2009 was a pretty exciting year for movies. As the year ends I’ve chosen a hand full of my favorites. These are the films that came to my mind while reflecting, but it’s likely that I’ve left out a few that I really enjoyed. There were many great mainstream, foreign, and independent films this year so I decided to combine some faves from each group into one list (not an easy task for me). The following list is in alphabetical order, coincidentally the first pick, (500) Days of Summer, would be my favorite if I absolutely had to choose. Note: these are based on U.S. release dates. Also “favorite films” does not by any means equal “best films.”

1. (500) Days of Summer

It’s the love story that isn’t a love story at all. By far one of the most accurate portrayals of a relationship and its effects told in a stylish and original manner. I also can’t go without mentioning again how Joseph Gordon-Levitt  and Zooey Deschanel are two of the best actors of our time. Read the original brief review.

2. Adventureland

Adventureland is a feel-good summer comedy that explores the inner-workings of young love, friendships, and surviving the world. Kristen Stewart, one of my favorite actresses, steals the show and Jesse Eisenberg plays a character I can’t help but relate to. Adventureland is a perfect example of why I love movies. Read the original brief review.

3. District 9

I’ve mentioned in my original review that the low-budget nature of this film makes it truly remarkable. It’s a great futuristic fantasy piece that also reflects some social commentary. Read the original brief review.

4. Fifty Dead Men Walking

Fifty Dead Men Walking is based around the true story of Martin McGarland who infiltrated the IRA. Not knowing much about the IRA, the film gave me a nice look into the organization and political turmoil in Ireland. The story was excellent along with nice acting by Jim Sturgess (21) and Ben Kingsley. I suppose what really makes this one stick out for me is knowing the fact that McGarland is still in hiding as a result of these events.

5. Gomorra

Gomorra is an exposé of the modern organized crime scene in Italy, more specifically the Camorra. It is based on the book Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano, which reveals many of the goings-on within the organization. Since the book’s release, Saviano has had several death threats from crime bosses. Perhaps these facts are what make this film appeal so much to me, as I felt the film could have had a much stronger plot.

6. The Girlfriend Experience

Adult film starlet Sasha Grey graces the silver screen as a high class escort in this low budget drama. What impresses me most about this film is the performances given by the relatively inexperienced actors. The realistic and convincing story was original and artistically shot. Read the original full review.

7. Inglourious Basterds

Tarantino is back in all his glory with Inglourious Basterds. His ability to take ideas that have been done over and again and make them fresh and exciting is why he is known as one of the greatest directors of our time. Inglourious Basterds is an excellent example of innovative filmaking and top-notch acting. Read the original full review.

8. Män som hatar kvinnor

Exploring the darker aspects of human behavior, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (US title) features excellent acting performances and an excellent storyline (I must find a chance to read the book). The sometimes disturbing subject matter is well balanced with uplifting tales of unlikely bonds. Read the original full review.

9. Star Trek

What more can you ask for than non-stop action, an exciting storyline, and talented actors to portray iconic characters. Star Trek has it all, and for being a big budget blockbuster it was surprisingly well executed. Thanks to modern advances the futuristic effects look more natural and realistic. Read the original brief review.

10. Zombieland

It’s the funniest movie of the year that made the top of my Top 5 Favorite Horror Films of 2009 special list for Halloween and it’s still got a strong hold on me. Like (500) Days of Summer, it too was made in a fresh and original way that really makes it stick out from its contemporaries. Woody Harrelson’s performance is sure to put him back in the star roles. Read the original full review.

Honorable Mentions

  • Away We Go
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  • Knowing
  • Paranormal Activity
  • Taken
  • Up
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