The noughties as a decade has certainly seen a lot happen, ranging from devastating tragedies to triumphs.

The film industry continues to grow though at times take two steps back with some of the films they produce, but in retrospect we have seen a great decade of film. The huge influx of comic book movies and sequels has made for an interesting decade but something more influential, that will be a benchmark for the industry for many years to come is the reinvented 3D phenomenon.

As ground breaking as this technology is there is not one 3D film that makes it onto this list.

This topic has raised much discussion with my friends and we have all had very differing opinions which is only to be expected. The short-listing of this was difficult enough never mind trying to compile that short list into a final 10. Without further hesitation…

10 -- No Country for Old Men (2007)

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards and winning 4 of them. Though I feel one of those Oscars should have gone to another film (which shall appear later.) No Country started its life as a novel by Cormac McCarthy with the same title. Until the Coen Brothers felt the need to create this cinema masterpiece.

The film leaves you clutching at your seat and gnawing away at your finger nails thanks primarily to Javier Bardem who snatched the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He portrays, in my eyes, one of the best villains in recent years. The scene in the petrol station alone warrants this film as a place in my top 10.

The overall plot for the film is relatively simple though thanks to the amazing performances from the actors and great direction from the two Brothers at the helm the audience is treated to this astounding thriller.

9 – The Departed (2006)

Based on Hong Kong cinema’s Infernal Affairs. Martin Scorsese proves that Western adaptations of films from the Far East can be done well. Starring an almighty cast, that all slip into their roles like a comfy pair of loafers.  Scorsese really wears the glass slipper with this one production thus he earns himself a much-deserved Oscar for the best director.

The plot is brilliantly executed with its fantastic dialogue and characters. Genuine hatred is felt towards some of the characters as is a level of anxiety and suspense that is unparalleled. This is certainly one of the best tales of betrayal in cinema of the century. Every scene is as good as the next, but for me if I had to pick my favourite scene it would be the opening, Jack Nicholson’s voice-over works fantastic with the archived footage. This opening scene sets up the tone and level of corruption that the rest of the film holds.

Without spoiling this fantastic narrative it would be ignorant for me to highlight the conclusive scenes of the film. The film is quite a long watch and requires some investment but as audiences can see from very early on in this film, it’s worth it!

8 – Memento (2000)

This film is testament that the Nolan Brothers are one of the best pair ups in the industry at the moment. Unfortunately they lost out to Gosford Park for Oscar for Best Screenplay. I believe this is one of the greatest and best executed narratives ever. The way the film is edited together and how the story unfolds is a film aficionado’s dream!

The story itself is very plain and simple but the way Nolan executes this reverse telling really shows sterling film making. The film constantly keeps you guessing and to some degree confused, I find it incredible that the human mind can think in a way which would give birth to this narrative. Every scene is perfectly placed to progress the story, but not to progress it too much for it to give away the underlying narrative.

Certainly one of the most memorable endings in a film, and what’s funny is you see it at the start!

7 – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Directed by the incredible Michel Gondry and written by the genius that is Charlie Kaufman. This film really breaks away from the mould, the bare bones of the film is a love story but is beefed out with such an original plot. Carrey and Winslet really put in a good shift with this one, and its testament that Carrey can act well in a serious role.

The feel and mood of the film is very dreamlike and keeps you hooked as you see how everything has tied in together. There are some really upsetting moments to be had in this as well as some moments that leave you feeling uncomfortable, the premise of the film alone can’t help but stir up some thought. Which to some extent is where the beauty of this film lies, the audience can’t help but believe this strange and fascinating premise of what will people do to fix a broken heart?

One can’t help themselves but relate with the characters and put themselves in their shoes, seriously amazing film making.

6 – Cidade de Deus [City of God] (2002)

For me this is one of the most engrossing and emotionally stimulating films I have had the pleasure to see. The cinematography in this film is incredible as is the performances by the child actors in the film. The film deals with so much and manages to keep it interesting for the audience.

The way the time progression occurs is outstanding, it seamlessly goes from the characters behind children right through to adults. The way the film depicts human nature is fantastic, the way the children act with guns and weapons, but deep down they are children, as seen when one of the children bursts into tears. The film is simply raw emotion, it allows audiences to gain an insight into the lives of those less fortunate. The sheer fact it’s based on true events makes the film even more hard hitting. It simply blows you away. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards but unfortunately not winning a single one, but it will forever be highly acclaimed, Oscar or no Oscar under its belt.

5 – The Dark Knight (2008)

The Nolan’s second and final masterpiece in my list. Based upon the ever immortalised Detective Comics; Batman. As mentioned in the introduction, this certainly was the decade for comic book movies. Some good, more of them bad but only few brilliant, The Dark Knight deserves its place on the mantel as the best comic book Adaptation to date not just of the decade.

Containing the iconic performance of the late Heath Ledger, and a somewhat less acknowledged but in my eyes equally as jaw-dropping performance from Aaron Eckhart. Both in many ways were more noted than Bale’s attributing role as Batman.

The opening scene of the film which introduces The Joker is incredible from start to finish, and really sets a high marker for the rest of the film to better. And thankfully for comic book and film fans alike it really does keep this high standard.

The films plot is clearly inspired from numerous Batman graphic novels. The film is different enough to be a great adaptation but also sticks close enough to the source material to please fans. This is how comic book films should be done, its success is unparalleled as is its critical acclaim. Many believe this is mainly due to the tragic passing away of Ledger. I disagree, the film is amazing, it does everything right from the start right up until the closing credits roll. It truly deserves such a high spot on my list. I seriously doubt a Nolan sequel could better this, but I have been known to be wrong on very few occasions before.

4 – Mulholland Drive (2001)

By far the most complex film in my list. Just like classic Lynch, this does not disappoint, it’s confusing and enthralling as well as being beautifully shot and having a great soundtrack thrown in for good measure.

The films dreamlike ambience is what makes this film a roller-coaster ride for the senses. When you think you are making sense of some understanding of the plot, another Lynchian spanner gets thrown into the cogs! The performances given by each and every actor and actress are incredible. You feel yourself emotionally attached to each character but at times you’re unsure why because you are unaware where a certain scene maybe leading, and where chronologically it applies to the overall story.

Though as much as I love this film I can’t do it justice in words, it’s something you must experience for yourself. Even if you do not like Lynch’s usual style of storytelling it’s still worth a watch if only for the fantastic acting and stunning visuals.

3 – Wall-E

I am going to start by saying this is not only the best animated film of the decade but certainly the best animated film Pixar has ever created. Both statements I believe I can justify but not in the space of this article.

But I’ll certainly have a go, it just ticks every box in my love list, the opening half of the film is complete silence but develops the characters fantastically. I won’t go on about the visuals because anyone who’s ever seen a Pixar animation should have an understanding of their work.

As brilliant as the first half of the film is it perhaps acts as an ode to all the old silent greats, Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy etc. It takes a very different direction for the concluding part of the story. In a sense it returns back to what Pixar do on a regular basis, great fun family films.

I felt throughout the film, courtesy of the visuals and character design amongst many other things, I felt my eyes welling up with tears, Wall – E is simply one of, if not the most loveable character in cinema since Bambi!

Incredible film and deserves every single award and praise it gets. I personally don’t think Pixar will be able to better this one any time soon.

2 -- El Laberinto del Fauno [Pan's Labyrinth] – 2006

This film was so very close to making my number one spot, but sadly for Del Toro (I’m sure my list means a great deal to him) it didn’t quite make the pedestal!

Nabbing itself three Oscars but unfortunately not the best Foreign Language film award.

That aside, the film is bursting with imagination and creativity, it’s gorgeous to look at with its great set design and make up. But it truly shines in its plot, as it’s an extremely dark and somewhat depressing fairy tale. It raises all emotions; it’s scary, exciting, saddening.

It would be wrong for me to spoil any of the film by picking out scenes or by giving a glimmering insight to the story, because I would like for people to go out and watch this with a totally clean slate and no pre-ideas to the film.

Critics constantly refer to Zack Snyder as a visionary director, how wrong they are, as much as I like Snyder’s work. Del Toro is the true Visionary Director of the decade. His style is very much his own, and it can be appreciated in each and every one of his films and the audience can see a mile off who did the film.

If you don’t go out and watch this then you really need to take a long hard look at yourself.

1 – There Will be Blood (2007)

Well here it is; my number 1!

Take a few moments to look at the title and give it some respect. I would be lying if I said it took me a while to conclude this as the top of my list. It was an easy choice, not that it’s leagues ahead of the other 9 films but it’s just so incredibly flawless!

For me this film will stand the test of time. In the same way The Godfather is looked upon as one of the greatest films of all time, this is certainly up there sitting on the arm of that throne. In thirty years’ time people will continue to preach about how incredibly brilliant this film really is.

Directed by the one and only Paul Thomas Anderson (I can’t stress how great that guy is.)

Though the film lost out to No Country for Old Men at the Oscars, Daniel Day Lewis managed to put in his regular shift and claim a nice little Best Actor award. There are some actors out there who are hit or miss in their roles, not Daniel Day Lewis. I’m not sure if it’s a case of he makes a film great or he just knows how to pick a good film to be in but all hats off to him, his performance is of epic proportions. Though it’s hard to outshine such an amazing actor the rest of the cast deserve their cookies too.

The film is just so damn solid! Its structure, its cinematography and its amazing score (by none other than Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood). I seriously am lost for words with this one, all thinking of it makes me want to d, is actually throw on the DVD and watch the damn thing again!

People shout on about films to see before you die, this is one of those films to see before you even live!

Well that’s that, numerous films came shy of breaking into back end of the list. I would give them all a shout out, but I believe it’s these 10 that deserve all your respect as they are truly the best films of the decade.

Like the list?

You can buy the movies here>>>

No Country for Old Men

The Departed [Blu-ray]

Memento

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Widescreen Edition)

The Dark Knight (Full-Screen Single-Disc Edition)

Mulholland Drive

City of God

Wall-E (Single-Disc Edition)

Pan’s Labyrinth

There Will Be Blood