Defining Movies of the 2010s, According to the 'Closer Weekly' Staff

It’s truly been a fantastic decade for movies, from those that garnered tons of Oscar attention to films that reignited the imaginations of fans (Star Wars) or brought fan-favorite characters to life (the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe). As we get ready to head into 2020, we here at Closer Weekly thought it would be fun to look back at what big-screen offerings defined the 2010s.

If you’re expecting to find a list of flicks that won Best Picture at the Academy Awards, we’re sorry to disappoint. Don’t expect to find The King’s Speech, The Artist, Argo, 12 Years a Slave, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Spotlight, Moonlight, The Shape of Water, Green Book or whatever will snag the trophy this year — though there are some nominees that made the cut.

Scroll down below to see which films the Closer Weekly staff chose as the movies that defined the last 10 years.

‘Inception’ (2010)

When people ask me my favorite movie, Inception always pops into mind. Not because it was the most brilliant film I’ve ever seen, but because every time I rewatch it, I find new things to enjoy. I was a teenager when the film came out, and the whole concept basically blew my mind. Now that I’m older, I’m more intrigued by the relationships between the characters. For whatever the reason, it just never gets old. — Emy LaCroix, deputy editor

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

I chose Silver Linings Playbook because of the all-star cast. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver and Jennifer Lawrence was incredible. While the surface of the film incorporated a little bit of a typical rom-com formula, there are much deeper layers that tapped into mental illness and true darkness, which I loved. I think this film was a turning point for both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence’s acting careers. Bradley was seen as the “handsome eye candy” or “player type” from the Hangover movies while Jennifer had the possibility of being pigeonholed as Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games saga. For her work, J. Law received the Academy Award that year for Best Actress and she remains the first actress born in the ’90s to win an Oscar. Silver Linings Playbook shed a different light on these actors, proving their test of time in Hollywood! — Tara Vaughan, social media producer

‘American Sniper’ (2014)

I think one of the most influential movies of the 2010s was Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, about the life and death of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. Not only did the movie — which was released on Christmas in 2014 — finish at the top of that year’s domestic box office, but it told the inspiring story of the late legend. I absolutely need an entire box of tissues every time I watch this film. — Kelly Braun, digital staff writer

‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ (2017)

Though J.J. Abrams may have began and ended the most recent Star Wars trilogy, we have to hand it to director Rian Johnson for having created a unique installment of a beloved franchises in The Last Jedi. This 2017 film took everything you know about Star Wars, turned it on its head and delivered a truly fresh take on a series that has been going strong for more than 40 years. If there’s one line from this movie encapsulates Rian’s legacy, separated it from those directed by J.J. and spawned a seemingly endless debate among fans, it’s this one from Kylo Ren (Adam Driver): “Let the past die. Kill it if you have to. It’s the only way to become who you were meant to be.” A bold move that, in my opinion, paid off. — Carson Blackwelder, senior editor

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018) and ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

Closing chapters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Infinity Saga,” it gives us one ending in which the heroes — all those heroes — actually fail to stop bad guy Thanos from wiping out half of all life forms. But then they get one chance — and one chance only — to set things right by engaging in a “time heist” that in no way guarantees success. Spectacle and heart that proves blockbuster entertainment can have a soul (despite what Martin Scorsese says). — Ed Gross, film/TV editor