Honorable Mentions
#10: Bumblebee
Sure, there are probably much better movies from 2018 that probably should be here, but there’s a reason. After many years of subpar movies full of sound and fury signifying nothing, Bumblebee is the spark the franchise needed. Right from the opening sequence, this feels like the Transformers movie we should’ve gotten in the first place. Unlike the previous films, this one feels like it’s honoring the franchise rather than degrading it. On top of that, the movie has tons of heart to it, especially in Bumblebee’s relationship to Hailee Steinfeld. Plus, this movie gives us human characters that we actually care about and are insanely likable. The action sequences are well choreographed and well-shot to where you can actually see what’s happening. While I’m sure there are better movies than this that should be here, Bumblebee still deserves the credit it gets.
#9: Creed II
After being genuinely surprised by the first film, I was more than excited for the sequel, and I wasn’t disappointed. Everything that made Creed work as well as it did is still present in Creed II, though not as fresh. But this movie at least earns credit for taking characters from the over-the-top Rocky IV and fleshing them out. The relationship between Ivan Drago and his son really shows just how far Ivan has fallen from grace. It’s almost a parallel between Rocky and Creed’s relationship, especially how Creed initially doesn’t want Rocky’s help. Admittedly, the plot does feel like a retread of Rocky III, but it still works and shows the franchise’ longevity. Also, while Creed had a real urban grit that really added to the story, this one is sorely lacking. Despite its flaws, Creed II is still a worthy sequel that continues to honor Rocky’s legacy.
#8: The Favourite
Sometimes, a movie comes around that, well after having seen it, it sticks in your mind as you examine it. The Favourite is that kind of movie, where days can go by, and you’ll never forget what you just witnessed. With a story of struggling for power and going to extremes to obtain it, this has some bite to it. Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone are fantastic as two women who are fighting for the queen’s affection. While Weisz is stern yet loyal, Stone is clearly using her charms to manipulate others to get what she wants. On top of that, the dialogue is so biting and out of left field, it’ll throw you for a loop. Usually, the end of the year is reserved for movies that’re vying for an Oscar nomination. Sure, some may see this as that, but The Favourite is still an unforgettable experience worth seeing.
#7: Widows
With today’s movies needing to have a leading female cast, director Steve McQueen shows us how to do it right. Unlike 2016’s Ghostbusters, which would’ve been bad regardless of the leads, Widows is still a great movie regardless of cast. Not only does this have a solid cast, but despite the leads’ gender, this is still a great heist film. The female leads are all fantastic, and Viola Davis is the perfect leader of this group. Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki work great alongside Davis, and help add to the drama. When it does get to the big heist, it’s intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Even before the heist, the story and characters keep you engaged throughout as you explore the world they inhabit. With a solid story, great actors, and tense sequences throughout, Widows is a female-led movie done right.
#6: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Over the years, there have been several film adaptations of the web crawler, some good, some not so good. In 2018, we got our first fully animated Spider-Man movie, and it’s easily one of the best we’ve ever gotten. Not only is this a fun animated superhero movie, but it’s also a huge love letter to the Spider-Man franchise. Each of the different versions of Spider-Man is given their own shining moment, and the film does each one justice. Examples include the adorable relationship between Peni Parker and her robot, as well as the cartoon antics of Spider-Ham. But even if you’re unfamiliar with Spider-Man, this is still a great story of people coming together to fight evil. On top of the great story, the animation is very fluid and stylized, giving it a very comic book vibe. Overall, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is fun superhero action with heart.
#5: Avengers: Infinity War
Ever since the first Iron Man was released in 2008, I’ve been a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While some films have certainly been better than others, I’ve enjoyed the franchise as a whole. When The Avengers came out in 2012, it was a huge deal seeing all these heroes together in one film. Unfortunately, while it wasn’t terrible, 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron was slightly disappointing. But then, in 2018, the MCU’s 10th anniversary, we got the biggest film so far, Avengers: Infinity War. Much like the first film, this is an example of an event film done right, mixing action with heart. The ensemble works well together, with each character given their own moment to shine. In addition, Josh Brolin as Thanos is easily one of the strongest and most interesting villains this franchise has had. With how this ends, I’m excited to see what’s next.
#4: A Star is Born
When this movie came out, everyone and their grandmother went absolutely nuts over this, and it’s easy to see why. Performance-wise, every actor does a phenomenal job, especially Bradley Cooper, relative newcomer Lady Gaga, and veteran Sam Elliot. This will most likely get numerous Oscar nominations, including Best Director for Cooper and possibly Best Actress for Lady Gaga. Generally, I tend to be the sort of person who doesn’t cry or get overly emotional during a movie. However, while I didn’t cry, this did get a very strong emotional response from me, especially towards the end. This movie deals with themes of rising fame, falling from grace, redemption, alcohol and drug abuse, and undying love. It’s a perfect examination of not just the music industry, but the entertainment industry as a whole. Overall, A Star is Born hits you on an emotional level and sticks with you.
#3: Sorry to Bother You
Sometimes, a movie comes along almost out of nowhere and just completely blows you away and sticks with you. Sorry to Bother You, the directorial debut of hip-hop artist Boots Riley, is one of those movies and it’s fantastic. The premise is unique, rich with social and political satire, and goes in directions that you would never expect. The cast is great, especially Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Armie Hammer, and they help make the absurdity believable. Without getting into spoilers, it’s a movie where there’s a twist in the third act that you won’t see coming. The satire in here is so biting and raw that it could rub some people the wrong way. Admittedly, this is a film that most likely won’t appeal to most mainstream audiences. But for those looking for something different and off-the-wall, Sorry to Bother You won’t disappoint you.
#2: Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Often times, a long running franchise will start to go downhill after a while and never seem to recover. However, in the case of the Mission: Impossible franchise, the series has only gone further and further uphill in quality. In this case, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, the sixth entry, continues to show that this franchise can stay relevant. What makes this film so special is that it reminds audiences what real stunts done by real people are like. Tom Cruise continues to show the world that, even at his age, he can still pull off these crazy stunts. On top of that, the rest of the cast, including newcomer Henry Cavill, show they’re more than capable here, too. It’s uncertain where the franchise can go from here, but so far, things can only get better. Easily one of the best action films of recent years, Mission: Impossible – Fallout does not disappoint.
#1: Mandy
For those of you who’ve kept up with the site, you probably saw this one coming a mile away. But yes, out of every film released this year, Panos Cosmatos’ Mandy is my favorite film of 2018. This is easily one of the most breathtakingly stylish and insane films I have seen in quite some time. I have yet to see a movie this year that has come close to matching this film’s style and insanity. While the movie is your standard revenge film, what makes it stand out is the visual aesthetic and the performances. This is pure unhinged Nicolas Cage at its finest, as you see him just succumb to the madness around him. In addition, the score is phenomenal, really lending to the psychedelic visuals on display. While this certainly won’t appeal to everyone, if you’re willing to go along for the ride, Mandy is for you.
The Worst Films of 2018
