Top Fifty Films of the Decade (2010-19)

BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN

The past decade, for me, has been one with two solid themes: change and home. As I’ve searched, both literally and existentially, for the meaning of the two words, I’ve found solace in my journey through the consumption of music, books, and film. Lyrics about deconstructing the nuances of life have littered the miles I’ve put on my car as I’ve traveled across the country, seeking those whose lives are similar and different than mine. Books have inspired me to put my own thoughts on paper and trace the stories from the present to the past as I find out how this is the person I’ve become. And, though I try to see almost any movie released throughout the year both in an effort to entertain and distract while celebrating the art of cinema, I’ve gravitated most towards the films that focus on stories of discovery.

Movies have had a firm grasp on my view of the world since I was a kid enamored by the ‘real’ dinosaurs in Spielberg’s Jurassic Park or the nearly-perfect storytelling of classics like The Wizard of Oz and Singin’ in the Rain. By the time I was in college, Sundance hits like sex, lies, and videotape and events like the Academy Awards had created a filter by which I made my selections while walking every aisle of Blockbuster each week.

In 2019, as I continued acclimating to a new place I called home, I’ve found more in common with many of the characters in my favorite films from the past decade who’ve ended their cinematic journeys in a place of comfort and respite. I’ve had years where I wasn’t sure my story would have a happy ending (a trope I commonly find somewhat comforting than any fairy tale put to screen). I’m not naive enough to know hardships aren’t still around the corner in the years ahead, but I’m also not too skeptical to miss out on celebrating the happiness in which I’ve found in things like change and home.

The films that follow are ones that have lived on in my mind long after the credits rolled the first, second, and even tenth and eleventh times I’ve watched them. Some are feats of filmmaking never before seen. Others are surprise box office successes that entered the pantheon of film greats from the moment they were released. As subjective as it is to make ‘best of’ lists, I feel confident that this collection of cinema is worthy of being seen, criticised, and embraced.