written by Skooch
It’s currently late January 2010, which means that this list is either a month late or 11 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 50th to 41st on the list!
T-50. Black Snake Moan (2007)
45 Points from 2 lists, highest listed by Simon Mac
This movie was on my “should see” list for quite sometime, due to the fantastic nudity of Christina Ricci that I’d heard was prevalent throughout the film, which pretty much explains the marketing of the film. It grossed around $10 million, becoming more popular when it was released on DVD. It features an awesome Samuel L. Jackson performance where he wasn’t just collecting a paycheque, and the aforementioned Ricci was also quite powerful in her sex-crazed trailer park trash role.
Rotten Tomatoes: 65%; Metacritic: 52
T-50. Hot Fuzz (2007)
45 Points from 3 lists, highest listed by KAKnyght
From the guys that brought you Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz is a fantastically sharp and dead-on satire of the countless buddy cop action thrillers that have littered multiplexes since at least the early 80s. Thank stars Simon Pegg, Nick Frost as well as director Edgar Wright (who co-wrote the script with Pegg) for this cinematic masterpiece of spectacular choreographed violence that grossed around $80 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%; Metacritic: 81
T-48. Oldboy (2003)
46 Points from 2 lists, highest listed by Buckdiddy
Grossing almost $15 million worldwide, Oldboy is one of two movies in this list that I have never seen, much to my chagrin. It’s garnered plenty of critical acclaim, generating a cult following, as well as winning several awards, most notably the Grand Prix of the Jury at Cannes 2004. From what I’ve gleaned in online reviews (without wanting to spoil anything for myself), it sounds like a deeply awesome psychological thriller about a guy who’s locked in a hotel room for 15 years with no given reason, then released into “a web of conspiracy and violence“.
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%; Metacritic: 74
T-48. V for Vendetta (2006)
46 Points from 3 lists, highest listed by Boner
With the glut of comic book movies that were released in the 2000s, there was a growing fear amongst the die-hard fans of certain properties that the creations they loved so much would be bastardized and raped on the big screen. This is why X-Men: The Last Stand will not appear on this list. Remaining decently faithful to Alan Moore’s classic graphic novel (allowing for certain modernizations of culture and the like), V for Vendetta was not your typical comic book popcorn movie. It dealt with deeper issues, darker elements, and some might say the hero isn’t a hero at all. Gorgeously shot, with gripping performances from Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving, V for Vendetta grossed $132 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 74%; Metacritic: 62
47. The Prestige (2006)
48 Points from 3 lists, highest listed by Kendergardener
After Batman Begins, many were aching for director Christopher Nolan’s follow-up. When it was revealed to be a thriller involving the actors who portrayed Batman (Christian Bale) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) as duelling magicians, with Scarlett Johansson as their hot assistant, well.. A lot of people were like Didn’t that movie just get released last month?” It wasn’t the easiest movie to follow first time around, but that just invites re-watching and enjoying new aspects of the deep film. Whether you called the ending or not, most viewers would agree that it was an entertaining picture and certainly one of the best of the past decade, grossing over $109 million.
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%; Metacritic: 66
T-44. The Hangover (2009)
49 Points from 2 lists, highest listed by Scotsman
This is the first of four movies from 2009 on our list, the tenth highest grossing movie of that year (to the tune of $459 million), the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time and winner of the Musical or Comedy Best Picture Golden Globe, not to mention #3 on NPP’s very own Top Films of 2009 list. There have been some fairly accurate comments on how it’s a smarter version of Dude, Where’s My Car? but who cares, Ashton Kutcher sucks ass, fuck that guy. The Hangover didn’t dumb anything down, didn’t pull any punches and was genuinely entertaining, which is more than you can say about most comedies these days.
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%; Metacritic: 73
T-44. Gangs of New York (2002)
49 Points from 2 lists, highest listed by SimonMac
Special Guest Writer Buckdiddy: Of the three feature films made by Martin Scoresese during the first decade of the 21st century, Gangs of New York seems not only to be the most traditional style of film but the most heart felt. His love of New York City comes out through the Irish immigrant Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day Lewis). Everything in this movie just works so well it’s a surprise to me that people don’t enjoy it. The cast is superb, the story is emotional yet raw and it has iconic moments that define not only the actors but the movie world itself.
Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, it grossed $193 million.
Rotten Tomatoes:76%; Metacritic: 72
T-44. Sin City (2005)
49 Points from 4 lists, highest listed by Boner and Buckdiddy
Follow along with me here: without the existence and success of Sin City, there would never have been a 300 or Watchmen. That statement gives me a few mixed feelings, but there’s no disputing that Sin City ushered in a new visual style in film making, thanks to director Robert Rodriguez’s desire to remain 100% faithful to Frank Miller’s graphic novels. The resulting film looks like it leapt off a comic page. Sin City delivered some amazing performances, kick-starting Mickey Rourke’s career resurrection, and will probably end up being the best project that Jessica Alba will ever do, although Idle Hands might contend for that distinction. Critically acclaimed, Sin City grossed $158 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 77%; Metacritic: 74
T-42. The Rundown (2003)
50 Points from 2 lists, highest listed by Scotsman
This is one movie that I have not seen on any other Best of the Decade list. Starring The Rock in his first non-Mummy-related movie, The Rundown was an entertaining and fun wacky buddy action comedy. Christopher Walken did that usual thing he does what with stealing a lot of scenes, Rosario Dawson was the fantastic eye candy and Seann William Scott proved that he was more than just Stifler. The Rundown was moderately successful at the box office, grossing $80 million and lent credence to The Rock being a legitimate Hollywood draw.
Rotten Tomatoes: 71%; Metacritic: 59
T-42. 25th Hour (2002)
50 Points from 3 lists, highest listed by Kendergardener
After the events of 9/11, it took awhile before anyone was anything but depressed when thinking about New York City. Spike Lee’s movie was one of the first real movies to set itself in New York and explore how the culture of the city and the world had changed. Featuring a tremendously talented cast delivering top notch performances, 25th Hour grossed $23 million and was later discovered by many on DVD by numerous fans of Ed Norton’s work in American History X.
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%; Metacritic: 67
41. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
52 Points from 2 lists, highest listed by PorkChopCunt
The most recent Best Picture Academy Award winner (also picking up seven other Oscars) Slumdog grossed $377 million worldwide, with its heart-warming story of a guy winning a million dollars by just remembering his past. Certainly there was more to the story than that, with Danny Boyle’s direction and stunning visuals engaging even the most jaded of cinema lovers.
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%; Metacritic: 86
I don't see how many people like V for Vendetta. I found it rather boring.
Does that asterisk show up when you put two spaces?
Black Snake Moan: Never seen.
Hot Fuzz: Was #30 for me. Very solid movie, and I much preferred it to Shaun of the Dead.
Oldboy: Never seen.
V for Vendetta: Never seen.
The Prestige: Never seen.
The Hangover: My #3 movie. Surprised it is this low as it was such an amazing comedy, and it will be sad if any comedies are higher rated than it.
Gangs of New York: Never seen.
Sin City: Never seen.
The Rundown: My #2. A fucking classic, and has one of my favourite scenes ever when The Rock returns to whoop some ass.
25th Hour: Boring as shit.
Slumdog Millionaire: Never seen.
Great start Skooch, like the format, 10 movies per entry seems about right.
My thoughts on those listed so far:
T-50. Black Snake Moan (2007) - haven't seen it for some reason
T-50. Hot Fuzz (2007) - had this #10, my 2nd favourite comedy of the decade
T-48. Oldboy (2003) - never even heard of it?
T-48. V for Vendetta (2006) - shortlisted but never really considered for my top 50.
47. The Prestige (2006) - haven't seen it. Have seen The Illusionist, which seems virtually the same and almost made my top 50.
T-44. The Hangover (2009) - it's a better Dude Where's My Car? Doesn't make it that good.
T-44. Gangs of New York (2002) - the last 1/3rd of this is just a horrible mess.
T-44. Sin City (2005) - overrated
T-42. The Rundown (2003) - rated #47 by me, which is no points. The kind of fun action comedy they stopped making around the early 90s. Shame The Rock is making The Tooth Fairy now instead of becoming the next Schwarzenegger.
T-42. 25th Hour (2002) - totally forgot about this one! Would've been a chance for my top 50.
41. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - Overrated, Bollywood makes 10 Slumdog's every year, although they add about 45 minutes worth of musical numbers. I rated it #49
I have a feeling most of my list will either be off the list or in the top 15.
Didn't submit a list as I just didn't really watch enough movies to warrent a list. Only seen two of those movies, Hangover and Hot Fuzz. Hangover was just the other day, so I can't really rank it and Hot Fuzz I turned off halfway through.
Black Snake Moan: Never seen.
Hot Fuzz: Unranked. Enjoyable, but unmemorable.
Oldboy: #14 on my list. Great action sequences, great story, great twist, great movie. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys film.
V for Vendetta: #23 on my list. Good, enjoyable popcorn flick.
The Prestige: Never seen.
The Hangover: Laughed when I saw this in theaters, but didn't have it on my list. Funny film, but not as funny as people tell you it is.
Gangs of New York: #44 on my list. Daniel Day-Lewis is incredible, unfortunately it's way too long and Cameron Diaz adds nothing of value.
Sin City: Unranked. Would probably have been in my top 100.
The Rundown: Unranked. Forgettable movie, wasn't good enough to keep getting The Rock roles in action films, now he's stuck making Tooth Fairy and Race to Witch Mountain.
25th Hour: #13 on my list. Not surprised that Kender listed it higher than me, as this film is, in my opinion, the best representation of post-9/11 New York City.
Slumdog Millionaire: #4. A modern fairy tale, one which uses the slums of India to not make the audience feel guilty, (as so many LOOK AT THESE POOR PEOPLE ISN'T THIS DEPRESSING documentaries strive for) but to show the hurdles our character must overcome to find his true love.
Oldboy is the greatest blend of asian and hollywood cinema.
It really does feel like a well-made Hollywood movie. I enjoyed it because I knew so little about what actually happens - it just arrived from netflix one morning so I watched it. American movies have gotten to the point where the trailer gives half the film away, so it's rare to see a film as suspenseful and gripping as Oldboy without thinking "oh, there's gonna be a fight scene coming up, saw clips of it in the trailer".
Also, using the power of google, I learned that the planned remake starring Will Smith is officially dead, which makes me happy.
It really does feel like a well-made Hollywood movie. I enjoyed it because I knew so little about what actually happens - it just arrived from netflix one morning so I watched it. American movies have gotten to the point where the trailer gives half the film away, so it's rare to see a film as suspenseful and gripping as Oldboy without thinking "oh, there's gonna be a fight scene coming up, saw clips of it in the trailer".
Also, using the power of google, I learned that the planned remake starring Will Smith is officially dead, which makes me happy.
Why aren't we getting what number the highest person ranked?
Black Snake Moan: Never seen.
Hot Fuzz: Decent but overrated.
Oldboy: Never seen or heard of.
V for Vendetta: Pretty good flick.
The Prestige: Never seen.
The Hangover: Haven't seen it yet
Sin City: Good.
The Rundown: My #10, shame The Rock ain't making more films like this.
25th Hour: never seen
Slumdog Millionaire: 4 stars but didn't make my list.
It really does feel like a well-made Hollywood movie. I enjoyed it because I knew so little about what actually happens - it just arrived from netflix one morning so I watched it. American movies have gotten to the point where the trailer gives half the film away, so it's rare to see a film as suspenseful and gripping as Oldboy without thinking "oh, there's gonna be a fight scene coming up, saw clips of it in the trailer".
Also, using the power of google, I learned that the planned remake starring Will Smith is officially dead, which makes me happy
You should, every other list does.
Not discussing films I haven't seen.
Black Snake Moan - I ranked this 14th. Apparently, nobody has seen this movie. I was actually kind of dragged to it against my will, expecting it to be terrible, but it was actually a really spectacular film. You'll come for Christina Ricci's nudity, but you'll stay for a great character-driven film with some superb imagery and a story about two people helping each other get over something difficult.
V for Vendetta - I like this film, but not enough to rank it in my Top 25. It definitely had its moments, but just didn't grab me for some reason. I think part of it was that the reveal of the conspiracy didn't particularly grab me or anything. Certainly good and solid, just not spectacular or all that memorable.
The Prestige - I ranked this 7th on my list, and again, it's a grossly overlooked film. Quite honestly I think this movie kicks the shit out of Batman Begins, and I would (and did) rank it higher than the Dark Knight. Regardless, it's a great film that keeps you guessing the whole way and also keeps you intrigued by the cat and mouse game that goes on between the two leads. The reveal also doesn't seem tacked on or nonsensical, but actually enhances your appreciation for the movie because of how organic it is to the world of the film. It also raises some broader philosophical issues, but that's more of a bonus than anything. Great great movie.
The Hangover - I watched this and didn't really get the fuss, and I was looking forward to this film. It definitely had its moments, but I dunno, Dr. Ken annoys the crap out of me and it felt more like a parade of random scenes than a movie. Some were funny, some weren't, either way, decent enough comedy but just really failed to meet expectations for me.
Gangs of New YorkIf this movie had ended at the ceremony for Bill the Butcher's toast, or shortly thereafter, it would not only have made my list, but been pretty high up there. It was really a superb movie up to that point, it had great pacing, and great build, and really had you invested in what was bubbling up, and then after it does and little if not nothing is resolved, you just stop caring, and then the movie goes on for another half hour/forty-five minutes with a completely unsatisfying ending. Now the fact that the ending is unsatisfying is, I think, kind of the point, but still, this movie just really lost me at the end. Probably deserves more love, just went out on a sour note for me.
Sin City I really liked this movie. When I was constructing my list it was definitely in the running and if I'd known there wasn't a cap it would have been in my top thirty. I'd say it loses some points in my book for the Clive Owen story, which didn't really do much for me. It wasn't bad per se, it was just kind of uneven. The Marv story and the Bruce Willis story as well as the wraparounds were all quality though. I don't know if I would point to it as great art, but it was definitely great entertainment and as Skooch noted has been influential on a certain subgenre of films that came afterward.
25th Hour - I ranked this 9th. To be fair, it's been a long time since I've seen this movie and so after a rewatching now with a somewhat different taste for movies than I had in 2002, I might not have ranked it so high. Still, I remember it as a very powerful film. Particularly the scene at the end where Ed Norton's character had his friends beat him up really got to me. The fact that it kind of has a "Lady or Tiger" ending threw me off a little bit, but still an awesome film.
Black Snake Moan: Haven't seen it, hadn't really heard anything good about it til now.
Hot Fuzz: My #8, I really love how this movie at first pokes fun at over the top action movies only to embrace them in the end. I liked all of the characters in this but Dalton steals the show in this and rubs your face in that he stole it.
Oldboy: Haven't seen it yet, but I'd heard it was really good.
V for Vendetta: I really liked Portman and Weaving in this, but other than that I don't remember liking much else, read the graphic novel before I saw this I think.
The Prestige: Almost made my Top 25, Bale was way better in this than in the new Batman films, Jackman and Caine were great and really thought David Bowie was great as Nikola Tesla.
The Hangover: Haven't seen it yet.
Sin City: Would make a Top 50 somewhere, very cool movie with great performances, and while it really didn't require much more than a cold stare, I always remember Elijah Wood in this. Kevin is terrifying.
The Rundown: Almost made my Top 25, Walken's monologue on getting his tooth stolen is somewhat ironic now considering the Rock's role in the Tooth Fairy, probably would've made the list for being an awesome old style action movie if not for Hot Fuzz being on my list.
Slumdog Millionaire: Haven't seen it, no hurry to watch it really.
Dammit, not being able to edit.
Gangs Of New York: Saw it, remember it being good, especially Daniel Day-Lewis, but haven't seen it recently enough to judge.
25th Hour: Hadn't even heard of it.
For posterity's sake:
Black Snake Moan was highest rated by SimonMac at #3
Hot Fuzz was highest rated by KAKnyght at #8
Oldboy was highest rated by Buckdiddy at #2
V for Vendetta was highest rated by Boner at #8
The Prestige was highest rated by Kendergardener at #7
The Hangover was highest rated by Scotsman at #3
Gangs of New York was highest rated by SimonMac at #5
Sin City was highest rated by Boner and Buckdiddy at #15
The Rundown was highest rated by Scotsman at #2
25th Hour was highest rated by Kendergardener at #9
Slumdog Millionaire was highest rated by PorkChopCunt at #4
^^^Bowed down to ORMBERG.
:BIGCHEESE:
50. Black Snake Moan: Loved it, mainly for Riccis tits and ass. Was a good film but I didn't like it as much as to call it one of my top 50 favorites of the decade.
49. Hot Fuzz: I remember liking this alot at the time. More than the Hangover for sure but it didn't really stick with me.
48. Oldboy:
47. V for Vendetta:
46. The Prestige:
Didn't see any of these, Vendetta just never interested me, I may check the other two out at some point.
45. The Hangover: Liked it, but it felt it didn't nearly live up to the hype, fair or not. I felt like there were a bunch of other comedies this decade that were much better.
44. Gangs of New York: I've seen bits and pieces but never gave it a proper viewing. Material is such that it will take alot to get me to actually sit down and watch it.
43. Sin City: Really liked it, not this much though.
42. The Rundown: This lept out at me when I first saw it listed cause I really loved this one but had forgotten all about. Probably wouldn't have made my top 30 but like would the top 50. Just a fun fuckin movie.
41. 25th Hour:
40. Slumdog Millionaire:
Like Gangs Of New York the subject matter here doesn't much interest me but I may catch them eventually.
I really like how the list is broken up. Good job, Skooch.
My thoughts...
50. Black Snake Moan: Haven't seen it.
49. Hot Fuzz: Didn't find it to be funny at all. Terribly overrated.
48. Oldboy: Haven't heard of it, but will definitely pick it up now.
47. V for Vendetta: Another overrated movie IMO. Could see the twists a mile away and I wanted to punch Natalie Portman by the end of it.
46. The Prestige: Fantastic movie. Number 16 on my list. Kender nailed it, as I think this is Nolan's second best movie (behind Momento).
45. The Hangover: Number 10 on my list. Have seen it two more times on DVD and still love it. My thoughts were in my original post in the Entertainment Thread.
44. Gangs of New York: Number 8 on my list. Again, thoughts in original thread.
43. Sin City: Fantastic visuals. Didn't rank it and I might have to watch it again, as the only time I saw it was in the theatre.
42. The Rundown: Probably the best buddy-action movie of the decade. Didn't rank it though.
41. 25th Hour: Number 21 on my list. Edward Norton is just amazing in this. If I ever have to go to jail, I want to get my ass kicked prior to getting locked up.
40. Slumdog Millionaire: Didn't enjoy this as much as the rest of the world apparently.
- Haven't seen Oldboy, Gangs of New York, or 25th Hour.
- V for Vendetta, The Prestige, and Slumdog Millionaire are all fine but terribly overrated.
- The Rundown is great for what it is, but I wouldn't consider it Top 50.
- Sin City was one of the best movies of 2005. Which was a weak year for movies.
- The Hangover is Todd Phillips' funniest movie, even though Old School and Starsky & Hutch are both good.
- Hot Fuzz is great mainly because of Timothy Dalton. In just the right spot.
- Black Snake Moan was weird. Saw it a few years ago. Don't remember anything else but that and boobies.
Might as well join the ocean of people on this.
- Only seen bits of Black Snake Moan. Seems a little too overdone but Sam Jackson was entertaining from what I saw.
- Got grief here for saying I was underwhelmed by Hot Fuzz.
- Oldboy needs viewing by all of you. ALL OF YOU!!!
- V for Vendetta = boring
- Prestige is great but it gets overclouded by its reveals.
- The Hangover, while a great comedy, is not top 50 of the decade.
- Still sad I forgot Gangs of New York for my list.
- Sin City is a collection of genres rolled into one and spit out in comic book form and it's great. Elijah Wood as a badass, who knew.
- The Rundown was quality. I miss The Rock in good movies.
- 25th Hour. Another film where I've seen bits. Enjoy it but still skeptical.
- Won't be watching Slumdog Millionaire to put it simply.
Guess I could do it as well, since I tried to not let my opinions on the films impact the write-ups.
Black Snake Moan - 3.5 / 5 worth watching, NR
Hot Fuzz - 4.5 / 5 amazing piss-take on the action genre, NR
Oldboy - need to see, NR
V for Vendetta - 4.5 / 5 top notch storytelling, gorgeous, amazing performances, etc. #52
The Prestige - 4.5 / 5 same as above, #55
The Hangover - 4.5 / 5 near perfect comedy, still elicits many LOLs after multiple viewings, #45
Gangs of New York - 3 / 5 not a Scorcese mark, overlong, featuring only a couple noteworthy performances, NR
Sin City - 3.5 / 5 after my initial viewing I gave it 4.5, but it's dropped with each subsequent viewing, NR
Rundown - 4 / 5 wonderfully fun action movie, NR
25th Hour - only saw it once, always meant to buy it afterwards, think I have a poster of it somewhere here, probably 4 or 4.5, NR
Slumdog Millionaire - 4 or 4.5 / 5 only watched it the once, loved it, but it wasn't the best movie of 2008, NR
Reading these lists and the discussion on voting makes me realise how little movies I watch. So far I've seen The Hangover, Sin City and Rundown, which for whatever reason was titled 'Welcome to the Jungle' here.
Better name I reckon anyway.
It was originally titled "Helldorado" I believe.
The Rundown? Really?
Skirtsman's number 2. Should probably ban him from these things.
Can't wait to find out what Ossie's list was.
I'm betting he didn't put in a list but will complain incessantly about how this turns out.
Uh Scotsman obviously put in a list.
^^^^^^^^^ Loves pretending he has me on ignore.
Try reading all the posts in the thread.
^^^WEEKEND BENDER
ON A MONDAY
Tuesday here.
Knew you was gonna go there.
I knew you was gonna go THERE.
Oh Bender.
Try reading all the posts in the thread.
You don't say?!?!?!
first i've heard of it
You really should start paying more attention.
Black Snake Moan: Never seen.
Hot Fuzz: Haven't seen.
Oldboy: Haven't seen.
V for Vendetta: Seen it. Rather good.
The Prestige: Excellent film. Highest rating.
The Hangover: Haven't seen.
Gangs of New York: Own it. Quite good.
Sin City: Seen it. Bit gimmicky but still good.
The Rundown: Never seen.
25th Hour: Seen it. Good, but a bit too 'Spike Lee'.
Slumdog Millionaire: Never seen.
Black Snake Moan: Great flick. You got great music, great tits, and Samuel L. Jackson tying up white hoes.
Hot Fuzz: Good film. Not as good as Shaun of the dead. Forgot to rate that.
Oldboy: Haven't seen.
V for Vendetta: Loved it. Very good adaptation from the graphic novel. Hugo Weaving was awesome as V.
The Prestige: Great flim.
The Hangover: Funny as hell. Also one I forgot to rate.
Gangs of New York: Daniel Day-Lewis is worth watching this alone.
Sin City: Loved teh style of it. Did not think they could pull this off.
The Rundown: Walken never disappoints
25th Hour: never seen
Slumdog Millionaire: Never seen.