The Best Films of 2015

Before the year comes to an end, it’s only fitting that we list down the most awesome movies that rocked the cinemas for 2015. From swearing teddy bears to the little voices in our heads, here are just some of the films that made our year.

1.Inside Out

Who’s your friend who likes to play? Yup, it’s none other than Bing Bong, right? With that rocket that makes you go hooray, and who’s the best in every way? If you’ve already seen this animated masterpiece, then you’re probably getting the sniffles by now.

The brilliantly creative minds at Pixar have done it again. Inside Out is an honest and heartfelt look at the emotions that drive us every waking hour of our lives, with a particular focus on Riley’s circumstances. The beautiful coming-of-age film is all about change and growing up, and about how we all need to adjust as we enter the real world. The personifications of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are just too loveable not to enjoy, and as with any Pixar film, audiences should definitely get ready to cry their eyes out by the end of the movie. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Mind-blown. That’s exactly how everyone feels about the much awaited sequel to the timeless saga that George Lucas began years and years ago. It’s not a secret that Star Wars has developed a cult following throughout the years, but with this new installment of the movie franchise headed by director JJ Abrams, even non-fans will be able to relish the exhilarating ride that is The Force Awakens. The beloved characters of old make welcome returns as Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill are joined by newcomers Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver. I was already giddy with excitement when those iconic words began floating in space at the beginning, and I assure you that you’ll reach the end of the movie with that same overwhelming excitement still intact.

3. The Little Prince

I can be pretty biased here because this book is just my favorite piece of all time. But even without my partial judgement, the film adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic masterpiece is still hailed as one of the most beautiful and groundbreaking films of the year. The different animation styles are just perfect for the sub-stories that the movie tells, and as the iconic central tale is framed by the lives of The Little Girl and The Aviator, audiences are able to appreciate the practical applications of the messages of The Little Prince in the real world even more. This magical journey goes beyond outer space and back again into one’s own backyard, delving deep into the recesses of every viewer’s heart and making us all question what it is that matters in our lives today. After all, it’s just as The Fox says—what’s essential is invisible to the naked eye, right? And it’s only with the heart that we can all see what truly matters. If the heart-wrenching background scores that accompany the most moving scenes in the film don’t make you tear up, then I don’t know what will.

4. Birdman

From the great mind of director Alejandro G. Iñárritu comes the riveting story of a washed-up actor trying to make it back into the limelight. As usual, Michael Keaton gives a stirring performance as the titular Birdman, and when he bears his raw emotions on screen, the beauty of the comedic tragedy really comes forth. Add that to the remarkable roles of Edward Norton and Emma Stone (and a this-time serious Zach Galifianakis) and you’ve got 119 minutes of pure genius. The ending is quite open-ended, too, so it really left me wondering about the symbolisms of what happened towards the end. Plus, what really amazed me the most was how the whole movie looks like it was just filmed in one take. Bravo.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road is ridiculously over-the-top—but that’s exactly what makes the movie such as bad-ass film that’s every bit as engaging as Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron’s performances. It is turbo-charged action galore as viewers are treated to gratuitous explosions and enormous stunts that only a truly spectacular story can contain. The post-apocalyptic world of armored car chases and thrilling action scenes will leave any viewer breathless and at the edge of their seat for the duration of the whole film.

6. Kingsman: The Secret Service

It’s comic book adaptation at its best with this prim and proper action film that values good manners and appropriate etiquette above all else. Manners maketh man after all, right? The rollercoaster ride that is this movie is made even more entertaining with Colin Firth’s polished fight scenes and Samuel L. Jackson’s cheeky bad guy who likes serving mortal enemies some hearty burgers from McDonalds. Everything just looked so smooth and ultra-cool—plus it made me appreciate well-tailored suits on a man even more. Kingsman: The Secret Service is basically just some jolly good fun—exploding heads and gloriously gory battles included.

7. Jurassic World

How can the sequel to the most epic dinosaur movie in history not be an instant hit? With a lot of nostalgic nods to the original films, Jurassic World brings old and new fans together into the theme park once again—proving just how hardheaded humans can be. Of course, with Chris Pratt’s adorable charm, it’s difficult not to love this dino adventure (Plus, keep your eyes peeled for Jimmy Fallon’s fun cameo!).

8. Ted 2

While it’s sad that John is now divorced even though we all cheered so hard for his relationship to work in the last movie, it’s a delight to see Ted and Tami-Lynn still struggling to keep it together. To make sure his marriage doesn’t end up just like John’s, Ted decides to have a baby—which is a crazy misadventure as it is. Packed with the same classic Seth Macfarlane humor we all love, Ted 2 is a laugh-out-loud movie you definitely shouldn’t watch with your child.

9. The Good Dinosaur

I honestly think that this Pixar movie was overshadowed by the success of Inside Out, but I thoroughly enjoyed The Good Dinosaur just the same. In classic Pixar fashion, the movie is an emotionally charged tearjerker that leaves warm and fuzzy feelings long after the credits finish rolling. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, go ahead and do so—you owe Pixar that much!

*This article was first seen on The Philippine Online Chronicles HERE.