The 20 Best Movies of 2018

Last year, the Academy Awards named The Weight of Water the best movie of the year.  As always, they were wrong but I’m not a hater.  It was a solid movie that was beautiful to look at and exceedingly well acted.  But it wasn’t Top 10. It got me thinking though: would it have been Top 20?  After some consideration I decided no, but I had to think on it a bit because I’ve never before kept track of that level of detail. It was always just the top 10 and...everything else. I decided to give it a shot so, without further ado, here are the Top 20 movies of 2018. 

This animated movie looks like no other cartoon I’ve ever seen with a spider-man no theater goer has ever seen.   Finally, a Spiderman for the woke generation.  I really like this movie. My enthusiasm is only hampered a bit by the fact that I didn’t love it, which others very much did. 

Consider this movie a study in how to do formulaic very very well. With a charismatic lead performance from Rami Malek and a can’t-miss soundtrack, it doesn’t matter the story is mostly made up. I left the theater humming.

The movie has a gimmick, but it’s not just a gimmicky movie.  Using device screens to tell a story is not something particularly original anymore (Modern Family did an episode wseveral years ago and Unfriended put a horror spin on the premise), but when mixed with a compelling story it can be effective. Searching is such a movie; it’s a mystery with a big heart, anchored by John Cho’s very real, very raw performance.

I hope one day a movie like Crazy Rich Asians can be on a best movies list without mentioning how rare a movie is that has a cast led by Asian Americans.  2018 is not that year, but that doesn’t mean Crazy Rich Asians gets on this list just because I feel pressured to include it.  The fact that many of us were rooting for this flick and it’s actually such an entertaining romantic comedy is a bonus. 

Pixar’s first sequel that doesn’t feel like a cash grab to sell more toys, Incredibles 2 is a fine follow up to the original. Per usual with Pixar it uses a simple story but plays around with complex themes, this time centering around family.  I’m in for another; not saying I want to wait another 14 years, but they should wait until they find a new story worthy telling.

Gentrification gets much-deserved ribbing in this charming little movie from Daveed Diggs.   This criminally underseen Oakland-set comedy sometimes relies a bit too much on the ‘white people are corny/clueless trope’ but has enough original observations of growing up in the developing hood to make this a worthwhile watch.  The two leads also have an effortless chemistry together that makes you believe they’re lifelong friends. 

The first comedy on the list, but not the last.  It made me laugh. A lot.  In addition, it had one of the best ensembles for any film this year.

I laughed my ass off watching this movie.  The workaholics guys come up with a flick that uses the exact plot of die hard but ends up feeling more like a respectful homage than a rip off. It helps that they keep the laughs and violence coming at a frenetic pace.  I dare you not to crack a smile here.

Marvel’s second-best origin story (behind Guardians of the Galaxy), sets up a rich world full of compelling characters that make this movie more than just a one-and-done cultural moment. Black Panther feels like the future of the MCU. Wakanda forever

Netflix drops like 30 movies a week so I don’t expect you to have seen this one but if, like, me you had the good fortune of stumbling across this Indian comedy, you were richly rewarded. Set in Mumbai, this romantic comedy has a real estate transaction at the center of its plot. If it sounds boring, it’s not.  Love by the Square Foot introduces you to a world you probably don’t know, and leaves you happy to have visited.

Netflix strikes again.  This monster-in-the-woods horror movie pulls off a rare feat for these films: it has creepy, scary imagery AND a monster reveal that’s actually satisfying.  The monster in The Ritual doesn’t’ remain a blur or draped in shadows.  You do see it… and it’s horrifying.  Well done.