The Best Movies Of 2010

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Updated October 2, 2023 13.7K votes 992 voters 28.2K views
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 2010
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 2010.

With close to 1,000 movie fans casting votes, this list of the best movies from 2010 is a testament to an amazing year of cinema. From indie darlings like Black Swan and The Kids Are All Right to comic book adaptations like Iron Man 2 and Kick-Ass, 2010 was a stellar year for film.

One of the key elements that made so many of these films stand out was their willingness to take risks. Directors such as Darren Aronofsky and David Fincher pushed boundaries while still delivering emotionally resonant stories. Auteurs such as Wes Anderson crafted unique visions with meticulous attention to detail, while blockbusters like Inception offered mind-bending thrills on a grand scale.

These are just some of the reasons why 2010's roster remains one of the most memorable in recent memory - it truly had something for everyone. So check out the list, vote up your favorites, and explore what made this year special all over again.

Most divisive: Iron Man 2
Ranked by
  • Inception
    1

    Inception

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
    835 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Christopher Nolan
    Inception is a mind-bending, science-fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot pivots around Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), an adept 'extractor' who invades people's dreams to steal secrets. However, his latest task is not stealing an idea but planting one - inception. In this high-stakes job, he's aided by Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Elliot Page), and Eames (Tom Hardy). Tackling complex themes of reality and subconsciousness, Inception won four Academy Awards. This cinematic labyrinth, riddled with plot twists, leaves viewers questioning the very nature of reality.

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  • Toy Story 3
    2

    Toy Story 3

    Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
    670 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Lee Unkrich
    In Toy Story 3, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of their toy companions face an uncertain future as their owner, Andy, prepares to leave for college. Unintentionally donated to a chaotic daycare center, they find themselves in a thrilling escapade to return home. Amidst the adventure, they encounter deceptively cuddly bear Lotso (Ned Beatty), who rules the daycare with an iron fist. The film, a delightful blend of comedy and drama, won two Academy Awards - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

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  • Shutter Island
    3

    Shutter Island

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
    603 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    In the chilling mystery-thriller Shutter Island, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is dispatched to an asylum set on a remote island, along with his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). Their mission is to investigate the unexplainable disappearance of a murderess who was a patient there. As they delve deeper into the case, secrets as murky as the surrounding waters begin to surface. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, weaves a complex narrative that keeps viewers guessing until its final moments. The atmospheric setting and top-notch performances are notable aspects of this gripping cinematic experience.

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  • The Social Network
    4

    The Social Network

    Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
    697 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: David Fincher
    The Social Network is a biographical drama that dives deep into the tumultuous beginnings of Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), Harvard student and computer genius, launches a social networking site from his dorm room that rapidly becomes a global phenomenon. As Facebook's popularity skyrockets, so do the legal battles with former friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer). Directed by David Fincher, this critically acclaimed film won three Academy Awards. It's an engrossing tale of innovation, ambition, and betrayal that will keep you hooked till the end.

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  • True Grit
    5

    True Grit

    Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin
    388 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
    In the dusty, lawless landscape of the Wild West, a determined 14-year-old girl, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), seeks justice for her father's murder. She hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a hardened U.S. Marshal with a reputation for getting the job done - no matter how gritty it gets. Joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), they plunge into an unforgiving terrain, chasing after the killer. True Grit, directed by the Coen Brothers, is a gripping tale of vengeance and valor that won Jeff Bridges an Academy Award nomination for his grizzled portrayal of Cogburn.

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  • How to Train Your Dragon
    6

    How to Train Your Dragon

    Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera
    481 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Christopher Sanders, Dean DeBlois
    In the animated fantasy film How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a young Viking who, unlike his tribe, isn't keen on killing dragons. Stoick (Gerard Butler), Hiccup's father and village chieftain, struggles to understand his son's pacifist tendencies. During one of the dragon raids, Hiccup injures a Night Fury dragon named Toothless. Instead of finishing him off, he befriends him. This unlikely friendship challenges the village's draconian norms and leads to a shift in their way of life. The movie, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature.

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