The 50 Best Movies of 2008

Top 50 Movies of 2008

Most movie critics make it an annual tradition to rank their top 10 films of the year.

We think that's way too limiting -- what with instantly classic superhero flicks ('The Dark Knight,' 'Iron Man'), top-notch comedies ('Tropic Thunder,' 'Role Models'), fantastic family fare ('WALL-E,' 'Kung Fu Panda') and must-see Oscar contenders ('Milk,' 'Slumdog Millionaire') all in the running.

Believe it or not, we've got 42 more where those came from ... Presenting our third annual list of the year's 50 best movies.

Paramount | Warner Bros. | Miramax | Fox Searchlight

50. 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'

The alien-themed plot (not to mention that scene where Shia LaBeouf channels Tarzan) incurred the wrath of some diehard Indy fans -- and earned the flick a hilariously controversial send-up courtesy of 'South Park.' But at its essence, 'Crystal Skull' keeps up with the previous 'Jones'es, delivering a long-awaited, and whip-cracking, fourth dose of our favorite globe-trotting archaeologist. -- Tom DiChiara

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Paramount

49. 'Burn After Reading'

It's no 'No Country for Old Men' -- let's just get that out of the way. But while the Coen Brothers' 'Burn' lacks its predecessor's emotional heft and philosophical depth, it shares its deft knack for black comedy. And with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand hamming it up as four very different varieties of idiot embroiled in a blackmailing scheme, 'Burn' is, in a word, hilarious. -- TD

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Focus Features

48. 'Mamma Mia!'

There's a reason this musical just became the highest-grossing movie in the UK (surpassing 'Titanic'!), and it's right there in the exclamation point of the title. Meryl Streep heads up a fun and nostalgic romp in this flick based on a Broadway show written around the pop songs of Swedish power pop group ABBA. Fans the world over have taken a chance on 'Mamma' -- and they can't all be wrong. -- Angie Argabrite

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Universal

47. 'The Bank Job'

Jason Statham took a rare break from "high-octane action thrill rides" (some prefer the description "crap") like 'Transporter,' 'Crank' and 'Death Race' for this clever heist film that slipped under the radar this past spring. Taking cues from a real-life 1971 London robbery, the film itself sports a vintage feel, with a deliberately paced first half that tensely builds up to an explosive third act. -- Kevin Polowy

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Lionsgate

46. 'Bolt'

Cute, cuddly and totally loyal ... there's a reason they call it puppy love. Just like the ideal best friend, this animated adventure makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside -- and then there are the adventure bits that leave you wishing you'd taught your little pal to jump through hoops instead of sitting and staying -- but the animal version of the buddy road trip is what wins this one an extra treat and a stomach rub. -- Maggie Furlong

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Walt Disney Pictures

45. 'Son of Rambow'

There was another Rambo movie in 2008, but you can keep your Sylvester Stallone gorefest; we'll take this British indie about a sheltered kid who, after being captivated by 'First Blood' (the first movie he's ever seen), films a remake with his new friend, the class bully. It's a sweet, funny, charming testament to friendship, the magic of moviemaking and even Rambo himself ... and certainly our only opportunity ever to use "charming" and "Rambo" in the same sentence. -- Patricia Chui

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Paramount Vantage

44. 'W.'

Notorious liberal Oliver Stone paints a surprisingly even-handed portrait of our controversial 43rd president -- portraying George W. Bush as a driven, good-hearted man who's just in over his head and more than a bit misguided. Though the film lacks a clear message, it's well-written and funny, and boasts an impeccable performance from Josh Brolin as the continually misunderestimated Dubya. -- TD

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Lionsgate

43. 'Quantum of Solace'

Unflinchingly brutal and relentlessly entertaining, the sequel to 2006's masterful 'Casino Royale' is lighter on character and plot, and (way) heavier on the action. Daniel Craig once again does 007 proud, somehow humanizing a man whose thirst for revenge has, by all measures, turned him into an uncompromising killing machine. He'll leave you both shaken and stirred. -- TD

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Sony

42. 'The Duchess'

Awards darling Keira Knightley hasn't been getting the usual raves and nominations for her performance as a poor little rich aristocrat trapped in a loveless marriage to a sublimely stiff-upper-lipped Ralph Fiennes (who has been getting noticed for his role). But critics and voters be damned, this is still a sumptuous story and a worthwhile two-hour diversion.
-- AA

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Paramount Vantage