24 Best 2014 Movies: A Year In Review For Unforgettable Films

2014 was a year filled with memorable movies across a range of genres, from epic blockbusters to intimate dramas.

Some of the most notable films of the year include the dystopian science-fiction blockbuster “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” the critically acclaimed biographical drama “The Imitation Game,” and the action-packed superhero sequel “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

Other standout movies from 2014 include “Boyhood,” a groundbreaking coming-of-age drama filmed over the course of 12 years, and “Whiplash,” a gripping drama about a young drummer’s intense pursuit of success.

“Birdman,” a darkly comedic satire about the world of show business, also received widespread critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Overall, 2014 was a year of exceptional filmmaking that showcased the talents of some of the industry’s most innovative and accomplished filmmakers, writers, and actors.

Best 2014 Movies

These films explored a wide range of themes and emotions, and left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

1. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is a black comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, released in 2014. The film stars Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, and Zach Galifianakis in lead roles.

The story of the film follows Riggan Thomson (played by Michael Keaton), a washed-up actor famous for playing the superhero Birdman, as he attempts to revive his career by mounting a Broadway play.

The film explores themes of ego, celebrity, and the struggle for artistic validation, and features a unique visual style that gives the impression that the film was shot in one continuous take.

“Birdman” was praised for its direction, performances, cinematography, and its exploration of complex themes in an unconventional way.

The film was noted for its use of long takes and its seamless editing, which created a sense of real-time immersion for the viewer.

The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.

2. Nightcrawler (2014)

Nightcrawler is a psychological thriller film released in 2014, written and directed by Dan Gilroy and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Riz Ahmed. The film follows Lou Bloom, a desperate and ambitious man who begins working as a freelance crime journalist in Los Angeles.

As Lou becomes more deeply involved in the world of crime journalism, he begins to blur the lines between observer and participant, committing increasingly unethical and dangerous acts in pursuit of the perfect story.

Along the way, he forms a volatile relationship with Nina Romina, a news producer who is willing to do whatever it takes to boost ratings.

Nightcrawler received critical acclaim for its intense and unsettling atmosphere, Gyllenhaal’s electrifying performance as Lou Bloom, and its sharp commentary on the ethics of journalism and the sensationalism of news media.

The film was praised for its exploration of themes such as ambition, morality, and the corrupting influence of power.

The film was a modest box office success, grossing over $50 million worldwide against a budget of $8.5 million. It was also nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Dan Gilroy.

3. Whiplash (2014)

“Whiplash” is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. The film tells the story of an ambitious young jazz drummer named Andrew Neiman, who is pushed to the brink of his abilities by a demanding and abusive music teacher named Terence Fletcher.

The film stars Miles Teller as Andrew and J.K. Simmons as Fletcher, and was praised for its intense and emotionally charged performances, as well as its depiction of the extreme pressures faced by young musicians striving for greatness.

“Whiplash” received critical acclaim and won several awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Simmons), Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Sound Editing. It is widely regarded as one of the best films of 2014, and has since become a cult classic.

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4. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a 2014 comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. The film tells the story of Gustave H., a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel, and Zero Moustafa, his loyal protégé and friend, who become embroiled in a theft and murder mystery.

The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, and many others. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” received widespread critical acclaim for its whimsical and visually stunning style, witty dialogue, and strong performances.

The film was praised for its ability to blend comedy and drama in a unique and captivating way, as well as for its touching exploration of friendship and loyalty.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” was a commercial success, grossing over $174 million worldwide on a budget of $25 million.

It won several awards, including four Academy Awards for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Score.

The film is widely regarded as one of Wes Anderson’s masterpieces and a modern classic of the comedy-drama genre.

5. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

“Edge of Tomorrow” is a 2014 science fiction action film directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The film is based on the novel “All You Need Is Kill” by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.

In the film, humanity is at war with an alien race called Mimics. When Major William “Bill” Cage (played by Tom Cruise) is forced into battle, he is killed within minutes but finds himself inexplicably stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.

With the help of a skilled soldier named Rita Vrataski (played by Emily Blunt), Cage uses his time loop to become a better fighter and strategize ways to defeat the Mimics.

“Edge of Tomorrow” was praised for its unique and innovative take on the time loop concept, its thrilling action sequences, and the chemistry between Cruise and Blunt. The film was also praised for its visual effects and impressive use of practical effects.

Despite its critical acclaim, the film did not perform as well at the box office as expected, but has since gained a cult following and is considered one of the best science fiction films of the decade.

6. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a 2014 science fiction film directed by Matt Reeves and starring Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, and Gary Oldman. It is the sequel to the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and the eighth film in the Planet of the Apes franchise.

The film takes place ten years after the events of the previous film, in a world where a deadly virus has wiped out most of humanity.

The story follows Caesar, the intelligent ape from the previous film, and his fellow apes as they struggle to survive in the ruins of San Francisco. When a group of human survivors led by Malcolm, played by Clarke, stumble upon the apes’ territory, tensions rise and the two groups find themselves on the brink of war.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was praised for its compelling story, impressive special effects, and strong performances, particularly from Andy Serkis as Caesar.

The film explores themes of leadership, morality, and the complex relationship between humans and animals, and is considered by many to be one of the best films in the Planet of the Apes franchise.

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $710 million worldwide and receiving numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. It was followed by a third installment, War for the Planet of the Apes, in 2017.

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7. Two Days, One Night (2014)

Two Days, One Night is a Belgian-French drama film released in 2014, directed by the Dardenne brothers and starring Marion Cotillard in the lead role.

The movie tells the story of Sandra, a factory worker who is informed that she has been laid off due to a company restructuring. However, her boss gives her a chance to keep her job by convincing her coworkers to forgo their annual bonuses.

The film follows Sandra over the course of a weekend as she visits each of her coworkers to plead with them to vote in her favor at a company meeting scheduled for Monday.

The movie explores themes of economic hardship, solidarity, and the impact of stress and depression on mental health.

Two Days, One Night received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful performances, sensitive direction, and thought-provoking social commentary. Cotillard’s nuanced portrayal of Sandra was particularly praised, earning her several awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The film was also noted for its minimalist style and realistic depiction of working-class life in Belgium.

Overall, Two Days, One Night is a deeply affecting and socially conscious drama that highlights the importance of community and empathy in the face of economic hardship.

8. A Hard Day (2014)

“A Hard Day” is a South Korean action thriller film directed by Kim Seong-hun, released in 2014. The film stars Lee Sun-kyun and Cho Jin-woong in lead roles.

The story of the film follows a police detective named Ko Gun-su (played by Lee Sun-kyun), who accidentally kills a pedestrian while driving drunk and tries to cover up the crime.

However, his plan is complicated when he receives a call from a mysterious stranger threatening to expose him unless he returns a recently stolen item.

“A Hard Day” was praised for its direction, performances, and its high-energy action sequences. The film was noted for its tight pacing, tense atmosphere, and clever twists and turns.

The film received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success in South Korea. The film was also screened at several international film festivals and received several award nominations.

9. Predestination (I) (2014)

Predestination is a science fiction film released in 2014, directed by Michael and Peter Spierig and starring Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, and Noah Taylor. The film is based on the short story “All You Zombies” by Robert A. Heinlein.

The film follows a temporal agent, played by Hawke, who travels through time to prevent crimes before they happen. His final mission takes him back to 1975 to stop a notorious terrorist known as the Fizzle Bomber.

Along the way, he encounters a mysterious individual, played by Snook, who has a personal connection to his past and future.

Predestination received positive reviews for its mind-bending plot, strong performances, and stylish direction. The film was praised for its exploration of themes such as identity, fate, and the consequences of time travel.

The film was a modest box office success, grossing over $5 million worldwide against a budget of $5.5 million. It has since gained a cult following for its complex and thought-provoking storyline, and has been noted as one of the best time travel films in recent years.

10. The Lego Movie (2014)

“The Lego Movie” is a 2014 American-Australian computer-animated adventure-comedy film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

The film follows an ordinary Lego construction worker named Emmet, who is mistakenly identified as the “special” and recruited to join a group of rebels to stop an evil tyrant from destroying the Lego universe.

The film features the voices of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman, and Will Ferrell, among others, and was praised for its clever humor, engaging storyline, and innovative animation style that makes it look like the entire world is built out of Lego bricks.

“The Lego Movie” was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $469 million worldwide and receiving highly positive reviews from critics.

It won the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for its catchy and memorable theme song, “Everything Is Awesome!!!” The film also spawned a franchise of spin-offs and sequels, including “The Lego Batman Movie” and “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.”

11. The Raid 2 (2014)

“The Raid 2” is a 2014 Indonesian martial arts action film directed by Gareth Evans, and is the sequel to the highly acclaimed 2011 film “The Raid: Redemption”. The film stars Iko Uwais, who also served as the film’s fight choreographer, reprising his role as Rama.

The plot of “The Raid 2” takes place a few hours after the events of the first film, as Rama goes undercover to infiltrate a powerful criminal organization in order to protect his family and take down corrupt cops. The film features intense and intricate fight scenes, with a focus on the Indonesian martial art of pencak silat.

“The Raid 2” received widespread critical acclaim for its inventive and expertly choreographed action sequences, as well as for its complex plot and character development. The film was praised for its ability to build upon the strengths of the first film, and for its ambitious scope and scale.

Despite its critical success, “The Raid 2” was not as commercially successful as its predecessor, grossing $6.5 million worldwide on a budget of $4.5 million. Nevertheless, the film remains a highly regarded entry in the action genre and a must-see for fans of martial arts films.

12. The Imitation Game (2014)

“The Imitation Game” is a 2014 historical drama film directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. The film is based on the life of Alan Turing, a mathematician and cryptanalyst who played a key role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II.

The film follows Turing (played by Cumberbatch) as he leads a team of cryptanalysts at Bletchley Park in their efforts to decipher coded messages sent by the Germans. Along the way, Turing is forced to confront the prejudices and discrimination he faces as a homosexual in 1950s England, and ultimately faces prosecution for his sexuality.

“The Imitation Game” was widely praised for its performances, particularly Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Turing, and its engaging storytelling.

The film was also praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, and for bringing to light Turing’s important contributions to the war effort and his tragic personal story.

The film was a box office success and received numerous award nominations, including eight Academy Award nominations and one win for Best Adapted Screenplay. It is considered one of the best historical dramas of the decade and has brought attention to the legacy of Alan Turing.

13. Montage (2013)

Montage is a 2013 South Korean thriller film directed by Jung Geun-sub and starring Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Sang-kyung, and Song Young-chang. The film revolves around the kidnapping of a young girl, and the race against time to find her before it’s too late.

The story begins with the kidnapping of a six-year-old girl named Soo-ahn. Despite the best efforts of the police, the kidnapper is never caught, and the case remains unsolved for years.

Ten years later, the statute of limitations is about to expire, but the kidnapper resurfaces and starts sending the girl’s mother, Ji-won, a series of cryptic messages. With the help of a retired police detective, Ji-won begins to unravel the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance and races against time to find her before it’s too late.

Montage is praised for its taut and suspenseful storytelling, as well as its strong performances from its lead actors. The film also explores themes of grief, guilt, and the complex relationships between parents and children.

Upon its release, Montage was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $14 million at the box office and winning several awards at major film festivals. It remains a popular and highly regarded entry in the South Korean thriller genre.

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14. American Sniper (2014)

 American Sniper is a biographical war drama film released in 2014, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper in the lead role. The movie is based on the memoir of the same name by Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper who served four tours of duty in the Iraq War.

The film follows Kyle as he becomes one of the most lethal snipers in American history, but also struggles with the psychological toll of his experiences and the strain it puts on his relationship with his family.

The movie explores themes of patriotism, the cost of war, and the impact of trauma on soldiers and their families.

American Sniper received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its tense and gripping depiction of combat, while others criticized its one-dimensional portrayal of the Iraq War and its jingoistic undertones. However, the film was a box office success, grossing over $547 million worldwide.

Despite its controversial reception, American Sniper is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the Iraq War and the impact it had on the soldiers who fought in it. Cooper’s performance as Kyle is particularly noteworthy, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

15. Interstellar (2014)

“Interstellar” is a science-fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan, released in 2014. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine in lead roles.

The story of the film follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity after Earth is threatened by famine and ecological disaster.

The film explores themes of time, space, love, and the human condition, and features stunning visuals and a haunting score by Hans Zimmer.

“Interstellar” was praised for its direction, performances, visuals, and its ambitious storytelling. The film was noted for its scientific accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its emotional impact.

The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, and won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $677 million worldwide.

16. Gone Girl (2014)

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller film released in 2014, directed by David Fincher and starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, and Neil Patrick Harris. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn.

The film follows Nick Dunne, played by Affleck, whose wife Amy, played by Pike, goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, Nick becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance, and the media frenzy surrounding the case threatens to destroy his life.

As the story unfolds, dark secrets about both Nick and Amy are revealed, and the audience is forced to question who is really to blame for Amy’s disappearance.

Gone Girl received critical acclaim for its intricate plot, strong performances, and Fincher’s direction. The film was praised for its exploration of themes such as marriage, gender roles, and the power of the media.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide against a budget of $61 million. It was also nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Rosamund Pike’s performance as Amy.

17. Godzilla (2014)

“Godzilla” is a 2014 American monster film directed by Gareth Edwards and written by Max Borenstein. The film is a reboot of the Godzilla franchise, and serves as the second American-made Godzilla film after the 1998 film of the same name.

The film stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Elizabeth Olsen, among others, and follows the story of a team of scientists who discover that a series of catastrophic events are caused by a giant, ancient creature known as Godzilla.

As the creature wreaks havoc across the globe, humanity struggles to find a way to stop it before it’s too late.

“Godzilla” received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the film’s visual effects and action sequences but criticized its thin characters and uneven pacing.

Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing over $529 million worldwide on a budget of $160 million.

A sequel to the film, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”, was released in 2019, with a third film, “Godzilla vs. Kong”, released in 2021.

18. Transcendence (I) (2014)

“Transcendence” is a 2014 science fiction thriller film directed by Wally Pfister and starring Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, and Morgan Freeman. The film explores the concept of artificial intelligence and its potential implications for humanity.

In the film, Dr. Will Caster (played by Johnny Depp) is a leading researcher in the field of artificial intelligence.

When he is fatally injured in an attack by anti-technology extremists, his wife and colleague Evelyn (played by Rebecca Hall) uploads his consciousness to a computer in an attempt to preserve his mind and memories.

As Will’s consciousness becomes increasingly powerful, he begins to exert his influence over the world in unexpected and potentially dangerous ways.

The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its visual effects and exploration of complex themes, while others criticized its uneven pacing and lack of character development. Despite its star-studded cast and ambitious storyline, “Transcendence” did not perform well at the box office.

Overall, “Transcendence” is an interesting take on the topic of artificial intelligence and the potential consequences of creating machines that can think and feel like humans.

While it may not be the most successful film in the genre, it offers a thought-provoking look at a subject that continues to captivate audiences and scientists alike.

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19. The Drop (2014)

The Drop is a 2014 crime drama film directed by Michaël R. Roskam and starring Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and James Gandolfini in his final film role. The film is based on the short story “Animal Rescue” by Dennis Lehane.

The story takes place in a Brooklyn bar that serves as a drop point for local gangsters’ illegal activities.

Bob, played by Tom Hardy, is a bartender at the bar who gets caught up in a robbery that goes wrong. As he tries to make things right, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and violence.

The film explores themes of loyalty, morality, and redemption, and is praised for its strong performances, particularly from Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini. The Drop is also noted for its realistic and gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld in Brooklyn.

Upon its release, The Drop received positive reviews from critics, who praised its tight and suspenseful storytelling, as well as its strong performances and atmospheric visuals.

It was a commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide, and is considered to be one of the best crime films of the 2010s.

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20. Comet (2014)

Comet is a romantic drama film released in 2014, directed by Sam Esmail and starring Emmy Rossum and Justin Long in the lead roles.

The movie tells the story of a couple, Dell and Kimberly, who meet at a meteor shower and fall in love, but soon find themselves struggling to maintain their relationship as they face the challenges of life.

The film is told through a nonlinear narrative, jumping back and forth between different points in the couple’s relationship, exploring their ups and downs and the various turning points that lead to the ultimate fate of their relationship.

Comet received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s unique structure and the chemistry between Rossum and Long, while others criticized its pretentiousness and lack of substance.

Despite its mixed reception, the film was noted for its striking visual style and ambitious storytelling, which helped to set it apart from more conventional romantic dramas.

Overall, Comet is a visually stunning and emotionally complex film that offers a fresh take on the traditional romantic drama.

Its nonlinear structure and unconventional storytelling may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate its bold approach are likely to find it a memorable and rewarding viewing experience.

21. The Spectacular Now (2013)

“The Spectacular Now” is a coming-of-age drama film directed by James Ponsoldt, released in 2013. The film stars Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley in lead roles.

The story of the film follows a high school senior named Sutter Keely (played by Miles Teller), who is popular but directionless, and often seen with a flask of whiskey in hand.

When he meets a shy, studious girl named Aimee Finicky (played by Shailene Woodley), he begins to see a new perspective on life and his own future. The film explores themes of love, growing up, and the consequences of our actions.

“The Spectacular Now” was praised for its direction, performances, and its nuanced exploration of complex themes. The film was noted for its authentic portrayal of teenage life, and the chemistry between its two leads.

The film received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success, grossing over $6 million worldwide.

22. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

A Walk Among the Tombstones is a neo-noir crime thriller film released in 2014, written and directed by Scott Frank and starring Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, and David Harbour. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Block.

The film follows Matthew Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator played by Neeson, who is hired by a drug dealer to find the men who kidnapped and murdered his wife, despite having paid the ransom.

As Scudder investigates, he discovers that the kidnappers have targeted and murdered several other women, leading to a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with the killers.

A Walk Among the Tombstones received mixed reviews, with praise for Neeson’s performance and the film’s atmospheric tone and suspenseful scenes, but criticism for its slow pace and formulaic plot.

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The film was noted for its portrayal of the gritty and violent underbelly of New York City.

The film was a moderate commercial success, grossing over $62 million worldwide against a budget of $28 million.

It was also noted as a departure from Neeson’s previous action roles, as the film focused more on the investigation and detective work rather than physical action sequences.

23. Labor Day (2013)

“Labor Day” is a 2013 American drama film directed by Jason Reitman and based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard.

The film tells the story of a depressed single mother named Adele who lives with her teenage son in a small town in New Hampshire. Over Labor Day weekend, they encounter an escaped convict named Frank, who takes them hostage and forms an unexpected bond with Adele.

The film stars Kate Winslet as Adele, Josh Brolin as Frank, and Gattlin Griffith as Adele’s son Henry.

It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances and the emotional resonance of the story, while others criticized its pacing and implausible plot developments.

Despite the mixed reception, “Labor Day” was still noted for its strong performances and compelling storyline, and it remains a poignant and heartfelt drama about the power of human connection and the complexities of relationships.

24. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” is a 2014 American 3D computer-animated action-fantasy film directed by Dean DeBlois and produced by DreamWorks Animation. It is the sequel to the 2010 film “How to Train Your Dragon” and the second installment in the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise.

The film features the voices of Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, and many others, and follows the story of Hiccup and his dragon Toothless as they discover a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons, and must fight to protect their way of life from a new threat.

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising its visuals, character development, and emotional storytelling. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $621 million worldwide on a budget of $145 million.

The success of the film led to the development of a third and final installment in the series, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”, which was released in 2019.

Best 2014 Movies – Wrap Up

Some of the best movies of 2014 were:

“Boyhood”

“Whiplash”

“The Grand Budapest Hotel”

“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

“Gone Girl”

“Interstellar”

“The Imitation Game”

“Nightcrawler”

“Foxcatcher”

“The Theory of Everything”

These movies span a variety of genres, from coming-of-age dramas to crime thrillers to science fiction epics. They were all critically acclaimed and received numerous award nominations, with several winning major awards such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. Overall, 2014 was a strong year for cinema, with many films that have continued to be celebrated and remembered for their exceptional storytelling, performances, and technical achievements.