Best Pictures of the Last Decade

The last decade has seen an impressive range of cinematic masterpieces that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, there has been no shortage of exceptional filmmaking that has left an indelible mark on our collective cultural consciousness. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best picture last 10 years, examining what made them so special and why they continue to be beloved by audiences and critics alike.

Introduction: The Art of Filmmaking

Before we dive into our list of the best picture last 10 years, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate the art of filmmaking. Movies have the unique ability to transport us to different worlds, allowing us to experience a range of emotions and perspectives that we may not have encountered otherwise. Filmmakers are the architects of these worlds, using their craft to create stories that resonate with audiences on a deep and meaningful level.

1. The Shape of Water (2017)

1 of Best picture last 10 years

The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a stunningly beautiful and deeply moving film that explores the power of love and acceptance in the face of oppression. Set in 1962, the film tells the story of Elisa, a mute woman who works as a janitor in a government laboratory. When she falls in love with a mysterious aquatic creature being held captive in the lab, she risks everything to free him and keep him safe from harm. The Shape of Water won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the best films of the decade.

2. Parasite (2019)

2 of Best picture last 10 years

Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a darkly comic and deeply unsettling film that explores the class divide in modern-day South Korea. The film tells the story of a poor family who infiltrate the home of a wealthy family by posing as tutors and housekeepers. As their deception spirals out of control, the film becomes a chilling commentary on the corrupting influence of power and the lengths that people will go to in order to maintain their position in society. Parasite won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking films of the decade.

3. La La Land (2016)

3 of Best picture last 10 years

La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle, is a dazzling tribute to the classic Hollywood musicals of the past. The film tells the story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a struggling jazz pianist, as they navigate the ups and downs of their careers and their relationship. Set against a backdrop of brightly colored dance numbers and sweeping musical sequences, the film is a joyous celebration of the power of music and the magic of cinema. La La Land won six Oscars, including Best Director and Best Actress, and is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning films of the decade.

4. Moonlight (2016)

4 of Best picture last 10 years

Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving film that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and race in modern-day America. The film tells the story of Chiron, a young black man coming of age in Miami, as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving. Through its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Moonlight captures the complexities of human experience in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Moonlight won three Oscars, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the most important films of the decade.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

5 of Best picture last 10 years

Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller, is a pulse-pounding action masterpiece that redefined what a modern action film could be. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Max, a lone wanderer, and Furiosa, a warrior seeking redemption, as they race across a barren wasteland pursued by a ruthless warlord and his army of followers. Through its thrilling set pieces and stunning practical effects, Mad Max: Fury Road delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that is both exhilarating and unforgettable. The film won six Oscars, including Best Film Editing and Best Costume Design, and is widely regarded as one of the best action films ever made.

6. The Social Network (2010)

6 of Best picture last 10 years

The Social Network, directed by David Fincher, is a compelling and thought-provoking film that tells the story of the creation of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles that followed. Through its sharp writing and expert direction, the film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timely and timeless. The Social Network won three Oscars and is widely regarded as one of the best films of the decade.

7. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

7 of Best picture last 10 years

12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, is a powerful and deeply affecting film that tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is abducted and sold into slavery in the 19th century. Through its unflinching depiction of the horrors of slavery and its impact on both the enslaved and the enslavers, the film shines a light on one of the darkest chapters in American history. 12 Years a Slave won three Oscars, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the most important films of the decade.

8. Roma (2018)

8 of Best picture last 10 years

Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a stunningly beautiful and deeply personal film that explores the life of a domestic worker in 1970s Mexico City. Through its gorgeous black and white cinematography and intimate storytelling, the film captures the complexities of family, class, and culture in a way that is both moving and insightful. Roma won three Oscars, including Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film, and is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning films of the decade.

9. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

9 of Best picture last 10 years

The Grand Budapest Hotel, directed by Wes Anderson, is a whimsical and charming film that tells the story of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel, and Zero Moustafa, his loyal protégé. Through its meticulously crafted sets and costumes, quirky characters, and delightful storytelling, the film is a love letter to the golden age of European cinema. The Grand Budapest Hotel won four Oscars, including Best Production Design and Best Original Score, and is widely regarded as one of the most delightful films of the decade.

10. Get Out (2017)

10 of Best picture last 10 years

Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, is a genre-bending horror film that explores the insidious nature of racism in modern-day America. The film tells the story of Chris, a young black man who goes to visit his white girlfriend’s family in the suburbs, only to discover a horrifying secret that puts his life in danger. Through its sharp writing, expert direction, and powerful performances, Get Out is a chilling commentary on race relations in America and a masterful work of suspense and horror. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential films of the last decade.

conclusion

The last decade has been a remarkable time for cinema, with a plethora of exceptional films that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. From visually stunning masterpieces to thought-provoking dramas and pulse-pounding action films, there has been no shortage of exceptional filmmaking that has left an indelible mark on our cultural consciousness. These films are a testament to the power of cinema to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel and think deeply, and to connect us to one another through shared experiences. As we look forward to the next decade of filmmaking, we can only hope that it will be as rich and rewarding as the last.

Frequently asked questions

1. What criteria were used to determine the “best pictures” of the last decade? A: The films on this list were chosen based on a combination of critical acclaim, box office success, cultural impact, and personal opinion.
2. Why are these films considered the best of the last decade? A: These films are widely regarded as exceptional examples of filmmaking, featuring stunning visuals, powerful performances, and thought-provoking storytelling.
3. Are there any notable omissions from this list? A: Yes, there are many outstanding films from the last decade that could have easily made this list, but we had to limit the selection to just 10.
4. What impact have these films had on the film industry? A: Many of these films have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to explore new ideas and techniques.
5. What can we expect from the next decade of filmmaking? A: It’s difficult to predict what the future holds, but based on the exceptional films of the last decade, we can expect even more groundbreaking and innovative works of art that will continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.