The Best Films of 2008
As 2008 comes to a close, it is time to both rank the best movies of the year and recall the potential candidates that I missed.
As I mentioned in my most disappointing films of 2008 list, I felt that 2008 was a step down from 2007 for the number of quality films. However I now believe that the real problem was that I did not get to the theater as much as last year. As you will see in my ‘missed list’ there were a number of movies I wanted to see and definitely feel could make my top ten. Between my college student budget and class schedule I never got around to seeing them.
The missed films are obviously ineligible for placement on my best of the year awards. Had I seen them before making this list then it is possible they would have been included.
Films I Missed in 2008
These are the movies that I have a strong desire to see, but have not. Some (The Wrestler, Slumdog Millionaire) only were released very recently.
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (view trailer)
- The Spirit (view trailer)
- Appaloosa (view trailer)
- The Wrestler (view trailer)
- Slumdog Millionaire (view trailer)
- The Fall (view trailer)
The Top Five Films of 2008
5. Kung Fu Panda
The year was a great one for animated films. I am sure there were far more terrible animated movies than excellent overall, but Kung Fu Panda is just one example of the excellent category. Jack Black was a perfect choice to voice panda lead Po. The movie has tons of action and is consistently hilarious.
4. Bolt
Continuing the quality animated trend was Bolt, the story of a television star dog who believes he has real super powers. I can honestly say I did not laugh at any film this year harder or more often than Bolt. Sure, while in the theater most of the people laughing with me were under the age of ten, but that does not change the fact that Bolt is hysterical. Combine that with its enjoyable and touching story and you have one of my favorites of 2008.
3. Iron Man
It was a great year for superhero movies (see #2 also) and Iron Man sort of got left in the dust of The Dark Knight. Hopefully it will not be forgotten because it set itself apart as one of the best superhero movies ever. Iron Man was action-packed with great special effects and an exquisite comedic touch.
2. The Dark Knight
Of course when I mentioned The Dark Knight leaving Iron Man in the dust it was not to say that The Dark Knight was not a great film. It is arguably the greatest comic book/superhero film ever created. I am still amazed that it was actually able to fulfill its unbelievable amount of hype. Due to its epic scope and the brilliant performance of Heath Ledger it will stand as one of the greatest films of my generation.
1. Wall-E
After my strong yet apparently controversial review, was there any doubt what my best of the year was going to be? My favorite film of 2008 is the brilliant Wall-E. From the creative story and equally creative storytelling to the wonderful characters, Wall-E was an amazing creation from start to finish. There are some who cannot give an animated film that much credit, and unfortunately they are missing out on a truly spectacular work.
For those interested, here are my best of 2007 in Part 1 and Part 2.
Are there any other movies I might have missed this year? What were your favorite films of 2008?
5 Comments
i have only seen one movie on this list and it deserves its number two placement, but only because marley & me takes the cake because it was awesome. i love you jen, more than you will ever know.
wall-e being anywhere neat to the top 50 is a joke, and benjamin button was #1.
I have not seen Benjamin Button which could be amazing. However it is hard to argue that Wall-E should not be in the top 50. Maybe it was not your personal favorite of the year, but it is an excellent film. It obviously is also my favorite of 2008.
i just cant believe that you have succumbed to this atrocity as your personal favorite.
why is beverly hills chiuaua not on this list.
and yes, i realize my spelling is disgusting…
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