Just as a reminder, here’s what it means when a movie gets on my top tier. They have to be movies that I absolutely loved, feel passionate about how great they are, and could talk about at length.
Given that I ended up with 21, I’ve broken the list into 3 posts. Here’s the first seven, in alphabetical order.
Anora
Another triumph for Sean Baker that surprisingly leans into screwball comedy before pulling it back for a devastating, empathetic close; the entire cast, led by an astounding Mikey Madison, is brilliant.
The Apprentice
By focusing on the relationship between Trump and Roy Cohn, this movie dodges the biopic cliches and features two amazing performances from Stan and Strong; gripping, disturbing and ultimately emotionally punishing.
Blink Twice
An incredible directorial debut from Zoe Kravitz also features a star-making lead performance from Naomi Ackie; an unsettling and tense atmosphere explodes into a harrowing, horrifying exploration of violence and misogyny.
Challengers
As purely entertaining as any movie I saw this year, this devil’s love triangle boasts three incredible performances; visually stunning direction; a smart, subversive script; and a propulsive, brilliant score. No exaggeration: jumped right to the top of my favorite sports movies.
Civil War
By far Alex Garland’s most conventional film, but it’s still a disturbing, engrossing, excellently acted thriller and the final half-hour is a more overwhelming and intense battle scene than anything I’ve seen in years, if not decades.
Conclave
A masterclass in acting from the entire cast in this not-quite-a-thriller thriller about choosing the new Pope; surprising, smart and ultimately moving.
Deadpool & Wolverine
After a disappointing second film, the Deadpool franchise roars back with this rollicking, absolutely gut-bustingly hilarious movie. Incredible action and incredible comedy left me gasping for breath. Nothing this year was funnier than Channing Tatum’s incomprehensible accent.