Narrowing down the vast array of movies from the last decade was a challenging task, but we\'ve managed to compile a list that truly represents the most impactful films of the era. These are the movies that not only set the tone for the decade but also pushed creative boundaries and secured their place in the annals of film history.
As you explore these cinematic gems, remember that if you\'re looking to revisit these classics or catch up on any you missed, How to Watch In is your go-to resource for streaming these influential movies seamlessly.
1. The Social Network
When people first heard about a movie focusing on Facebook, they thought it was a strange idea. But when the movie was released in September 2010, it quickly changed their minds. The movie was so good that it was nominated for Best Picture and won Oscars for its screenplay, editing, and music. Jesse Eisenberg played Mark Zuckerberg, the guy who started Facebook while he was a student at Harvard. He didn\'t mean to create such a big thing; he just wanted to get back at his ex-girlfriend (played by Rooney Mara). But as Facebook grew, so did the problems. Zuckerberg got caught up in the world of power and was influenced by people like Sean Parker (played by Justin Timberlake), which led to the end of his friendship with Eduardo Saverin (played by Andrew Garfield), who helped start Facebook.
2. Inception
This film, which Nolan both wrote and directed, introduces us to Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who specializes in entering people\'s dreams to steal secrets. Facing a task that could erase his criminal past and reunite him with his family, Cobb gathers a top-notch team including Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Elliot Page), and Eames (Tom Hardy). Their mission is to delve into the mind of Robert Michael Fischer (Cillian Murphy) and plant an idea that will lead him to break up his father\'s empire.
3. Mad Max: Fury Road
Tom Hardy steps into Gibson\'s shoes, with Charlize Theron making a mark as the fierce Furiosa. This fast-paced action movie won over both critics and audiences, earning it a spot as one of the top action movies ever made. Against all odds, it scored 10 Academy Award nominations in 2016 and bagged six wins, mainly in technical areas, including an editing award for George Miller\'s wife, Margaret Sixel. Far from just an underdog at the awards, "Fury Road" is a powerful dystopian adventure and a sharp commentary on today\'s society, celebrated for its strong performances, stunning visuals, and precise direction, making it a standout film of the past decade.
4. A Quiet Place
John Krasinski, best known as the charming Jim Halpert from The Office, surprised everyone with his horror movie A Quiet Place in 2018. In the film, he and his wife, Emily Blunt, play parents in a future where monsters attack any sound. They live quietly to protect their kids, but after a tragic loss, they must be even quieter—Blunt\'s character is about to have a baby.
The movie was unique because it used sign language and featured Millicent Simmonds, a deaf actress, as their daughter. This not only brought attention to the deaf community but also gave us a fresh and lasting horror story. Krasinski\'s smart writing and directing made A Quiet Place one of the standout movies of the decade as discussed on more platforms like How to Watch In.
5. Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame is a massive movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that everyone was waiting for, especially after the shocking ending of Avengers: Infinity War. In that movie, the villain Thanos got rid of half of all life with just a snap. "Endgame" is about the heroes trying to find their lost friends and bring them back.
After a lot of hard work and time travel, Captain America and Tony Stark managed to get all the powerful stones Thanos used and put them in their own glove. But to win, Tony has to give up his life. He uses the glove to stop Thanos and his army, which also ends his own story as Iron Man. Endgame is both a big action film and a touching story for the Marvel universe. It\'s not just one of the best movies of the year, but it also made a lot of money at the box office.
6. Parasite
Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-Ho, is a movie that really stood out in North America at the end of 2019. It was so popular that theaters were full and people everywhere were talking about it. The movie\'s story and the way it was promoted made it very intriguing. When it first showed at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, it won the top prize, the Palme d\'Or, which everyone agreed it deserved.
The movie is beautifully made and tells a story about two families in South Korea who are very different: the Kims, who don\'t have much money, and the Parks, who are very rich. The Parks hire the Kim family to work for them, and then the story takes some unexpected turns. It\'s best to watch Parasite without knowing too much beforehand because the surprises make it memorable. For more recommendations like this, go to How to Watch In.