2010: “Toy Story 3”
Competing with all the successful animated films in 2010, such as Disney’s “Tangled” and DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon,” Pixar’s third installment of “Toy Story” seriously takes the cake. The beloved characters journey to the worst place imaginable: daycare. And, yet, by the end of the film, it is quite easy to catch the “feels.” So long, partner (well, until 2019).
2011: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”
The end of an era. For Hogwarts-loving wizard fanatics, the last film adapted from the Harry Potter series marked the end of the almost childlike wonder of the world of magic, spells and, of course, the fan-favorite Quidditch.
2012: “The Avengers”
With the end of one popular franchise, another rose. The Marvel cinematic universe joined fan favorite superheroes — Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and Black Widow — into one film, and chaos ensued. This would only be the start to many more.
2013: “12 Years a Slave”
An emotional retelling of Solomon Northup’s biography as a former enslaved man, “12 Years a Slave” illustrates the horrors of slavery in its rawest form. With scenes that make you want to look away from the screen in pain, the movie remains incredibly powerful and resonant.
2014: “Imitation Game”
A historical retelling of British cryptanalyst Alan Turing’s work during World War II in which he decrypted German intelligence messages, “Imitation Game” put to screen the genius of Turing’s efforts for the war. Though historically inaccurate at parts, this film brought more attention to Turing’s legacy and brilliant mind and the tragedy of his death.
2015: “Spotlight”
Now, some credit for the journalists. “Spotlight” follows The Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team in their investigation of child sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests. From start to finish the film displays the power and importance of journalism as the team puts together the case to reveal this major scandal.
2016: “Moonlight”
Well-known for its numerous accolades, “Moonlight” became the first all-black cast and the first LGBTQ-related film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. The movie’s protagonist explores stages of life — youth, adolescence and adulthood — while, at the same time, trying to discover himself.
2017: “Wonder Woman”
Another beloved superhero hit the big screen in 2017. With a film that finally emphasizes the heroine, “Wonder Woman” follows the story of Diana Prince, who leaves her secluded life with the Amazons to help put a stop to World War I. With the first superhero film that focuses on a female lead, it affirmed that women could be heroes too.
2018: “Black Panther”
Easily a fan favorite. “Black Panther” was another addition into the Marvel universe, bringing to life the mystical and futuristic nation of Wakanda. Garnering praise for its screenplay, “Black Panther” commented on the traumatic historical events endured by Africa with colonialism and post-colonialism. And, with its superhero characters and action, the movie quickly became one of Marvel’s best.
2019: “Parasite”
Probably one of the most praised films this year, “Parasite,” a South Korean film, is a dark comedy horror film, in which a poor family schemes to become employees of and leech off an extremely affluent family — just like a parasite. However, despite its more comedic and thriller moments, the film pinpoints the problems with the economic structure of the society. It leaves the question: Who or what is the real parasite?
