Though 2018 may not have been the strongest year for movies, that’s not to say it was devoid of any cinematic gold. Rather the opposite, as the movies that were good last year could prove exceptional and even groundbreaking at times. Let’s take a look at 10 of those notable films and how they stack up.
10. “Sorry to Bother You” directed by Boots Riley
The year of 2018 was solid for a number of directorial debuts, with one of the most notable being Boots Riley’s bizarre commentary on capitalism, racism and society’s relationship with media. While the film makes some creative choices that feel distracting and its’ structure could have had more potential, there’s no denying the brave originality the feature possesses. Including a collection of strong performances, hilarious dialogue and mind-blowing twists, this is certainly a phone call worth answering.
9. “Green Book” directed by Peter Farrelly
Possibly the best acting in a film of 2018, “Green Book” is a touching tale that should not be missed. Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali lead this film almost effortlessly, allowing its surprising amount of humor to work through what many may have thought would delve further into complex race relations of the ’60s. While those expecting such topics to be discussed may be disappointed, the film is nothing short of mesmerizing.
8. “Roma” directed by Alfonso Cuarón
It’s rare that a film can strike a chord so deep with its audience with filmmaking alone, but “Roma” accomplishes this. A beautifully shot and masterfully told gem takes the skills of Alfonso Cuarón to a whole new level, as he allows the stunning cinematography and sound design to fully immerse his audience into a poignant, brutally human story. It may not be the most rewatchable film of the year, but it doesn’t take many watches for “Roma” to work its magic.
7. “Avengers: Infinity War” directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
An achievement that deserves to be celebrated, “Avengers: Infinity War” is the ultimate payoff for superhero movie fans everywhere. After 10 years of crafting one of cinema’s most intricately connected movie universes, Marvel hits audiences with an epic of mass proportions. Featuring the characters we have grown to love finally working together, outstanding visual effects, one of the most complex and imposing movie villains in recent memory and an ending that we’re still trying to pick our jaws up from the floor from, “Infinity War” balanced these elements out perfectly. We can’t wait to see where things go next.
6. “Creed II” directed by Steven Caple Jr.
This film had a tall task, not only following up “Creed” and being eighth in the legendary “Rocky” franchise, but also having to make audiences take the character of Ivan Drago seriously after the goofiness of “Rocky IV.” However, director Steven Caple Jr. pulled things off with flying colors, bringing a new level of sympathy to the opponent characters this time around while also making Adonis and Rocky’s stories just as emotional, seemingly ending things for the franchise. While it may not be as fresh as the first “Creed,” and borrows heavily from other movies in the series, the film has enough dynamic energy and presentation to make up for it and adds yet another entertaining round in this beloved franchise.
5. “If Beale Street Could Talk” directed by Barry Jenkins
Director Barry Jenkins comes back after his triumphant 2016’s “Moonlight” to bring the writings of James Baldwin to life in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Even though the execution of some its themes could’ve been smoother, there’s no denying that this a love story to inspire. Full of visual splendor, powerhouse performances and direction that feels smooth as silk, there is a certain graceful energy that “If Beale Street Could Talk” infuses within its world that proves infectious throughout its runtime.
4. “Eighth Grade” directed by Bo Burnham
The little movie that could, “Eighth Grade” is yet another spectacular directorial debut to come out of 2018 — this time from comedian Bo Burnham. Kayla Day may just be the best character of the year as there is clearly an active attempt being put in place to infuse the audience into her head with some simplistic, yet effective filmmaking decisions combined with Elise Fisher’s magnificent performance. This identifiable tone is consistent through the rest of the film, as Burnham perfectly captures the feelings of that time in our lives that many will relate to — for better or worse — while crafting a resonant love letter to today’s generation.
3. “Isle of Dogs” directed by Wes Anderson
From directorial debut to revered mastermind, Wes Anderson has done it again with his newest stop motion animated feature, “Isle of Dogs.” Anderson’s intense attention to detail in his direction simply shines throughout, as this meticulously put together stop-motion world bursts with personality and expert craftsmanship. On top of this, the cinematography is beautiful, the voice performances are top notch, the musical score is easily the best of the year and the touching tale of discovery, connection and loyalty all have a classic feel to them. All while infusing the narrative with lasting themes on political corruption and government conspiracies. Oh yeah, and it has cute dogs in it. What’s there to dislike?
2. “Blindspotting” directed by Carlos López Estrada
Jumping back into the territory of directorial debuts for the year and boy, oh boy what a debut this was. “Blindspotting” was easily one of the most overlooked films of 2018 and those who have seen it know that it is truly a movie like nothing else. Carlos López Estrada’s direction shines, giving this film loads of personality, with its bright color palette, distinct cinematography and outstanding editing that fuses together perfectly — while never being obvious or distracting.
This is also likely the best screenplay written all year, featuring colorful dialogue and characters, who are brought to life through some magnifying performances. It all accumulates to what is probably the best individual scene and ending to any film all year and one that is sure to leave an impact long after it’s over. If you have not yet seen this film, do yourself a favor and watch it.
1.”Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” directed by Peter Ramsey, Robert Persichetti Jr. and Rodney Rothman
Without a doubt, the biggest surprise and greatest cinematic achievement of the entire year, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” arguably had the greatest task to accomplish of 2018 and not only succeeded, but blew audiences away like no film has ever before. The groundbreaking visual style alone makes this movie worthy of the No. 1 spot. Bringing animation to whole new heights with a level of stylization that pushed what can be accomplished in a superhero/comic book movie, it remains an expertly directed film with some wonderful cinematography and editing choices.
However, the film pushes its achievements even further, crafting a story chalk full of characters from left and right, who are all more interesting than the last. Each character offers differing ways of pushing the film’s themes and visual style. The narrative stays balanced with all these elements, knowing just how long to slow down while keeping the audience floored with a collection of some of the most visually complex and audacious action scenes ever committed to animation.
What makes this movie No. 1 is the fact that it showed just what films are about. With the the right combination of love, passion and time, even a project this ambitious can be done. For that reason and more, “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse” is the best film of 2018.