This list of ten films includes some of the most influential and popular movies of the past decade. From the epic culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Avengers: Endgame to the groundbreaking horror movie about racism and identity, Get Out, this list showcases the diverse range of stories and genres that have captivated audiences in the 2010s. Other notable films include Black Panther, La La Land, Joker, The Social Network, Mad Max: Fury Road, Moonlight, Parasite, and Inception, each of which have earned critical acclaim and awards recognition for their unique storytelling approaches, powerful themes, and exceptional performances.
1. Avengers: Endgame
The Marvel Cinematic Universe took over the world in the 2010s, and Avengers: Endgame was the culmination of ten years of planning and storytelling. The epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga saw the Avengers facing off against Thanos in a final battle that had fans cheering and crying in equal measure. Endgame broke box office records and solidified the MCU as the biggest franchise in the world.
2. Black Panther
Black Panther was more than just a superhero movie. It was a cultural phenomenon that celebrated black excellence and inspired a generation. The film broke barriers and shattered stereotypes, becoming the highest-grossing solo superhero movie ever and earning critical acclaim for its representation and storytelling.
3. La La Land
La La Land was a love letter to classic Hollywood musicals, but it was also a modern masterpiece in its own right. The film’s stunning visuals, catchy music, and heartbreaking story of love and ambition captured audiences’ hearts and earned the film six Academy Awards.
4. Get Out
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, was a groundbreaking horror movie that explored racism and identity in America. The film’s clever writing, powerful performances, and shocking twists made it a critical and commercial success, earning Peele an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
5. Joker
Joker was a dark, gritty, and controversial take on the iconic Batman villain, but it was also a tour de force performance by Joaquin Phoenix. The film explored themes of mental illness, class inequality, and societal decay, making it a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
6. The Social Network
The Social Network told the story of how Facebook came to be, but it was also a biting commentary on the culture of the internet and the way it has changed our lives. The film’s sharp writing, complex characters, and innovative filmmaking techniques earned it critical acclaim and the Best Picture Oscar nomination.
7. Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road was a non-stop action extravaganza that reinvigorated the post-apocalyptic genre. The film’s breathtaking visuals, thrilling chase scenes, and strong feminist themes made it a cinematic revolution and earned it six Oscars.
8. Moonlight
Moonlight was a powerful and poignant coming-of-age story that explored race, sexuality, and identity in America. The film’s intimate storytelling, stunning cinematography, and breakout performances made it a critical darling and the Best Picture winner at the Oscars.
9. Parasite
Parasite was a genre-defying masterpiece that explored class conflict and inequality in South Korea. The film’s dark humor, clever social commentary, and twisty plot made it a global sensation, winning four Oscars and becoming the first foreign-language film to win Best Picture.
10. Inception
Inception was a mind-bending masterpiece that explored the nature of reality and the power of dreams. The film’s complex narrative, stunning visuals, and iconic score made it a cultural phenomenon and cemented Christopher Nolan’s status as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time.