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The new year fast approaches us and as we are all scrambling to find out what to do on the most overrated night of the year, we would like to look back at the past decade and reflect on the movies that it brought us.  The first decade of the new millennium has been a wild one at that, both politically, technological, and of course in pop culture and entertainment.  We would expect nothing else as time improves technology, and that certainly was seen with the improvements in visuals in some movies.  But then there were some hidden gems where script, acting, and pure unique story telling truly bypassed the high tech visuals and produced some of the best movies of all time.  All in all it was a fun decade that certainly produced some incredible movies.  With that, here is my list of top movies from the past decade.

Honorable mentions: Memento, Match Point, Brokeback Mountain, Hotel Rwanda, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Gangs of New York

10. Shrek (2001)

This star studded cast that voiced the fun loveable characters proved that Dreamworks was truly here to stay and redefined the genre of kids movies for the next generation.  It wasn’t the first of its kind, but surely the biggest.  Grossing in numbers and sprouting sequels this movie proved fun for the family, and when I say that I truly mean it.  Not only did kids go wild over the ogre and gang but parents could equally enjoy taking their young ones to the theater, and the subtle adult humor style jokes the writers left in allowed this to be entertaining for those of all ages.  Shrek allowed everyone to join in on his quest to regain his swamp, and we all flocked to it.  A movie that developed a worldwide brand from it, this one will be remembered for the ages.

9. Batman Begins (2005)

Bale and director Nolan put the dying franchise back on the map for the first time in years.  Their unique approach to the normally cartoon character and gang was well received by fans and critics a like.  Their raw and dark approach to the movie made for an intense fun wild ride as we got to explore the inner workings of the boy who later became Batman as well as the man Bruce Wayne.  For the first time we saw the tale of how he transformed and why and with much pleasure.  This movie which later produced one of the biggest and best sequels of all time (even though I believe Batman Begins is much better) proves that franchises can be redone in a quality manner.

8. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Slumdog Millionaire!  Have you heard a movie title repeated more on a daily basis in pop culture reference than this movie?  This small movie seemed to steam roll out of nowhere and give the world a glimpse of a Bollywood style movie most don’t normally see.  Like the picture above states, this is the “feel good movie of the decade.”  Such an inspirational story from the beginning taking us through the slums of India in this love story that has been done in an unique way like never before.  The story itself is enticing, but the extra bonus of the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” flair to tell the story of the two love birds made this a household name for the ages.  Very well acted all around from the youngest kids up to their adult counterparts.  This was a rare gem, a movie that will be talked about for years to come.

7. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Clint Eastwood proved he is still one of the best of all time with what he does when he adapted this short story into a pure bliss of movie magic.  He took Hillary Swank in her most deserving second winning Oscar role and transformed her into more than the female Rocky, but into a character that fell into our hearts.  This movie packed everything you could want from a sports drama with a heartening ending that had everyone in the theaters with goosebumps and emotional.  This movie proves that great quality movies can still be made and that great acting is still out there.  More than a boxing movie this is a movie about relationships and how each one is defined over time and under intense scrutiny.  Watch this and it will have a lasting impression on you.

6. Lord of the Rings (2001)

Although I  have the first movie up here, I believe this spot could be held by all 3 of them.  Back to back to back Oscar contenders, Peter Jackson made himself a household name in directing after this stunning and accurate portrayal of the classic science fiction novels.  Even those not fans of the genre can appreciate the world that Jackson built and how he took you on the journey with Frodo Baggins and the magical ring.  A movie masterpiece in every sense of the word, this movie and series is one that everyone should view.

Let me know what you think the top movies of the decade are and be sure to stay tuned as I will release my top 5 best movies of the decade.