Now that 2018 has come to a close, it’s a good time to look back and reflect on the best 10 movies to be released this past year.
Number 10: Halloween
A sequel that ignores all the previous ones and picks up 40 years after the original 1978 classic.
One of the best things that this film does is build genuine tension around Michael’s return and Lori’s fears of having to face him again.
Of course, among the most iconic aspects of this franchise are the brutal and gruesome kills, which are absolutely incredible here.
There was plenty to leave you unsettled and uneasy but there is still that excitement that comes from watching a movie like this.
Number 9: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
The documentary about Fred Rogers (better known as Mr. Rogers) is one that inspires its viewers to respect children and their intelligence.
It gives an in-depth look at what made Mr. Rogers so iconic and important to so many different people.
It serves as a good reminder of the best that humanity can offer.
Number 8: Bumblebee
After years of being critically panned, the Transformers franchise in its newest instalment finally made an enjoyable movie for everyone.
It’s a delightful blend of heart and action and provides a perfect trip for the family to the movies. It highlights the best of what Transformers has to offer.
The homages to ’80s films and tropes are fun and never detract from the movie itself. In fact, it’s one of the few movies that tries to feel like an ’80s film and actually succeeds.
Number 7: Mission Impossible Fallout
For most franchises, by the sixth entry, audiences tend to lose interest as the movies begin to feel stale. But that couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to Fallout.
It is one of the best entries into the Tom Cruise-led series of action flicks. The story is engaging and the action is breathtaking.
The movie never feels like it drags for a minute or wastes its viewers’ time. It knows what the audience wants and delivers tenfold.
Number 6: Eighth Grade
A small indie drama that accurately depicts what it is like to transition from middle school to the early years of high school.
Nothing is sugar-coated. The kids talk like kids really do talk and the characters have a lot of the problems that kids really do have today.
It’s a good chance for kids to see themselves reflected in a piece of art and a chance for parents to gain a better understanding of what their kid is either going through or has gone through.
Number 5: Black Panther
All the way back in February 2018 Marvel’s Black Panther was a smash hit, earning a well-deserved $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
The movie does an excellent job of continuing to expand the Marvel universe and keeping things fresh and adding more characters to identify with.
The most surprising and satisfying aspect of Black Panther was its genuine and well executed political message that never comes off as preachy, but as informative instead.
Number 4: Creed II
It’s hard to believe that the Rocky franchise is still going on and remains strong today despite getting its start all the way back in 1976.
The second entry into the Creed sub-franchise, provides fans with a satisfying followup to not only the first Creed film, but also Rocky IV.
The film does a good job of showing the difficulties of a fighter’s lifestyle from the perspective of our heroes and our villains. It isn’t afraid to show both sides of the story.
The boxing scenes are exhilarating and will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, feeling every punch.
Number 3: Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse
You would be forgiven for questioning the very notion of an animated Spider-Man movie, but thanks to a dedicated creative team, it is clear why this movie was made.
It tells a great story that has aspects for everyone to enjoy and relate to, whether you are a young person struggling to find who you are, like Miles Morales; or an adult like Peter Parker, trying to find the spark and passion that’s gone out of things that you once loved.
The animation is simply unlike anything that’s ever been done before and will leave audiences speechless.
Number 2: BlacKkKlansman
BlacKkKlansman is loosely based on the real-life experiences of detective Ron Stallworth, a black man who infiltrated and became a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
John David Washington (son of Denzel Washington) is an incredibly charming and likable lead who you instantly want to see more of.
The powerful story is one that will stick with its audience members for days — not only for its important message but for the wonderful ride they just went on with these characters.
Number 1: Avengers Infinity War
The penultimate entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one that for sure left audiences speechless and horrified.
It excellently balances the humour, the action, the story, the heroes and the villains, culminating in a highly satisfying movie.
The movie’s cliffhanger ending makes waiting for the April 26, 2019 sequel Endgame difficult. But it will also have a long-lasting impact on popular culture.
