Top Films of 2015

Film fans rejoiced at the high quality of movies that premiered in 2015, from superhero blockbusters like Avengers 2 and Ant-Man, to introspective dramas like Carol and Room, there was definitely something for every filmgoer last year. 

We pulled together eight of our favorite flicks to capture the spirit of 2015 movies, from horror to comedy. Enjoy, and shout out your favorites in the comments section. Happy New Year!

Mad Max: Fury Road

What a joy it was to see most of the Internet agreeing with each other over a truly amazing piece of cinema like Fury Road. From the moment it debuted, Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook were filled with riotous glee proclaiming the glory of director George Miller. Like many other fans, I saw this in theaters four times in order to take in the lush cinematography, the amazing costume design, and the subtle nuanced performances of Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy. This film did so many things right, but particularly turning the overdone trope of "strong female character" on it's head. Furiosa wasn't written strong to replace a male character, nor was she masculinized to be the run of the mill "badass," but instead bore the emotional weight of someone who has seen and done horrible things. Her compassion, resolve, and haunted tenacity lingered long after the theater lights went up, igniting a love for Fury Road that will forever burn in my hear.

Crimson Peak

Guillermo Del Toro has long been one of my favorite directors, and everything I adore about his aesthetic was splashed all over Crimson Peak. While critics claimed it wasn't a true horror movie, the beauty of it was that it wasn't supposed to be--it was a true Gothic masterpiece. From the detailed sets, to the magical landscapes, to every single thread of each costume, Crimson Peak was the film equivalent of a harpsichord striking notes in an abandoned castle: eerie, melancholic, and irresistible.

It Follows

Although this film premiered in 2014, it didn't have a theatrical release until 2015. And what a way to kick off a year of horror movies. Director David Robert Mitchell truly understands how to build and sustain tension without sacrificing the audience's desire to connect with the characters. It Follows had a deceptively simple premise--a monster is transmitted via sexual contact and stalks victims until it kills them and moves along to it's previous targets. But the terror comes in as the audience puts themselves in the same situation: how would they escape? Do they have the resources? Could you really pack up and leave everything behind and go on the run for the rest of your life, never knowing when the thing would catch up with you? Or is it better to face death and accept the inevitable? Truly terrifying thoughts.

Ex Machina

What a year for darling Oscar Issac. While I didn't love this movie on the first viewing, as I processed it's commentary on tech culture, white privilege, and class privilege, I realized it was a perfect film to come out in 2015. The cinematography and set design are both glorious, and with the dynamic actors it watches more like a play than a movie. Issac and his co-star Domhnall Gleeson project intimacy, paranoia, and earnestness into each frame, building a claustrophobic cocoon of a story.

Straight Outta Compton

As a NWA fan, I was determined to enjoy this movie even if it was bad--which, thankfully, it wasn't! Although the story had some creative license, the performances (particularly O'Shea Jackson Jr as Ice Cube) were spot on, and with the current political climate, seeing young Black men fight for independence and recognition when their community tries to keep them down was inspiring.

Magic Mike XXL

No movie this year made me laugh harder, louder, or scream more enthusiastically than Magic Mike XXL. A departure from the first film, the sequel blended heart and tongue-in-cheek-humor with sexy eye candy and well acted performances. Channing Tatum always delights, but he seems truly in his element when oiled up and grinding with power tools. Magic Mike XXL was a feisty, feminist treat with outstanding re-watchability.

Dope

Another amazing commentary on Black youth, Dope follows high school students in Compton, obsessed with early 90s Hip Hop culture. Sharp, witty, and confrontational, the story challenges stereotypes of Black teenagers and introduces viewers to instantly lovable characters. The soundtrack was my summer jam, and although the film went slightly under the radar, it's an absolute must-watch.

The Visit

2015 was an excellent year for horror, and director M. Night Shyamalan made a victorious return to the big screen in his fall film, The Visit. Not only did this movie introduce us to some fresh young (and more mature) talent, but it played with the found footage genre in a sensible, realistic way that didn't have me questioning the reliability of the narrative. A pre-teen/teen brother and sister reunite with their long estranged grandparents while their single mother goes on a cruise with her boyfriend--what could go wrong? Well, just about everything, from examining mental illness in the elderly to pure horror that left my heart racing. Although the twist was logical, it didn't feel forced or incongruous with the tone, and I appreciated the moments of humanity and vulnerability in each character.