THE 15 BEST MOVIES OF 2013
Written by Anthony Sargon
Another year has come and gone, which can only mean one thing; it’s time for another “best of 2013″ movie list. There were a lot of strong releases this year, making this list pretty difficult to compile, so I opted to go with 15 movies instead of my regular 10. But enough of my blabbering…here’s the list:
15. Don Jon (My Review)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut may not be to everyone’s taste, and it certainly has its flaws, but you can’t deny that Levitt is going places as a filmmaker, and if Don Jon is any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride.
14. Rush (My Review)
I’m not the least bit interested in Formula 1, and I don’t think I ever will be, but I am a fan of really well made sports dramas, especially when they boast two very strong lead performances. “Rush” is the kind of the movie that seems impossible to pull off, but Ron Howard nails it.
13. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (My Review)
I had my fair share of complaints walking out of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, but I can’t deny that I was greatly entertained throughout the majority of the film’s running time. Sure, the movie sometimes feels a bit amateurish, and Ben Stiller could have probably been a bit more subtle in his messaging, but it’s fun and damn memorable, and sometimes that’s enough.
12. Prisoners (My Review)
“Prisoners” is an unforgettable movie. It boasts some of the year’s best ensemble performances, with Hugh Jackman in particular doing some incredible work. The film’s dark subject matter may keep some viewers at bay, but I can’t recommend this enough.
11. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (My Review)
Infinitely better than its predecessor, “Catching Fire” does away with what didn’t work the first time around and delivers a breathless experience that will keep audiences glued to the screen from start to finish. Bring on parts 3 & 4.
10. The World’s End (My Review)
Edgar Wright’s brilliant capper to his Cornetto trilogy does not disappoint, and in fact, it’s one of the year’s best. Funny, insightful, and sweet, “The World’s End” is a great treat for any movie fan.
9. Star Trek: Into Darkness (My Review)
This is a movie that’s been getting a lot of hate for some reason, but I for one thought it was immensely entertaining. OK, maybe the Khan stuff could have been handled differently, but you can’t deny the film’s incredible visuals, entertainment value, and most importantly, its energy.
8. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (My Review)
If you weren’t on board with the first Hobbit flick, then I’m not sure there’s much here that will change your mind. If, however, you’re anything like me and are just happy to be thrown back in Middle Earth for a grand adventure, I find it difficult not to be immensely pleased with what Peter Jackson and co. have delivered.
7. American Hustle (My Review)
David O. Russel’s latest may not be the director’s best to date, but it’s an amalgamation of some of his best latest flicks. The acting is incredible, and the overall result is hilarious and quite unique.
6. This is the End (My Review)
“This is the End” is hands down the funniest movie of the year, and I’m really surprised it isn’t on more top 2013 lists. Seriously, I don’t remember laughing this hard in any other film this year, and for that alone “This is the End” deserves a spot on this list.
5. Gravity (My Review)
When I first walked out of “Gravity”, I was certain it would be at the top of my list. Unfortunately, once I got over the technical aspect of the film, there wasn’t much there to keep me all that enthused about it. Still, the film is a visual masterpiece, and one of the most technically impressive films ever made (if not the most impressive). If that wasn’t enough, it boasts some great performances as well. If you missed out on “Gravity” in theaters, you should feel really, really bad about yourself.
4. Fruitvale Station (My Review)
This is a movie that took me entirely by surprise. It has one of the most memorable openings of any film I’ve seen, and the ending is even more intense. Brilliantly acted and extremely resonant, “Fruitvale Station” should be on everyone’s “to watch” list.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street (My Review)
Martin Scorsese can almost do no wrong. The man is a living legend, and if “The Wolf of Wall Street” is any indication, the man still has plenty of great films left in him. Funny, graphic, and unapologetic, “Wolf” is a crazy-good time, and Leo DiCaprio’s tour-de-force performance makes sure you walk out of the theater wanting more.
2. Her (My Review)
This could have easily been my number one movie of the year, and it’s missing out on the top spot by a hair. Spike Jonze’s latest is an incredibly well acted, poignant, and emotional look into our relationship with technology, and more importantly, each other. This is a film with a lot to say, and while the story may seem a bit high-concept, Jonze keeps things relatable and grounded. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll walk out blown away. I know I did. Oh, and Joaquin Phoenix is incredible.
1. 12 Years a Slave (My Review)
This should come as no surprise to anyone who has read my blog. I was extremely blown away by “12 Years a Slave”, and not only is it the year’s best film, it’s one of the best movies I have seen in my entire life. Steve McQueen shows us the true horrors of slavery, and if it’s too much for some to handle, that’s exactly the point. The acting is superb, the direction is flawless, the music is on-point; everything about this movie is pure perfection. It’s arguably the hardest movie to sit through in 2013, but it’ also the most rewarding. If you haven’t seen it yet, I implore you to make the effort and catch it in theaters.
Did your favorite movie not make the cut? Sound off in the comments below and let me know what was your favorite film of 2013!
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