30 Best-Rated Movies from 2014

The year 2014 was a remarkable time for cinema, offering a diverse slate of films that captured the imaginations of audiences and critics alike. From ambitious science fiction epics that pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling to intimate character studies that resonated with profound emotional depth, the year was filled with cinematic gems. It was a period where established directors delivered some of their finest work, and new voices emerged with bold and innovative visions, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of film.

This collection of films from 2014 showcases the incredible variety and quality that the year had to offer. The movies on this list span across numerous genres, from action-packed superhero blockbusters and thought-provoking thrillers to charming animated adventures and poignant historical dramas. Each film not only achieved high ratings but also contributed to the cultural conversation, with many going on to receive prestigious awards and accolades. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new classic, these films represent the best of what 2014 brought to the silver screen.

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Set in a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, a group of astronauts embarks on a perilous journey through a newly discovered wormhole. Their mission is to find a new habitable planet for mankind, forcing them to travel further into space than anyone has ever gone before. The crew must grapple with the immense challenges of interstellar travel, including time dilation, unknown planetary environments, and the psychological toll of their monumental task.

The film’s production was a massive undertaking, utilizing a combination of practical effects and cutting-edge visual technology to create its stunning depiction of space. Renowned theoretical physicist Kip Thorne served as a scientific consultant and executive producer, ensuring that the film’s scientific concepts were grounded in real theory. The movie was praised for its ambitious scope, emotional depth, and breathtaking visuals, creating a truly immersive and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

‘Whiplash’ (2014)

An ambitious young jazz drummer enrolls at a prestigious music conservatory, where he is determined to achieve greatness. His passion and dedication are put to the test when he is accepted into the top jazz ensemble, led by a ruthless and abusive instructor. The intense and often cruel teaching methods of his mentor push the young musician to the very limits of his talent and sanity.

The film was written and directed by Damien Chazelle, who drew upon his own experiences in a competitive high school jazz band. The movie was shot in just 19 days, with an intense focus on the dynamic and volatile relationship between the student and his teacher. The powerful performances from the lead actors were widely acclaimed, and the film’s electrifying musical sequences and gripping psychological drama captivated audiences and critics alike.

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014)

The adventures of a legendary concierge at a famous hotel in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars are recounted by one of his most trusted employees. The story follows the concierge and his lobby boy as they become embroiled in the theft of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune. All of this takes place against the backdrop of a continent on the verge of dramatic and sudden change.

Director Wes Anderson’s signature visual style is on full display, with meticulous attention to detail in the production design, costumes, and cinematography. The film features a large ensemble cast of frequent Anderson collaborators and new faces, all of whom contribute to the movie’s unique charm and humor. The narrative is inspired by the writings of Stefan Zweig, and the film was praised for its witty screenplay, vibrant aesthetics, and delightful performances.

‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

On the day of his fifth wedding anniversary, a man reports that his wife has gone missing. As the police investigation unfolds and the media frenzy intensifies, the husband’s seemingly perfect marriage begins to crumble, and his strange behavior makes him the prime suspect. The story is told through alternating perspectives, revealing a complex and troubled relationship that is far from what it appears to be on the surface.

Based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the screenplay, the film is a dark and stylish psychological thriller. Directed by David Fincher, the movie masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. The lead performances were highly praised for their compelling portrayal of the film’s complex and morally ambiguous characters.

‘Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ (2014)

A washed-up actor, famous for playing an iconic superhero, attempts to reignite his career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway play. As he struggles to mount the production, he must contend with his own ego, a volatile cast of actors, and the ever-present voice of his superhero persona. The film follows his chaotic journey in the days leading up to the play’s opening night.

The movie is presented as if it were filmed in a single continuous take, a technically ambitious feat that creates a sense of immediacy and immersion. The director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki, meticulously planned and executed the long takes to give the film its unique and fluid style. The film was celebrated for its innovative filmmaking, sharp satire of the entertainment industry, and the powerful performances of its cast.

‘Boyhood’ (2014)

Filmed over the course of twelve years with the same cast, this groundbreaking film chronicles the life of a young boy from childhood to adolescence. The story follows Mason as he navigates the ups and downs of growing up, from family moves and school experiences to the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. The film offers a unique and intimate look at the passage of time and the formative years of a person’s life.

Director Richard Linklater’s ambitious project began filming in 2002 and concluded in 2013, allowing the actors to age naturally with their characters. This unconventional production method gives the film a remarkable sense of realism and authenticity. ‘Boyhood’ was widely praised for its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and its poignant and relatable portrayal of the journey from childhood to adulthood.

‘The Imitation Game’ (2014)

During World War II, a brilliant mathematician leads a team of cryptanalysts in a race against time to crack the German Enigma code. Working in secret at Bletchley Park, the British code-breaking center, they must overcome immense challenges and personal conflicts to decipher the enemy’s communications. Their work proves to be a crucial turning point in the war, but the lead mathematician’s own secrets threaten to be his undoing.

The film is based on the true story of Alan Turing, a pioneer of modern computing who was prosecuted for his homosexuality after the war. The movie brought Turing’s incredible story to a wider audience, highlighting his vital contributions to the war effort and the tragic injustice he faced. The lead performance was widely acclaimed for its nuanced portrayal of Turing’s genius and vulnerability.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

An adventurous space pilot finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by a powerful villain with ambitions to control the universe. To evade his pursuers, he is forced into an uneasy alliance with a group of intergalactic misfits, including a gun-toting raccoon, a tree-like humanoid, a deadly assassin, and a revenge-driven warrior. Together, they must team up to save the galaxy from a formidable threat.

This film introduced a lesser-known team of Marvel comics characters to the big screen and was a surprise box office success. Its irreverent humor, vibrant visuals, and a popular retro soundtrack struck a chord with audiences. The movie was praised for its fun and adventurous tone, which set it apart from other superhero films and established the Guardians as fan-favorite characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)

In a dystopian future, mutants are hunted to near extinction by powerful robots known as Sentinels. The surviving X-Men devise a desperate plan to send one of their own back in time to 1973 to prevent the key event that led to their grim reality. The time-traveling mutant must unite the younger versions of the feuding X-Men to alter the course of history and save the future of both mutants and humans.

This ambitious film brought together the casts of the original ‘X-Men’ trilogy and the prequel films, bridging the two timelines of the franchise. The movie was a complex and engaging story that explored themes of hope, prejudice, and the consequences of one’s actions. It was praised for its compelling narrative, exciting action sequences, and the strong performances from its ensemble cast.

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

In a future where an alien race has invaded Earth, a public relations officer with no combat experience is thrust into a suicide mission. He is killed within minutes, only to find himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop, forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over. With each repetition, he becomes a more skilled soldier, and with the help of a Special Forces warrior, he gets closer to finding a way to defeat the alien invaders.

Based on the Japanese light novel ‘All You Need Is Kill’, this science fiction action film was praised for its clever premise and engaging execution. The movie’s blend of intense action, humor, and a compelling time-loop narrative was well-received by critics and audiences. The strong performances and the dynamic chemistry between the two lead actors were also highlighted as key strengths of the film.

‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)

A driven and morally ambiguous young man, desperate for work, stumbles into the high-speed world of Los Angeles crime journalism. He discovers that he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time to capture shocking and graphic footage of accidents and crimes. As he becomes more successful, he blurs the line between observer and participant, going to increasingly dangerous and unethical lengths to get the perfect shot.

The film is a dark and satirical thriller that explores the often-unsettling nature of sensationalist news and the lengths people will go to for success. The lead actor underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, losing weight to create the character’s gaunt and hungry appearance. His intense and unsettling performance was widely praised as one of the best of his career.

‘The Lego Movie’ (2014)

An ordinary, rule-following Lego minifigure is mistakenly identified as “the Special,” an extraordinary being prophesied to save the universe. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the world into a state of permanent order. This ordinary construction worker must find the hero within himself to save the Lego world from a terrible fate.

This animated adventure is a visually inventive and humor-filled film that celebrates creativity and individuality. The movie’s animation style was designed to look like a stop-motion Lego film, even though it was primarily computer-animated. It was a critical and commercial success, praised for its clever writing, charming voice cast, and a surprisingly heartfelt story that resonated with all ages.

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, is living a quiet life in Washington, D.C., trying to adjust to the modern world. However, when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. He teams up with Black Widow to expose a deep-seated conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence them.

This film took the ‘Captain America’ story in a new direction, with a tone that was more of a political thriller than a traditional superhero movie. The movie was praised for its intelligent script, well-choreographed action sequences, and its exploration of themes like surveillance and government overreach. It was a critical and commercial success that had a significant impact on the overarching narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ (2014)

A decade after a devastating virus has wiped out most of humanity, a growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species. The film explores the complex dynamics between the two communities as they struggle for survival and coexistence.

This sequel to ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ was lauded for its stunning visual effects and the incredible motion-capture performance of the lead actor who portrayed Caesar. The film was praised for its intelligent and emotionally resonant storytelling, which gave depth and complexity to both the ape and human characters. It was a powerful and thought-provoking continuation of the franchise.

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ (2014)

Five years after the young Viking Hiccup and his dragon Toothless united their two species, the island of Berk is a bustling dragon-friendly utopia. While exploring new territories, Hiccup and Toothless discover a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and a mysterious Dragon Rider. The two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace and must fight to save the future of men and dragons.

This animated sequel was praised for its breathtaking animation, emotional depth, and a more mature and complex story than its predecessor. The film expanded on the world and characters of the first movie, introducing new dragons and exploring deeper themes of family, responsibility, and loss. It was a critical and commercial success, and it continued to build on the beloved franchise.

‘Big Hero 6’ (2014)

In the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada is devastated by the loss of his older brother. He finds comfort and companionship in his brother’s creation, a friendly and inflatable healthcare robot named Baymax. When a dangerous plot unfolds in their city, Hiro and Baymax team up with a group of talented friends to form a band of high-tech heroes and save the day.

This animated film from Disney was inspired by a lesser-known Marvel comic book series. It was praised for its beautiful animation, which blended American and Japanese art styles, and for its heartfelt story about grief, friendship, and the power of science. The character of Baymax became an instant fan favorite for his charming and humorous personality.

‘The Raid 2’ (2014)

Immediately following the events of the first film, a rookie Jakarta cop is sent undercover to infiltrate the ranks of a ruthless Indonesian crime syndicate. His mission is to expose the corruption within his own police force and bring down the criminal organization from the inside. He must navigate the dangerous and violent world of the city’s most powerful gangs while trying to protect his own family.

This Indonesian action film is known for its incredible and brutal fight choreography and stunt work. The movie significantly expanded the scope and scale of its predecessor, with a more complex plot and a wider variety of action sequences, including intense car chases and large-scale prison riots. It was praised by critics as one of the greatest action films ever made.

‘Fury’ (2014)

In the final months of World War II, a battle-hardened army sergeant commands a Sherman tank and its five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, they face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. The film depicts the brutal and unforgiving reality of tank warfare.

The film’s writer and director, David Ayer, was influenced by the military service of his family members and aimed for a high degree of historical accuracy in the film’s depiction of combat. The production used real World War II-era tanks, including the last surviving functional German Tiger I tank. The movie was praised for its gritty realism, intense action, and the strong performances of its ensemble cast.

‘John Wick’ (2014)

A retired legendary hitman is forced back into the criminal underworld he had abandoned after a group of gangsters steal his prized car and kill the puppy that was a final gift from his recently deceased wife. He unleashes a ruthless and violent rampage through the city’s criminal underbelly to seek his revenge. The film introduces a stylish and complex world of assassins with their own set of rules and code of conduct.

This action thriller was a surprise hit and revitalized the career of its lead actor. The film was praised for its stylish and well-choreographed action sequences, often referred to as “gun-fu,” which combined martial arts with gunplay. The movie’s unique world-building and mythology of the assassin society also captivated audiences and led to a successful and ongoing franchise.

‘Paddington’ (2014)

A young Peruvian bear with a passion for all things British travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined. That is until he is taken in by the kind Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. His luck seems to have changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist.

This live-action and animated comedy was based on the beloved children’s book series by Michael Bond. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its charm, humor, and heartwarming story. The movie’s gentle and kind-hearted tone, along with the endearing performance of the voice actor for Paddington, made it a hit with both children and adults.

‘The Babadook’ (2014)

A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son’s fear of a monster lurking in their house. When a disturbing storybook called ‘Mister Babadook’ turns up at their home, her son becomes convinced that the Babadook is a real creature. As she begins to see glimpses of a sinister presence herself, she starts to question whether the monster is a figment of their imagination or something far more terrifying.

This Australian psychological horror film was the directorial debut of Jennifer Kent. The movie was praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and its exploration of themes of grief, motherhood, and mental health. Rather than relying on jump scares, the film builds a sense of dread and unease, creating a truly terrifying and thought-provoking horror experience.

‘Selma’ (2014)

The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, culminated in President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. The film portrays the immense struggles and sacrifices made by the activists.

Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film was a powerful and moving depiction of a pivotal moment in American history. It was praised for its historical accuracy and the compelling performances of its cast, particularly the lead actor’s portrayal of Dr. King. The movie was a timely and important reminder of the ongoing fight for civil rights and social justice.

‘A Most Wanted Man’ (2014)

A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. He is a man on the run, and his presence attracts the attention of German and American intelligence agencies. A German intelligence agent works to uncover the man’s true identity and motives, navigating a complex web of espionage and deceit.

Based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré, this spy thriller is a tense and intelligent film. It was one of the final films to be released starring the acclaimed actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who delivered a powerful and nuanced performance. The movie was praised for its intricate plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and its thought-provoking exploration of post-9/11 paranoia and surveillance.

‘Pride’ (2014)

Based on a true story, the film follows a group of lesbian and gay activists who raise money to help families affected by the British miners’ strike in 1984. Initially rejected by the National Union of Mineworkers, the group decides to take their donations directly to a small mining village in Wales. This unlikely alliance between two very different communities leads to a surprising and heartwarming friendship.

This British historical comedy-drama was a feel-good film that was celebrated for its uplifting story and its wonderful ensemble cast. The movie was praised for its humor, heart, and its powerful message of solidarity and acceptance. It was a joyful and inspiring film that highlighted the importance of coming together to support one another in times of struggle.

‘Locke’ (2013)

A successful construction manager has his life unravel during a tense ninety-minute drive. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, he receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that will threaten his family and his job. The entire film takes place inside his car, with the story unfolding through a series of phone conversations.

This minimalist thriller is a showcase for its lead actor, who is the only character to appear on screen for the entire duration of the film. The movie was praised for its innovative and claustrophobic storytelling, which creates a remarkable amount of tension and suspense from a very simple premise. The lead actor’s powerful and compelling performance carries the entire film.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

On the night a comet is passing over Earth, a group of friends gathers for a dinner party. Strange and unsettling events begin to occur, and they soon discover that the comet has caused a fracture in reality. They find themselves in a surreal and dangerous situation where they must question their own identities and the reality of the people around them.

This low-budget science fiction film was shot over five nights in the director’s own home, with a largely improvised script. The movie was praised for its clever and mind-bending plot, which takes a simple premise and explores its complex and terrifying implications. It is a thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

‘Calvary’ (2014)

A good-natured priest in a small Irish town has his life threatened during a confession. The anonymous person tells him that he will be killed in a week’s time as retribution for the past abuses of the Catholic Church. The priest is left to grapple with this threat and minister to his eccentric and often cynical parishioners in the days leading up to his potential murder.

This Irish black comedy-drama is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and morality. The movie was praised for its sharp and witty script and the powerful lead performance. It is a compelling character study that is both humorous and deeply moving, with a story that lingers long after the credits roll.

‘Mr. Turner’ (2014)

This biographical drama explores the last quarter-century of the life of the great, if eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner. Profoundly affected by the death of his father, he lives with his devoted housekeeper, whom he occasionally exploits sexually. He also forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies.

The film was praised for its stunning cinematography, which beautifully recreated the look and feel of Turner’s paintings. The lead actor’s performance was widely acclaimed for its immersive and detailed portrayal of the complex and often-gruff artist. The movie offers a rich and fascinating look at the life and work of one of Britain’s most celebrated painters.

‘Two Days, One Night’ (2014)

A woman who has just returned to work after a bout of depression discovers that her colleagues have voted to make her redundant so that they can keep their bonuses. She has only one weekend to convince her co-workers to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. The film follows her as she visits each of her colleagues, pleading her case and confronting the difficult moral dilemma they all face.

This Belgian drama from the Dardenne brothers is a powerful and realistic portrayal of economic hardship and human solidarity. The lead actress’s performance was highly praised for its raw and emotional depiction of a woman on the brink of despair. The film is a moving and socially conscious story that raises important questions about work, community, and empathy.

‘Wild’ (2014)

Following a personal tragedy, a woman with no outdoor experience decides to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone. The journey is a grueling and transformative experience, forcing her to confront her past and find a way to heal. The film is based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Cheryl Strayed.

The lead actress was praised for her powerful and committed performance, which captured the physical and emotional challenges of the protagonist’s journey. The film was celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and its inspiring story of self-discovery and resilience. It is a moving and uplifting film about the power of nature and the human spirit to overcome adversity.

What are your favorite movies from 2014 that made the list?