The 30 Best Movies of 2014

A once in a lifetime experience, Boyhood is a ground-breaking achievement in the art of film and the art of storytelling. Not only is it unique in the way it has been filmed and edited, but the story and dialogue are brilliant, honest, and so very real. So many times I smiled, looking at the different years and the nostalgia they bring. So many times I was moved by these characters, it seriously felt like I was experiencing somebody else's lifetime, with all the pain and joy that comes with it. Richard Linklater has crafted something incredible, and when I saw this movie, I felt like I already knew that this was the best film of 2014. It's innovation in movies at it's finest. In a scene where the boy Mason asks his dad if he believes in magic, and his dad responds by saying that magic can be found within our world, outside of mythical things. I can say that with Boyhood that that's a true statement; Boyhood is a piece of magic within our world, and reminds us how the movies can be a magical thing.

Another film that truly stood out for it's innovation in 2014 was Birdman. Michael Keaton is fantastic in a piece of storytelling that is constantly enthralling, laughter-inducing, and awe-inspiring. It's a technical marvel where the mechanics and story walk hand-in-hand, creating something special. The cinematography is masterful and the editing flawless, complimenting the amazing cast and their intense performances. This one will stay with you long after you watch it, and you're going to want to go back and observe this epic over and over again.

The most underrated movie I think I've seen in a VERY long time, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to me was the return of Spidey on the big screen to a much better form. This film works because it has such emotional depth and is often so moving. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are wonderful and the supporting cast is great as well. Hans Zimmer's score is so good. Critics complained this film was a giant commercial for the upcoming sequels and ended up meaning nothing, but I think they need to start pulling their heads out of their butts. You can't have a theatre full of crying people and say the film means nothing. This story means something and I really could see the honest intentions of the filmmakers. Some of it is masterfully done, especially Gwen's death; despite the tragedy, it is beautifully handled. Much of it is beautifully handled, and even made myself, a guy who's stingy when it comes to showing emotion at the movies, cry a good amount. So do I agree that this movie is packed with underdeveloped characters we don't care about? Heck no. Is the story unfocussed and all over the place? Heck no. Is this a bad movie? Absolutely not. I think the Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a victim of poor critiquing, by both pros and some amateur, though I've never actually met a person who hates this movie. As a Spider-Man fan, who has been disheartened by the way the film franchise has been going, this one was a BIG win. It saddens me that this movie didn't get the praise it deserved, because it truly is exceptional, and one of the best films of 2014.

The funniest movie of the year, and possibly Wes Anderson's best movie yet, The Grand Budapest Hotel is an absolute joy from beginning to end. It's style is charming and the performances are oh so good. I don't think I laughed more in 2014 than I did watching this comic gem. While I do believe Birdman perhaps should have won Best Musical of Comedy at the Golden Globes, I was not even remotely upset this one won the award; it's a fantastic movie that is indeed one of the year's best.

A true game-changer for Marvel and it's superhero movies, this Captain America has a bold story to tell and action sequences that are more enthralling than any Marvel film yet. Where Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World failed to gain any ground forward in the film universe, Captain America: The Winter Soldier propels superhero movies in an awesome new direction, and maybe surpasses even The Avengers in the cannon of Marvel Studios films.

Never would have I thought that a movie about drumming could be so thrilling, but thanks to wonderful filmmaking and a truly diabolically evil performance from J.K. Simmons, Whiplash is a work that stands out. I think Simmons deserves an Oscar for this one; he portrays one of the scariest movie villains I've seen since Heath Ledger's Joker. You'll be on the edge of your seat constantly with this one.

All hail the true best animated movie of 2014: The Lego Movie, a fact that the Hollywood Foreign Press neglected by awarding the vastly inferior How to Train Your Dragon 2 Best Animated Film, and a fact the Academy was so stupid to neglect that they didn't even nominate the film for the category. Anyways, The Lego Movie is a unique and beautiful film that has all the right morals and the immense fun to go with it. It's a funny, charming, and action-packed film with a lot to tug on your heartstrings. I loved this movie so much, and Golden Globe/Academy Award recognition or not, it's the best animated movie of 2014, and one of the best movies period.

Engaging, thrilling, and heartbreaking, The Imitation Game is an incredible look at a much overlooked piece of the Allied victory of World War Two, and an eye-opening exploration of a very dark part of Britain's past. Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley make history come alive and are such a treat to watch. The father of the modern computer finally gets the recognition he deserves with a film that is brilliant in execution and true to it's history and message.

A much-overlooked masterpiece, Fury delivers the brutality of war convincingly, but displays the human side of it all beautifully. The performances are great, and Shia Labeouf really stands out in this one, giving the best performance of his career.

I don't know how Eddie Redmayne did it, but he became Stephen Hawking, truly. With two wonderful performances at the forefront, The Theory of Everything is a sensational biopic that gets to the heart of it's subjects clearly and effectively. I really did feel this one and thought about it a lot after I saw it. It's a great piece of filmmaking all around.

A gripping and intense biopic, led by an honest performance from Bradley Cooper and a steady hand by Clint Eastwood, who gives his best directorial effort since Gran Torino.

An absolutely wonderful animated movie that is so full of heart and so full of action. You'll fall in love with the characters and the imagery, and has all the right stuff for all ages.. This is probably Disney's best animated film in a few years, and yes, I'm not forgetting about Frozen.

Powerful and effective, this is a biopic that has the potential to open eyes and open hearts. It's never easy to watch, but it's a journey worth taking, and a man and movement worth celebrating.

You either love Snowpiercer or you hate it, there doesn't seem to be much of an in-between, so I'm on the side who loves it. It's an odd film for sure, but I could not take my eyes off it, and had my jaw hanging once the credits rolled. It's art-house action done so very right. It's not for everyone, but if you give it a chance, you just might be amazed by it.

Another great film from my favorite director Mr. David Fincher, Gone Girl will make you cringe and laugh at the same time. It's brilliant and does the book justice.

Great music, great performance, and a great story make Begin Again a film worth your time and the investment of your heart.

Funny, exciting, and visually stunning, Guardians of the Galaxy perfectly capped off what was an amazing year for superhero movies. What was a risky move for Marvel turned out to be one of their biggest hits, and something you can't help but fall in love with.

Steve Carrell is insanely good in this slow but involving film. The quiet tension will envelop you throughout as it builds.

Nightcrawler knows how to get under your skin, thanks to a rocking performance from Jake Gylenhaal and the script he has to work with.

Filled with tension and intrigue, A Most Violent Year is a different kind of crime movie that uses it's actors and setting masterfully.

Liam Neeson is awesome in this gripping and heavy crime thriller that refreshingly strays away from his usual action movie ventures. It hits you hard right from the beginning, and holds on to you and never lets go.

Beautifully filmed and acted, The Homesman is a different kind of western that may end up being too much for some, but it is a very rewarding watch.

Spending most of his time in car on the phone, Tom Hardy gives his best performance yet in a film that proves that words can be just as thrilling as stunts.

Though Witherspoon gets top billing, the true stars are the three newcomers who make The Good Lie an enjoyable and thoughtful film about Sudanese refugees trying to make it in America.

Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz act up a storm in a solid and classy biopic about a controversial subject. It's Tim Burton's best in a long time.

A great crime film written by my favorite author Dennis Lehane.

Critics hated it, but Angelina Jolie's love for the man this movie is based upon clearly shows with her directorial effort. Well shot and well acted, it's a movie that presents this inspirational true story with above average results.

Brendan Gleeson is flawless in this darkly funny film that has a sharp script and great supporting cast.

Funny and real, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig make The Skeleton Twins loveable and believable.

The X-Men franchise is back to form in this imperfect but impressive reboot in the hands of director Bryan Singer.