written by Skooch
It’s currently early February 2010, which means that this list is either two months late or 10 months early, depending on which pedantic side you sit on in regards to what defines a decade. For the purposes of this list, it was any movie that was released theatrically or on DVD from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009.
Sixteen lists of varying lengths were submitted, with 206 movies listed overall. Every first-ranked movie received 30 points, second-ranked 29 points, and so on down to 1 point for a 30th-ranked movie. There were a couple of submitted lists that had more than 30 movies on it, but popular consensus was to cap the lists at 30 so as not to artificially skew the results. Without further ado, here’s 30th to 20th on the list!
30. The Wrestler (2008)
65 Points from 5 lists, highest listed by Ormie at #4
Special Guest Writer: Ormie!
“wrestling.” –Cheekbone, 2009
The Wrestler is the greatest pro-wrestling movie ever made. A low bar, but it’s also better than those two great documentaries- Wrestling with Shadows and Beyond the Mat. Nic Cage was offered the role of 80s wrestling star turned trailer park resident Randy “The Ram” Robinson, and while that would’ve made it Scotsman’s favourite movie ever, the rest of us are lucky he quit and Mickey Rourke stepped in and resurrected his career. If writer Robert D. Siegel (who also wrote 2009’s Big Fan) isn’t a (s)mark he sure did his research. There’s tons of great little things probably only us rasslin’ lovers get- like Randy trying to put a kid over in the 8-bit wrestling game after he beat the kid, and wanting to buy his daughter clothes with the letter “S” on it. (“For Stephanie”, Randy says, since wrestlers wear shirts with their name on teenage girls must too!) Rourke looks the part- while Cage would have been a movie star playing The Ram, between his appearance and tremendous acting (should’ve won Best Actor, the WWE championship for movie stars) Rourke IS Randy. Marisa Tomei & especially Evan Rachel Wood do a great job too and also blend into their characters. Some very emotional moments between Rourke and Wood (who allegedly dated/fucked for a while after this…ewwwww), you feel for them both- even when Randy completely fucks up. Non-wrestling fans probably think The Ram is the exception to big wrestling stars when it’s sadly the rule. While not normally a fan of non-endings, The Wrestler is so good I don’t mind it leaves it up to you, the viewer, to decide. Then at the end there’s a page you can lick and it tastes like Kool-Aid. Fuck limited release dates- best film of 2009, sucka.
Nominated for two Oscars in the acting categories for Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler grossed over $44 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%; Metacritic: 81
29. Iron Man (2008)
67 Points from 5 lists, highest listed by Ormie at #13
In any other year than 2008, Iron Man would most likely have been hailed as the best super-hero / comic book adaptation movie of the year. With Marvel creating their own film production company and giving the directing reins to Jon Favreau, nobody was really sure what to expect. And oh yeah, recovering alcoholic and drug addict Robert Downey, Jr. was cast to play Tony Stark / Iron Man. What could have been a spectacular failure of epic proportions turned out to be one of the slickest and critically acclaimed comic book popcorn movies of all time. Nominated for two Oscars in technical categories, Iron Man grossed over $585 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%; Metacritic: 79
28. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)
68 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by Skooch at #3
For my money though, the better Robert Downey, Jr. performance was in the relatively unseen Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. This is where he truly began his career resurrection, co-starring with Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan (who looks absolutely amazing in a Santa skirt suit) for this darkly comedic film noir thriller directed by Lethal Weapon writer Shane Black. The chemistry between the cast is entertaining and fuels the film with so much energy. Then there’s the writing which is smart without feeling out of place or condescending to the audience. The biggest treat of watching the film might be in re-watching it with Kilmer and Downey’s commentary track, just hearing how much they enjoyed making the movie and seeing that translate on to the screen. Grossed over $15 million and became a bigger hit in home release.
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%; Metacritic: 72
27. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
71 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by WhiteChocolate at #7
Special Guest Writer: White Chocolate!
Shaun of the Dead is not only one of the best zombie movies in a decade full of them, but is one of the decade’s funniest as well. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are fantastic as a couple of schmucks who are faced with the zombie apocalypse … while clearing up their own personal business in the mean time. While Night of the Living Dead still remains one of my all-time favorite films, Shaun is the best zombie film of all time in terms of making its characters people and not just victims. The elongated shot of Shaun’s trip to the convenience store without noticing any of what’s going on around him is brilliant. There was life for Shaun and Ed, no matter how dull it may have been, before their roommate and bartender wanted to eat them. And even in the wake of certain doom, you need to figure out which records you want to keep and which ones are okay to defend yourself with. Shaun of the Dead is a rare film that could be defined as horror, but can appeal to non-horror fans as well.
(FUN FACT: Night of the Living Dead director enjoyed this film so much he cast Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to play zombies in Land of the Dead)
Grossed over $30 million and became a huge hit in home release.
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%; Metacritic: 76
26. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
72 Points from 5 lists, highest listed by Skooch at #10
Watching The Royal Tenenbaums a few weeks ago reminded me of how much I love the film, but also about how much I’ve become disinterested in Wes Anderson as a director / writer. To me, every movie he’s made since Tenenbaums has been a more and more lifeless attempt to recreate it. What a wonderful movie to attempt to recreate though, from the large, talented ensemble cast to the visually striking cinematography. Most assuredly, it’s not a movie for everyone, though everyone should be able to find joy in one of Gene Hackman’s best performances in years. Nominated for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar, it grossed over $52 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%; Metacritic: 75
25. Up (2009)
73 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by Kendergardener at #8
How many movies – let alone animated movies – can make your eyes water within the first ten minutes and then take you on a wild, utterly fantastical journey and never once make it seem contrived? Up continued in Pixar’s almost perfect tradition of being not just an animated movie for kids, but by being a powerful and well-written timeless classic for audiences of all ages. It’s such an emotional journey that since my grandmother passed away almost a year ago, my mother has made it her vow to never let my grandfather see it. Nominated for five 2010 Academy Awards (including Best Animated Film and Best Picture),Up has grossed over $723 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%; Metacritic: 88
24. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
75 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by coolhandluke at #2
It’s been a long-standing tradition/coincidence that the middle part of movie trilogies is usually the best one. For most, The Empire Strikes Back is the most prominent film to achieve this, though there are a number of other examples, and I’ll hold up The Two Towers as yet another. The first LOTR film set the stage for the epic, foot-numbing journey that Frodo (Elijah Wood) and the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring would have to traverse to accomplish their goal. The third LOTR wrapped it all up, twelve different times, all with varying degrees of homo-eroticism. The second part though, it was freed from having to start the story and having to end it, and in it was an increasingly dark tale, headlined by an Oscar-worthy performance by Andy Serkis as Gollum. Nominated for six Oscars (including Best Picture), it won two in technical categories and grossed over $925 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%; Metacritic: 88
T-20. There Will Be Blood (2007)
80 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by Slappy at #3
So how did Paul Thomas Anderson follow up NPP’s 39th Favourite movie of the 2000s? By making NPP’s 20th Favourite movie of the 2000s (or tied for 20th, but that doesn’t just roll off the tongue). Anderson adapted Upton Sinclair’s book Oil! and added his own take on it as well. It featured a stellar performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, stunning cinematography, and a tremendous score, and was nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture. It won for Best Cinematography and the Best Actor Oscar for Day-Lewis’ performance, as well as grossing over $76 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%; Metacritic: 92
T-20. A History of Violence (2005)
80 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by Vernitis at #7
Written by buckdiddy!
During the first decade of the 21st century saw the comic book adaptation become pretty much a staple in American filmmaking. Of the multitude that come out, only a few a year stray away from the skin tight suits and emo Venom. A History of Violence which is directed by David Cronenberg manages to capture not only a very real story but one that is straight from a comic. Plus Viggo Mortensen kicking ass and having rough sex with his wife on the steps is as pimp as pimp can get.
Nominated for two Oscars, it grossed over $60 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%; Metacritic: 81
T-20. Superbad (2007)
80 Points from 6 lists, highest listed by YourRealDad at #6
If the 2000s are to be known for anything, it might just be the rise of the smart R-rated comedy with heart, and most would agree that the forefather of that particular genre is Judd Apatow. Apatow had his hand in this movie in the producer area, helping to select Greg Mottola as director and was heavily responsible for bringing in a lot of his “Frat Pack” to round out the cast. A wonderful semi-coming-of-age tale of some high school dudes, Superbad will most likely end up being more timeless than that movie about the guy fucking a pie. Superbad would end up grossing over $170 million in its surprising theatrical run.
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%; Metacritic: 76
T-20. District 9 (2009)
80 Points from 7 lists, highest listed by Boner at #11
If Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy wasn’t a colossal success, it’s doubtful that we ever would have seen District 9 made. Jackson produced and lent his name to the marketing of his friend Neill Blomkamp’s Hollywood directing debut after their Halo adaptation was put on hold. Featuring a new take on the old racial segregation genre, as well as stunning digital alien characters, District 9 is the 2nd highest-ranked 2009 movie on this list. Nominated for four 2010 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), District 9 grossed over $204 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%; Metacritic: 81
The Wrestler - Great film. Definitely sad I didn't list it.
Iron Man - Great film. Would have been on an extended list.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - From what I've seen, awesome. But every time I try to watch it I have to end up doing something.
Shaun of the Dead - Satirical horror movie with Bill Nighy, what's not to love?
Royal Tenebaums - Great film. Best performance by Luke Wilson ever. #14
Up - Good but felt like it was trying to make me cry.
Two Towers - Less boring of the three. Definitely could have been tighter but when it's a movie about a long travel there's not much wiggle room.
There Will Be Blood - Great film. In Top 25 for sure. Daniel Day Lewis is in a class all his own.
A History of Violence - #11 for me. The movies I ranked are movies I can rewatch over and over without getting bored of it. This movie can do that. Acting is superbulous.
Superbad - Hilarious film but spawned the rebirth of shy awkward losers who get laid. I'm ready to see if Michael Cera in the Scott Pilgrim v. The World just to see if he plays a different character.
District 9 - A good film but rated way too high on this list.
30.* The Wrestler (2008) - Had it #15. It's not really a film about wrestling, and that's what makes it great.
29.* Iron Man (2008) - Normally find comic book adaptions ok but forgettable, this one is better, but still didn't rate it
28.* Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)- unseen
27.* Shaun of the Dead (2004): not rated although I quite like it. Just like Hot Fuzz much more. I can relate better to the cop action buddy flick homage than the zombie homage.
26.* The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - I'm not sure I've seen this all the way through. It's black comedy right - the kind where it's clever but you don't lol much? I think I'd probably like it if I rewatched it.
25.* Up (2009) - unseen
24.* The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - had it at #25. I know everyone pretends they didn't like the trilogy now, but at the time it was fucking epic and everyone loved them. This was the best of the three.
T-20.* There Will Be Blood (2007) - unseen
T-20.* A History of Violence (2005) - Amazing film. Remembering seeing it at the cinemas having no idea what it was going in and being blown away. #8 for me.
T-20.* Superbad (2007) - It's probably the pinnacle of the Apatow genre, although it's now been milked dry, and I'd gladly never see Seth Rogan again. Rated it #45
T-20.* District 9 (2009) - unseen
The Wrestler - Not ranked. Good film though, Mickey Rourke was awesome.
Iron Man - #17 on my list. Love RDJ as Tony Stark, can't wait for the sequel.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - #30. Love RDJ in most things, anyway.
Shaun of the Dead - Not ranked. Think it's a bit overrated, but still enjoy it anyway.
Royal Tenebaums - Not ranked. Oh. Ver. Ray. Ted.
Up - #32. Absolutely beautiful film with a little bit of everything.
Two Towers - Not ranked. Fuck the LOTR movies.
There Will Be Blood - #33. "I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE" has become a cultural institution.
A History of Violence - Not ranked. Great movie though, Viggo is such a badass in this.
Superbad - #12. Saw it in theatres and laughed my ass off the entire time. This was back when Michael Cera's routine was still fresh and Jonah Hill was a nobody. And McLovin! Oh god McLovin!
District 9 - #22. Probably ranked too high because I recently saw it. Eh, I don't care, I loved this.
The Wrestler: Thought it was okay. Not as special as people made it out to be.
Shaun of the Dead: Just saw this recently. Was alright. Not as good as that other one.
Superbad: Funny and well written. Deffo quality.
District 9: Fucking amazing.
Rest I ain't seen yo.
Iron Man- more rewatchable than Dark Knight in some ways because it's shorter, lighter and more action-packed. The rebirth of RDJ, he nailed it.
Up- Not Pixar's best or as good as everyone says but well worth watching NR
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers- Best of a great trilogy. #3
A History of Violence- Pretty good but NR
Superbad- Overrated but McLovin is King NR
District 9- One of the best sci-fi movies in a long time. #12 of 00s and #3 of 09 (#1 if you discount Wrestler and Taken cuz you're a faggot)
Rest I didn't see.
So you didn't see The Wrestler but would rate it #1 of a certain year?
Agreed.
Considering I'm the one who posted, I would wager my post was being in a realm of sarcasm. Possibly.
posted the article.
The Wrestler - Okay. Nothing special.
Iron Man - Fantastically well-made super-hero movie. Far better than TDK.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - Never seen.
Shaun of the Dead - Seen like half. Shit british shit.
Royal Tenebaums - Fucking terrible. Honestly one of the worst films I've ever seen.
Up - Excellent pixar. Probably the most 'adult' they've ever done.
Two Towers - I don't remember if this one was better or worse. But the whole thing was a bit bogged down but still good for what it was.
There Will Be Blood - Vastly overrated. DDL is a dick. We got it in the first half hour.
A History of Violence - Nothing special.
Superbad - If you like jokes where they call pussy other hilarious names, this is the film for you!
District 9 - Quite good.
Watched Shaun of the Dead again tonight, it's a near perfect movie.
No it's not.
pussy
NUH-UH. The Ninja's prefer the Spaced zombie episode.
AFI.
That's funny, people call me AFI.
And I have updated my list.
#1. Shaun of the Dead.
Ok, we need a few write ups. Anyone wanna do some write-ups? If so, pm me and I'll ask you.
We'd need to know what movies are going to be written up, which would spoil the thing. Ask some people who ranked the movies high that you think would do a good job if they want to do it.
I'd like to see cheekbone's review of #30, ta.
Ormie, no. If you're interested in writing about movies you listed pm me and we go from there.
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What happened to Skooch?
Hung himself on emo Friday.
Decided to sit out his week in AIDS
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And I have updated my list.
#1. Shaun of the Dead.
:buzzinga:
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You're asking a bunch of people to write in to review movies they might not have even seen, let alone liked. Totally bass ackwards.
in writing about movies you listed
Shouldn't he be writing about movies he listed?
I don't know but I'd really like him to write about movies he listed. Should have clearly said "writing about movies you listed".
So is Skooch still working on this and this is just for movies he hasn't seen like in the last few?
I think he buggered off.
That's why you pm if you're interested in writing about any. Then if any are ranked, I tell you what and you decide.
I ran skooch off? megawesome
I miss skooch
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go read his woofter blog then
lol woofter.
and slow clap for running off a poster. Superb Work.
cheers mate
Yeah that's fucking wonderful. The only worthwhile thing to happen here in 2010 is this movies list. Well done Taff.
Is all he's whining about is being made AIDS only for a week? That's Gamblor levels of pussy.
If I was AIDS for a week I probably wouldn't bother either. And maybe after a week I just wouldn't bother at all. It's another counter-productive store thing.
Pretty sure it was a long building thing not just AIDS-only.
Whatever it is, its safe to say that it is Taff's fault.
No, Skooch running off is Skooch's fault.
Take yer AIDS-only like a fucking man. NPP's great have.
The millions and millions of the Skooch's fans.
Did ever reveal what he named his fucking frog?
Might have to ambush him on msn later and get him bk.
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Admins please change my name to Skootch Killer
Best movies of 00's was a farce
I remember when Taff was funny and a joy to read.... now he's turned into an internet hard man.... basically Ormie with a bit of self-confidence.
On 2nd thought... Ormie is better. Please accept my apologies Mr. Ormberg.
it was a while back
Seems obvious that the frog done ate Skurch.
Update: Only got two movies left to write and uploading the images. It'll be a back-2-back thing.