Megalopolis is at once one of the least-accessible films of the year, but the sheer depth and insanity of its accomplishment is one we may never see again.

A film which shows how cinema can bring people together, bond generations over a common interest and capture something timeless along the way.

Piece by Piece, much like its decorated subject, blows right past refusing to play by the rules and straight up doesn't acknowledge them, and it's all the best for it.

In Martin McDonagh's morbidly hilarious meditation on male friendship, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson turn in performances every bit as powerful as in 'In Bruges' and paint a heartbreaking but comic look at one happens when one man doesn't want to be friends with another anymore.

Everything from the acting to the camerawork and the imposing score makes Fall a memorable mark in transcending fiction, making our greatest fears come to life.

Apocalypse Now: Final Cut is a graphic yet gorgeous masterpiece about the Vietnam War. It's also perhaps the best movie ever made about the horrors of war.

Talk to Me is an aculmination of years worth viral content creation, mixed in with Australian storytelling. Together, it transformed a comedic short premise into something that gets your heart racing.

Beyond the perfectly poised storytelling, awe-inspiring visuals and pulsing soundtrack, Maverick also possesses another important intangible. It brings out a feeling that’s arguably been missing from the multiplex for too long, where you will literally be able to hear a pin drop.

Ready Or Not is an exquisite horror comedy heavy on familial dysfunction, heavier on gameplaying brutality, and always a reminder that Samara Weaving deserves to be the biggest of megastars.

Led by a fantastic Michael Keaton, Birdman is a deeply thoughtful and darkly hilarious meta dissection of egotism that satirizes the entertainment business with a compelling visual style that is all its own.

Pivoting gut-punching drama and whip-smart comedy around a career-best turn from Kieran Culkin, 'A Real Pain' is a real treat of the highest caliber.

The Broken Tower is a wonderful labour of passion and love for this incredible artist and his broken life and it could not have been a more perfect way to encapsulate the incredibly obscure and fantastic artist that is Hart Crane.

Forget such questions of whether 'Civil War' is good or bad, fresh or rotten, and any other gradation scale that comes to mind. This film is mandatory.

In spite of a momentous directorial debut and performance from Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga leaves the lasting impression in A Star Is Born, a beautiful production perfectly suited to re-release the superstar as a top-tier performer; she is nothing short of astounding.

Guardians Of The Galaxy is everything we go to the movies for, as Gunn is able to build an intricate intergalactic world full of multiple races, lush scenery, and maximum escapism through action, romance, comedy, and interstellar drama.

Every typical category of film analysis – the performances, the cinematography, the score, the wit, so on and so forth – needn’t be labeled as anything less than great.

For sheer craftsmanship and watchability alone, Amanda Knox is a must-see offering on Netflix; for its exposure of the workings of justice systems and media culture, it’s an essential piece of work worth sharing and discussing.

Blindspotting is a force to be reckoned with in terms of experience, anger and boiled frustrations that beg anyone watching to lead the charge for change.

Plan C is an emotional journey into American culture, focused solely on one hot topic.

For fans of Presley himself, this is the story you’ve been waiting for, and with “Unchained Melody” in your head, you’ll leave the theatre with more respect for Presley, for those you love, and for anyone who has ever been burnt by the hand that should have shown them comfort.

It’s a movie where even seasoned cinemagoers who feel like or claim to have seen everything are likely to marvel at how director Kenneth Lonergan was able to achieve something new, interesting, painful, hilarious, or beautiful, or some combination of all these things, in every single scene. It’s the type of movie that makes a person reach for the nearest hyperbole to describe it.

The awe-inspiring strength of 'Fancy Dance' is as softly sensational as it is proudly singular, and Gladstone is breathtaking throughout; Indigenous voices are a necessity to filmmaking.

The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic is unlike any rom-com ever made, being blessedly free from formula, devoid of meet-cute dynamics, and disarmingly tragic in its set-up. That being said, it is also the most inspired and inspiring piece of bittersweet comedy romance ever made, defined by unwavering optimism and unrivaled hope in the face of God-given adversity.

Ti West's latest slasher 'X' defies all odds and sets itself apart from the crowd as a phenomenal piece of filmmaking that reinvents the overplayed clichés and marks a refreshing turning point for modern horror.

By combining her nostalgic take on formative family holidays with an unflinching portrait of conflicting personal identity, Aftersun intentionally delivers an emotional sucker punch few will soon forget.

With a perfect balance of heart and humor, Toni Erdmann transcends its clichéd premise, becoming one of the most tragic comedies of the decade so far.

This beautiful work pays an immaculate tribute to him, illustrating the legacy of a man whose nature transcended the concepts of knowledge, understanding, age and love. Fifteen years after his death, the heroic and criminally under-appreciated efforts of Fred Rogers are finally being celebrated on the big screen in what may very well be the best documentary of the year.

Moonlight captures the limitations of masculine conventions in an incredibly sympathetic, deeply felt way.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is some kind of miracle. It works on every imaginable level - as a heartfelt love letter to fans, an irresistible invitation to newbies, a visual marvel and a blockbuster of unparalleled emotional heft and cultural significance.

Zhao Tao’s awe-inspiring performance and the pure audacity of director Jia Zhangke make Mountains May Depart the auteur’s best effort to date.

A searing and pivotal documentary about the prison-industrial complex, Ava DuVernay's The 13th is a truly frightening film that galvanizes its viewers to action.

This is acting at its purest, designed to communicate and enlighten an audience in search of answers. Either through visual and verbal dexterity, or blood-curdling physicality and audible androgyny, this play still has much to teach people about the power of cinema.

Cha Cha Real Smooth is perfect because it never set out to be anything close to a rom-com. Raiff focused instead on what it is that brings people together, which has more to do with attraction than anything else in cinema.

As complex as it is compassionate, 'Other People's Children' features standout performances, and no end of nuance. For the incurable romantic and cynic in equal measure, this film deserves to be seen by a big audience.

A rebirth for both actor and director, Pain and Glory sees Banderas and Almodóvar at the peak of their electric, heart-wrenching capabilities.

Babylon might be messy, but original film making doesn't come much better than this.

Renaissance is not a concert film, it's an artifact and a time capsule of Beyoncé at "f***ing forty-two". Its every frame a reminder that although fleeting, greatness is also immortal.

Till is a moving story of grief that America needs to remember and will likely bring you to tears by the last scene, if not sooner, as it did this reviewer.

Unsentimental, brutally honest, and staggeringly complex in its execution, intelligent cinema like this is a rarity.

La La Land feels like a throwback and also like something we've never seen before, resulting in a dreamy musical that hits just about every note.

Powerful, provocative, and libel to promote debate - 'Cat Person' is a film with plenty to say. Directed by Susanna Fogel and adapted from the short story by Kristen Roupenian, this features Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun in a hard hitting tale.

Heche and Oh are both outright brilliant.

Fast Five boasts incredible action scenes that are all varied and equally exciting. The film is full of clean, well choreographed shots that are easy to watch and the cast works great as a whole unit, making the film's running time breeze by.

In one of the most optimistic indie films so far this year, Alex Trewhitt delivers a staggering central performance, turning this teen drama into something special.

Jeff Nichols' masterminding could have sealed the deal on its own, but thanks to this cast, 'The Bikeriders' roars.

A pointed puzzle-box that never takes its finger off its stormy emotions, 'Conclave' is as softly sensational as it is sweepingly satisfying.

Jarvis Cosmo is astounding in this examination of personal loss and family trauma.

With Squaring The Circle, Anton Corbijn continues mining the musical past to celebrate his unsung heroes. In this case, he uses the documentary to explore artwork pioneers Hipgnosis, who made history with their innovative approach to album cover design.

If anyone ever thinks of Michael J. Fox as anything other than a legend after this film, they need to re-evaluate their priorities. 'Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie' documents the life of a survivor, who is far from done fighting.

The Lighthouse boasts and thrives off of a maritime rap battle between Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattison, whose claustrophobic journey together towards madness is among the sickest and most memorable collaborations in recent memory.

Equal parts eye-and-ear candy and carbs for the soul, 'The Wild Robot' is animation's finest hour of the year.

Watching SUGA: Road to D-Day and j-hope IN THE BOX back to back is like peeling back the layers of BTS one by one. It will also make it abundantly clear why the South Korean band has gotten as far as they have.

There isn’t a moment in Mary Poppins Returns that I would put above the 1964 classic, but there also isn’t one worth throwing away in this magical, if formulaic production.

Though it's a bit of a wobbly mess at times, Hacksaw Ridge ultimately winds up being a deeply moving character study about an unlikely American hero.

Clinically rigorous and hugely entertaining, The Man from Mo’Wax is a forthright examination of failure and disappointment. There’s not many music documentaries that can touch it.

Pulpy, old-fashioned Western action and terrific performances make Hell or High Water one of the most satisfying releases of the summer.

Thanks to its meticulous Craftsmanship, unsettling narrative, and Nicolas Cage's most harrowing role yet, 'Longlegs' is a masterclass in psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll.

While horrifying on the outside, Fargeat’s latest hit tells a heartbreaking story on the inside. For that, it’s a must-see this year.

Jordan Peele mixes and matches elements taken from big blockbusters and obscure subgenres alike to create a heart-racing nightmare that rains abominable filth down on its audience.

Holding itself to the tip-top standard that the talent involved would imply, 'Black Bag' is intelligent, entertaining, and nearly bulletproof.

Junction 48 is about a fusing of cultures, not a conflict between them. There are no easy solutions or simplistic answers, and the film doesn’t try to propose any.

An exuberant visual poem reflecting the life and politics of the Chilean poet, Neruda is much more than a simple biopic.

Prepare to be turned-ghost pale by horrors of the mind, body and soul, unlike you’ve experienced in quite some time.

Prevenge is a breathtaking, savage debut from Alice Lowe, one that boasts horrific moral deprivation and a sense of humor drenched in maternal madness.

It’s not just one of the best superhero movies ever – it’s a damn-fine cinematic representation of the human condition in all its agonizing forms.

Understated but no less powerful for it, Causeway will remind audience what Oscar winning actors can do.

Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood is a wistful fantasy fueled by a series of top-grade performances, a stampeding collage of Tarantino-isms, and of course, a happy slathering of movie magic.

Nintendo knows what's great about the 'Super Mario Bros.' games, and perfectly brings them to life on the big screen.

This is a masterpiece of woven ancestral roots and the importance of “familia,” confident in song and poetic in vision.

Maria is a triumph and the culmination of a trilogy that has become a definitive and essential dissection of the celebrity biopic genre.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is a celebration of limitless creativity that honors comic book runs of the same freeing mentality.

The Devil All the Time is an emotionally powerful look at familial trauma, religious corruption, and one man's will to challenge his fate.

Hayao Miyazaki's 12th and possibly final feature film could not be more relevant as a call to action, bravery, and the unrelenting hope of childhood.

As far as mainstream horror goes, It is a brilliant example of what can happen when equal attention is paid to story and scares.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer envelops you in its strange, disturbing world with the manipulative skill of a true surrealist master.

Even its mistakes hardly qualify as mistakes, and the intelligence with which 'Transformers One' carries itself as an IP film easily cements it as an instant classic.

Everything Everywhere All At Once understands that the world is infinitely big and scary, and that we often feel like we are the worst versions of ourselves. And yet, it manages to effectively advocate for us to keep going, to seek the connections and moments that make life worth it.

The Irishman is delicately handled by experienced, especially-inspired makers. It’s simply the kind of film that isn’t made too often anymore; and it’s one of the best this year has to offer.

A brightly colored extravaganza, 'Wicked' is a monumental feat in the stage-to-screen lineage, with stunning sets, sharp choreography, and delightful musical numbers. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande gracefully lead the film to great heights, and Jon M. Chu's tasteful direction raises hopes for 'Part Two.'

The larger-than-life feelings Pearl experiences are brought to life around her through the technicolor-inspired cinematography and shot composition, making for a beautiful, sometimes moving, and delightfully unhinged journey.

12 Years A Slave will beat you down emotionally, scene after scene, without any mercy - but that's just a testament to the brilliant direction, transformation-like performances, and unapologetic storytelling that elevates Steve McQueen's movie high above the masses.

Christine is a fine piece of cinema, not only boasting one of the best performances of the year to date, but also tackling a difficult subject with ample empathy and intelligence.

Brimming with wide-eyed invention and featuring an ensemble cast on solid form, Four Samosas is a concise piece of cultural comedy, with some B-movie heist elements thrown in for good measure.

With surprises, humor, and accessible profundity in spades, 'Orion and the Dark' has set the bar remarkably high for the rest of 2024's animated features.

The latest installment proves 'Scream' still has the chops to outdo itself consistently and cleverly. An effortless balance of dark comedy and intense set pieces make it worth checking out. Come for the return of a beloved franchise, and stay for a killer joy ride through New York City.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is striking, stunning, visually hypnotizing, thrilling - everything "epic" about the famed franchise rolled into a tremendously overcharged start to Rian Johnson's Star Wars career.

Self-assured, brimming with conviction and intellectually demanding - Women Talking is what cinema should be about.

Overall, the writing, performances, direction, and cinematography of Nightmare Alley are all top notch in virtually every way.

Pinocchio is more than a movie about a wooden boy’s adventures. It’s a movie, to quote Sebastian, about “imperfect sons and imperfect fathers,” the futility and impotence of fascism, and the transcendent power of love above everything else. While a lesser movie would have been crushed by the weight of these themes, Pinocchio manages to carry them all with relative ease.

I, Daniel Blake is a dignified film containing moments of hilarity and genuine heartbreak. It's a movie dripping with social relevance and shines a light on the red tape bureaucracy that cripples those that are in most need of help.

Piled high with plot twists and packed full of peerless performances, Sharper brings together Sebastian Stan, Julianne Moore, and John Lithgow in a brooding long con thriller from Apple. Delivering something fresh from the streaming service, which continues to champion originality without limits.

Delightful, inventive and deeply affecting, Inside Out embodies the very best of what Pixar has to offer.

National Bird is a scathing and clearly delineated expose on America’s use of drone warfare and the effects it has on both the victims of the attacks and the crews operating the aircraft.

Wes Anderson continues to exercise his (hopefully) endless imagination in Isle of Dogs, creating another fictional setting bursting with unlikely heroes and another unusually appealing adventure that offers more depth than meets the eye.

The true test of 'Oppenheimer' is whether Nolan can maintain his typically mammoth vision with a narrative that mostly comprises white men talking in small rooms. Like his protagonist, the writer/director succeeds in a grand and unexpectedly horrifying fashion.

Kung Fu Panda 2 benefits from an entertaining story, fantastic direction and amazing visuals. It's one of 2011's best animated films.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is supremely sincere, warmly witty, and laugh-out-loud funny. And really, what else did you expect?

Night School exposes the individualism of poverty and the power that education can bring to the powerless.