The last year of the 2000′s was a memorable one when it comes to Hollywood hits. 2009 witnessed a number of record-breaking films, including Avatar, which set the record for the highest grossing film of all time. This year was full of note-worthy animated films, enough that we could fill the entire top 10 with just that genre. But to give a bit more variety for the enjoyment of all our readers, we included a range of genres. Take a look at our favorite films of 2009 and see which blockbusters you still need to see.

1. Avatar: Some will say its clich to give this film the top spot, but frankly, it deserves it. The impressive 3D effects, and revolutionary stereoscopic filming makes this movie not only a heartwarming tale, but technologically brilliant. The 9 Academy Award nominations and 3 wins along with its highest grossing record, confirm the greatness of this film.
2. Up: This is the touching story of an old man who loses his wife and attempts to avoid going to a nursing home by tying balloons to his house and floating away, only to find a little boy hiding inside his, now airborne, home. You’re sure to enjoy the adventures of these two, and you’ll be surprised at just how moving an animated film can be.
3. The Blindside: If it weren’t based on a true story, this film might be lower on our list. But between the heartwarming re-telling of the generosity of one Tennessee family and Sandra Bullock’s stellar performance, this film definitely earns a mention.
4. Harry potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The 6^th movie in the Harry Potter series brought another highly acclaimed performance. These films only seem to get better as the actors mature and become even more talented. Chances are you’ll see the last 2 Harry Potter movies on one of our “best of” lists by the time it’s all said and done.
5. Where the Wild Things Are: This movie version of Maurice Sendak’s beloved childhood novel truly brought to life the mischievous adventures of Max. A perfect picture of the incredible imagination of a child.
6. The Hangover: The hysterical chronicle of a bachelor weekend gone awry was not only one of the best movies of the year, but one of the funniest comedies of the decade. In addition to the overall success of the movie, this was a breakout performance for several up and coming funnymen, particularly Zach Galifianakis.
7. Inglorious Basterds: Quentin Tarantino’s historical thriller about a group of Jewish American soldiers who attempt to kill as many Nazis as brutally as possible, combines incredible acting with a fascinating storyline for an unforgettable movie.
8. It’s Complicated: A light hearted film about finding yourself and finding love at any age. With a star-studded cast, this film will have you in stitches and leave you with a smile on your face.
9. Invictus: Inspirational sports movies may be a dime a dozen, but this one is not only historically accurate but of worldwide significance. Standout performances by Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon make this 2009 film about Rugby and post-apartheid South Africa a must-see.
10. Drag Me to Hell: After denying a woman a loan, Christine Brown ( Alison Lohman) is cursed and haunted by a demon with only a few days before she’s sentenced to hell. A quality horror flick that is both fun and terrifying.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 5th, 2010 at 1:16 pm and is filed under Our Favorites. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.