Hundreds of movies are released every year, although only a select few have such an impact that they maintain their relevance 50 years later. The 2010s were a great time for filmmakers and featured plenty of standout releases fromiconic directors, acclaimed actors, and brilliant screenwriters. While many complain that this was also an era primarily associated withsuperhero filmsand franchise sequels, it’s important to highlight the films that truly left a mark and will remain in the public consciousness five decades from now.
Thebest films of the 2010soffered something unique and interesting for viewers to latch onto. It could besocially relevant horror movies, epic sci-fi adventures, or even psychologically rich kids’ movies that showcase audiences will respond to good filmmaking and give astounding releases the respect and admiration they deserve. While so many movies get forgotten due to the passage of time, all ofthese films have already proven their power to endure and will maintain their relevance for years to come.
10Get Out (2017)
Directed by Jordan Peele
While it’s hoped that the dark political relevance ofGet Outwill feel like a relic of a bygone era in 50 years, the way that this Jordan Peele movie deconstructed racial topics, white fragility, and the fetishization of Black bodies made it an instant modern classic. Not only didGet Outresonate within the cultural zeitgeist, but it also signaled Peele’s transition from the sketch-based comedian into one of the major filmmakers of the 21st century.Get Outwas clever and frightening in equal measureand stood as one of the most powerful movies of the 2010s.
Get Outwas a layered look at a supposedly post-racial United States, where prejudices, beliefs, and discrimination are hidden below the surface instead of being outrightly displayed. Peele’s strong script and a career-defining performance from Daniel Kaluuya meant thatGet Outwas immediately discussed as part of the canon of great Hollywood horror films as it thoughtfully tapped into the era in which it was made. WhetherGet Outwill be looked at as a time capsule to earlier prejudices or maintain its relevance in 50 years remains to be seen, but one thing’s for certain: it will not be forgotten.
Get Out
Cast
Jordan Peele made his directorial Horror debut with Get Out, a terrifying Psychological Horror film starring Daniel Kaluuya. In the 2017 release, Chris Washington heads to Upstate New York to meet the family of his girlfriend, Rose. What follows is a horrifying ordeal for the anxious photographer.
9Interstellar (2014)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
From Stanley Kubrick’s2001: A Space Odysseyto Andrei Tarkovsky’sSolaris, there are plenty of sci-fi movies that have maintained their relevance for the past 50 years straight. While this was a serious feat that’s unlikely to be repeated by many movies, Christopher Nolan’s epic dramaInterstellarlooks set to do just that. With a fascinatingly complex story about an astronaut in search of a new home for mankind due to environmental collapse on Earth,Interstellarhas earned its spot among the best sci-fi moviesever made due to its emotional resonance and philosophical depth.
With an astounding performance from Matthew McConaughey, the wormholes and time dilation experienced by NASA pilot Joseph Cooper meant he went on an extraordinary journey that caused the fabric of space and time to bend and for years to pass by in what felt like seconds. With close attention to scientific accuracy, due in part to the guidance of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne,Interstellarwas an awe-inspiring journey into the complexities of the universe that’s certain to stand the test of time.
Interstellar
From Christopher Nolan, Interstellar imagines a future where the Earth is plagued by a life-threatening famine, and a small team of astronauts is sent out to find a new prospective home among the stars. Despite putting the mission first, Coop (Matthew McConaughey) races against time to return home to his family even as they work to save mankind back on Earth.
8The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher
David Fincher kickstarted the 2010s with one of the greatest movie biopics ever made in a story that powerfully addressed the technology revolution that was social media’s worldwide takeover of people’s time, habits, and obsessions. Through the story of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, played to perfection by Jesse Eisenberg,The Social Networkwas a tale of ambition and narcissism that reflected the darkest sides of a tech-obsessed, capitalist society. As a character study of a cold and calculating anti-hero, from its script to its performances, everything just came together right inThe Social Network.
Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay forThe Social Networkhas deservedly received widespread acclaim and was even ranked the fourth-best script of the 21st century byIndieWire, which, paired with Fincher’s accomplished direction, resulted in a match made in heaven. WhileThe Social Networkwas a hit at the time of its release,the continued relevance of Zuckerberg on the world stageand the domination of the internet, smartphones, and technology made this not only a fascinating time capsule of Facebook’s early days but also a dark forebearer to all that was to come.
The Social Network
The Social Network is a film released in 2010, chronicling Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg’s development of Facebook. Set against the backdrop of personal and legal challenges, the story follows Zuckerberg’s journey from creating a social network to becoming one of the youngest billionaires, amidst contentious lawsuits.
7Her (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze
There’s something innately melancholic about the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) inHer, a lonely greeting card writer who finds connection with an artificially intelligent companion known as Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson.) This deeply thoughtful and unique study of a new kind of modern love felt powerfully relevant whenHerwas released in 2013 but has become eerily pertinent in the years since. With the advent of a true AI revolution in recent years,it feels like the era of human-robot romances feels imminent.
The prophetic nature ofHermeans that it will likely appear quaint 50 years from now as the effects of AI relationships that feel indecipherable from genuine human connection slowly reveal themselves. However, at its core,Herwas about timeless emotional longing, and for this reason, its story will endure through countless technological revolutions and societal changes. As a reflection of the anxieties and predictions for life in the next part of the 21st century,Herwas a relevant social document that will be watched and studied by generations of upcoming viewers.
6Inside Out (2015)
Directed by Pete Docter
It’s astounding how animated feature films have endured throughout the decades, as children still eagerly watch Disney’s first film,Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, despite it being released way back in 1937. The same can be said for classics of the Disney Renaissance, such asThe Lion KingandThe Little Mermaid, which have maintained their cultural relevance well into the 21st century. Considering this, it’s practically inevitable that children in 50 years' time will still be blown away by the depth of meaning on display in Pixar’s modern classicInside Out.
As the story of dealing with one’s emotions and the challenges of addressing difficult feelings, the wayInside Outexplained human psychology in a manner that even a preschooler could understand deserves serious credit. From the infectious optimism of Joy and the important reflection of Sadness,Inside Outtaught younger viewers it’s never good to bury down complex feelingsand that sometimes it’s alright to be sad. This concept is an eternally relevant idea, and for this reason, young audiences for generations to come will still take meaning from the story ofInside Out.
Inside Out
Inside Out is an animated film by Pixar Animation Studios, released in 2015. It centers on 11-year-old Riley, whose move to a new city causes emotional upheaval. Her Emotions, embodied by Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness, collaborate to navigate the challenges of her new environment.
5First Reformed (2015)
Directed by Paul Schrader
It’s already been almost 50 years since Paul Schrader gained widespread notoriety for his incredible script for Martin Scorsese’sTaxi Driver. In the years since, Schrader has proved his relevance as a filmmaker in his own right, withFirst Reformedfrom 2015 representing perhaps the best of the latter part of his career. Starring Ethan Hawke as a minister for a small New York congregation,First Reformedaddressed timeless themes of religion, political anxiety, and the struggle for individuals to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe.
By addressing contemporary anxieties with realism and directness not often seen in mainstream cinema,First Reformedsaw Hawke’s character grappling with the nature of his vocation as a tormented past and concerns around worldwide catastrophe weigh him down. While not every viewer will connect with the intensity ofFirst Reformed, cinephiles with a love for complex, dialogue-heavy character studies will take a lot from this story for decades to come. Having received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, the sheer power of Hawke’s performance meant that he similarly deserved, but did not get, an acting nomination as well.
First Reformed
First Reformed is a drama film directed by Paul Schrader. Ethan Hawke stars as Reverend Ernst Toller, a pastor at a small, historic church in upstate New York. As Toller grapples with his faith, personal trauma, and the state of the world, he is drawn into a crisis of existential proportions. The film explores themes of despair, redemption, and the climate crisis with a contemplative and somber tone.
4Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Directed by Céline Sciamma
The French historical romancePortrait of a Lady on Firewas truly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful films of the 2010s and deserves a much bigger audience. As the story of a same-sex sexual affair between an aristocrat and the painter commissioned to paint her portrait, this subtle and thrilling piece of queer cinema was an unsentimental portrayal of female sexuality that bravely pushed against the stereotypical confines of the male gaze.
Portrait of a Lady on Fireshowcased the complex entanglement of artistry and romance and the breathtaking power of finding somebody who can see the other person for who they truly are. Despite only being released in recent years,Portrait of a Lady on Firehas already been classified among the all-time great romance films, as it was voted the 30th greatest movie of all time by critics (viaBFI) in the esteemedSight & Soundpoll of 2012.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Marianne is a young painter in 18th century France who is given the task of painting a portrait of Héloïse for her wedding, without her knowing. Spending her days observing Héloïse and her nights painting, Marianne finds herself getting closer and closer to her model.
Directed by George Miller
While Australian filmmaker George Miller got his start with the iconic dystopian franchiseMad Max, as his career progressed into the 21st century, he became known for family-friendly films likeHappy Feet.Miller’s grand return to the world ofMad MaxwithFury Roadwas a cinematic event, yet nothing could prepare audiences for the creative triumph of this long-awaited release. With Tom Hardy replacing Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky,Fury Roadwas lauded not just as the best release in the entire franchise but as Miller’s magnum opus and a defining film of the 21st century.
Fury Roadblew audiences away with its spectacular visuals and non-stop action movie energy. As essentially a non-stop chase with dystopian characters fighting for survival in a barren, water-hungry wasteland, Miller was on top form as he not only added depth to Max’s story but added new characters, such as Imperator Furiosa, to his richly imagined world.Fury Roadhas maintained its status as a modern classic since it was first released in 2015, and it is certain that audiences will still be eagerly revisiting it 50 years from now.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic film set in a desolate desert landscape where society has collapsed. Released in 2015, the story follows two rebels, Max Rockatansky and Imperator Furiosa, as they attempt to survive and bring balance to a world torn by chaos and strife.
2Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman
WhileSpider-Manhas had a long and acclaimed history in Marvel comics and with live-action films, the recentSpider-Verseanimated franchise has stood as some of the best depictions of this web-slinging hero. By delving into alternate realities and exploring the story of Miles Morales, a Brooklyn teenager who becomes Spider-Man and must face off against villains like Kingpin and Dr. Olivia Octavius, this unique spin on the franchise helped keep things fresh for audiences who were starting to feel Spidey fatigue.
Into the Spider-Versesaw Miles go on an epic journey through the multiverse as he encountered different Spider-People, including the classic iteration of Peter Parker and a film noir-inspired version voiced by Nicolas Cage. By paying tribute to every part ofSpider-Man’sincredible pop culture legacy,Into the Spider-Versehad a unique vision that was propped up by astounding animation. Taking all these aspects together,Into the Spider-Verseproved this Marvel hero’s relevance and signaled that kids and adults alike will still be excited by all thingsSpider-Manin 50 years' time.
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
In the first animated Spider-Man film released in theaters, Miles Morales, a teenager who idolizes Spider-Man, gains Spider-Man powers of his own. While learning to use his new abilities, Miles crosses parallel dimensions and teams up with the different versions of Spider-Man from those dimensions to stop a threat to all reality.
1Parasite (2019)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
In the final year of the 2010s, director Bong Joon-ho gifted viewers with an all-time classic asParasitebecame the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. As a South Korean black comedy that shone a light on the dire effects of capitalism as the poor Kim family infiltrated the life of the Park family,Parasitedealt with class discrimination, social erosion, and wealth disparity in a way that felt relevant worldwide. In the wake of major inequality due to the negative impact of late-stage capitalism, it’s no surprise thatParasitestruck a chord with audiences.
WhileParasitewas a sharp critique of social themes, it was also a universal story about the desire to break out of one’s difficult life circumstances and gain access to the aspirational wealth and luxury that those in the upper echelons of society get to enjoy.Parasitewas a smart social commentary that deservedly gained widespread praise at the time of its release and has since maintained its reputation as a modern classic. While its heavy themes may make for challenging viewers,Parasitewill endure for generations to come.
Parasite
Parasite is a 2019 South Korean film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film follows the destitute Kim family as they infiltrate the affluent Park household by manipulating their way into various household roles, leading to unforeseen consequences.
