Growing up in the ‘00s, I feel like I have a good grasp on the cinematic triumphs and failures over the past decade. Here’s my continued list of the top 10 movies of the decade beginning with No. 5.
5. “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003)
I know I’m cheating when I throw a trilogy in one slot, but these amazing films should not be separated.
All three parts were produced and directed by Peter Jackson and collected a combined 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 2003 for “The Return of the King.”
Even for viewers who aren’t fond of the fantasy genre, the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien are masterpieces that offer friendship, betrayal, love and war.
4. “Mystic River” (2003)
Starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon and Marcia Gay Harden, “Mystic River” is a profoundly deep movie about a group of old friends being pulled back together by a tragedy effecting a neighborhood.
Penn and Robbins earned Academy Awards for their performances in Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Dennis Lehane’s novel of the same title.
The performances are astounding, especially Penn’s, and Eastwood keeps viewers on the edge of their seat thanks to a brilliant script.
3. “There Will Be Blood” (2007)
Paul Thomas Anderson directs Daniel Day Lewis in a career-defining role as Daniel Plainview, a stern businessman who discovers a small religious community that happens to be located over an ocean of oil in California.
Lewis puts on a remarkable show and his portrait of Plainview is the greatest piece of acting I’ve seen in my lifetime.
“There Will Be Blood” won two Oscar’s, including Best Actor for Lewis.
2. “Up” (2009)
Disney Pixar continues to strike gold over and over again.
Just when I thought I was too old for animated movies, “Up” sweeps me off of my feet.
The story is based around an old man named Carl. After the death of his wife, Carl sets out on a journey to Paradise Falls in South America that she had always dreamed of.
Like in every classic Pixar production, the audience is introduced to heartwarming and unforgettable characters. Obviously, “Up” is no different.
If you haven’t given “Up” a chance, grab a box of tissues and purchase the DVD as soon as possible.
1. “The Departed” (2006)
I can’t say enough about this film. Directed by the brilliant Martin Scorsese, “The Departed” is a perfect film for my demographic.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin lead the way in the story of two undercover moles in opposite worlds.
After directing “Goodfellas,” “Raging Bull,” “Casino,” and “Gangs of New York,” Scorsese finally scored an Academy Award for Best Picture for his work in “The Departed.”
DiCaprio is stunning in this film as you see his character fall deeper and deeper into an uncomfortable and frightening world. In classic fashion, Nicholson is brilliant as crime lord Frank Costello.
Although the decade produced a ton of great films, “The Departed” stands alone in my book.