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!