Top 50 Films Of The Decade!RSS

I think you are missing one extremely important movie - Samson and Delilah from Australia. If you haven't seen it - I highly recommend it! As important for Indigneous Australians, as Once Were Warriors was for NZ Maori.

By Debbie

Agree with no 1 and 2, Dark Knight was way over rated, if Heath Ledger had not died it would not have had the impact it did. Why no Clint Eastwood directed movies, Million Dollar Baby and Grand Torino are great movies directed in a story telling way rather than using special effects or ridiculous story lines to make a movie?

By Hemi

Missing a few key comedies such as Anchorman, 40 year old virgin, Superbad and the biggie, Borat.

By Kaushik

there are so many outstanding and utterly compelling films not on this list its scary...
Control (the story of Joy Division), Eastern Promises (heaps better than a history of violence), Lilya 4 Ever, This is England, Edge of Heaven, Waltz with Bashir, Infernal Affairs II - the story which served as the basis for The Departed (which in contrast to IAII is hollywood CRAP), The Wrestler - jesus what were these people thinking?????

By The Machinist

What about Watchmen, The curious case of Benjamin Button, 300, cloverfield and The Reader!!!!!!

By S.R.

Hmmmm.... lots of dark disturbing movies in there.... the whole premise of Old Boy is sick so I was very surprised to see it as number 4 - a shame Jet Li's Hero did not make it. I would consider that to be one of the best movies of the decade, beautifully written and filmed. Gorgeous! All in all, a pretty good list!

By Vicki

For not putting anchorman in there im going punch you in the ovaries

By Barnes

I thought OLD BOY was absolutely riveting. I also liked Eastern Promises. No Country for Old Men: Brilliant. A Good list all in all.

By Marina

i think this list just shows how poor movies have been in the last ten years. sure a few gems (children of men springs to mind) but on the whole theres alot of filler titles in this list.

By stormy

I haven't tried to compile my own top 50, but as it happens, the ratings I have given movies this decade allow me to see my top 46. And there are 14 movies from my top 46 in this list (8 of them are in the top 20 of this list).

Is that closer to "Wholeheartedly agree" or "Violently disagree"? Chances are some of those who voted for this list wouldn't have got 14 of their favourites on the final list, so maybe I am closer to "agree"

The ratings I gave also allow me to identfy a Top 8 for the decade. These are (in aprox date order):

State & Main
O Brother Where Art Thou
Amelie
Gosford Park
Mulholland Drive
Lord of the Rings
The Pianist
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

If I had to make the list up to 10, I'd add two of 21 Grams, Downfall, King Kong, and A History of Violence. Lets say ... eeney miney, meeney mo - 21 Grams and King Kong.

Now I notice that 6 of these are from the first two years of the decade, and none are from the last 4 years. Sadly, I think that's fair.

By Apteryx

Love Shaun of the Dead, but think Hot Fuzz is a bit better.

By JM

Another vote for Infernal Affairs.

By Enrico

No Mystic River?
Also, In my father's Den deserved a place

By Eddie

Why no Crash...? Obviously the a film that the average NZ film critic can understand. Memento should be higher...one of the most original movies ever. Other than that, no real problems. The mix of rankings is always subjective...the top 2 are very good movies, but whether they are 1 and 2 is a different story...continue the debate

By Allen

Yes, where is CRASH?

By Muzza

anchorman????

By joe

Two observations
Let the right one in - The Vampire is a desexed boy, not a girl as the review mentions. There was even a crotch shot in the movie to show that. Brilliant movie
The list should have included "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" a brilliant mystery thriller which was shot beautifully showcasing the northern sweden

By Rifraf

The Incredibles come before Slumdog Millionaire???

By Tania

where is CRASH??

By Leksx

Oh and I'd also add 'before the devil knows you're dead'.

By James

That's a damn solid list and im happy to say Ive seen 95% of those movies. I'm glad its not full of crappy blockbusters. Only movie i didnt really agree with not being on there is 'american psycho'. I'm glad somebody else brought that up.

By James

What the hell!!
Knocked up, Superbad?? neither make it yet Pineapple express somehow does?? and where's dan browns Angels and Demons?? I thought no contry for old men was aweful and I think most people around my age group 18-30 would agree. It didnt captivate me what so ever.
Where the wild things are is new, but would definitly be in my top ten.
So many great films were missed and so many average were included... wtf
Also where is slum dog millionaire??

By Ava

Agree that Casino Royale and Infernal Affairs should have made the list. What about the best horror of the last 10 years - [REC]?

By Film Freak

People definitely have their opinions, but honestly, nobody is going to agree with any list like this completely.

Some really good films on the list, and I'll be making sure I head out and grab those on it that I haven't seen.

Some possible additions:
Eagle vs. Shark
Transformers (come on, it's fun)
Enduring Love (Daniel Craig and Rhys Ifans)
Casino Royale
Ong Bak (crazy martial arts stunts)
Lord of the Rings trilogy
Chapter 29

...so many more too...

By Lucas04

I think it's a good list for the Top 50, although reading it I probably wouldn't agree with the order, although there are a few I haven't seen myself.
A few I personally despised (Zodiac being one, but we went to late screening unaware how long it was) but can see where the argument for it being good is.

One of my personal favourites that didn't make the list was 'Southland Tales' which did come from the director of Donnie Darko.
But I appreciate it wasn't a top 50 movie, it was more my own passion for Noir films that made the movie really strike a chord.

By JennL

... you're probably close on this list, but it only points up:

what a suckie decade for flicks!

I can't say there are more than a half-dozen of this list that I actually enjoyed...

By barbarosa

Of course, there will never be a list of this type met with unanimous approval.

Personally, glad to see "The Assassination of Jesse James" up there..

..not so glad about the omission of directors Michael Haneke and the Dardenne brothers.
Cases in point: "Cache (Hidden)" and "Code Unknown" by the former; "L'enfant (The Child)" and "Le Fils (The Son)" by the latter.
Even one would have done.

Also, "Once" - beautiful in every way.

By FrankD

@ Chris

Yes I made a mistake by Starwars I as it was released in 1999. But Starwars II and III was released in 2002 and 2005. So how is Starwars not in the last decade uh?

By Chizzbo

I'm laughing at all the lame people who a disagreeing with the list. The person who said he hadn't heard of most of the movies sums up the fact that everyone has really only seen the blockbusters. Usually disappointing and brainless movies.

Hahahaa about the guy wondering why Star wars wasn't in there. Hmmm. Maybe because it's films of the last decade lol.

And movies that star Ashton Kutcher or that have glittery vampires should not be included at all.

By Chris

In regards to the mountain of ludicrous comments, let me preface by invoking a highly appropriate movie quote;

"Opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks."

Not too bad on the whole I think. There's some odd choices and some overrated choices but for the most part it's okay. I’m just glad there’s no Slumdog, Crash, Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, etc.

Most pleased to see Inglourious Basterds, Donnie Darko, Zodiac, District 9, Little Miss Sunshine, Amelie, The Assassination of Jesse James, Apocalypto, Pan's Labyrinth, Napoleon Dynamite, Lost In Translation, and Eternal Sunshine all in there!

My personal number one would be There Will Be Blood by a landslide. It’s a classic. Definitely one of the best and most important films ever made. No Country was very good, but a few things detracted from its overall impact. Like Javier’s terribly over the top and subsequently overrated performance for one.

And I for one loved Pineapple Express. I haven’t laughed that hard for years.

No need to get so angry commenters! It would be a very boring world if everyone always agreed on everything. Also some people here can’t seem to grasp what a decade is.

Peace and love people. Happy Holidays!

By Shay

WOW...where the heck is Starwars I, II and III? those were the best movies by a long shot. Very sad and a big disappointment for me as I have never really trusted reviews as this one is starting to put me off even more. I know that people have their opinions but Starwars is one of the greatest films ever made and is not even on the list. Im sure people are with me on this one.

By Chizzbo

Why does everyone hate Pineapple Express so much? It was absolutely hilarious.

Some people are complaining 1999 movies aren't on the list (Matrix, Life is Beautiful) but the list is for the '00s decade only, so NO 1999 films make it.

I can't believe Slumdog Millionaire, Borat, Infernal Affairs and The Wrestler aren't in there! And No Country is good but should defnitely not be No. 1.

By Mikey K

perhaps 5 of these should have been in the top 50. just because movies are hyped does not mean they should be in the list eg No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood were both utter crap!

My top 17


1 MILLION DOLLAR BABY
2 STEP BROTHERS
3 DUDE, WHERES MY CAR?
4 FREEDOM WRITERS
5 GLADIATOR
6 KILL BILL 1
7 RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE
8 THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
9 THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK
10 APOCALYPTO
11 BLOOD DIAMOND
12 PITCH BLACK
13 LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
14 UNLEASHED (DANNY THE DOG)
15 HE WAS A QUIET MAN
16 BLOW
17 BODY OF LIES

By Gareth

The Top 50 is a good effort. It only partly exhibits the tendency that seems to grip movie critics and film students to overrate weird-out movies (Mulholland Drive) and stylised violence (Kill Bill, Inglorious Basterds), and neglects some feelgood spirit-lifters and comedies.

I'm now going to bore you with my top 15:
1. Lost in Translation (get drunk and watch it again people)
2. Children of Men
3. Memento
4. Lord of The Rings trilogy
5. Slumdog Millionaire
6. Whale Rider
7. About A Boy
8. Star Trek
9. The Motorcycle Diaries
10. Goodbye Lenin!
11. Catch Me If You Can
12. Open Hearts
13. Bend It Like Beckham
14. In My Father's Den
15. Amores Perros

By Marty

Just had a look at the comments below - how shocking! Once again, I'd like to commend the compilers of this list. I have often looked for top movie lists - and they are often blockbuster drivel or plot-driven films.

Those who are concerned with the order of how these were rated; the order doesn't matter. It's the fact the movies made it onto the list - everyone has their own preferences and favoritism is relative. Just go through the list of films and enjoy!

By Cris

Beautiful list - many thanks to those who compiled it. I particularly advocate the choice of The Squid and the Whale; this is a much-overlooked film. For those who also enjoyed this film will enjoy 'Margot at the Wedding' - another beautiful piece by Noah Baumbach.

Thanks again!

By Cris

Just wanted to say thanks for the effort - it's a good list, some really great films (meaning, of course, many of my favorites are there) and will prompt me to check out the handful I haven't yet seen. That's the value of such lists, for me, so thank you. Nice job.

By Mars

What were they thinking?? I haven't even heard of half of these films?!

By Steve

PINE APPLE EXPRESS should not be any where near that list. Its av burger central.

also Lost in translation. do u know what bill murray whispers in her ear at the end of the movie "This movie's over rated"

By uncle dave

Shouldn’t they have waited for Avatar! This film could revolutionise the way we experience films!

I'd also vote for The Prestige by Christoper Nolan, love that film :)

By carfonexdo

Who are the retards that made that list, some of the movies I've never heard of and some were so boring I couldn't sit through the whole movie, how on earth you can keep your job after that sort of garbage I have no idea

By Brad

I have seen 47 of 50 and I think this is a really good list. Pineapple Express is shocking to see there. Before Sunset has to be there, unforgivable to skip that movie.

By Ingolfson

This is the best and most complete Top movies of the decade list that Ive come across so far. Well done!

By Daniel

No 'Spider-man 2'?
Come on Dominic, surely that was on your list!

By Adrian

Disagree that Pan's Labyrinth should be higher, it was an extremely violent film although aesthetically quite pleasant. Violence for violence's sake though merely to illustrate a cartoonishly evil Franco's fascist regime.

Most films are well placed except for Memento which easily would make my top 5 films for its sheer originality and how influential it has become.

By Damian

No Country For Old Men has the worst ending EVER!!! It cannot be number 1 for that reason alone. Pan's Labyrinth should be number 1. Nothing can top that for invention and originality. Plus it alternates from magical to downright terrifying in the blink of an eye. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favour.

By James P

10/10 list.....or should that be 50/50. God I love these naughties top whatevers tables

By Duncan

Atrocious list. Serious lack of independent or international films and an excessive number of poor blockbusters. Pineapple Express!? Really?

By Brittany

What about Narnia? Pirates of the Caribbean? Shrek? Gladiator?

By Nathan

Pretty perfect list, but would have included Kill Bill, Sin City, Internal Affairs, Casino Royale and Gran Torino and maybe Juno and Borat.

Looks like a poor decade for comedy and romance. And um shouldn't LOTRs be in there.

By Alan P-T

The only way I would even concidering agreeing with this list is if number 50 was the best and 1 was the worst, No Country for an Old Man and There will be Blood are awful films. For a movie site this was a pretty bad effort. dacade being 10 years Matrix (1999) should.... must be in the list whether you agree or not

By Alexey

Where is Infernal Affairs?! Gaahhh!

I will come to your house and fight you.

By Troels

Pineapple Express? please. An absolute brain numbing load of old cobblers. Come on critics, who's sending a backhander on that one. Id like to see Zoolander and Tarantino's Death Proof in the mix.

By Arrionflows

I know that these list are subjective, but this list is an absolute disgrace.
Sunshine?! WTF?! Are you serious?
Ingorious Basterds making the list, let alone being ahead of Kill Bill is absolutely bonkers.
I think that you guys are just trying to get people riled up.. and it's definitely working.

By Troels

Harry Potter!!?!?!?
Sweeny Todd?!!?!?

By Hamish

inglourious basterds was shiite..come on..no story line and baseball bats to turn the stomach..it was terrible..wheres Kill bill 2? that was way better.
No james bond? casino royale was epic..you gotta admit if dark knight re-ignited comic films, casino re-ignited james bond
good work on putting the incredibles in there.. donnie darko?? good but not that good. At least your list has personality..Nice.

By justin

inglourious basterds was shiite..come on..no story line and baseball bats to turn the stomach..it was terrible..wheres Kill bill 2? that was way better.
No james bond? casino royale was epic..you gotta admit if dark knight re-ignited comic films, casino re-ignited james bond
good work on putting the incredibles in there.. donnie darko?? good but not that good. At least your list has personality..Nice.

By justin

Thanks for the list, there's a couple there I haven't seen but now will make a point of watching.
Disappointed La Vita e Bella - Life is Beautiful from Roberto Benigni wasn't there but wait - March 1999? Does it qualify for this decade?

By Alison

Good to see some foreign films in there, especially some great asian cinema.

Pineapple Express should go, terrible movie.

Infernal Affairs, Casino Royale, Batman Begins, Iron Man or Star Trek should have been in, and agree that District 9 could have fared better.

By James

I agree wholeheartedly with this list. I'd put memento higher up the list though, and lost in translation further down

By Aubrey H

Pineapple express!?!?! 45?!?! More like number 1! Also Little Miss Sunshine and The Pianist should be top 10 material.

By Matt

Twilight??????? one of the best movies ever!!!

By Sarah

Agree with half of the list, No Country for Old Man should be moved down though.

By Celia-Liang

Hmm.. a little heavy on the douchebag shite..

You guys need to spend less time around the water cooler comparing stripes on your sneakers.

Have you actually tried watching Lost in Translation twice? Its a shocker. . Coppola S should have stuck to fashion photography.

Completely omits some the most worthy Directors of our generation, for starters:

Haneke

And some under-rated favorites of mine:

Alexander Payne
Paul Verhoeven

1 documentary?

District 9 should be way higher. So should Mulholland Drive.

I'm shaking my walking stick in dismay.

By Rowan

No room for Slumdog???

By RoyS

Very good list overall and clearly given a lot of thought. Personally, I would drop Inglorious B's (a bit of a mess with some worthy moments), Apocalypto, The Science of Sleep (I know v popular but just didn't click for me) and Pineapple Express, possibly replacing with Casino Royale (for reinvigorating the Bond franchise if nothing else), The Proposition (underrated but striking movie IMO), The Orphanage and Sideways (genius. Maybe Moon in for Sunshine too but that's quite a close call. Some good memories prompted by the list though which is the best thing!

By Mark

Good call about 'Wild Things', Nev. Unfortunately was too late to take into account.

Gina, 'Little Miss Sunshine' is in there at number 37.

Note: several filmmakers had two films on the list: the Coen brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Ang Lee, Wes Anderson, Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson and Michel Gondry.

What's with all this 'Pineapple Express' bashing?

By Andrew-Hedley

Nice slection.
Can't believe you left off 'Little Miss Sunshine', 'American Psycho' and 'Waltz with Bashir' tho! That is a crime!

By Gina D - Academy Cinemas

dark knight - OUT!!!
where the wild things are - IN!!

By nev

Yeah great 50, my only two discrepancies would be:

Pineapple Express -> OUT
40 Year Old Virgin -> IN

And Confessions of a Dangerous Mind should be in there. Fantastic film.

Great work though, the top 10 is pretty spot on. Happy to say I've seen more of these than I expected too!

By Adrian

pretty much agree on most of the choices , accept i think pineapple express should be dropped , one of the worst comedies ive seen , can think of many that could replace it .

By sarah

I would change things a bit but you can't please all.

By Mike

Sunshine??!! Really!! W T F

By Claire

Dark Knight ought to come top of the "most overrated films of the decade" list. A few good action sequences and a good joker do not make the ninth best movie of the decade. Melodramatic and far too long and certainly not better or more significant than Memento.

By brainsplease

Errr... I don't know... Mine would look completely different even if I'd keep some of those in the list...

By Om

You'll never please everyone, but a pretty great Top 50. No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood up the top? Absolutely. I would've liked to seen Adaptation and Royal Tenenbaums higher... and would've lost Children of Men from the Top 10 - what's the big deal with this film? Comedies in short supply too - Superbad the funniest film of the decade?

By Margaret

I just think someone has a crush on Jake Gyllenhaal. How many movies in this list star him? :)

By Lisa

Lots of pretentious duds amongst the gems. There Will Be Blood at No.2? Give me a break. Donnie Darko in the Top 10? Oh please.

By David K

One of the best "top anything" lists I've seen, normally they contain about 50% crud, but at least 95% of the top 50 here are worthey, not sure about the order though. 'The squid and the whale', 'A history of Violence', 'The assasination of Jesse james' and 'zodiac' are all a bit debatatable but good to see films like, 'let the right one in', 'old boy' and 'the diving bell and the butterfly' in there. Kudos

By boofa

Wholeheartedly agree that Donnie Darko should be up the top!

By JayJay

Seems like a good list, although I've only seen about half of them. Good to see The Dark Knight on there.

By Andrew-Hedley