Among the common sayings regarding art, the one that raises my eyebrows the most is “there’s no longer anything made with the same quality as in the past,” or simply put, “it’s not like it used to be.
In some aspects, things have changed significantly from the past. For instance, motion pictures were once silent, black-and-white, and projected using strips of celluloid film. However, times have moved on, and that’s no longer the case. Today, nothing is produced in the same way as it was back then – be it cars, Coca-Cola, or movies.
When people claim “they don’t make them like they used to,” they’re not referring to advancements in technology. Instead, they’re reminiscing about quality, suggesting that the film industry of a supposed past era consistently produced masterpieces. However, this assertion is misleading because there were indeed exceptional films made in the past, and there are still outstanding movies being created today.
Nowadays, we’re surrounded by an abundance of superhero films, which can sometimes feel like too much of a good thing with all the big-budget, visually impressive blockbusters. But don’t be fooled! There are still fantastic movies out there, perhaps even more than ever before. In fact, the variety and accessibility of great cinema has never been greater.
To back up my claim, I’ve compiled a list of ten exceptional films produced within the past decade, each deserving of five stars without any reservations or fine print. These range from established studios and veteran directors, to independent productions by upcoming filmmakers. This diverse collection demonstrates the vitality and thriving state of cinema today. If such high-quality films were not being made in the past, it’s only for the better that they weren’t.
The 10 Best Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)
10. The Favourite (2018)
The film, “The Favourite,” offers a rich and indulgent experience, much like savoring a luxurious slice of cake. It showcases an intense power struggle among the women who held the reins of power in early 18th century England: cunning Lady Sarah (played by Rachel Weisz), manipulative Abigail (Emma Stone), and the humorous yet pitiful Queen Anne, portrayed brilliantly by Olivia Colman. Despite its appearance as a typical Awards Season Costume Drama, “The Favourite” was far from generic Oscar bait, even though Colman did win the 2018 Best Actress award. The movie delves into themes of sexuality, gender roles, and politics, all while being one of the most subtly quotable films of the decade. Though one character notes that favor is “a breeze that changes direction often,” I have a feeling “The Favourite” will continue to be a favorite of mine for a very long time.
9. The Fabelmans (2022)
As a devoted cinephile, what truly captivates me about “The Fabelmans” is the undeniable passion for cinema that Steven Spielberg, even after seven decades, still harbors. This is evident in the young Sammy Fabelman, who, upon seeing “The Greatest Show on Earth,” becomes enamored and driven to replicate the magical images he encounters on the screen at home. Over the years, Spielberg has undoubtedly mastered the art of filmmaking – manipulating visuals and sound to evoke emotions ranging from joy to empathy, fear to understanding. Yet, his initial inspiration, the ‘why,’ remains untouched.
For Spielberg, ‘the why’ behind “The Fabelmans” is to recount his personal journey, to shed light on both the brilliance and the shadows of films and life itself. Cinema serves as a sanctuary for Sammy, helping him navigate anxiety and loneliness, yet it also isolates him further at home and school. His burgeoning directorial talent offers a means to bond with his artistically inclined mother (brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams) – only to potentially expose her deepest secrets. Now, after all these years, this same passion has equipped Spielberg with the skills to narrate this extraordinary tale, brimming with life, love, joy, and sadness – just like every great movie should be.
8. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo released their highly anticipated sequel to “Bridesmaids” with this hilarious comedy. They not only wrote but also starred in it as two friends who are nuns living at Jennifer Convertibles in Soft Rock, Nebraska. After losing their jobs, they decide to splurge their severance on a luxurious vacation in Florida. There, they both become infatuated with an attractive enigma (Jamie Dornan, boldly satirizing his own persona as a muscular ladies’ man) who turns out to be involved in a plot to ruin the town using genetically-modified mosquitoes. (Yes, the old trope of killer mosquitoes.) Wiig and Mumolo are fantastic in their roles, poking fun at subjects like Tommy Bahama clothing and the charm of the name Trish, and the script is destined to be remembered until the genetically-modified mosquitoes come for us. In these troubled times, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” arrived like a pair of sparkling pants, shining brightly to guide us out of the darkness.
7. Inside Out (2015)
Prior to his role as Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was known for his exceptional talent within the company. He contributed as a writer for films such as Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and WALL-E, and directed three of Pixar’s most acclaimed productions: Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out. The latter is an exceptionally thoughtful story that delves into the inner life of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. When her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, her world experiences turmoil, leading to a struggle between personified emotions within her brain. The design of Riley’s brainscape is consistently innovative; each shot in every scene offers something captivating. Moreover, Inside Out stands out as one of the most insightful films ever produced on the significance of sadness and grief in our lives. It serves as a testament to Docter’s remarkable career so far.
6. Nickel Boys (2024)
In this profession, one often encounters numerous good and exceptional films. However, it’s rare to stumble upon a movie that seems fresh, a film that explores uncharted territories within its medium. Fortunately, a film like “Nickel Boys” arrives. This is a unique, courageous, and thought-provoking piece of work, offering not just one but two perspectives.
The reason for this is that co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross bravely opted to shoot his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel predominantly through point-of-view shots from the perspective of its main characters. The ingenious point-of-view camerawork by Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray immerses the viewer into the minds and experiences of two young men battling to endure at a Florida reform school during the 1960s. It’s baffling that Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography. If incorrectly employed, this technique might become a bothersome gimmick. However, under Ross’ guidance, it feels as if you’ve glimpsed the world in a new light, and perhaps, a glimpse of the future of cinema as well.
5. Past Lives (2023)
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for this poignant and soulful drama. It delves into the unseen influences in our lives, be it fate, destiny, or what I like to call the invisible threads of connection – the _in-yun_ – that bind us together yet force us apart, much like magnetic forces adhering and repelling according to the unchanging laws of physics.
The narrative revolves around two characters: Nora (Greta Lee), a writer, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), an engineer. Despite their inability to stay together, they share an intense bond that keeps them from drifting apart completely. Their paths cross numerous times – as children, college students, and adults – with the world changing around them, yet their core relationship remains constant.
In one particular instance, Nora is married to an American named Arthur (John Magaro). The question that lingers: Will Nora choose to remain with her husband or follow the path of Hae Sung? The resolution of this subtle love triangle will leave you shattered, prompting introspection on the pivotal moments and decisions in your own life, even if their significance wasn’t immediately apparent.
4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
3. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
2. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s film, “Lady Bird“, is centered around numerous pairs of contrasting elements: The protagonist bears two names, and throughout the movie, she has two love interests, two confidants, and so on. The narrative unfolds across two school terms, each marked by its unique play. There are two dances, two parties, two parent-child relationships, two college applications, two churches attended. These multiple options make “Lady Bird” a deep movie that explores the theme of choice – choices that at Lady Bird’s age seem like life-altering decisions. In many ways, they truly are.
1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth meet Marvin Schwarz at the vintage Musso & Frank Grill. Marvin proposes Italian Westerns for Rick, but he’s unenthused. In fact, he’s heartbroken, feeling his career is dwindling. As soon as they step outside, Rick bursts into tears. Quentin Tarantino skillfully angles the camera low and sweeps up, revealing the Musso & Frank Grill sign towering over the crestfallen Rick and Cliff. Beneath the restaurant’s name on the sign, in plain sight, reads: “Oldest in Hollywood.”
In other words, Rick may not be at the end yet, but at that moment, he feels like he is. Despite a few good years left, he senses his time is running out. The film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood showcases such clever details.
The Worst Comedy Movies Ever, According to Letterboxd
25. The Human Centipede III (Final Sequence) (2015)
Average Letterboxd Rating
The initial concept and boldness of “The Human Centipede” garnered significant attention, even earning a few moderately positive (or perplexedly impressed) reviews. However, by the time we reached “The Human Centipede III”, where the grotesque human mutilation method depicted in the title extended to 500 individuals and was applied as punishment within an American prison, the appeal had completely waned. The majority of Letterboxd users agreed that at this stage, the series had descended into mediocrity.
24. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)
In the span of many years since the initial live-action Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, it was necessary to recast the young actors for this fourth film due to the passage of time. Unfortunately, this change didn’t sit well with Letterboxd users, who have been expressing their displeasure using the hashtag #notmyroderick. However, it seems that Devon Bostick, who is reprising his role in this new film, has won over the hearts of many Letterboxd fans instead.
23. Date Movie (2006)
Title Analysis: The Average Letterboxd Rating for “Date Movie” is 1.41
In the early 21st century, a dismal surge of spoof films emerged, often attributed to the substantial financial success of the “Scary Movie” series. Many of these claimed comedies were either written or directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, who are alums from the “Scary Movie” team. Their notion of humor mainly consisted of reenacting familiar movie scenes with doppelgängers and people getting hit in the groin area.
Even if this structure was amusing at one point (which it wasn’t), most of the jokes in “Date Movie,” such as those directed at “Napoleon Dynamite” and Michael Jackson, now appear as dated as an ancient Greek stone tablet. It’s hard to imagine that countless relationships were destroyed by dates who watched the movie “Date Movie.
22. Jack and Jill (2011)
Historically, Adam Sandler has faced a mixed response from critics, but his reviews hit an all-time low in 2011 when he released the movie “Jack and Jill.” In this film, Sandler portrays both halves of a set of fraternal twins. At times shrill and almost unbearable, “Jack and Jill” does have one redeeming quality: an extremely surreal Dunkin’ Donuts commercial featuring Al Pacino that borders on being… good? One particularly amusing review on Letterboxd reads, “Razzie award for worst actor: Adam Sandler. Razzie award for worst actress: Adam Sandler.”
In simpler terms, the 2011 movie “Jack and Jill” received terrible reviews from critics when Adam Sandler played both twins in it. Al Pacino’s Dunkin’ Donuts commercial was a rare bright spot, but overall the film was quite bad. One funny review on Letterboxd joked that Adam Sandler won two Razzie awards for his acting in this movie.
21. Norm of the North (2016)
Users on Letterboxd, perhaps, didn’t appreciate this animated family film featuring a polar bear (Rob Schneider) traveling to New York City to persuade humans to avoid the Arctic Circle. Despite this, Lionsgate produced an astonishing four direct-to-video sequels. The sheer volume of these mediocre children’s movies is almost enough to motivate a move to the Arctic for some respite.
20. InAPPropriate Comedy (2013)
Title Analysis: The Sketch Comedy Film Starring Rob Schneider, Michelle Rodriguez, and Adrien Brody
Before diving in, it might be beneficial to skim through its Letterboxd reviews. Here’s an illustrative comment: “If you scrutinize Adrien Brody’s eyes carefully, you can discern a desperate plea for mercy hidden within.
19. Loqueesha (2019)
Average Letterboxd Rating for “Loqueesha”: 1.36
The trailer for the movie “Loqueesha,” which centers around a middle-aged white man who assumes an African American woman’s persona on his radio show, sparked quite a stir online. (Just one glance and you’ll understand why.) Those who chose to watch the full film weren’t left feeling any more positive about it. Numerous Letterboxd reviews declare it as the worst movie ever produced. (Would you care to watch it to disprove that claim? I doubt it.)
18. Airplane Mode (2019)
In the realm of Letterboxd, YouTube celebrities generally don’t receive high ratings. For instance, “Airplane Mode,” a movie written by and starring Logan Paul as a YouTube personality struggling with his fear of flying to be with his girlfriend who resides in Australia, has been met with less than favorable reviews. The most well-liked review on Letterboxd for this film states, “This movie is more dreadful than the Ebola virus.
17. Meet the Spartans (2008)
The movie “Meet the Spartans,” similar to what was said about “Date Movie” earlier, is another uninspiring comedy from the duo Friedberg and Seltzer. Unlike its predecessor, this film incorporates numerous references to the movie “300,” as well as random humor from films such as “Shrek,” “Spider-Man 3,” and “Happy Feet.” It’s strongly advised to avoid watching the “Spartans” due to its lackluster performance.
The movie “Meet the Spartans” is another disappointing comedy from Friedberg and Seltzer, like “Date Movie.” It has lots of references to “300,” along with random humor from “Shrek,” “Spider-Man 3,” and “Happy Feet.” It’s not recommended to watch this movie.
16. Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate (2024)
14 years after the initial film, DreamWorks released a sequel for “Megamind” directly on Peacock, without any of the original voice actors. This new version didn’t win over Letterboxd users. One common review summed it up as: “From Megamind to Never Mind.”
Or, in a more conversational tone:
14 years later, DreamWorks finally dropped the sequel for “Megamind” on Peacock, without any of the original voice actors. It didn’t seem to go over well with Letterboxd users; one popular review read: “From Megamind to Never Mind.
15. Not Cool (2014)
14. Mean Girls 2 (2011)
13. Tall Girl (2019)
The Netflix film featuring a tall girl, generally not favored by Letterboxd users, managed to garner enough support from the wider Netflix audience for a sequel. Surprisingly, Tall Girl 2 has received more positive reviews than its predecessor, Tall Girl 1, with ratings of 1.4 compared to 1.3. (Even though it’s only slightly better, it’s still a difference!)
12. Foodfight! (2012)
The lowest point in cinema product placement perhaps lies with this film, where the showcased products are not just incidental but play pivotal roles, similar to the movie “Foodfight!” which features real-life mascots such as Charlie Tuna and a sentient Twinkie as characters.
Or:
This movie might hold the record for the most egregious product placement in film history, with its main characters being none other than the very products it showcases, similar to “Foodfight!”, which boasts real-life mascots like Charlie Tuna and a sentient Twinkie on its cast list.
Or:
The most blatant product placement in cinema history might be found in this movie, where the featured products are more than just background props; they are actually the main characters, much like in “Foodfight!”, which features real-life mascots such as Charlie Tuna and a sentient Twinkie.
11. Home Alone 4 (2002)
It seems that even less enjoyable than “Home Sweet Home Alone,” “Home Alone 4” – a TV film on ABC, had Mike Weinberg stepping into Macaulay Culkin’s shoes as the mischievous Kevin McAllister. This review brought a smile to my face: “The ineptitude of Kevin’s parents in childcare is so apparent that they haven’t realized they’ve lost several of his siblings.”
Or, more concisely:
“Home Alone 4,” a TV film on ABC with Mike Weinberg as Kevin McAllister, was even less enjoyable than “Home Sweet Home Alone.” A humorous review noted the poor parenting skills portrayed in the film, where they failed to notice their numerous missing children.
10. Marmaduke (2022)
If there’s an animated film less visually appealing than “Marmaduke,” I haven’t seen it. I hope I never will. The movie seems to be a product of either a money laundering operation or one of those strange deals where the project rights expire unless something – anything – is produced by a certain deadline. Remarkably, despite the atrocious animation, “Marmaduke” boasts the vocal talents of several well-known, funny actors such as J.K. Simmons, David Koechner, and Pete Davidson. One wonders if they didn’t read the script, weren’t shown the hideous characters they were to voice, or perhaps each received a private Caribbean island in exchange for their services? How did this movie come into being?
9. Cats (2019)
8. Saving Christmas (2014)
Rediscovering the Real Spirit of Christmas: A Closer Look at “Saving Christmas”
Note: The phrase “drank the Kool-Aid” is used here to mean that someone has been brainwashed or influenced by others to believe something without questioning it. In this context, it’s used to imply that Cameron’s character thinks his brother-in-law has been misled about the true meaning of Christmas. The phrase originated from the tragic Jonestown mass suicide in 1978, where over 900 people died after drinking cyanide-laced Kool-Aid. However, it’s used colloquially to mean that someone has blindly accepted something without critical thinking.
7. Epic Movie (2007)
6. The Kissing Booth 3 (2021)
5. Son of the Mask (2005)
Title Analysis: The Original “Mask” vs “Son of the Mask”
The enchantment of the original “Mask” stemmed from the mystical mask, which freed Jim Carrey to express his raw, unfiltered self, as well as his exceptional talent for impressions and voices. In contrast, “Son of the Mask,” features Jamie Kennedy’s character seldom donning the mask (surprisingly, it’s the dog who wears it more often). When he does wear it, he appears stiff as a board, despite being a frustrated cartoonist, much like Carrey in “The Mask.”
An unusual plotline unfolds in the second act of “Son of the Mask,” as Kennedy’s dog becomes jealous of the family’s new baby. In an unexpected twist, the dog puts on the mask intentionally to eliminate the baby. Yes, you read that right – a subplot involving a jealous dog!
Rest assured, the baby survives; he was born with mask powers. Be warned: No experience can prepare you for the grotesque sight of this CGI baby urinating and vomiting on Jamie Kennedy. It’s a wonder this film wasn’t abandoned like the mask at the end of “The Mask.
4. He’s All That (2021)
As a cinephile, I must admit that while “She’s All That” was once a box office success, it has since developed an undesirable reputation for perpetuating a now outdated and absurd cinematic trope. The storyline revolves around the transformation of an ‘unattractive’ woman who, miraculously, is revealed to be stunningly beautiful when she lets down her bun and removes her glasses. Changing the genders of the leads doesn’t make this tired cliché any more appealing in the modern context. In particular, the casting of Tanner Buchanan from “Cobra Kai” as the ‘ugly’ male character in need of a makeover further underscores the problematic nature of this narrative.
3. The Emoji Movie (2017)
2. Disaster Movie (2008)
Users on Letterboxd have consistently ranked Friedberg/Seltzer films among the 20 most poorly received comedies, making them the least favored comedy directors in the platform’s history. It’s hard to argue with that assessment; movies like “Disaster Movie” are truly disappointing examples of cinema. When a man starts fighting an obviously bad Kung Fu Panda stuntman, I was no longer angry but felt genuine compassion – for those who were in it, and most of all for anyone who paid money to watch it. However, Letterboxd users believe that “Disaster Movie” is not the worst comedy ever made.
1. Swiped (2018)
According to Letterboxd, this Noah Centineo film, which revolves around a college student developing a dating app with his awkward roommate, has been rated the worst comedy ever. A typical review on Letterboxd reads: “This is the movie I suggest people watch when I’m angry at them.” (Although it’s harsh, I might use that idea myself!)
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2025-03-10 19:27