Top 10 Films of 2014

By Movie Geeks | December 14, 2014

Contributed by Tom Stockman, Jim Batts, Melissa Howland, Travis Keune, Michael Haffner, Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue

Going to the cinemas in 2014 was part emotional, part uproarious, and part interstellar thrill ride – there were a lot of movies to see this past year.

The everlasting bond between a parent and a child, courageous real life heroes, superheroes – past, present and future and their gripping stories of bravery graced the silver screen as well as our year ends lists. As a collective audience, we cried with them, we laughed with them and we cheered for them.

With the 323 films eligible for Best Picture at the upcoming 87^th Academy Awards, have a look back at the movie-going experiences that was 2014.

We Are Movie Geeks presents our Top 10 films of 2014.

Let us know your favorites by adding your top 10 films in our comments section below.

HONORABLE MENTION – NIGHTCRAWLER

NIGHTCRAWLER imparts a healthy amount of social commentary into a haunting and dark character study of one very determined journalist willing to do whatever it takes to survive in LA. It is through Lou’s journey into the depths of the crime world that director Dan Gilroy is able to speak about the dog-eat-dog world of business and the political slant of the media. Intense, nail biting, and shocking, NIGHTCRAWLER delivers an explosive finale that will leave you shaken. (review)

10. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Fans of the franchise were delivered another thrilling installment to the Planet of the Apes series. The critically praised DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES rode once again on the shoulders of conflicted leader Caesar, played with powerful depth by actor Andy Serkis. Along with composer Michael Giacchino’s emotional score, director Matt Reeves’ sequel to 2011’s RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES was this summer’s soulful, intelligent blockbuster. (review)

9. GONE GIRL

David Fincher might have outdone himself with his latest film GONE GIRL. The performances, especially Ben Affleck, along with an incredible plot are reason enough for this film to being home some awards this season. Just be careful. This film might hit home a bit too much for some viewers.  (review)

8. LIFE ITSELF

In a year of superb documentary features, Steve James delivers a film that engages both the mind and the heart. It’s a terrific overview of the remarkable career of Pulitzer Prize winning movie reviewer Roger Ebert with great insight into the newspaper and show biz world. But more importantly it’s a very moving love story, first with competitor and TV co-star Gene Siskel, and at the end with his soul mate, the indomitable Chaz Ebert.

7. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Inspiring film biographies of triumph over adversity usually dominate the theatres near the end of the year in cinema, but this one gave audiences an unexpected bonus. Eddie Redmayne shows us the very human side of the genius who defied the odds of living with ALS. But it’s Felicity Jones who is the story’s beating heart as his wife Jane who inspired him to great heights with her unconditional love. It doesn’t tie up the tale in a nice little bow, but reflects the complications of true life. (review)

6. THE LEGO MOVIE

Few animated films are as chock full of contemporary pop culture nostalgia as THE LEGO MOVIE. This, along with the uniquely magical stop motion animation using actual Lego toys, combine to create a cinematic experience that both child and adult can enjoy on a level playing field, time and again… even if “Everything is Awesome” does become annoying after the first 10-20 times your kids recite the song. (review)

Even the bloopers were hilarious!

5. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

What can we say that hasn’t already been said about GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY? Writer/Director James Gunn takes audiences on a galactic thrill ride that will leave you laughing and touch your heart. After all, we are Groot!  (review)

4. THE IMITATION GAME

During WWII, brilliant mathematician Alan Turing is hired to break the German Enigma code which involves pioneering computer work. Unfortunately, Turing is homosexual in an age where homosexuality is illegal, and there are those who seek to bring him down by whatever means possible. With a smart script and great performances by hot actors, IMITATION GAME is the perfect film for those interested in history, wartime intrigue, technology, and the struggles of visionaries way ahead of their time.

3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL is a terrific film and perhaps Wes Anderson’s best, an exhilarating experience thanks in part to a superior rapid-fire script but mostly to a magnificent central character played by Ralph Fiennes. Anderson keeps the story moving at a madcap Marx Brothers-style pace and the movie is packed with tasty dialogue, looks stunning thanks to Adam Stockhausen’s meticulous production design and sounds unique due to Alexandre Desplat’s Cossacky score. Wes Anderson is one of the few true originals currently working in American cinema. (review)

2. BOYHOOD

BOYHOOD may be labeled as a film, but a more apt description would be a unique experience that is truly unforgettable. As Ethan Hawke’s father figure responds when Mason inquires about “the point of all this,” it’s as if the whole of the film rests on his response: “You’re feeling things, and that’s what is important.” (review)

1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE

BIRDMAN is such a complex look at the artistic process that it’s hard to even put into words all that it encompasses. Even more so, it is an incredibly ambitious meta experiment from director Alejandro González Iñárritu that pays off. The film is presented as a work of art while deconstructing what it means to be a working artist. You can’t help but stare in awe at the majesty of this triumphant and artistic masterpiece. (review)

Not to be left off the list, we decided to add some of our best surprises from 2014. This includes THE SKELETON TWINS, JOHN WICK, MALEFICENT, LUCY, and THE RAID 2.

The one that caught our eye was THE BABADOOK. As Michael Haffner wrote in his review,

“Between the cold, almost black and white photography, and slow building dread, THE BABADOOK feels like a classic tale of psychological horror. Jennifer Kent brings out a strong performance from the talented Essie Davis, but it’s her approach to real life anxieties and everyday horror that makes THE BABADOOK a must-see for non-horror fans and horror fans alike.”

Here are some of the most anticipated films coming to theaters in 2015:

• STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
• JURASSIC WORLD
• AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
• THE MARTIAN
• JUPITER ASCENDING
• TERMINATOR GENISYS
• BOND 24: SPECTRE
• FURIOUS 7
• MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
• TOMORROWLAND
• INSIDE OUT
• TED 2
• FIFTY SHADES OF GREY
• MINIONS
• MAGIC MIKE XXL
• ANT MAN
• CRIMSON PEAK
• THE GOOD DINOSAUR
• THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2
• THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT
• KUNG FU PANDA 3
• THE REVENANT 
• KRAMPUS
• THE WALK
• PEANUTS
• CHAPPIE
• CINDERELLA
• IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
• SISTERS
• PITCH PERFECT 2
• THE WOMAN IN BLACK: ANGEL OF DEATH
• EVEREST
• KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
• VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
• PAN
• POLTERGEIST
• THE SEVENTH SON
• MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

The individual favorites from the WAMG team:

Jim Batts

Honorable Mention: THE SKELETON TWINS

10. JODOROWSKY’S DUNE
9. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
8. GONE GIRL
7. THE IMITATION GAME
6. THE BOXTROLLS
5. LIFE ITSELF
4. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
3. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
2. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE
1. BOYHOOD

Best Surprise: THE BABADOOK, OBVIOUS CHILD

Tom Stockman

Honorable Mention:  JOE

10. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR
9. BIG EYES
8. SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR
7. ENEMY
6. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
5. THE IMITATION GAME
4. THE GAMBLER
3. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
2. UNDER THE SKIN
1. BIRDMAN: THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE

Best Surprise: THE RAID 2

Melissa Howland