The year 2018 was an exceptional year for cinema, showcasing a broad range of genres and narratives that provided something for everyone.
From hard-hitting dramas and engaging thrillers to heartwarming animations and superhero blockbusters, the diversity of stories and storytelling styles was truly impressive. Here are some of the best movies of 2018.
Best 2018 Movies
Let’s jump right into our list of the top films of 2018.
1. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
“Avengers: Infinity War” is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. It was released in 2018 and directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, and many others.
The film follows the Avengers and their allies as they try to prevent the villainous Thanos from collecting the six Infinity Stones, which would grant him unlimited power and the ability to wipe out half of all life in the universe with a snap of his fingers.
As Thanos travels across the galaxy to collect the stones, the Avengers split up into various groups to try to stop him.
“Avengers: Infinity War” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $2 billion worldwide. It was praised for its performances, action sequences, and emotional weight, as well as its bold ending that left audiences shocked and eager for the next installment in the series.
2. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical drama film released in 2018, directed by Bryan Singer and produced by Graham King. The film tells the story of the British rock band Queen and its lead singer Freddie Mercury, played by Rami Malek.
The film follows the band’s rise to fame, their struggles with success and personal issues, and their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. It also focuses on Freddie Mercury’s personal life, including his relationships and his struggles with his identity and sexuality.
Bohemian Rhapsody was a box office success, grossing over $900 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Malek’s performance and the music, while others criticized the film’s treatment of Mercury’s personal life and the accuracy of the historical events depicted.
Despite the criticism, the film was awarded four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury, and Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Film Editing.
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3. A Star Is Born (2018)
“A Star is Born” is a 2018 American musical romantic drama film directed by Bradley Cooper, who also stars in the film alongside Lady Gaga. It is the fourth version of the classic film of the same name, which originally came out in 1937.
The film tells the story of Jackson Maine, a country rock star who discovers and falls in love with a struggling singer named Ally. As Ally’s career takes off, Jackson’s personal problems and addiction begin to take a toll on their relationship.
The film received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly that of Lady Gaga, who was praised for her portrayal of Ally.
The film also received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Cooper, and Best Actress for Gaga. The film’s soundtrack was also a commercial success, with the song “Shallow” winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
4. Isle of Dogs (2018)
“Isle of Dogs” is a 2018 stop-motion animated film directed by Wes Anderson. The film takes place in a dystopian future Japan, where an outbreak of canine flu leads the government to banish all dogs to an isolated island.
The story follows a young boy named Atari Kobayashi, who sets out to find his beloved dog Spots with the help of a pack of dogs.
The film features an all-star cast, including the voices of Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, and Scarlett Johansson.
It received critical acclaim for its unique visual style and storytelling, as well as its themes of loyalty, friendship, and political satire.
“Isle of Dogs” was nominated for numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. Although it did not win either award, it remains a beloved and highly regarded film among fans of Wes Anderson’s work and animation in general.
5. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
“Call Me by Your Name” is a 2017 coming-of-age romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on the 2007 novel of the same name by André Aciman.
The film is set in 1983 in northern Italy and follows the summer romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (played by Timothée Chalamet) and 24-year-old Oliver (played by Armie Hammer), an American scholar who comes to stay at Elio’s family’s villa.
The film explores themes of sexual awakening, desire, and the complexities of relationships, as Elio and Oliver navigate their feelings for each other and the obstacles that arise.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including four Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film’s screenplay was written by James Ivory, and the cast also includes Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, and Esther Garrel. The film’s soundtrack features songs by Sufjan Stevens and others, and the lush Italian scenery adds to the film’s dreamy atmosphere.
6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is a 2018 action spy film directed by Christopher McQuarrie and the sixth installment in the Mission: Impossible film series.
The film stars Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, who along with his team, must race against time to stop a terrorist group known as the Apostles from obtaining three plutonium cores to use in a devastating attack on the world.
The film features an ensemble cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Michelle Monaghan, and Henry Cavill.
It received critical acclaim for its action sequences, direction, and performances, with many considering it one of the best action films ever made.
Some of the most memorable scenes in the film include a high-altitude parachute jump, a thrilling car and motorcycle chase through the streets of Paris, and a climactic helicopter chase through the mountains of Kashmir.
The film was a box office success, grossing over $791 million worldwide, and a sequel has been announced for release in 2022.
7. Incredibles 2 (2018)
Incredibles 2 is an animated superhero film released in 2018, directed by Brad Bird and produced by Pixar Animation Studios.
It is a sequel to the 2004 film The Incredibles and follows the Parr family as they navigate the challenges of balancing their superhero identities with their everyday lives.
The film begins with the Parr family attempting to stop a villain, but their actions result in the destruction of a city block. As a result, superheroes are banned from continuing their crime-fighting activities.
However, a wealthy businessman named Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn approach the Parr family with a plan to make superheroes legal again.
They want Elastigirl (Helen Parr) to be the face of their campaign, leaving Mr. Incredible (Bob Parr) to take care of their children, including their baby Jack-Jack, who is developing a variety of new powers.
As Elastigirl goes on her superhero missions, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving a new villain named Screenslaver. Meanwhile, Mr. Incredible struggles to take care of the children and keep up with their changing needs while dealing with his own feelings of inadequacy.
Incredibles 2 was praised for its animation, humor, and action sequences, as well as its exploration of family dynamics and gender roles. It was a box office success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
8. Deadpool 2 (2018)
“Deadpool 2” is a superhero comedy film based on the Marvel Comics character Deadpool. It was released in 2018 and directed by David Leitch.
The film features Ryan Reynolds as the title character, as well as Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, and T.J. Miller in supporting roles.
The film follows Deadpool as he forms a team of mutants called X-Force to protect a young mutant named Russell from the time-traveling soldier Cable, who has come from the future to kill Russell before he becomes a murderous villain.
Along the way, Deadpool must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will impact the future of the X-Men universe.
“Deadpool 2” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $785 million worldwide. It was praised for its irreverent humor, action sequences, and performances, particularly Reynolds’ portrayal of the title character.
The film also introduced several new characters to the X-Men universe, including Beetz’s Domino, who was well-received by audiences.
9. Paddington 2 (2017)
Paddington 2 is a 2017 live-action/animated comedy film directed by Paul King and produced by StudioCanal. It is a sequel to the 2014 film Paddington and is based on the beloved children’s book character Paddington Bear.
In the film, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is living happily with the Brown family in London, spreading joy and kindness wherever he goes.
He decides to buy a pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, but the book is stolen by a thief who frames Paddington for the crime. Paddington is sent to prison, where he makes friends with the other inmates and tries to clear his name.
Meanwhile, the Browns set out to catch the real thief and clear Paddington’s name. Their investigation leads them to a washed-up actor named Phoenix Buchanan (played by Hugh Grant), who is in possession of the stolen book and has his own nefarious plans for it.
Paddington 2 was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, with praise for its humor, heartwarming story, and impressive visual effects.
The film holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for several awards, including three BAFTA Awards. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $227 million worldwide.
10. Searching (III) (2018)
“Searching” is a psychological thriller film directed by Aneesh Chaganty and released in 2018. The film stars John Cho, Debra Messing, and Michelle La in lead roles.
The story of the film revolves around a father named David Kim (played by John Cho) who investigates the disappearance of his 16-year-old daughter Margot (played by Michelle La).
The investigation is conducted entirely through David’s computer and mobile phone, as he uses social media and other digital platforms to try to track down his daughter’s whereabouts.
As David delves deeper into Margot’s online presence, he uncovers secrets about her life and begins to question how well he really knew his daughter.
The film is a unique and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of technology, communication, and relationships in the digital age.
“Searching” was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised its innovative storytelling, suspenseful plot, and strong performances. The film was also notable for its use of technology and social media platforms as a storytelling device, which added a layer of realism to the story.
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11. First Man (2018)
First Man is a biographical drama film released in 2018, directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling as astronaut Neil Armstrong. The film is based on the book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen.
The film chronicles the life of Neil Armstrong, from his time as a test pilot to his historic landing on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
The film also explores Armstrong’s personal life, including his relationships with his wife and children, and his grief over the loss of friends and colleagues during the space race.
First Man received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly Gosling’s portrayal of Armstrong. However, the film was also criticized for its depiction of the American flag on the moon, which some felt was downplayed or omitted.
Despite the controversy, First Man was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects.
12. A Quiet Place (2018)
“A Quiet Place” is a 2018 American horror film directed by John Krasinski, who also stars in the film alongside Emily Blunt.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where creatures with an acute sense of hearing have wiped out most of the human population. The story follows the Abbott family, who must live in silence to avoid being detected by the creatures.
The film received critical acclaim for its suspenseful and innovative storytelling, as well as its sound design and performances.
It was particularly praised for its use of silence as a storytelling device, with much of the film’s tension coming from the characters’ efforts to remain silent. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $340 million worldwide on a budget of just $17 million. A sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II,” was released in 2021.
13. BlacKkKlansman (2018)
“BlacKkKlansman” is a 2018 biographical crime-comedy-drama film directed by Spike Lee. The film is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs police department, who successfully infiltrated the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s.
The film stars John David Washington as Ron Stallworth, along with Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, and Topher Grace. It received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, timely social commentary, and standout performances.
“BlacKkKlansman” was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $90 million worldwide on a budget of $15 million. It is considered one of Spike Lee’s most acclaimed and important films, and has been praised for its relevance and resonance in today’s political climate.
14. Love, Simon (2018)
“Love, Simon” is a 2018 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Greg Berlanti and based on the novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli. The film follows the story of Simon Spier (played by Nick Robinson), a 17-year-old high school student who has not come out as gay to his family and friends.
The plot revolves around Simon’s anonymous online correspondence with another gay student at his school, who goes by the name “Blue.” Simon and Blue develop a close relationship through email, but Simon’s world is turned upside down when a fellow student discovers the emails and threatens to expose Simon’s secret.
The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. It also features a diverse cast, including Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel as Simon’s parents, and Katherine Langford and Alexandra Shipp as his friends.
“Love, Simon” was the first major studio film to focus on a gay teenage romance, and it was praised for its representation and positive message.
The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its heartfelt performances and authentic portrayal of teenage life.
15. Upgrade (2018)
Upgrade is a 2018 science-fiction action film directed by Leigh Whannell. The film is set in a near-future world where technology has become integrated into every aspect of society, and follows the story of Grey Trace, a mechanic who becomes a quadriplegic after a brutal attack that also kills his wife.
After receiving an experimental chip called STEM, which is implanted into his spine, Grey gains the ability to control his body with incredible precision and strength.
He sets out on a mission to avenge his wife’s death, but soon discovers that the chip has a mind of its own and is leading him down a dangerous path.
The film received critical acclaim for its innovative action scenes, thought-provoking themes, and strong performances, particularly from Logan Marshall-Green, who played Grey Trace.
The film’s fight scenes were praised for their seamless integration of practical and digital effects, as well as the choreography and pacing.
Upgrade was a box office success, grossing over $16 million on a budget of $3 million, and has since gained a cult following. It was also nominated for several awards, including Best Science Fiction Film at the Saturn Awards and Best Action Movie at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
16. Sanju (2018)
Sanju is a biographical drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The movie was released in 2018 and is based on the life of Indian actor Sanjay Dutt.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt and also features Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala, Dia Mirza, Anushka Sharma, Vicky Kaushal, and Jim Sarbh in supporting roles.
Sanju traces the tumultuous life of Sanjay Dutt, from his early days as a young actor to his struggles with addiction and the controversies surrounding his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings.
The movie received positive reviews for Kapoor’s performance and Hirani’s direction and was a commercial success at the box office.
17. Phantom Thread (2017)
“Phantom Thread” is a drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, released in 2017. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, and Vicky Krieps in lead roles.
The story of the film is set in the 1950s and follows Reynolds Woodcock (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), a renowned dressmaker in London who creates garments for high society clients.
His life is disrupted when he meets Alma (played by Vicky Krieps), a young waitress who becomes his muse and lover. As Reynolds becomes increasingly obsessive with his work, their relationship becomes strained.
“Phantom Thread” was praised for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly that of Day-Lewis, who announced that this would be his final film role before retiring from acting.
The film was also noted for its intricate attention to detail in the costume design and set decoration, which helped to create a rich and immersive atmosphere.
The film received several nominations at various awards shows and won Best Costume Design at the 90th Academy Awards.
18. Ready Player One (2018)
Ready Player One is a science-fiction adventure film released in 2018, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Cline.
The film is set in a dystopian future where the world has become a bleak and desolate place, and people escape their reality by engaging in a virtual reality game called the OASIS.
The story follows Wade Watts, played by Tye Sheridan, as he competes in a treasure hunt within the OASIS, set up by its late creator, James Halliday, played by Mark Rylance. The winner of the game will inherit Halliday’s fortune and control of the OASIS.
The film received generally positive reviews for its visual effects, action sequences, and nostalgia factor, with numerous pop culture references from the 1980s and 1990s. However, some critics criticized the film’s lack of character development and its overreliance on nostalgia.
Ready Player One was a box office success, grossing over $580 million worldwide. It was also nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, which it won.
19. I, Tonya (2017)
“I, Tonya” is a 2017 American biographical sports black comedy-drama film directed by Craig Gillespie. The film tells the story of the rise and fall of figure skater Tonya Harding, who infamously became embroiled in a scandal involving an attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan, in the lead-up to the 1994 Winter Olympics.
The film stars Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, with Sebastian Stan as her husband Jeff Gillooly and Allison Janney as her mother LaVona Golden. The film uses a mockumentary-style format to tell its story, with characters frequently breaking the fourth wall to address the audience directly.
“I, Tonya” received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly that of Allison Janney, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of LaVona Golden.
The film also received nominations for Best Actress (Robbie) and Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards. The film’s use of dark humor and its examination of class and abuse were also praised.
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20. Molly’s Game (2017)
“Molly’s Game” is a 2017 biographical crime drama film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin.
The film is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran an exclusive high-stakes poker game for celebrities and wealthy businessmen in Los Angeles and New York City.
The film stars Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom, along with Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, and Michael Cera. It received positive reviews for its performances, direction, and screenplay, which was also written by Sorkin.
“Molly’s Game” was nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It was a modest box office success, grossing over $59 million worldwide on a budget of $30 million.
The film is regarded as a strong directorial debut for Sorkin, who is best known for his work as a screenwriter on films such as “The Social Network” and “A Few Good Men.”
Best 2018 Movies – Wrap Up
2018 was a great year for movies, with a range of genres and themes that appealed to audiences. Here are some of the best 2018 movies:
“Black Panther”: Directed by Ryan Coogler, this superhero film broke box office records and became a cultural phenomenon, featuring a predominantly Black cast and exploring themes of identity, power, and justice.
“A Star is Born”: Directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Lady Gaga, this romantic drama musical was a critical and commercial success, featuring outstanding performances and an emotionally resonant story.
“Roma”: Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this black-and-white drama film follows the life of a domestic worker in Mexico City in the 1970s, and is a stunning visual and emotional masterpiece.
“BlacKkKlansman”: Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical crime film tells the story of a Black police officer who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s, and is a powerful commentary on race relations in America.
“Green Book”: Directed by Peter Farrelly, this biographical comedy-drama follows the unlikely friendship between an African American pianist and his Italian American driver in the 1960s, and won the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards.
Other notable 2018 movies include “Eighth Grade,” “The Favourite,” “Hereditary,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
