10. Source Code
Starting off the list is one of the smartest films I've seen in a good long while. Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this film about a soldier who wakes up in the body of another person, and discovers he's a part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago train. The real gimmick behind this film is that the train has already been bombed, and he's being used to relive one of the victims last 8 minutes to figure out who was responsible for the bombing. The director, Duncan Jones, uses this trick to it's fullest, creating tense moments as well as some great scenes.
9. Dredd
This is a film most people have a different opinion about. Some people like it as an action film, others think it's way too violent. I'm one of those people that absolutely loves this film, not just as an action film, but as a film. How's the writing? It's pretty good, the story gets across to you, and the dialogue wasn't bad. The acting is way above the norm for action films, especially concerning the lead, Karl Urban. At a first glance, this seems like a basic cliched action role, but he takes this character and completely convinced the audience that he's the character. Even better though, is the fact that he never once removes his mask, and yet plays the role perfectly.
8. District 9
This film does something so many films like it fail miserably to do. It conveys an interesting and thought provoking message, but also succeeds at being a great film. The film is about what would realistically happen if aliens came in contact with humans, but if they were in some ways less advanced then us. And the director Neill Blomkamp creates this question, while also building a strong metaphor for the apartheid. A rather obvious message, but the film doesn't beat you over the head with it, at least not to me.
7. 2001: A Space Odyssey
This film has become a staple in science fiction. It's influenced the film industry in countless ways. And it's still a movie people talk about and discuss the meaning of. So how could it not have a place on this list? Granted, the acting isn't anything to get too excited about, and the film is incredibly slow for the longest portion, but once you get to a certain point in it, there's no going back. It's an absolute classic, so that's why it's #7.
6. Blade Runner
Here's a great example of adaptation. This film perfectly captures the tone, feel and atmosphere the original book created, but also brings a lot of things that I can't help but enjoy. The action is well done, the acting is great, and the way this film carries itself out is absolutely brilliant. This was another very influential film for the world of cinema, as a lot of films have tried to achieve what this film did so very well.
5. Minority Report
No movie has ever taught me not the judge a book by its cover better than this movie. From a first glance, it may seem like all you'll get from the film is a run of the mill Tom Cruise action film. But, when you watch the film, you get much more than just that. You get a film with a beautifully crafted psychological aspect, absolutely breathtaking visuals, and a plot that I was invested in completely. And even if you only want an action film, you can still get a pretty good one. The film is very fast paced, the action is well made, and it works with the visual style of the film very well.
4. Donnie Darko
A film that promotes a lot of discussion, and also in a certain way makes you kind of want to forget about it is always going to attract my interest. And this is that film. The world of the film is exceptionally well done, as all these characters are unique crafts, and play on the films atmosphere to a point where it's seamless. The science fiction element is arguably not the focus, but on the other hand ir could be argued this movie depends completely on it. And that's what makes it so great, is that it's just seamless. You don't notice much of anything because of how goddamn well its done.
3. Her
It's no secret that I love this film. I've talked about it a few times, and so screw it. I'm going to keep talking about it. This is one of those films that comes out very rarely, where I'm certain everyone can watch and love it. It delves deep into a great message, it's acted wonderfully, and the film itself it damn near perfect. The idea behind it is so unique and unheard of, and the director Spike Jonze takes it in incredible directions that I just thought were wonderful.
2. Children of Men
Most people know Alfonso Cuarón for his recent award winning film, Gravity. However, I know him better for this film. With Children of Men, he brings masterful direction, a creative and dark future, and a brilliant world. The story is very grim, it's set in a future where some virus or gas has spread globally, causing all women to become infertile. Meaning no children, and in turn, no hope. The film follows a character who's interesting and engaging, and Clive Owen shows off his talent with the role. It's an atmospheric film that I can't get tired of.
Honorable Mentions
Looper
Star Wars
12 Monkeys
The Avengers
Star Trek
Monsters
The Matrix
Predator
#1:
Moon
I've talked about this film a lot as well, and with good reason. This is one of those few films that I consider to be a perfect film. I have no problems with this film at all, and I can never get tired of watching it. Sam Rockwell gives the single best performance in his entire career with this film, and it's one of the most engaging and captivating experiences I've ever had the rare pleasure to watch. And it's that same experience every time I watch it, it's not a film that gets old. It sucks that this film got little to no attention when it came out (and to this day not a lot of people have heard of it) because it's just perfect.
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