I have to say this was by far the toughest list I have had to make. 2013 proved to be one of the BEST years for film! I’m aware that I didn’t pick some obvious masterpieces, but that’s not because they weren’t as good as the other films I chose. With so many great films, I just had to go with which ones always stayed in my mind every week. I’ll keep it short and sweet as to why the films below have made my top 10 list!

Side Note: I have not yet seen “Her,” “In A World…,” “August: Osage County” or “Inside Llewyn Davis.”

10. “Gravity”

The best way to sum up “Gravity” is “breath-taking!” The visual effects are the best I have seen in any film. If you were to tell me they shot the movie in space, I would believe it. For now, I will assume that this is what space looks like. Sandra Bullock carries the film; you feel as if you are practically tethered to the space suit with her. Alfonso Cuarón has taken a terrifying thought and turned it into a captivating, 90-minute mission of endurance.

9. “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Director Martin Scorsese has teamed up with Leonardo Dicaprio once again to make their most hilarious and best film yet! The film is three hours long, but moves quickly because of how fast paced each scene plays out. Regardless of the time, you are blown away by the unforgettable performance DiCaprio delivers.

8. “The Kings of Summer”

A fantastic coming-of-age story anyone can relate to: three friends build their own secret house in the woods to gain independence and escape their suffocating parents. Nick Robinson finally gets a chance to prove he is more than just the dim-witted brother from the ABC Family series, “Melissa & Joey.” The film is funny, emotional and nostalgic for anyone who grew up watching some of the best coming-of-age films in the ’80s and early ’90s.

7. “12 Years a Slave”

I don’t think this one needs any explaining— just watch the film. It is easily the best ensemble cast of the year. “12 years a Slave” features breakout performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o. Not to mention Michael Fassbender’s most disturbing and brilliant role since 2011′s “Shame.” This film is a sure to be an Oscar contender for Best Picture and a possible winner!

6. “Frozen”

You might as well give this film the Oscar for Best Animated Feature right now. All the wonderful things you have been hearing about it is true. It’s nice to know Disney can still produce films that give audiences the “Disney Magic” feeling. Already considered a Disney classic, “Frozen” features one of the best soundtracks of the year, including the fantastic original song, “Let it Go,” performed by Idina Menzel.

5. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

“Catching Fire” is in every way better than the first “Hunger Games.” The acting and directing is better. There is more character development and much more chemistry between Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and both her love interests, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). It’s an exciting and fun action adventure that you can’t get enough of.

4. “Rush”

This film is so much more than race cars and sex. The rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) brings out more than just a competition on the track. It is amazing to see how much an “enemy” can impact your life— for the good and bad. Hemsworth and Brühl give amazing performances and director Ron Howard shows us once again he can take a simple, true story and turn it into a cinematic masterpiece.

3. “Short Term 12″

You may not have even heard of this film, but it is absolutely worth looking up and watching. Brie Larson gives a phenomenal Oscar-worthy performance (chances are she could get snubbed this year). “Short Term 12″ is a raw and revealing drama that shows the gut-wrenching perspective of neglected youths.

2. “Prisoners”

I wish this film would have gotten more praise than it has. The acting alone was incredible, especially Hugh Jackman. I know it is up against stiff competition, but it is high on my list for good reason. It’s the details in “Prisoners” that make this film so exciting to watch. Besides being on the edge of your seat and dying to find out what happened to these kids, you’re filled with important facts that will eventually all tie together in the end. “Prisoners” falls right there with films like “Gone Baby Gone” and “Mystic River”: a gloomy, exciting mystery with an original, satisfying ending.

1. “The Way, Way Back”

Think way, way back in July, when you might have seen a preview for this film. Sadly, my favorite film of the year was probably seen by very few. I will admit the dark comedy genre is usually my preference, but it’s the message in this film that has stuck with me all year. I think we all have met that person that has made us doubt ourselves, and lead us to believe we aren’t as special as we think we are. Most of the characters in this film feel they need someone’s seal of approval to be happy with the person they are; thinking that there is some sort of norm that we must follow to fit in. “The Way, Way Back” teaches us that, what makes us truly happy in life is the path we create for ourselves.

Honorable Mentions: “The Dallas Buyers Club,” “This is the End,” “About Time,” “Don Jon,” “Enough Said,” “The Spectacular Now,” and “Captain Phillips.”

Bottom 5: “Getaway,” “The Counselor,” “The Big Wedding,” “Kick-Ass 2″ and “Spring Breakers.”

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com