Best movies of 2009

I may be four months late to the game, but now that I've more or less finished watching 2009's most talked about movies, I think it's about time I ranked them. Here are, in descending order, my favorite films of 2009.

10. Up in the Air
Cool, relevant, and surprisingly touching in spades. It’s a career-defining role for George Clooney, but I somehow doubt it will be his last.

9. Precious
A punishing film that, unlike fellow best picture nominee The Blind Side, highlights the struggle of one individual rather than the kindness of a few around her. The real meat is in the supporting acting, but make no mistake – this story is all about the triumph of its lead.

8. Zombieland
Call it surprise 1.5 on the list. Jessie Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are hilarious as strangers brought together to fight zombies in post-apocalyptic America. Watch it for 2009’s best cameo alone.


a banner year for zombies, Nazis, and Woody Harrelson

7. 500 Days of Summer
The anti-He’s Just Not That Into You. A romantic comedy that forgoes box office muscle for actual acting talent with dazzling results. An endlessly charming movie that feels just right from start to finish.

6. District 9
An original story in a year full of re-makes. Treads a little too close to Michael Bay territory in its last half hour, but nevertheless gripping cinema that has me excited to see what Neill Blomkamp does next.

5. The Cove
The biggest surprise, for me, on this list. Thrilling documentary that had me cheering on the edge of my seat before its devastating final act. A must-see film.

4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Two animated movies in the top five? You betcha. As funny as Up but with a few more winks and nods. It’ll make you think that all Wes Anderson movies ought to be animated.


big love for George Clooney's other role

3. Up
As close to a perfect film as 2009 had to offer.

2. Avatar
Like Star Wars but with a no-brainer environmental message. I suspect it’ll be even more well-received over time.

1. Inglourious Basterds
The best movie, with the best performance and the best single scene of any film this year. In fact, it may have had the three best scenes. It’s funny, scary at times, and perhaps Tarantino’s best work to date.


Christoph Waltz is thinking about how awesome he is