Moviefone logo
Menu
HomeStreaming & DVDNew on NetflixNew on HuluNew on Amazon PrimeMoviesIn TheatersComing SoonShowtimes & TicketsMovie TheatersMade In HollywoodMade In Hollywood TeenVideosMovie TrailersMoviefone's UnscriptedExclusive InterviewsNewsMovie NewsTV NewsPhoto Galleries
    Streaming NowMoviesShowtimesVideosMade In HollywoodNews
    1. News
    2. ›2018
    3. ›December
    4. ›17

    11 Great Movies That Totally Owned 2018

    December 17th, 2018 | Todd Gilchrist

    In a year when the national conversation finally seems to be starting to drive popular culture rather than simply reacting to it, the movies of 2018 taught us about viewing habits we didn’t know we had, offered more and more diverse representation than ever before, and generally -- and repeatedly -- defied expectations. And what’s greatest about that output is that it means that in 2019 and for years to come, we will be having conversations about them, what they have to say, and what new passions they have introduced both to audiences and to future filmmakers. Here are all the movies in 2018 that you'll be talking about long after the end credits roll.

    'Black Panther'

    black panther

    The year’s biggest and boldest hit has already proven that Wakanda is truly “forever,” but the film’s legacy may continue with Costume and Production Design, Original Score and Song, Sound Editing, and quite possibly, Best Picture nominations.

    'Love, Simon'

    love simon

    Hard as it may be to believe that it took this long, “Love, Simon” made cinema history as the first teen rom-com aimed at mainstream audiences focusing primarily on a gay relationship. Director Greg Berlanti explores the coming out of the title character with a sensitivity and humor that is exceptional primarily because it isn’t treated that way, giving gay teens a love story that is reassuringly similar, and triumphant, as those for their straight allies.

    'A Quiet Place'

    a quiet place

    Deciding it wasn’t enough for them to be one of Hollywood’s most beloved and successful celebrity couples, John Krasinski wrote, directed and costarred alongside Emily Blunt in this original horror film that demolished box office records and dominated social media conversations for months - even if you’re still not convinced it was a good idea for two people to have a baby in a world where crying can literally be deadly.

    'Avengers: Infinity War'

    avengers infinity war

    Anticipation for Marvel movies is always high, but “Infinity War” produced the most speculation of any of its predecessors leading up to its release. Hilariously, but maybe not unexpectedly, that has only intensified after the world got to see the film, which means that its footprint will continue to grow in the weeks and months leading up to its sequel, “Endgame,” which we’re sure will answer all questions, tie up any loose ends and leave us with nothing else to talk about.

    'Won't You Be My Neighbor?'

    wont you be my neighbor

    The year’s biggest tearjerker, this documentary about longtime children’s television host Fred Rogers will be the film to beat in the Best Documentary Feature category.

    Crazy Rich Asians

    crazy rich asians

    Romantic comedies made a roaring comeback this year thanks to “Love, Simon” and this iconoclastic adventure about an Asian-American woman who discovers that her Singaporean boyfriend belongs to one of the wealthiest - and most disapproving- families in his homeland. Familiar conventions were given a fresh coat of paint via the cultural specificities of Kevin Kwan’s source material, which director Jon M. Chu brings to the screen with vivid, romantic specificity.

    'A Star is Born'

    a star is born

    Critics started printing plaques for this film after its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, and its continued run of accolades has led it to likely nominations in as many as 12 categories, including Best Picture, Director (Bradley Cooper), Actor (Cooper again), Actress (Lady Gaga), Supporting Actor (Sam Elliott), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, and of course, Original Song.

    'Halloween'

    halloween

    2018 was a phenomenal year for smart, sophisticated horror films focused on women, including “Hereditary” and “Suspiria.” But David Gordon Green’s 40-years-later sequel to John Carpenter’s classic eschews the franchise’s confusing mythology in favor of telling a two-handed story between iconic killer Michael Myers and his most famous victim Laurie Strode, whose trauma is played with fierce vulnerability by Jamie Lee Curtis in one of the best performances of her career.

    'Green Book'

    green book

    Another Golden Globe shocker, Peter Farrelly’s dramatization of the journey taken by black classical pianist Don Shirley and his driver Tony Lip may earn nominations for Best Picture, Actor (Mahershala Ali), Supporting Actor (Viggo Mortensen), and Original Screenplay.

    'Roma'

    roma

    Since its debut at film festivals in the fall, Alfonso Cuaron’s follow-up to “Gravity” has dominated any conversation about awards hopefuls with its breathtakingly beautiful cinematography and powerfully intimate story. But the conversation that has emerged with increasingly intense passion as it debuts on Netflix is one about where and how we watch movies, on the big screen or in our homes, and what if any is the best way to experience stories that are considered “cinematic.”

    'Mission: Impossible - Fallout'

    mission impossible fallout

    The sixth "Mission: Impossible" movie may well be the best in the series. Despite his advancing age, star Tom Cruise continues his single-minded dedication towards delivering the most insane stunts and action scenes captured in a major American blockbuster. The fact that this sequel pits him against Henry "Reloading Arms" Cavill just elevates this one that much higher. Audiences and critics were on the verge of obsessive behavior when it came to dissecting Chris McQuarrie's blockbuster, especially in regards to that showstopper of a third act featuring Cruise hanging from and falling off a moving helicopter. The conversation carried over into the recent home video release of the film, making it even harder for fans to wait patiently for the next installment to hit theaters.

     
    avengers infinity wara star is borncrazy rich asianshalloweenblack panthera quiet placegreen bookromawont you be my neighborlove simon
    Movies

    Related Articles

    Every Movie You Need To See Before Oscar Night
    Every Movie You Need To See Before Oscar Night
    The 10 Best Feel-Good Movies of 2018
    The 10 Best Feel-Good Movies of 2018
    'RBG,' 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' Land PGA Nominations
    'RBG,' 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' Land PGA Nominations
    What's New on Digital, DVD/Blu-ray, TV, & Netflix This Week: September 3-9
    What's New on Digital, DVD/Blu-ray, TV, & Netflix This Week: September 3-9

    Latest News

    Watch David Arquette in an exclusive clip from '12 Hour Shift'
    Watch David Arquette in an exclusive clip from '12 Hour Shift'
    Watch Jimmy O. Yang & Alex Moffat in an exclusive clip from 'The Opening Act'
    Watch Jimmy O. Yang & Alex Moffat in an exclusive clip from 'The Opening Act'
    Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette, and Frankie Grande discuss making 'Spree'
    Sasheer Zamata, David Arquette, and Frankie Grande discuss making 'Spree'

    Latest Trailers

    'Raya and the Last Dragon' Trailer #2'Raya and the Last Dragon' Trailer #2
    'Godzilla vs Kong' Trailer'Godzilla vs Kong' Trailer
    'Savage State' Clip: "Not Fit To Marry"'Savage State' Clip: "Not Fit To Marry"
    'Savage State' Trailer'Savage State' Trailer
    'The Marksman' Trailer'The Marksman' Trailer
    Moviefone logo
    About UsSitemapTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy
    Copyright © 2021 Born In Cleveland LLC
    Asset 1This product uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.