Top 10 Favorite Films of 2013

I will forever hold a grudge against the Academy for snubbing this wonderful film from the Coen Brothers. The duo have struck gold again with this unexpected and humorously depressing story of a down-and-out folk singer. Llewyn is one of the best characters introduced to the film world in 2013.

Considering how Martin Scorsese is a film genius and one of my favorite directors of all time, this is no surprise. Add in the extremely talented Leo DiCaprio and great performances by Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie, and you've got one of my favorites of the year. I love how Scorsese chose to tell this story and I laughed so hard.

Alexander Payne has brought us a film that makes you laugh out loud at some moments and come close to tears at others. Bruce Dern is outstanding, Will Forte is very good, and June Squibb gives an unexpectedly great performance. It's the great laughs that entertain you during the film, but it's the dramatic factors that stay with you when you walk out.

One of the most powerful films I've ever seen. It's also one of the most outstanding and unbelievable (in a good way) true stories that I have ever seen adapted to film. The first movie to ever make me truly shed tears. The film had a bigger effect on me than any other film of the past few years.

I loved this movie! Great script brought together by excellent directing by David O. Russell and stellar acting by everyone in the film. The film did an amazing job of presenting the interesting era it is set in.

The twists and turns of this amazing mystery film kept me intensely focused and intrigued throughout the whole 2-and-a-half hours. Great performances by Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Melissa Leo helped make that possible.

Another film that kept me on the edge of my seat! One of the most intriguing true stories to be brought to the screen was beautifully made and featured an outstanding performance by Tom Hanks, especially in the last scene. I might always have a grudge against the academy for snubbing Hanks of a nomination.

This is one of the most important films in recent years. It's amazing how we are given only one day to truly care about Oscar Grant, yet it comes so easy. It makes his death so much more depressing and allows us to realize much more how much we need to solve the racial problems at hand. The film, Ryan Coogler, and Michael B. Jordan all deserved Oscar nods.

I didn't add this film to the list until I watched it a couple times. I decided it needed to replace "Gravity" (a fantastic achievement, but I can't consistently watch and enjoy it the way I do this film.) I finally realized that I really love this film, and it could move even further up the chart upon further reflection. This is one of the most ambitious films of the year and I believe it will still be talked about for years to come.

This is probably the best (most well-made) film of the year. Its Oscar win for Best Picture was much-deserved. However, just because it is the best doesn't mean that it is my favorite. This unflinching look at slavery is likely the most accurate and effective ever put to screen.