movie is fun and adds something--even elements that initially seem pointless like the introduction of the bird.
31.
Amelie (2001)
I honestly don't remember anything about Amelie except that I was completely, and thoroughly, charmed by the movie. Its been about 3 years since I've seen it, and I keep on meaning to purchase it on DVD (or Blu-Ray), but it hasn't happened yet. So it'll just have to described as "charming" and leave it at that.
30.
Zombieland (2009)
Other movies have featured outrageous zombie kills--so people who focus solely on the zombie killing will probably find Zombieland a bit of a let-down. While a bunch of the zombie killings are fun, the movie is more about survival and character interactions. Mixed in with everything is a stylish sense of humor. The humor would probably be similar to Juno--if Juno was about killing zombies. Incidentally, the movie features one of the best lines in all of cinemadom.
29.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo was really impressive in 2003. At the time, it seemed like the height of realistic-looking animation. Now, looking back on it (after visual feasts like WALL-E) Finding Nemo ends up looking rather cartoony. It isn't a movie that needs realistic visuals to succeed, though. The story of a father trying to find his lost son is heartwarming and intense.
28.
Enchanted (2007)
Say what you want about Disney, but I've always loved their old animated movies. The past ten-to-twenty years where live-action has been a bigger focus has been mediocre at best (and largely disappointing). My interest in Enchanted was piqued when the trailer started with some old-school animation. When it burst (suddenly) into a live action film my reaction was "psh". However, despite the live action I found myself laughing with startling fervor for the remainder of the trailer. Somehow, the movie succeeded at capturing that same delightful mix of Disney making fun of its old fairy tale expectations without throwing the baby out with the bath water. Enchanted acknowledges the silly things involved with the princess genre, but never lets that overshadow the characters. None of the characters expereince a great personality change to become more modern or hip--they are who they are. And, in my mind, it works fantastically.
27.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
I suppose that Hot Fuzz is frequently viewed as one of those movies that makes fun of the genre it portrays. I rather hate that classificatin because it implies that there is no value to the movie beyond "see silliness and giggle." Hot Fuzz succees as a really humorous movie--yes. But in addition to the humor, there is a genuinely intense plot steering the characters. Toward the latter third of the movie, the plot takes center stage and tumbles through an Agatha Christie-esque plot-swing.
26.
Kill Bill vol. 1 and v. 2 (2003/2004)
Some people might disagree with this being counted as one movie--however, it is my list and the list will play by my rules. And my rules state that, yes, this is one movie. The only reason it was split is because the studio didn't think that people would sit through one movie that was that long. Fair enough. Kill Bill features the lovely Uma Thurman, out to kill the fools who shot her and killed her unborn baby. The revenge is bloody and brutal in typical Quinten Tarantino style, drawing from Japanese cinema, spaghetti western, anime, and more.
25.
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
The first Disney movie (not counting Pixar) to excite me since the Aladdin era. While it is a bit cutesy graphically, there is a nice, darker thread stringing the movie together. Of course, as a Disney movie, the darkness is evened out a bit by the fun characters and lighthearted humor throughout. Trust, betrayal, compassion, revenge... it sounds like a trainwreck of concepts, but it comes together very well in the end. One of the more surprising movies to come from modern Disney.
24.
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Pan's Labyrinth needs to be seen more than once to really catch a lot of the intricacies of the plot. However, what stands out on a first viewing (and every other) is the imaginative scenes and the dark, depressing urgency that invades every shot. It is a sinnister fairy tale, featuring a girl caught in the horrors of war. When she encounters a fairy she is given the means for escape from the hell around her and she, essentially, goes on quests. The film is eerie, disturbing, and madly creative. For some, the subtitles might be obnoxious, but several years of sub-only anime watching has delightfully conditioned me.
23.
Zoolander (2001)
It's good to watch something goofy once in a while. Zoolander is a not-to-subtle parody of the fashion scene. Starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, the movie is doubtlessly one that will grate on the nerves of a larger portion of high-brow society. It is comedy at its most flamoyant and ridiculous. Featuring things like a gas fight at a gas station and Mulder from X-Files with his modeling hand enclosed in a glass bubble, the story moves at break-neck speed, one ridiculous thing after another.
22.
Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
I just watched this in my Press and Society class this semester. Shot in black and white and directed by George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck is a look at real life journalist Edward Murrow and his stand against the unfair witchhunt led by Senator McCarthy. It uses archive footage of actual McCarthy speeches. But the movie is less about the actual battle, and more about Murrow and his stand, even when the cards are falling against him. The actor who portrays Murrow does a brilliant job of conveying the subtle pain he experiences as he stoically sticks to his guns in an environment both inside CBS and from McCarthy.
21.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
A grim film about greed and lust for power that oil causes. While the film plays out like a look at fictional oil tycoon Daniel Plainview's life, it ends up feeling like a standoff between Plainview and the family he conned--led by the powerful Eli Sunday, a flawed but well-meant preacher. However, intertwining with this is the relationship Plainview has with his adopted son (and how that relationship changes) and the appearance of a long-lost brother.
20.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Before I ever saw Napoleon Dynamite, a friend told me I reminded him of Napoleon. So the first time I watched the movie I had that comarrison in my mind the whole time and, as such, hated the whole thing with a passion. However, I ended up watching it a second time, and actually started finding it amusing. I've watched it countless times since, and it is one of those rare movies I actually find funnier each time I see it.
19.
Sweeney Todd (2007)
I loathe Tim Burton with a passion. His movies are, routinely, some of the worst paced, weak films I've ever seen. That said, somehow he pulls a bunny out of the hat with Sweeney Todd. First of all, I love musicals. On stage, mostly... but there are some decent film musicals out there, too. Sweeney Todd's film rendition is pretty stunning. It is dark, ominous, and bloody. The music is largely performed quite gloriously, making a lovely mixture that couples Burton's imagination with pre-existing story and music.
18.
Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
People really seem to not like this movie very much, something I have trouble understanding (obviously). Sure, there are some cheesy moments. However, in my mind, the characters are just fantastic. Sofi has been cursed and now, instead of looking like a vibrant 20 year old, her body looks like an elderly grandmother. The curse is played very well throughout the movie, letting it spurn the plot initially, then allowing it to diminish in importance (if not effect). The characters are mostly (though there are one or two exceptions) protrayed very well. Especially a lot of the side characters really seem to breathe life into the story: Califer the fire demon, the kid, the dog, the scarecrow... the character list is vibrant. Miyazaki's talent is the little details that make them feel alive. Why this is regarded as one of Miyazaki's lesser works, I'll never know.
17.
Coraline (2009)
To me, Coraline is the first movie to truly use 3D is an interesting way that helps the story. It still stands, in my opinion, as the best 3D movie to date. Even without the 3D (which saw me see the movie 3 times in the theater), Coraline is a dark stop-motion tale based off of a book by Neil Gaimen. Life is dreary and grim until she finds a doorway to another world. One where her family pays attention to her and provides the things she wants (good food, fun garden). One where her neighbors have fabulous talents that amuse and delight. One that isn't everything that it seems on the surface. Coraline, for a "kid's move" is dark and creepy... one showing I saw had a kid bursting into tears within the first minute of the movie. It hopefully starts a trend I'd like to see where American animation gets darker.
16.
Secret Window (2004)
Johnny Depp plays really good demented characters. Secret Window finds him portraying Mort, a popular author going through a severe bout of writer's block. Of course, a movie based just on writer's block would be pretty boring. His disintegrating life is increased by his nasty divorce and, oh yeah, an accusation of plagerism by a man named Shooter. Deaths start occuring and Mort is convinced it is Shooter, even as the town is convinced it is him. The plot of Secret Window is decent, but it is the acting of Depp that really makes the movie stand out.
15.
Juno (2007)
I will be the first to admit that I will enjoy a movie based purely on the attractive qualities of a female involved. Juno (the movie) certainly brings a very alluring female in Juno (the character). Thankfully Juno (the movie) delivers much more--or it wouldn't make my list. The main character has this outrageously dry sense of humor which she uses more as a protective barriar against the world than an attempt to belittle. The story is a pregnancy tale as Juno (the character) sorts out her options. In a way, the movie is similar to Saved!, except ditching the religious frame and adopting more of a cool faux-indie hip flavor.
14.
The Incredibles (2004)
In one fell swoop, Pixar single-handedly released one of the best superhero movies ever. Unlike most superhero films, it is an original concept that isn't based on an existing francise (see: Man, Spider. Men, X. Woman, Cat.). In sort of a Watchman theme, superheros were once appreciated, then demonized. They slunk into hiding, trying to join normal society with normal jobs. Of course, nothing is ever quite that simple. Pixar pulls of the superhero genre with humor, grace, and respect. Oddly, the movie seems to be becoming overshadowed in the Pixar canon, perhaps because it doesn't have as wide of an appeal as most of their other films (see: UP, Wall-E, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, etc).
13.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Is it the best Tarantino movie ever? Not quite--I would rank Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction above it. However, it is certainly tops among his 2000s output. It is a snarky, bloody journey through the joys of killing Nazis. Yet in between the moments of reveling in violence, there are great moments of character interactions. The tense meeting in the bar, for example, is the perfect example of the taut situations that happen in the movie. Each scene seems lovingly shot with care--Tarantino doesn't hurry the subtle interactions to get to the action. The opening scene is a good example of this, a long conversational chess match between two men. It is funny, and the tension grows even as nothing is happening. Can't wait to get the blu-ray of this.
12.
Superbad (2007)
Funny coming of age movie, the Dazed and Confused for the 2000s. The events all take place in one day, featuring quests to try and purchase alcohol, crashing adult parties, trying to get laid, trying not to get laid. In a way, the movie suffers from split identity as it shifts focus between two vastly different story lines--however, both story lines (particularly the one featuring McLovin and the cops) are hilarious and end up converging. George Michael (the name of preference for actor Michael Cera) is always amusing.
11.
Party Monster (2003)
The New York party scene must have been an amazing thing indeed, if the story of Michael Alig is any indication. Party Monster, based off of the true story of Alig, is a completely captivating and visually flamboyant film. The hands-down star is Macaulay Culkin--whose version of Alig is highly convincing. Seth Green plays his partner, James St. James. Interestingly, it was for the filming of this movie that Culkin helped Marilyn Manson buy his first pack of cigarettes.
10.
Ghost World (2001)
Ghost World is an interesting mish-mash of various elements. Exhibit one: creepy relationship between a middle aged man and a high school girl (see picture). Exhibit two: crazy, old music, including vinyl chit-chat and live performances at bars. Exhibit three: the protagonist's struggle in summer school--a basic art course. These elements come together (amid a few others) to form a film that is engaging and shocking, cool, and touching.
09.
Titan A.E. (2000)
A vastly underrated animated movie. Start to end it is fun, engaging, and absolutely gorgeous to look at. The script incorporates some delightful humor along with some tense moments and a perfectly cheesy happily-ever-after ending. The characters are the one weak point to the movie--interesting enough collection of personalities, but no one really acts in a surprising way. Still, as an animated sci-fi romp, Titan AE does a pretty grand job.
08.
Sin City (2005)
This movie seems to deserve more than one image. Every single shot coming up on google image search is ridiculously iconic. Sin City is a gorgeously shot movie in comic-book black and white, with occasional splashes of other colors as needed. The violence is totally overdone, and it is beautiful to behold. The characters are complex and interesting. The tone manages to stay somewhat light hearted, even when the whole world is about to be blown to hell. Absolutely can't wait for the follow-up film.
07.
Saved! (2004)
While I think Saved! is a great movie in its own right, it is only fair for me to say that a good portion of my enjoyment of the movie stems from my own Christian upbringing. As such, a decent portion of this movie hits close to home, as I could see a number of the people in my old church's youth group doing these
exact same things. Helping the movie is solid acting performances by everyone except the adults--thankfully they don't get much screen time.
06.
Grindhouse (2007)
Going to see Grindhouse in the theater was one of the best theater experiences of my life. It was opening night and everyone there was absolutely pumped for the experience. Two films--one from Robert Rodriguez and the other from the infamous Quinten Tarantino. In between were some of the greatest fake movie trailers ever. It was long, it was beautiful, it was brilliant. The only downside? There still isn't a stateside release of both films together. Still, separately each movie (Planet Terror and Deathproof) is good on its own merit.
05.
Spirited Away (2001)
Hayo Miyazaki has done for animation in Japan what Walt Disney did for animation in the US. That doesn't mean that Miyazaki makes films that Disney would. It just means his impact is huuuuge. Spirited Away is a brilliant look into how one girl gets thrust into a fantasy land and how she survives--and grows. Miyazaki is better than anyone at bringing out the small details that define characters, which makes Spirited Away among his best films. Not only are the characters some of his best, but the plot is really fun and the animation beautiful.
04.
The Hangover (2009)
It seems... wrong... to put a movie this recent this high on the list. However, it seems even more wrong to put this movie any lower. This is a movie I saw a good 4, no 5 times in the theater (and when it came out on home video I saw it an addition 3 times... three days in a row). I also can't think of a movie I saw that I laughed so hard all the way through the first time... nor that I still get equal pleasure from on the 5th viewing. It is also the only comedy I can think of where some of the funniest parts aren't even in the trailer. Nothing can ruin a good movie like a trailer that has all the good bits in it. With The Hangover they somehow assembled an amazingly funny trailer--mainly featuring scenes from the first 15 minutes of the film--and topped them as the film got funnier and funnier.
03.
The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
Animation is my passion. Which means I am big into Japanese animation because they do it better than anyone. However, The Triplets of Belleville is notable for being not Japanese--instead a product of France/Canada. There is very little dialog--most of which is more environmental instead of crucial to the plot. The animation is rich and gorgeous. Even little details like how rain falls down a window (and is reflected on the floor) are pulled off with flair and really show the effort the animators went to. The plot meanders around from bicycle racing (and the Tour De France) to avant-garde music to gangsters... with a good dose of surrealism to make it go down smooth.
02.
O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
I bought this blind on VHS as an ex-Blockbuster rental. I still don't have the DVD--though I'm holding off right now to see if a Blu-Ray appears, but the absence in my collection is driving me mad. Sigh. O Brother is one of the greatest blends of comedy, music, and old-timey setting ever. George Clooney is perfect in the role of an escaped convict on the run with some of his simple-minded buddies. Mixed up in all of this? Robert Johnson, can-singing, racism, a bi-polar crook, and much more. While the music drives the movie, that isn't meant as a slight against the other aspects--everything is done outstandingly.
01.
Adaptation (2002)
I saw this in the theater and as I walked out I felt like my mind had been shredded, then re-assembled, then smashed. Subsequent viewings are equally powerful. Adaptation weaves truth and fiction into a knot that seems nearly impossible to break apart. It still can overwhelm me and I've seen the movie a good 10 times.
