Top 20 Best Movies of 2015

Top 20 Best Movies of 2015

This was easily the hardest year picking a top twenty since I’ve started doing this. There have just been so many great movies this year and I had to edit this final list down from a list of 40+ initial nominations. I do have to include Krampus, Jurassic World, Spy, Pawn Sacrifice, and The Walk here as honorable mentions because as entertaining as they are, I couldn’t find a spot to include them on here. I made this list based on my opinion, entertainment value, and critical success and is completely subject to ridicule.

20. Good Kill

This was a vastly under seen gem about the complex issue of modern warfare and the study of what makes a hero. Ethan Hawk captivates as a conflicted drone pilot fighting a politicians war.

19. Bridge of Spies

A lot of people will rank this Spielberg/Hanks cold war political thriller higher but as good as it was, it did lack a little of the zip you would expect from this team with this subject matter. It still warranted a spot on this list though.

18. Everest

A gut punch of a film about the true story about the deadliest day in Everest’s history as several teams of climbers are caught on the mountain during a brutal storm. One of the most emotional films this year.

17. Sicario

A beautiful and thrilling story about the U.S. War on Drugs and our dealings with corruption, cartels, and breaking our own rules. Emily Blunt is great but Benicio Del Toro is the real reason to show up along with breathtaking cinematography. 

16. Room

Brie Larson’s Oscar nomination showcase. Newcomer Jacob Tremblay gives a tear jerking, heart breaking performance. An emotional tour-de-force.

15. Dope

Energetic, edgy, independent coming of age story set in the L.A. slums with a trio of entertaining newcomers. A fresh study of growing up in high school today.

14. Kingsman: The Secret Service

Another energetic, breath of fresh air, except this time it’s the spy genre getting a makeover and a tribute at the same time. If you like James Bond or Jason Bourne you might like this….but be warned: it’s not that kind of movie.

13. It Follows

The instant horror classic of this decade. A captivating, terrifying, psycho-sexual thriller that will have you questioning everyone around you.

12. Creed

Both a loving tribute to the Rocky franchise and a groundbreaking new story for today’s generation. Sylvester Stalone gives a performance with the emotional weight of a lifetime behind it and Michael B. Jordan does a fine job as the fiery son of Apollo Creed.

11. Straight Outta Compton

The true story of N.W.A. and rise in popularity of gangster rap. It’s loud, angry, powerful, and impossible to ignore…much like the group who’s story is told.

10. 99 Homes

This is an actors movie and Michael Shannon and Andrew Garfield capitalize of every second of screen time. Garfield breaks your heart while Shannon chews the scenery with intensity than only he can provide.

9. Black Mass

Johnny Depp gives the best performance in more than a decade and Joel Edgerton lights up the screen in the true story of a Bostonian Mob Boss who was the FBI’s most wanted for years.

8. The Martian

Ridley Scott and Matt Damon team up for Cast Away in Space…and it’s absolutely worth it. Great direction with a great team of actors giving emotional, humorous performances makes this one of the year’s best.

7. The Hateful Eight

Quentin Tarantino delivers a home run for his eighth film that harkens back to his first films (Reservoir Dogs) format of great actors in one room talking. Walton Goggins is the stand out here as the loudmouth confederate sheriff. It’s Agatha Christie in the west with Tarantino bloodshed.

6. Mission Impossible: Rouge Nation

If you thought nothing could top Ghost Protocol’s Burj Khalifa scene then I humbly submit Rouge Nations Opera Scene…or Motorcycle scene. This spy movie feel part Hitchcockian part Bourne and all insane thrills.

5. Crimson Peak

This Gothic Romance/Horror film isn’t for everybody and I understand it but this is one of my favorite movies this year so call this a personal choice. Guillermo del Toro delivers a creepy and beautiful classic that has his fingerprint on every scene.

4. The Revenant

Alejandro G Inarritu delivers a beautiful film shot in impossible conditions. Leonardo Dicaprio gives his best performance equal to his roles in the Departed and Wolf of Wall Street ensuring his long deserved Oscar. Winnie the Pooh will never look as cuddly after the bear scene in this movie.

3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Hard to give bronze to the most successful movie of the year and perhaps all time when all is said and done but as entertaining as it was, if I look at it without my nerd glasses on, I can start to see the cracks in the story. But with my nerd glasses on… What a movie.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

The movie that made me wonder: “How did they do that?” more than any other movie this year. An action smorgasbord that is smart at the same time. When movies come out like this: It’s a lovely day.

1. Spotlight

As great as all the action and heart and horror of the above movies, no movie had the effect that Spotlight had on me. Perhaps this is the only movie this year where the Story itself was the star of the film more than any of its wonderful actors. This movie will stick with you for days… it still sticks with me.