
Top 50 must-watch films of the 2010s

50. 0.5mm (2014) / 7.3 (IMDb)
0.5mm is a deeply human drama that follows Sawa, a caregiver who enters the lives of lonely seniors. Directed by Momoko Ando, the film features charming performances, notably from Ando Sakura, and explores the beauty and challenges of helping others, even when it's not always welcomed. | © Momoko Ando

49. Marriage Story (2019) / 7.9 (IMDb)
Marriage Story is a refreshing and deeply human movie that both warmly respects and ruthlessly dissects the institution of marriage. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson deliver compelling performances, making it impossible to take sides, as their love and flaws are laid bare. | © Netflix

48. Winter Sleep (2014) / 8.0 (IMDb)
Winter Sleep is a cinematic exploration of dialogue, mood, and reflection and portrayal of the absence of love, purpose, and unresolved social inequalities. Set against a breathtaking natural landscape, it’s beautifully acted, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving. | © NBC Film

47. Birdman (2014) / 7.7 (IMDb)
Birdman is a great movie, and every aspect of the film is masterfully dealt with. It doesn't provide a fast-paced plot with lots of twists but excels in cinematography, unconventional directing, and top-notch acting. | © 20th Century Studios

46. On-Gaku: Our Sound (2019) / 7.2 (IMDb)
On-Gaku: Our Sound is a charming movie for fans of music or animation. This is the kind of film that inspires you to pick up an instrument as soon as it’s over. In the middle of a pandemic, with many craving for a great concert experience, this movie felt like a gift. | © Tip Top

45. The Florida Project (2017) / 7.6 (IMDb)
The Florida Project immerses us in the world of lower-class folks in Florida who are ironically staying in a cheap hotel next to Disneyworld. The film captures the cycle of poverty without preaching, offering a raw, unflinching look at the struggle to break free from difficult circumstances. | © A24

44. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) / 8.1 (IMDb)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a stunning cinematic experience where every scene captures beauty and emotions. The powerful storytelling leaves audiences speechless, evoking deep emotion and reflecting the nostalgic beauty of love and longing. This is a film you will gladly see again. | © Lilies Films

43. Happy Hour (2015) / 7.6 (IMDb)
Happy Hour follows the daily lives of four Japanese women in their late thirties, and it's worth the hype. Even though it's long, the film leaves viewers in a state of silent reflection on the many facets of life and the human experience. | © Ryûsuke Hamaguchi

42. 'Til Madness Do Us Part (2013) / 7.9 (IMDb)
Til Madness Do Us Part is one of the hardest documentaries by Wang Bing that captures life inside a psychiatric hospital in Southwest China over a year. The four-hour film is difficult to watch, but reveals glimpses of human dignity amidst the misery. | © Icarus Films

41. The Lighthouse (2019) / 7.4 (IMDb)
The Lighthouse is a psychological thriller by Robert Eggers, featuring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two lighthouse keepers slowly descending into madness. The cinematography was top-notch, the acting was on point, and the writing was extremely quotable. | © A24

40. It's Such a Beautiful Day (2012) / 8.5 (IMDb)
It's Such a Beautiful Day is a simple and profound tale about the man who confronts his mortality, told through the unique blend of stick-figure animation and surreal visuals. The movie is composed of three short films, and it flows seamlessly as one powerful story. | © Bitter Films

39. Confessions (2010) / 7.7 (IMDb)
Confessions is a beautiful sonography that is most definitely worth 2~ hours of your life. Don't expect a quick revenge thriller - this movie is a mentally challenging ride that demands constant attention and analysis from start to finish, without a moment to catch your breath. | © Toho Company

38. Paradise: Love (2012) / 7.0 (IMDb)
Paradise: Love is a provocative drama that delves into the uncomfortable realities of romance tourism. The story follows Teresa, a 50-year-old Austrian woman seeking companionship on a holiday to Kenya. What starts as a seemingly lighthearted adventure soon becomes a raw exploration of power and emotional complexities. | © Ulrich Seidl Film

37. The Nightingale (2018) / 7.3 (IMDb)
The Nightingale is one of the unsettling films categorized as "horror" due to its intense portrayal of violence, including sexual, racial, gender-based, and genocidal brutality, all rooted in the events of The Black War in the 1820s. The film raises the question: how can empathy endure in such a savage world? | © Causeway Films

36. Joker (2019) / 8.4 (IMDb)
Joker is a dark, psychological exploration of Arthur Fleck, whose unsettling descent into madness is both hard to watch and utterly captivating. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a mesmerizing, Oscar-winning performance that elevates the film beyond the typical comic book genre, creating an unpredictable, thought-provoking character study. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

35. Silence (2016) / 7.2 (IMDb)
Silence is a movie with unique aesthetics; it is set in Japan in the 17th century and deals with the role of Christianity at that time. The film's beautiful cinematography captures the harsh landscapes, while Scorsese’s direction delves into the complexities of faith under extreme duress. | © Paramount Pictures

34. Climax (2018) / 6.9 (IMDb)
Love it or hate it, Climax is technically astonishing. The camera work in this is surreal and its movements, along with the actors' choreography, are surprisingly well coordinated. It will make you feel a lot of things, but in a horrifying way. | © Rectangle Productions

33. Midsommar (2019) / 7.1 (IMDb)
You have to enjoy cinematography to enjoy Midsommar, a folk horror movie by Ari Aster. The film is both beautiful and unsettling, with its vibrant visuals contrasting the dark, psychological horror that unfolds. | © A24

32. Isle of Dogs (2018) / 7.8 (IMDb)
Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion adventure set in a dystopian future where dogs are exiled to Trash Island due to a canine flu outbreak. Anderson's signature style shines through with meticulous detail, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story about loyalty and courage. | © 20th Century Studios

31. The Hateful Eight (2015) / 7.8 (IMDb)
The Hateful Eight is a well-crafted movie with stunning cinematography, a solid direction by Tarantino, and a top-notch cast. The score by Ennio Morricone adds a rich layer to the atmosphere, making it an engaging experience overall. | © The Weinstein Company

30. Call Me by Your Name (2017) / 7.8 (IMDb)
Call Me by Your Name is a beautiful movie about first love with a unique atmosphere that creates a feeling of self-discovery, unfolding in real time. There is great chemistry between each character, and even if you can't help them, you can root for them, which makes this film an unforgettable experience. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

29. The Witch (2015) / 7.0 (IMDb)
The Witch is one of the most atmospheric horror movies set in 1630s New England. It gradually builds up a tense and moody atmosphere, with fantastic visuals, eerie scenery, and period-accurate costumes. Instead of cheap and predictable scares, it offers more unsettling, unpredictable twists that leave you unsure of what’s coming next. | © Universal Pictures

28. Amour (2012) / 7.9 (IMDb)
Amour delves into the most profound type of love that is rarely explored on screen. Amour is a tender yet demanding portrayal of devotion, filled with touching and disturbing imagery, ultimately reminding us of the inevitability of death and the complexities of love in its purest form. | © Les Films du Losange

27. Shoplifters (2018) / 7.9 (IMDb)
Shoplifters is a breathtaking story that evokes a deep range of emotions. While it appears simple on the surface, the movie unfolds into a nuanced exploration of love, belonging, and the longing for family. | © Fuji TV

26. Nightcrawler (2014) / 7.8 (IMDb)
Nightcrawler from the very beginning is not a traditional Hollywood film, which automatically makes it a must-watch for fans of cinema. Directed by Dan Gilroy, the film is a sharp critique of media ethics, blending suspense, sharp dialogue, and a haunting portrayal of ambition gone too far. | © Open Road Films

25. Phantom Thread (2017) / 7.4 (IMDb)
Phantom Thread is a carefully crafted film, from scenes and acting to words, music, and even clothes. It's a great movie to learn more about the human psyche with dedicated actors such as Lewis, Manville, and Krieps. | © Universal Pictures

24. The Handmaiden (2016) / 8.1 (IMDb)
The Handmaiden is a visually stunning movie that handles sexual elements with elegance, avoiding the cheapness of the common cinema. Though the final act may feel a bit predictable, the overall experience is a beautifully crafted and uniquely thrilling ride that’s worth watching. | © CJ Entertainment

23. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (2010) / 8.0 (IMDb)
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is a film for fans of the franchise. Nothing feels rushed, it has gentle pacing that allows the story to breathe and real emotions to shine through the characters. It's not about over-the-top adventures but rather a personal journey, and that is what makes it powerful. | © Kyoto Animation

22. The Turin Horse (2011) / 7.7 (IMDb)
The Turin Horse is a real masterpiece in which Tarr pushes the audience to the limit of their patience but after a while, it gets under their skin. It’s an unforgettable experience for those willing to embrace its deliberate pace and profound silence. | © T. T. Filmműhely

21. Spring Breakers (2012) / 5.3 (IMDb)
Spring Breakers is a beautifully filmed movie that shows the party scenes and transforms them into an energetic spectacle for younger audiences and a satirical commentary for the art-house crowd. | © A24

20. Mud (2012) / 7.4 (IMDb)
Mud is a movie that stays with you longer after it ends. Rather than relying on flashy action scenes, this piece focuses on stories about people. The settings are magnificent, so it's a must-watch for anyone interested in a show crafted by human beings. | © Lionsgate

19. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019) / 7.6 (IMDb)
Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood took Tarantino 5 years to write, and it's a pretty damn good and smart movie with cool sequences, great acting, and scenes that will make you want to stay longer. The combo of Pitt is DiCaprio is incredible as always, but you will also love seeing famous characters such as Steve McQueen and Bruce Lee. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

18. Her (2013) / 8.0 (IMDb)
Her is different from typical love stories, as it tells about relationships and how difficult they especially can be. In the end, only human connections are real, and embracing the hurt, vulnerability, and imperfections is part of truly loving someone - even when it doesn’t work out. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

17. Only God Forgives (2013) / 5.7 (IMDb)
Critics have gone too hard with Only God Forgives, as this movie is an atmospheric return to his original style, more philosophical than Drive. Ryan Gosling portrays a vulnerable anti-hero, while Kristin Scott Thomas delivers a captivating performance as his ruthless mother. | © Scanbox Entertainment

16. Why Don't You Play in Hell? (2013) / 7.1 (IMDb)
Why Don't You Play in Hell is the perfect midnight movie that tells about a yakuza gang and an amateur film crew caught in the crossfire. Thanks to the usage of dark humor, action, and Sion Sono's signature madness, this experience is as unpredictable as it is entertaining. | © Drafthouse Films

15. Parasite (2019) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Parasite is a genre-bending masterpiece that will stay with you long after the credits are over. Thanks to the stunning cinematography and unpredictable twists in the story, this movie remains one of the most impactful films of the decade. | © CJ Entertainment

14. The Act of Killing (2012) / 8.2 (IMDb)
The Act of Killing is a one-of-a-kind documentary that dives into the minds of Indonesia’s death squad leaders from the 1960s. Some scenes are hard to watch, revealing not only the horrors of the past but the disturbing glorification of this cruelty today. | © Danish Film Institute

13. Inception (2010) / 8.8 (IMDb)
Inception is a unique movie that captures beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. Christopher Nolan allows everyone to explore the subconscious, leaving you under impressions long after you’ve left the cinema. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

12. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) / 8.1 (IMDb)
The Grand Budapest Hotel has stunning cinematography that is not only clever in technique but also gorgeous in aesthetics and tight, fluid editing. It's a quirky narrative that unfolds as a story within a story, packed with an ensemble of famous actors making eccentric and memorable cameos throughout. | © 20th Century Studios

11. Django Unchained (2012) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Django Unchained is one of the most unpredictable movies from Quentin Tarantino that makes you wonder what to expect in the next scene. The film has clever and sharp dialogues, stylized violence, and Tarantino's signature flair that makes it a provocative ride through the American South. | © 20th Century Studios

10. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) / 8.1 (IMDb)
Mad Max: Fury Road is a beautiful apocalyptic movie that has everything polished up: visuals, action, dialogue system, and acting from every single actor. Immortan Joe is a standout villain, and Furiosa truly steals the show, which makes it a non-stop fun, and chaotic masterpiece. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

9. Home from Home: Chronicle of a Vision (2013) / 7.9 (IMDb)
Home from Home: Chronicle of a Vision is an ambitious prequel to the acclaimed Heimat series, which for the most part not connected to other films at all. Despite the four-hour runtime, the movie captivates with its relatable themes, well-drawn characters, and the struggles of rural life. | © Christian Reitz

8. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013) / 8.0 (IMDb)
Based on real Japanese folklore, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya takes the story to the next level with original artwork, staying as true to it as possible. Easily the best animated film of the year, it's a must-see for fans of the genre. | © Studio Ghibi

7. Black Swan (2010) / 8.0 (IMDb)
Black Swan is one of the most iconic movies that can be witnessed just once. Natalie Portman shines as Nina, a driven yet vulnerable dancer who struggles with obsession under the pressures of rivalry and self-doubt. | © 20th Century Studios

6. The Master (2012) / 7.1 (IMDb)
The Master is a cinematic journey that's hard to categorize. Paul Thomas Anderson invites us to simply observe the lives of his characters, presenting a complex relationship between Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman. He forgoes digital gloss for raw, visceral storytelling. | © The Weinstein Company

5. Whiplash (2014) / 8.5 (IMDb)
Whiplash is a psychological thriller hidden under the student-mentor story. It pulls no punches in questioning the limits of ambition and how far one should go to achieve true excellence. | © Sony Pictures Classics

4. The Tree of Life (2011) / 6.8 (IMDb)
The Tree of Life is a polarising experience of the highest order, stuffed with meaningful scenes. Some see it as a pretentious, rambling mess, while others view it as an elegiac, poetic exploration of memory, grief, and the human condition. Love it or hate it, this is one of the greatest pieces that challenges the boundaries of cinema. | © 20th Century Studios

3. Moonrise Kingdom (2012) / 7.8 (IMDb)
Moonrise Kingdom is the unique story that follows scout Sam and misunderstood Suzy as they run away together on an adventure. It's a journey that leaves you smiling, yearning for lost innocence, and savoring every delightfully crafted moment. | © Focus Features

2. Drive (2011) / 7.8 (IMDb)
Drive is probably one of the greatest and most brilliantly executed art-house films to have graced the screen. From its brutal violence to its hypnotic visuals, the film captivates with a mix of contemporary and retro aesthetics, which delivers a true modern masterpiece redefining the noir genre. | © Bold Films

1. Mandy (2018) / 6.5 (IMDb)
Mandy is a real masterpiece and most people hate it because it's not what they are used to, they just don't get it. The film has powerful, raw energy and metal-inspired aesthetic that makes it an unforgettable experience through madness and vengeance. | © XYZ Films
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