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The Top 10 Best Films of 2011

Dec 31, 2011

by Chris_Pandolfi
posted in Movie Hype

I can't recall the last time I saw so many good films in one year, especially during the first six months – which, if you know where to look, is not as dead a period as you might think. I present to you now my list of the ten films I feel represent 2011 at its very best. I hope you enjoy it.

A Separation

This Iranian masterpiece from writer/director Asghar Farhadi is in part an intrigue story but more so an intelligent, uncompromising examination of culture.
See the full review, "A Story of Responsibility and Truth".

The Artist

Although it may seem odd to make a black-and-white silent film in 2011, this gloriously old-fashioned melodrama is pure entertainment from start to finish.
See the full review, "Silence is Golden".

The Tree of Life

Terrence Malick's beautiful spiritual drama plays directly on the emotions like a finely orchestrated piece of music.
See the full review, "The Search for a Constant in the Ever-Changing Scenes of Time".

Hugo

Martin Scorsese's first foray into 3D family filmmaking is not only a beautiful story of friendship, but also a loving and engaging tribute to the history of cinema.
See the full review, "The Mystery of the Mechanical Man".

Johnny Mad Dog

The relentless authenticity of this African children-of-war drama makes it more terrifying than just about any horror movie I can think of.
See the full review, "Children of War in a Story of Failure".

Certified Copy

A surprisingly absorbing romantic drama that challenges the audience by encouraging debate over what is an "original" and what is a "copy."
See the full review, "Reality is Perception, but Every Opinion Counts".

Trust

A heartbreaking but highly compelling drama about how the aftermath of a rape can actually be more traumatizing than the rape itself.
See the full review, "Rape Isn't Always as Traumatic as Its Aftermath".

Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen's latest is not only a delightful and funny time-travel fantasy, it's also a smart and often touching examination of misdirected nostalgia.
See the full review, "I'm Feeling Nostalgic".

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djevoke January 12, 2012

You know what? I haven't seen a single film on this list....where have I been? Well, thanks for creating it so I can rent them!

Chris_Pandolfi January 12, 2012

Really? Not even Midnight in Paris or Hugo, both of which were in wide release? My goodness, you really do have some catching up to do.

djevoke January 12, 2012

Nope! Really! I definitely need a couple stormy weekends so I can stockpile this list lol

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woopak_the_thrill January 01, 2012

Most of the movies here I've missed due to the fact that they were late in my area and when they did screen, I didn't have the time. I think I need more vacation days to keep up LOL! I've added all the titles I've missed in my queve or added it to my "to buy" list. I am buying Shame and your # 6 as soon as they are released. I am pleasantly surprised with your # 1!

Chris_Pandolfi January 02, 2012

I was just as surprised by it. And isn't it interesting that it just happened to be the last film I saw in 2011?

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JPs_Picks_N_Pans December 31, 2011

This is a terrific list, Chris, and it is so succinctly stated. There is a pro list that compiles a large number of pro critics' Top Ten lists. Yours is remarkably close to yours, but like them, you make your individual choices and order as well.

Chris_Pandolfi January 02, 2012

Thanks for the praise. I am, for the most part, aligned with professional critics in my tastes. There are, of course, exceptions. Notice that Drive is nowhere on my list; I may be the only person alive that thinks this movie is vastly overrated.

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JPs_Picks_N_Pans January 02, 2012

Anything with Ryan Gosling in it

Chris_Pandolfi January 02, 2012

In my defense, I greatly enjoyed The Ides of March, and I thought Crazy, Stupid, Love was amusing. Interestingly, the first has earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture (Drama) while the second has earned Gosling a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Drive, meanwhile, has earned only one nomination for Albert Brooks, and absolutely nothing else. I'm just saying.

JPs_Picks_N_Pans January 02, 2012

Bll cunningham and Johnny Mad Dog are your own.

JPs_Picks_N_Pans January 02, 2012

Anything with Ryan Gosling in it has my attention.

Chris_Pandolfi January 02, 2012

True. Some would say Bill Cunningham shouldn't be on this list, as it's a documentary. I, for one, believe documentaries are films just as much as any work of fiction. As for Johnny Mad Dog, I'm starting to think I'm the only person on the planet that actually saw it. I swear, these movies need better exposure.

JPs_Picks_N_Pans January 02, 2012

That's why you and Ebert are movie critics, you unveil forgotten and trampeled saphires.

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About the list creator

Chris Pandolfi (Chris_Pandolfi)
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Growing up a shy kid in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles, Chris Pandolfi knows all about the imagination. Pretend games were always the most fun for him, especially on the school playground; he and his … more

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