And yet another remarkable year in the film industry…Hence, I must share my favourites with you all! The chances are, I will end up changing this list around if I happen to discover films I have missed out on from 2015. But nonetheless, I highly recommend everything on this list. So, sit back, dim your lights and check out these mind-blowing films. Here are my favourites…
20. The Duke of Burgundy (2015) – This film requires your full attention. I recommend this for anyone who appreciates beautiful cinematic art. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Review: here
19. Selma (2015) – A gripping biopic on Martin Luther King, Jr. From the brutal attacks to the inspiring speeches, anger-provoking in the ways it wants to be.
Review: here
18. Jurassic World (2015) – This blockbuster includes the right amount of elements and all measured out in the correct quantities: humour, action, great pacing, CGI (which I must say, is very impressive!!) and sentimental in parts. It’s time to buy your tickets folks, because this park is only open for a limited time.
Review: here
17. The Walk (2015) – Bringing the World Trade Center back to life, The Walk makes for a surprising hit, and a significantly underrated film. However, if you are afraid of heights, this film may not be for you…The print poster alone will make your palms break into sweat. A nail-biting watch!
Review: here
16. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) – The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is tough to dislike. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s also sincere. It’s a true joy to watch, evoking a range of emotions throughout. Time to bring in Mirren for the third installment to the franchise!
Review: here
15. It Follows (2015) – Has a great concept and was certainly worthwhile. If you are looking to see a simple, but distinctive and stylistic horror film, this is definitely for you.
Review: here
14. Inside Out (2015) – It’s fresh material, fun, and surprisingly deep. And as an audience, I assure you, you will end up feeling each of the emotions in just 94 minutes. Definitely Pixar’s stand-out film with regards to themes, and not letting substance be ruled by style. A very intelligent film that allows you to dig as deep into it as you would like. I know I certainly did…
Review: here
13. Clouds of Sils Maria (2015) – A compelling drama and character study. Clouds of Sils Maria feels spontaneous, entangling its audience deeply along its perceptive observations.
Review: here
12. Steve Jobs (2015) – Considering this is the third film to be produced about Steve Jobs in 2 years, finally, someone did it right, and Boyle was indeed the man to pull it off. Imaginably, there is a good number of people who are tired of hearing about Jobs. But, whether you dislike him or love him, you simply cannot deny the instrument he helped create. The film does not cover every single one of his achievements. Instead, it paints a portrait of who he was at specific moments of his life.
Review: here
11. Appropriate Behaviour (2015) – Appropriate Behaviour is an admirable first-time feature film from a director whose name will unquestionably be brought into the spotlight with only a matter of time. A cleverly written independent film, with natural performances and witty dialogue. But if you don’t appreciate a dry sense of humour, this film is not for you.
Review: here
10. Suite Française (2015) – It may be promoted as a ‘polite’ wartime romance, but Suite Française is a much feistier one of the bunch, filled with paranoia and unease to reflect the horrors of the war. I promise you, this is a stylish and beautiful production, a compelling watch!
Review: here
9. Son of Saul (2015) – Not quite a Holocaust film (of which it has been promoted as), but is a compelling story about human conflicts nonetheless. One of the best international films of 2015.
Review: here
8. Spotlight (2015) – A heart-breaking film, based on a true story. Director, Tom McCarthy, takes a more subtle approach with the direction. Forget flashy directorial choices, McCarthy lets the narrative unfold with a tension alone.
Review: here
7. Room (2015) – While it’s slow, Room manages to be heart-breaking, unsettling and inspirational all at once. As a member of the audience, you feel as though you also are confined in the room with the two characters, trying to come up with an escape plan. All in all, Room is a gut-wrenching survival tale of hope and endurance that’s worthy of your time. It may be small in scale, but the effect it has on you is huge. One of the finest films of 2015; don’t miss it. Side note: Avoid watching the trailer, it gives far too much away…
Review: here
6. Goodnight Mommy (2015) – A surprising hit! A horror with an peculiar twist. Goodnight Mommy is nothing like you’ve ever witnessed before. Engrossing, but disturbing; a story about fairies and unicorns isn’t going to make a breakthrough, is it?
Review: here
5. Anomalisa (2015) – Unspeakably beautiful, Anomalisa is simply a masterpiece. Cannot recommend it enough, to everyone from the independent film enthusiast to the habitual film-goer. Fans of Mary and Max will particularly love this creation. If you’re looking for a stylishly crafted animated drama that is cleverly executed, Anomalisa is the one for you.
Review: here
4. Carol (2015) – Carol is a seductive, dazzling addition to the romance genre, which is worth a watch for the enigmatic performance of Blanchett alone. An enchanting achievement, you are simply won over in minutes. Each and every aspect is so delicately handled by Haynes. One of the most satisfyingly heart-wrenching romances in years.
Review: here
3. The Revenant (2015) – With beyond commendable cinematography, and an intense score by Ryuichi Sakamoto, The Revenant will take you through a cinematic adventure that you have never experienced before. DiCaprio’s ongoing hunt for the Oscar comes to an end with an outstanding performance. If sleeping in a dead horse naked doesn’t land him an Oscar, then nothing will. You don’t just watch The Revenant, you endure and survive it.
Review: here
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Mad Max: Fury Road is barking mad! The cinematography is exceptional and the film itself is beautiful, as well as strange, very strange…in a good way though. In fact, it’s absolutely insane, in all the ways it wants to be. By far one of the best blockbusters of 2015. If you’re a fan of the action genre, then you owe it to yourself to watch this.
Review: here
1. Ex Machina (2015) – Simply put, Ex Machina is my favourite film of 2015 so far. It is such a shame when films like this that maintain a reasonably lower budget don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Filled with impeccable visuals, exceptional performances, and a narrative that has stuck with me days later, Garland’s debut is breathtaking. The sci-fi elements feel authentic despite the fact we’re still not even close to creating such technology. The film manages to cover some relevant themes without ever alienating the audience. Alex Garland is a director to keep an eye on.
Review: here
Which films were your favourite in 2015? Do you agree with my choices? Comment Below your thoughts!
Great list apart from Revenant haha! Great to see Carol so high though. Not enough people seem to be appreciating that film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You! Haha, our only disagreement…ever! Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed Carol, one of the most heart-wrenching films in the romance genre I have seen in a while, that wasn’t ‘sappy’ in the slightest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’m not a massive fan of Jurassic World either but I’ll let you off seeing as it’s not top 10 but yeah Carol was just brilliant. Mara and Blanchett were so great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ex Machina was my favourite as well, it really does stay with you. Personally thought The Revenant was a bit overrated but very much looking forward to seeing Room tomorrow. Good list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You! Yes, it certainly does stay with you. Have watched it twice since, and it just gets better and better. Hope you enjoy Room!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great list! Your top 3 I especially agree with. Ex Machina is not only one of the year’s best, but it’s one of the best sci-fi films that I’ve ever seen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You very much! Definitely – one to watch over and over again, and only gets better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice list. I really want to check out The Walk, and still…for some reason I haven’t watched Ex Machina yet even though I tell myself to do so 3 times a week. Check out my blog if you get the chance. Keep up the awesome work. I’ll be returning to read more! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You so much! Means a lot. Will definitely check out your blog when I have a free moment! For now, check out Ex Machina, I insist! You won’t regret it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely will! It’s in my queue on Amazon Prime so I’ll get on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOO 🙂 I love it that you put Ex Machina as first, it was my third 🙂 So many great choices here, I liked most of them as well. I haven’t even watched some of the movies here, like Son Of Saul and the other foreign films. Really want to see them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You! Oh yes, it was a hard film to beat! I hope it walks away with a few Oscars in the hands of those who produced it.
I haven’t seen so many foreign films this past year either, as not many have been available, nor have they been screened where I live. So I look forward to watching the rest of the Oscar nominated foreign films over time. Definitely check out the ones I’ve mentionned/seen though. They were very good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately none of them are showing where I’m from. My best bet is online. Yes! I will definitely check out the ones you’ve mentioned. Quite interested in Mustang 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too – Mustang is the one I’ve been trying to find for a while now!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fun list. We do share several choices. The Revenant would definitely be in my Top 5 but unfortunately it didn’t release near me until after I did my list. Mad Max, Room, Spotlight…all sooo good. I am dying to see Son of Saul. Hopefully we will get it soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You! I’ll check out your list! I hope you enjoy Son of Saul, it is brilliant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely The Martian for me. Although Imside Out was pretty close to. Great list. A lot on there I still have to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You! Inside Out was wonderful! Not a fan of The Marrian myself, but glad you took enjoyment from it.
LikeLike