My 10 Best Films of 2013

Compiling this list proved much, much harder than the one I put together on the worst films of 2013 (see here: the worst of 2013). While there have been a few fantastic films this year, there were too many that were plagued with faults that diminished them to the ranks of mediocrity. With this in mind I have painstakingly put this list together, which in my view features the most complete and most enjoyable films of 2013.

So, without further ado, here are my picks of the best films 2013 had to offer.

10. Prisoners

Probably the hardest selection I had to make was what to put at number 10. The Hobbit, Hunger Games and Behind the Candelabra were all films vying for this spot. However, I've gone for Prisoners, by far the most atmospheric film of the year. This film is beautifully shot, well acted and has some insanely tense scenes. Couple that with the simply brilliant environment in which the film is set and you have a terrific film. Unfortunately, Prisoners does lose its way slightly and suffers from narrative issues in its third act. It is a shame when you think what might have been, however Prisoners is absolutely deserving of being listed here and if you have not seen it, it is well worth your time.

9. Philomena

Philomena deserves this spot purely on the emotion it draws from its audience. It is gripping, heartwarming, tragic and, at times, downright hilarious. The performances from Judi Dench and Steve Coogan are top drawer, as is the screenplay, which was co-written by Coogan himself. The most extraordinary thing about Philomena, however, is its power to deliver such a tragic story with such an uplifting, determined and humorous tone, all the while conveying just how saddening this true tale is.

8. Captain Phillips

In a year littered with films based on true events, Captain Phillips is certainly one of the best. Tom Hanks delivers an Oscar worthy performance, as does Barkhad Abdi, the leader of the pirates who board the Maersk Alabama. It is a film which is terrifically shot, using shaky camerawork to brilliant effect. It delivers a powerful message about the human resolve, all the while being absolutely gripping from start to finish.

7. Frozen

Frozen is, in my eyes, already a Disney classic. The characters are beautifully crafted and voiced superbly, the environments are gorgeous and engaging and the musical score is exemplary. I have been to see it multiple times, and each time I leave the cinema with a glow in my heart that only this kind of Disney film can provide.

6. Blue Jasmine

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than being able to include a Woody Allen film in this list. It is most definitely a return to top form from this directorial master. It is a film so well crafted and paced that it absolutely had to be included in this list. The standout here though is the performance of Cate Blanchett. She is outstanding as the deeply troubled socialite that has relocated to San Francisco to leave her troubles behind. Blanchett deserves every accolade thrown her way, of which I can imagine there will be many.

5. The Place Beyond the Pines

The Place Beyond the Pines was the first film of 2013 that had me genuinely glued to the screen. It is a gorgeous yet tragic tale of life and death. The narrative is meticulously pieced together in an unpredictable way and only by the end are you given the final clue to the intertwining story lines. It is at times quite farfetched, but it is to its credit that it manages to pull off such a diverse tale so excellently.

4. Rush

There is a moment in Rush that had me squirming in my cinema seat, so much so that I could barely look at the screen. It was this point where I realised just how good this film is. The performances are so genuine and raw that you feel every emotion that these characters have to go through. The film is perfectly paced and the action sequences excellently choreographed. Whether you are a fan of the subject material or not, Rush is truly extraordinary.

3. Nebraska

Nebraska is a magnificent film. The performances are awesome, the cinematography gorgeous and the script perfect. It is a film that on the surface seems so simple, but draws you in further during every scene. The inevitability of the conclusion is a surprising necessity and it shows rural American life to perfection.

2. Only God Forgives

By far the most controversial film on this list is Only God Forgives. It is worth noting that some of the negative reviews aimed at this film are due to the fact it is not aimed at mainstream audiences. It is an art house movie that you will either love or hate. Personally, I feel that this approach is exactly why this films works. The director has made no alterations to improve ratings or box office takings, it is purely his vision portrayed on screen. It looks incredible and is filled with underlying themes that will become more and more apparent on repeat viewings. Only God Forgives deserves to be considered an absolute masterpiece.

1. Gravity

Hands down, Gravity is by far the best film of 2013. It is daring, gripping, beautifully shot and the first film ever that actually makes 3D seem worthwhile. It is a cinema experience like no other so please, do yourself a favour and try to catch this on the big screen. To read just why I think Gravity is so great, have a look at my in depth review here.