10. X-Men: Days of Future Past

Kicking off the list is an early summer superhero flick, X-Men: Days of Future Past. The film assembled all the cast members from previous X-Men movies and resulted in a thought-provoking time traveling story that had fans and critics asking for more. Also notable for being more character-driven rather than focusing only on action, it leads as number ten in the best films of 2014.

9. Foxcatcher

Foxcatcher made a name for itself early on in 2014. The film kicked off at Cannes Film Festival and immediately critics were definite that it was Oscar-worthy. The film starring Steve Carell as real-life millionaire John du Pont tells the tale of his endeavor to train the Olympic-winning Schultz brothers (Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo) for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Sadly, it’s John’s selfish desires and ambitions, which leads the three men into a series of unpredictable events. Foxcatcher’s character study of the three men trying to achieve the American dream is memorable, yet tragic, but at the same time granting it a spot as one of 2014’s best.

8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Another film to pop out of the rabbit hole of summer blockbusters was Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. The plot revolves around a forthcoming war between apes and humans, and it’s up to individuals on both sides to stop the conflict from starting. Dawn checked the marks in the usual summer movie categories but it took a unique turn by providing audience’s with an engrossing storyline without the breaking the tension. It’s definitely one of 2014’s more powerful and intelligent films to hit the theaters, which is why it deserves a spot on our list.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy is Marvel’s crowning achievement of 2014. By taking a step away from our typical heroes (Iron Man, Captain America, etc.), the film introduced audiences to a new team of heroes in an unfamiliar setting, space. The film exceeded expectations with its epic space battles, witty dialogue, and more importantly, the development within its characters. Guardians alone made 772.1 million worldwide and gave us an uplifting note on the future of superhero movies engraving itself a spot on our list.

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson’s original and imaginative mind came to full potential with his eighth film, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Taking place in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, the film centers on hotel concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) and his lobby boy Zero as they unintentionally become suspects in the robbery of a priceless painting, which leads to an outrageous and wacky adventure. Absurd and hilarious in its originality, Anderson single-handedly crafts a work of art with color set designs and illustrative montages. It’s among 2014’s most unique (and unusual) films and lands a spot on the list.

5. The Lego Movie

The family-fun filled adventure starring Chris Pratt was the shining light in the February graveyard of films. It’s clever script and superb 3-D animation appealed to audiences of all ages and eventually paid off by making 480 million dollars worldwide. Everything is nothing short of awesome in The Lego Movie.

4. Gone Girl

It was hard to pick up my jaw from the floor once the credits started rolling for Gone Girl. Fincher’s adaptation of the novel of the same name is impeccable. It has a tortuous plot that delivers a power-punch to the gut along with its satirical depiction of today’s media. Surprisingly though, its Rosamund Pike’s chilling performance as Amy Dunne that plants Gone Girl among 2014’s best.

3. Interstellar

Interstellar brought to the table a breathtaking cinematic experience that only few filmmakers have been able to achieve. With its elaborate plot and its practical, yet stunning visual effects, Christopher Nolan redefined the space genre. But in the end, it’s the touching relationship between Cooper (McConaughey) and Murph that makes Interstellar one of the best films of the year. Love transcends time and space, and so does Interstellar.

2. Boyhood

Boyhood takes home the gold for being one of the most unique and emotional films of the year. Shot over the course of twelve years, the tale of Mason growing up right before your eyes is one of the most realistic, amusing, and moving stories brought to the big screen. It captures the essence and beauty of growing up which few films have longed to achieve. And with Ethan Hawke and Patricia Antiquate giving potent performances as Mason’s divorced parents, it’s hard not to put Boyhood as one of 2014’s best.

1. Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

A particular scene in Birdman shows a note on Riggan’s dressing room mirror. It reads, “A thing is a thing, not what is said of that thing.” Birdman can be summed up by this simple phrase. Filmed as if it was one long take, and with triumphant performances from the ensemble cast, there are little to no words that can justify its brilliance. Birdman is simply what it is, a thing, that just so happens to be a masterpiece.