EJ’s Top 10 Of The Last 10 Years: Movies

I Had The Pleasure Of Compiling My Top 10 Favorite Films Since 2006

Looking back at the past 10 years in film, we’ve seen the epic rise of superhero films and countless remakes. During that time, I’ve had built an obscure taste in cinema. I’ve loved the dark, the shocking, and the grotesque all my life so creating a top 10 from the last 10 was quite interesting. In a time it seems like Hollywood has a strong grip on the norm, some projects that have stood out to me as the wild bunch.

Below are my top 10 movies since 2006:

10. We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)

-Something about this film just terrified me. For years, I’ve always said that kids aren’t for me. What if something happens or worse…what if they don’t love me? That’s what this film does so well. It takes all those parenting fears and puts them on full display. What happens when your kid is pure evil? Also, lead actress Tilda Swinton is one of my favorite ever. What a performance from her here.

9. Godzilla (2014)

-Many know that I adore the Godzilla franchise. From the original in 1954 to this reboot, I can’t get enough of the giant green monster. What director Gareth Edwards did with such an iconic creature was outstanding and moments like the H.A.L.O. jump scene are pure cinematic genius. Can’t wait to the upcoming 2019 sequel and eventual clash with King Kong! Never has the beast looked so beautiful.

8. Black Swan (2010)

-Almost put another Darren Aronofsky film titled ‘The Wrester‘ in place of this top 10 pick but something about the darkness in ‘Black Swan‘ stuns me. Natalie Portman’s Nina in this film just wants to be perfect. Plain and simple, her strive for perfection drives her insane. ‘Black Swan‘ really depicts the darkest side of being passionate.

7. Watchmen (2009)

-Up until this year’s ‘Batman v Superman‘, this was my favorite comic book movie. While I know it’s a poor adaptation of the beloved graphic novel, I love what Zack Snyder did for this piece. Alan Moore’s work is impossible to re-create so Snyder took his personal influence from the piece and morphed it into a true superhero film epic. The visuals are good, the themes are bold, and I love stylistic directors.

6. I Saw The Devil (2010)

-South Korean director Kim Jee-woon is a blessing to cinema. Some of his early movies are great but this 2010 action-filled psychological horror is his best work. ‘I Saw The Devil‘ shocks and thrills like no other horror film I can think of. Also, love the theme of showing someone doing very bad things for their own moral vengeance. That was shown with great acting from both Lee Byung-hun & Choi Min-sik.

5. Antichrist (2009)

-‘Antichrist‘ director Lars Von Trier is probably one of the most polarizing directors ever. His films test your limits and his antics are wild but when he gets it right, it’s beauty. This film is beautiful but so damn dark. The start of his Depression Trilogy kicks off with this horrifying look at marriage, love, and sanity. Lead actor Willem Dafoe is great but actress Charlotte Gainsbourg is a powerhouse.

4. Evil Dead (2013)

-Could this be the best remake ever? I would go on record saying it is! Not only does it match the tone of the original piece but amps the horror up even more. You thought ‘The Evil Dead’ from 1981 was gory, wait till you see this bloody mess. Director Fede Alvarez worked well in Sam Rami’s original universe but crafts together something that sky-rocketed him to the top of horror lovers list.

3. Spring Breakers (2012)

–Harmony Korine is another polarizing director on my top 10 list. Films like ‘Gummo‘ and ‘Trash Humpers‘ really challenge viewers. Then came ‘Spring Breakers‘; the art film that people marketed to the YOLO generation. With the Florida setting and the trashy people, this felt close to home. Nothing encapsulates and exploits my generation more than this film. Also, there is some breathtaking cinematography!

2. Martyrs (2008):

-No other horror film has moved me like this. ‘Martyrs‘ is truly an exercise in nihilism. When someone asks me my favorite movie, ‘Jaws‘ would come to mind. But when this film came out, I started to think before responding. A French import during a time when France was making the most extreme horror movies, ‘Martyrs‘ is honestly a masterclass in filmmaking. Each frame has a purpose & the message is too deep.

1. Nymphomaniac Vol. 1 and Vol 2. (2014)

-The second Lars Von Trier on this top 10 list is by far one of the best pieces of cinema I’ve ever witnessed. Never has something spoke to me as a filmmaker and movie lover than the jaw-dropping Director’s Cut of ‘Nymphomaniac‘. Charlotte Gainsbourg again stars but playing the younger version of her character is Stacy Martin in a stellar showing. I can’t wait to see what movie can top this for me.

Thank you so much for checking out my list! Do any of your favorites make the list?

Let me know some of your favorite movies since 2006 in the comments below!