It was another year of ups, downs, good, bad (and ugly) at the movies in 2018 and it's time to round up our annual Top 10 best of the year. Compiled by JoBlo.com critics, these are our Top 10 Best of the Year (in no particular order). From Comic-Book films to horror to drama to sci-fi and more, we had nice sampling of different films that stuck with us the most. That's not to say there weren't other great films in 2018, but there are the ten films that left the biggest impact on us and stand out as films we're still thinking and talking about as we head into the new year. Take a look at our roster and be sure to let us know what YOUR Top 10 best films were for 2018. Here's to another great year at the movies!
From the sickening sight of a giant worm spinning inside a conscious man's body to the unearthly sound of a woman's moan emitting from a mutant animal, Alex Garland's Annihilation easily provided 2018's most unsettling nightmare fuel. A sci-fi mystery that only gets more abstract as it goes along, culminating in a mesmerizing sequence of destruction – and self-destruction – Garland's film entranced and mystified with its thought-provoking narrative and surreal visuals. Having an A+ cast led by Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson only further solidifies it as a modern day classic in the genre, one filmgoers will be talking about for many years to come. – Eric Walkuski
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How refreshing it is to have Spike Lee back in form, doing what he did best in his heyday: provoking us with incendiary ideas and images, feeling free to take no prisoners and provide no easy answers. The fact that this true story, about an undercover black police officer who remarkably infiltrated a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, manages to be so funny and entertaining while still maintaining a very serious stance on the ever-relevant issue of racism in the U.S. is a testament to Lee's uncanny ability as a filmmaker to make us regard the truth whether we like it or not. BlackKKlansman is a stranger-than-fiction tale that makes us cringe, laugh, and take a good look at who (and where) we are. – Eric Walkuski
It is a rare thing indeed when a film franchise wildly improves as it continues. One prime example is the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE series. In FALLOUT, Tom Cruise once again takes this adventure to amazing new heights. The motorcycle chase is outstanding, as is the fist fight that takes place in a public restroom, but it’s all about the HALO jump that leaves the viewer wondering how the hell he does it. As incredible as Mr. Cruise is here, he’s supported by a great cast including regulars Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson and Sean Harris. As well, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby and Henry Cavill bring a little support to this incredible world. It all leads to a glorious final chase and fight that blew audiences away. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT is one of the most thrillingly satisfying cinematic experiences you could ask for. – JimmyO
A STAR IS BORN defied the odds in so many ways. A third version of a familiar story, and a first time director with a famous musician in the lead. It could have been just another bland remake, yet it works beautifully on every level. When you have a story has been told before, it is nearly impossible to bring something fresh to the material. However, Bradley Cooper has delivered a gritty and raw take on this romantic drama. It impressively examines the music world as well as the struggles of an addict and those who are affected by it. Infused with a stunning soundtrack, and an incredible supporting cast with such standouts as Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and especially Sam Elliott, this is a monumental success. And most importantly, Lady Gaga and Cooper not only bring the music to life, their on-screen romance is electrifying. The title is also quite appropriate considering that a directing, as well as an acting star, have certainly been born thanks to this excellent feature. – JimmyO
For me, this is arguably the most important film of the year, in that it puts an end to the notion that Netflix films are "lesser than" films. While yes, that may be the case for some (which feel like little more than TV movies) ROMA is pure cinema, and bodes well for what's to come from the server. If the Academy overlooks this one, it'll be a crime, as Alfonso Cuarón's film is the type we'll still be talking about years down the line. Arguably his finest achievement to date (although I waffle back and forth between this and CHILDREN OF MEN). – Chris Bumbray
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One of the biggest surprises of the year came early on with director John Krasinski's A QUIET PLACE. A high-concept horror thriller, starring Krasinski and real-life wife Emily Blunt, the film carries almost no dialogue and relies purely on what you see. It's a breathless endeavor that defines edge-of-your-seat entertainment, while infusing a fresh new voice, both in story and talent. Nobody expected Jim From The Office to become an action star with his turn in Amazon Prime's Jack Ryan, let alone a unique voice in the horror genre, yet Krasinski proved both correct this year and we can't wait to see what he does next. – Paul Shirey
What happens when you combine ten years worth of storytelling into a single film? Well, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is the answer. Compounding threads, characters and events from eighteen films since 2008, this was a behemoth to pull off successfully, with much of it resting on a mo-cap performance from Josh Brolin as Thanos. That's a tall order in itself, but the fact that all of the MCU characters got the spotlight long enough to push their stories further in this pantheon is something to behold. Joe and Anthony Russo somehow managed to pull it all off, but more than that, they delivered an exciting, action-packed adventure that stands on its own despite the logistical feat it accomplishes. Powerful, emotional and thrilling, INFINITY WAR pays off in spades, while leaving us all hungry for the next and final chapter to the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. End Game can't get here fast enough. – Paul Shirey
Of all the films I've seen this year, FIRST REFORMED will no doubt be the one I return to the most. In fact, I've already felt compelled to watch it numerous times, including once on Christmas Eve of all days. Something about Paul Schrader's dark night of the soul keeps me coming back for more. One thing's for certain – there's no performance this year that can equal Ethan Hawke's haunted turn as a pastor suffering through a physical and spiritual crisis, with an ending that's as maddening as it is provocative. – Chris Bumbray
There is something truly special about PADDINGTON 2. What could have simply been a generic family tale transcends into one of the most joyful and heartwarming stories of the year. Ben Whishaw is perfectly cast as the voice of the lovable bear, and Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters add indelible support to this engagingly sweet tale. Yet it is Hugh Grant who really surprises with what could very well be his finest performance to date. The cast is outstanding, as are the charms of a lovable bear who has a sweet tooth for marmalade. Writer/director Paul King expertly captures all the magic of the original stories with his impressive directorial work and a delightful script co-written by King and Simon Farnaby – both should earn Academy Award nominations. Don’t let the adorable nature of this family fable turn you away, this is easily one of the most inspired features of the year. – JimmyO
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After six live-action movies with varying actors portraying the titular Webhead, SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE mashes it all together to make one of the best tales yet for our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (and women, pigs, robots, etc.). Introducing audiences to Miles Morales, the half black/half hispanic teen that acquires Spider-Man-style powers, while bringing in a plethora of Spider characters from multiple universes, this is a film that opens the floodgates of possibiity in expanding the franchise, but also the mythos of Spider-Man. Jake Johnson as an older Spider-Man from, presumably, the Sam Raimi Spider-Verse, is excellent as the mentor who trains Miles, played by Shameik Moore, into becoming the best Spider-Man for his world. All the familiar themes are alive and well, while the eye-popping animation makes it larger than life, creating a Spider-Man story that anyone and everyone can relate to. – Paul Shirey