30 Best-Rated Movies from 2018

What a year 2018 was for movies. We saw incredible stories come to life on the big screen, from blockbuster superhero sagas to deeply moving independent films. It was a year that offered something for everyone, with filmmakers pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences. The sheer variety of high-quality films made it a standout year, leaving audiences with plenty of amazing options to watch and discuss long after the credits rolled.

Looking back, it’s clear that the movies of 2018 left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences alike. Many of these films scooped up major awards and became instant classics, while others sparked important conversations and showcased groundbreaking filmmaking techniques. Whether you were in the mood for a mind-bending thriller, a heartwarming drama, or an action-packed adventure, 2018 had you covered. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the most celebrated films from that incredible year in cinema.

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

This animated superhero film introduces Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn who gets bitten by a radioactive spider and develops mysterious powers. He soon discovers he’s not the only Spider-Man when he meets alternate versions of the hero from other dimensions. Together, they must team up to save all of their realities from the villainous Kingpin, who has built a super-collider that threatens to destroy everything. The story follows Miles as he learns to embrace his new identity and become the hero he was destined to be.

The film’s unique visual style was designed to look like a moving comic book, blending computer-generated animation with hand-drawn techniques. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, becoming the first non-Disney or Pixar film to win the award since 2011. The voice cast includes Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, alongside Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, and Nicolas Cage. Its groundbreaking animation and heartfelt story were widely praised by critics and audiences.

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

In this massive superhero crossover event, the Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice everything in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos. The tyrannical villain is on a quest to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of immense power that will allow him to impose his twisted will on all of reality. The fate of the planet and existence itself has never been more uncertain as everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment.

The film brings together characters from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking a culmination of a decade of storytelling. It was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and became the first superhero film to gross over two billion dollars worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2018. The story was so large that it was split into two parts, with the conclusion, ‘Avengers: Endgame’, released the following year.

‘Green Book’ (2018)

Set in the 1960s, this film tells the true story of the friendship between Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class African American pianist, and his driver, Tony Vallelonga. Tony, a tough-talking bouncer from the Bronx, is hired to drive and protect Dr. Shirley on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South. They must rely on the ‘Green Book’, a guide for safe travel for African Americans during the era of segregation. Along the way, they confront racism and danger while forging an unlikely bond.

The film was inspired by the real-life letters Tony wrote to his wife about the journey. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Mahershala Ali, who played Don Shirley, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Viggo Mortensen, who played Tony Vallelonga, received a nomination for Best Actor. The screenplay was co-written by Tony’s son, Nick Vallelonga, ensuring a personal touch to the storytelling.

‘A Star Is Born’ (2018)

This musical romantic drama tells the story of Jackson Maine, a seasoned musician who discovers and falls in love with a struggling artist named Ally. As Ally’s career begins to take off, Jackson’s personal demons and his battle with alcoholism threaten to tear their relationship apart. The film follows their passionate and tumultuous journey as they navigate the highs of fame and the lows of addiction. It is a powerful story about love, art, and sacrifice.

This is the fourth filmed version of the story, following earlier movies from 1937, 1954, and 1976. The film marked the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, who also stars as Jackson Maine. Lady Gaga, in her first leading role in a major motion picture, plays Ally. The original song ‘Shallow’ won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a global hit.

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018)

This biographical film celebrates the iconic rock band Queen and its legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury. The movie traces the band’s meteoric rise through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. It follows Mercury’s life, from his early days as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport to becoming one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The story culminates in Queen’s historic performance at the Live Aid concert in 1985.

Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury was widely acclaimed, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also won Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. It became a massive box office success, grossing over nine hundred million dollars worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing musical biographical film of all time. The film used a combination of Malek’s voice, Mercury’s original recordings, and a sound-alike to recreate the singer’s iconic vocals.

‘Roma’ (2018)

This black-and-white film is a portrait of a domestic worker’s journey set against the backdrop of political turmoil in 1970s Mexico City. The story follows Cleo, a young woman of Mixtec heritage who works for a middle-class family in the Roma neighborhood. The film is a semi-autobiographical take on the director’s own upbringing and is a tribute to the women who raised him. It captures a year in the life of the family, focusing on their everyday struggles and triumphs.

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film was shot in a stunning black and white and received ten Academy Award nominations. It won for Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Cinematography, with Cuarón personally winning all three. The lead role was played by first-time actress Yalitza Aparicio, who was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance. The film was primarily shot in chronological order to capture the most genuine reactions from the actors.

‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

In the sixth installment of the action-packed spy series, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team find themselves in a race against time after a mission goes wrong. When a plutonium deal goes south, the world is faced with a nuclear threat from a dangerous terrorist group known as the Apostles. To prevent a global catastrophe, Ethan must team up with a CIA assassin and confront his past in ways he never expected. The mission is filled with high-stakes action and breathtaking stunts.

Tom Cruise famously performs his own stunts in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ films, and this one was no exception. He learned to fly a helicopter for a thrilling chase sequence and performed a HALO jump, a dangerous military parachuting technique, from an altitude of twenty-five thousand feet. During a chase scene in London, Cruise broke his ankle while jumping between buildings, but he managed to finish the take.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

This horror film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a family is forced to live in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. The Abbott family must navigate their daily lives without making any noise, communicating through sign language. They face the ultimate challenge when Evelyn Abbott prepares to give birth, a process that is anything but silent. The film is a tense and emotional story about family and survival.

The movie was directed by John Krasinski, who also stars in the film alongside his real-life wife, Emily Blunt. The screenplay was praised for its originality and use of sound, or lack thereof, to build suspense. The creature design was kept a secret for most of the production to maintain an element of surprise. The film was a critical and commercial success, spawning a sequel that explores more of the post-apocalyptic world.

‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018)

Based on a true story, this film follows Ron Stallworth, the first African American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. He recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman, to go undercover and interact with the hate group in person, while Stallworth communicates with them over the phone. Together, they team up to take down the extremist organization.

The film was directed by Spike Lee and is based on Ron Stallworth’s 2014 memoir ‘Black Klansman’. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. John David Washington, son of Denzel Washington, plays Ron Stallworth, and Adam Driver plays Flip Zimmerman.

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Set in early 18th-century England, this historical black comedy revolves around the behind-the-scenes politics during the reign of Queen Anne. The frail and temperamental queen occupies the throne, but her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Abigail sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots and begins a rivalry with Sarah to become the Queen’s companion and confidante.

The film was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and received ten Academy Award nominations. Olivia Colman won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Anne. Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone, who played Lady Sarah and Abigail, were both nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The film is known for its witty and sharp dialogue, lavish costumes, and unconventional take on the historical drama genre.

‘First Man’ (2018)

This biographical drama tells the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon. The film follows Armstrong’s journey from the 1960s, exploring the sacrifices and the cost on the nation and on Armstrong himself during one of the most dangerous missions in history. It offers an intimate look at the man behind the historic achievement and the personal challenges he faced.

Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong. It was praised for its visceral and immersive portrayal of spaceflight, with realistic sound design and cinematography that put the audience right in the cockpit. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. To prepare for the role, Gosling spent time with Armstrong’s family and even flew in a multi-axis trainer to experience some of the physical sensations of being an astronaut.

‘Isle of Dogs’ (2018)

This stop-motion animated film is set in a dystopian near-future Japan where, due to a canine flu outbreak, all dogs have been exiled to a vast garbage-dump island. The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Atari who sets off on an epic journey to Trash Island to find his beloved bodyguard dog, Spots. Once there, he is helped by a pack of new mongrel friends as they evade the authorities who are trying to stop them.

The film was directed by Wes Anderson and features an ensemble voice cast that includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum. It was Anderson’s second stop-motion animated feature, following ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’. The film’s meticulous and charming animation style was highly praised, and it won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival. The puppets used in the film were incredibly detailed, with thousands of individual, replaceable faces for different expressions.

‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018)

Based on the novel by James Baldwin, this romantic drama is set in early 1970s Harlem. The film tells the story of Tish, a young woman who is newly engaged and discovers she is pregnant. Her life is turned upside down when her fiancé, Fonny, is falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison. Tish and her family race against the clock to find evidence that will prove Fonny’s innocence. It’s a timeless and moving story about love, family, and justice.

The film was directed by Barry Jenkins, his first feature since the Oscar-winning ‘Moonlight’. Regina King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance as Tish’s mother, Sharon. The film was celebrated for its stunning visuals, rich color palette, and poetic storytelling that captured the spirit of Baldwin’s novel. The score, composed by Nicholas Britell, was also highly praised for its beauty and emotional depth.

‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)

This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows Kayla Day, a shy middle schooler, during her last week of classes before starting high school. Kayla tries to navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence, dealing with social anxiety, body image issues, and the desire to fit in. She creates motivational YouTube videos for other kids, offering advice that she struggles to follow herself. The film is a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of the awkwardness and anxieties of being a teenager in the digital age.

The film was written and directed by comedian Bo Burnham in his feature directorial debut. Elsie Fisher’s performance as Kayla was widely praised for its honesty and vulnerability, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. The film was lauded for its realistic depiction of social media and its impact on the lives of young people. Burnham cast actual middle school students to ensure the film felt genuine and relatable.

‘Searching’ (2018)

This mystery thriller unfolds entirely on computer screens and smartphones. The story follows David Kim, a desperate father whose 16-year-old daughter, Margot, goes missing. When the police investigation leads nowhere, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, his daughter’s laptop. He must trace her digital footprints, looking through her social media, emails, and photos to find clues to her whereabouts before it’s too late.

The film was directed by Aneesh Chaganty and stars John Cho as David Kim. It was praised for its innovative storytelling format and its clever use of technology to create suspense. The entire movie was shot from the perspective of screens, a technique that had been used before but was executed here with a new level of creativity and emotional depth. The film was a surprise hit at the box office and received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative.

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

This science fiction horror film follows a biologist named Lena who joins a military expedition to investigate a mysterious and expanding zone known as the Shimmer. Inside this quarantined area, the laws of nature don’t apply, and the landscape and creatures are mutating in beautiful and terrifying ways. Lena’s husband was the only person to return from a previous expedition, but he came back critically ill. She hopes to find a cure and answers within the strange and dangerous world of the Shimmer.

The film was directed by Alex Garland and is based on the novel of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer. It stars Natalie Portman as Lena, alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, and Tessa Thompson. The film was praised for its thought-provoking themes, stunning visuals, and unsettling atmosphere. It explores ideas of self-destruction, identity, and the human relationship with nature.

‘Sorry to Bother You’ (2018)

In this surreal and darkly comedic film, Cassius Green is a telemarketer living in an alternate present-day version of Oakland, California. He discovers a magical key to professional success, which propels him into a macabre universe of corporate greed. As he climbs the corporate ladder, he must choose between making a fortune and joining his activist friends who are fighting against corporate oppression. The film is a wild and imaginative satire of capitalism, race, and labor.

The movie was the feature directorial debut of Boots Riley, a musician and activist. It stars Lakeith Stanfield as Cassius Green, with Tessa Thompson and Armie Hammer in supporting roles. The film was celebrated for its originality, biting social commentary, and unpredictable plot twists. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was met with critical acclaim for its bold and unique vision.

‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ (2018)

This documentary explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the popular children’s television show ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’. The film delves into his radical ideas about kindness, empathy, and the importance of addressing children’s feelings. It features interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage from his show and life. The documentary is a moving tribute to a man who was a compassionate and influential voice in television history.

Directed by Morgan Neville, the film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing biographical documentary of all time. It received numerous awards and was praised for its heartfelt and inspiring portrayal of Fred Rogers. The film resonated with audiences who grew up watching his show and introduced a new generation to his timeless message of love and acceptance.

‘Paddington 2’ (2018)

In this charming family film, Paddington the bear is happily settled with the Brown family in London. He has become a popular member of his community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. When he wants to buy a unique pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, the book is stolen, and Paddington is framed for the crime. It’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the real thief and clear his name.

The film was universally praised by critics for its warmth, humor, and visual creativity. It holds one of the highest approval ratings on the review-aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. The cast includes Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, alongside Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, and Hugh Grant as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan. Many critics and audiences considered it to be one of the rare sequels that surpasses the original.

‘Leave No Trace’ (2018)

This drama tells the story of a father and his teenage daughter who live off the grid in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon. Will, a veteran suffering from PTSD, and his daughter Tom have been living an isolated but idyllic existence. When a small mistake leads to their discovery by authorities, they are placed in social services and forced to adapt to a more conventional lifestyle. Will finds it difficult to adjust, and their bond is tested as they both yearn for their old life while also being pulled in new directions.

The film was directed by Debra Granik and is based on the novel ‘My Abandonment’ by Peter Rock. It was praised for its quiet, gentle storytelling and the powerful performances of its lead actors, Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie. The film explores themes of family, trauma, and the conflict between an unconventional life and the demands of society. It received critical acclaim for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of its characters’ journey.

‘Widows’ (2018)

This heist thriller follows four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. Set in contemporary Chicago during a time of turmoil, tensions build when Veronica, Alice, Linda, and Belle take their fate into their own hands. They conspire to forge a future on their own terms by planning to pull off a dangerous heist that their husbands couldn’t finish. The film is a story of empowerment, survival, and a glimmer of hope.

The film was directed by Steve McQueen and co-written by Gillian Flynn, the author of ‘Gone Girl’. It features an ensemble cast led by Viola Davis, with Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo. The film was praised for its gripping plot, strong performances, and intelligent social commentary. It’s a stylish and suspenseful thriller that also addresses issues of race, gender, and politics.

‘Black Panther’ (2018)

This superhero film tells the story of T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king and Black Panther is tested. He is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. The young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

The film was a cultural phenomenon and a massive box office success. It was the first superhero film to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. It won three Oscars for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. The film was celebrated for its groundbreaking representation, its Afrofuturist aesthetic, and its exploration of themes of identity, heritage, and responsibility.

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

This supernatural horror film follows the Graham family as they begin to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry after the death of their reclusive grandmother. Even after she’s gone, the matriarch still casts a dark shadow over the family. Her grieving daughter, Annie, is forced to explore a darker realm as a sinister fate seems to have been inherited. The more they discover, the more they find themselves trying to outrun the tragic destiny they seem to have been born into.

The film was the feature directorial debut of Ari Aster and was praised for its disturbing atmosphere, masterful direction, and Toni Collette’s powerful lead performance. It was noted for being a deeply unsettling psychological horror film that deals with themes of grief and family trauma. The movie was a box office success and is considered by many to be one of the scariest horror films of the 21st century.

‘The Rider’ (2018)

This contemporary Western drama tells the story of Brady, a rising star of the rodeo circuit who suffers a tragic riding accident that leaves him with a severe head injury. Doctors tell him he can no longer ride, forcing him to give up the only life he has ever known. Back home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Brady struggles to find a new identity and purpose. He tries to redefine his idea of what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.

The film was directed by Chloé Zhao and features a cast of non-professional actors playing fictionalized versions of themselves. The lead actor, Brady Jandreau, is a real-life cowboy who went through a similar accident. The film was praised for its authenticity, stunning cinematography, and its poignant and empathetic storytelling. It won the top prize at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Shoplifters’ (2018)

This Japanese drama follows a family of small-time crooks who live on the fringes of Tokyo society. After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl who is freezing in the cold. They take her home with them, and at first, the family is reluctant to shelter her. But they soon welcome her into their unusual and loving household. Despite their poverty, they live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets and tests the bonds that unite them.

The film was directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and won the Palme d’Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film was praised for its gentle and compassionate portrayal of an unconventional family and its exploration of what it truly means to be a family. The performances of the cast, particularly Sakura Ando as the mother figure, received widespread acclaim.

‘Minding the Gap’ (2018)

This documentary follows three young men in Rockford, Illinois, who bond over their shared love of skateboarding. The film was shot over twelve years and chronicles their journey from carefree teenagers to young adults facing the responsibilities and challenges of fatherhood, financial instability, and domestic abuse. It’s an intimate and unflinching look at their lives, exploring themes of masculinity, family trauma, and the transition to adulthood in a Rust Belt town.

The film was directed by Bing Liu, who is also one of the film’s main subjects. It started as a collection of skateboarding footage and evolved into a deeply personal documentary. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won a special jury award for breakthrough filmmaking. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and was widely praised for its raw honesty and emotional power.

‘You Were Never Really Here’ (2018)

This psychological thriller follows Joe, a traumatized veteran who tracks down missing girls for a living. His life is a brutal cycle of violence and detachment. When a job to rescue a politician’s daughter from a brothel goes wrong, Joe finds himself caught in a web of corruption and conspiracy. He is forced to confront his own inner demons as he embarks on a bloody rescue mission that could either be his salvation or his undoing.

The film was directed by Lynne Ramsay and stars Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. Phoenix’s performance was highly praised, and he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, where the film also won the Best Screenplay award. The movie is known for its stark and brutal style, its fragmented narrative, and its intense focus on the psychological state of its main character. It’s a dark and gripping film that leaves a lasting impression.

‘Free Solo’ (2018)

This breathtaking documentary follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream of free solo climbing the famous three-thousand-foot El Capitan rock face in Yosemite National Park. Free solo climbing is an incredibly dangerous form of the sport where the climber does not use any ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment. The film chronicles his meticulous planning and training, as well as the emotional toll it takes on him and his loved ones.

The film was directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the massive scale of El Capitan and the intense focus of Honnold as he makes his ascent. The documentary is a thrilling and intimate portrait of an athlete who pushes the boundaries of human achievement.

‘Upgrade’ (2018)

Set in the near future, this cyberpunk action film follows Grey Trace, a mechanic who is left paralyzed after a brutal mugging that also results in his wife’s death. A billionaire inventor offers him a cure in the form of an artificial intelligence implant called STEM. The implant not only gives him back control of his body but also grants him superhuman strength and agility. Grey uses his new abilities to hunt down the men who ruined his life and uncover a vast conspiracy.

The film was written and directed by Leigh Whannell and was praised for its inventive action sequences and dark humor. The fight scenes were choreographed using a special camera rig that synched with the actor’s movements, creating a unique and disorienting visual style. The movie gained a cult following for its clever world-building and its engaging blend of sci-fi, action, and horror.

‘Cold War’ (2018)

This passionate love story is set against the backdrop of the Cold War in 1950s Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia, and Paris. The film follows Wiktor, a musician, and Zula, a young singer, who fall deeply in love. They are from different backgrounds and have different temperaments, but they are fatefully mismatched and yet condemned to each other. Their impossible love story spans years and continents, as they are torn apart by politics, character flaws, and cruel twists of fate.

The film was directed by Paweł Pawlikowski and was shot in a striking black and white. It was inspired by the real-life love story of his own parents. The film won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film. The film’s stunning visuals and powerful performances were widely acclaimed.

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