The films this year began a bit sparse in the summer, most were perhaps swallowed up by the amazing The Dark Knight, but as awards season approached all the little treasures came busting out of the woodwork. While I have yet to see a few that I expect to be amazing, the ones I had the pleasure to view did not disappoint. I was especially pleased with the variety this year. There was no true common theme amongst the films. From a beat up old wrestler, to a lucky kid from the slums, these films all stood out for different reasons. In 2008, I got my fill of tragedy and drama, a nice political fix, and of course some laughs. Most of all, these films are a perfect storm of craft, no matter what genre they might fall under.

Honorable Mention: Burn After Reading, Pineapple Express, The Reader, and Revolutionary Road

10. Man on Wire: A wonderful portrait about how far one might go for a simple passion and dream. A good documentary never exposes itself as such, and just paints itself as an incredibly amazing, and human story about a surprising event that led people to question both his motives and psyche. It brings debate about the definition of art and its relevance in our world. Philippe Petit give us a beautiful and poingnant new association with the World Trade Center towers, particularly for those who weren’t alive when he actually performed the daring act at the center of Man on Wire.

9. In Bruges: A sharp and witty comedy that packs both smooth editing and memorable dialogue, In Bruges is one of 2008's little hidden treasures. The clever screenplay, and performances won me over. The film is quirky without relying on being “different”. It moves naturally along without the comedy or emotional segments feeling forced or contrived. It’s a house of cards sort of deal, and every bit of it is enjoyable, as humanized hitmen Ray and Ken grow and change because of their stay in the old-world Bruges.

8. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Benjamin Button is this year's return to classic Hollywood, big-screen events. It's a beautiful epic to watch in a theater, and boasts a little bit of magic along with it. Button is a portrait of a life, and life choices that Benjamin makes throughout. The interesting play on aging and some of the stigma surrounding the aging process are explored in different ways, from Benjamin's upbringing in an old age home, to his getting younger as those he loves become old and pass away. The film explores the core of human fear, death, and lost dreams.

7. Let The Right One In: An eerie and innovative film, Let the Right One In feels both new and like an old Gothic take on vampirism. This is a dark and fascinating film from beginning to end. Skip Twilight, this is your vampire fantasy feed this year. I really enjoyed Pan’s Labyrinth and The Orphanage, and this is just as inventive, but much more violent. It's a tale of first love, and the hardships of bullying, something that feels common for any child, if it weren't for the horror film twist. It's both frightening and moving, a strange and rather romantic addition to this year’s best.

6. WALL•E: Not only does this film have amazing visuals, it has a relevant and rather profound message behind it. I found it amazing how two characters who barely speak were so captivating. I really enjoyed the postmodern premise of the script. It's perhaps the most unique animated film Pixar has done, and while it is a “kid’s movie” it preaches an important message about caring for our home, our Earth, and human dependence on technology. Wall•E was the stand out American animation this year, and one of the more beautiful films I've seen in a long time.

5. The Dark Knight: More a crime drama then it is a “super hero” movie, this is easily one of the best of the year. A stellar cast, and fantastic effects bring this film full circle. Heath Ledger's reinvention of the Joker just adds more to a fantastic cinema event. The incredible effects, and production build a masterful cinema experience, backed by interesting and universal themes that seem more relevant today then ever. It is a drama of the human condition, and Knight leaves cartoony depictions of Batman in the past. At long last, along with the Spider-man series, and Iron Man, it’s time for comics to grow up a little.

4. Gran Torino: While the amateur actors may be distracting throughout the film, the plot and character of Walt (Eastwood) really made this movie wonderful for me. I found this character study of an elderly man living a structured and lonely life to be deeply moving. It proves it’s never too late to form friendships and to do the right thing. The film manages to revisit familiar issues without feeling cliché. Eastwood’s gruffness and humor make him a pleasure to watch.

3. The Wrestler: This is a drama worth watching, with all the interesting character development and heart that was missing from Revolutionary Road. Randy “the Ram” is someone you can sympathize with, and perhaps relate to. We haven't all been wrestlers by any means, but we've all been at the end of our rope from time to time, and this film reminds us that there is possibility and tragedy in everything we do, especially when we're passionate about something. Rourke's performance feels real. He was born to play this role that hauntingly parallels his own Hollywood career.

2. Frost/Nixon: Frank Langella is simply magical as a lonely and regretful Richard Nixon. I love actors that can give a role layers with a simple gesture or an especially well delivered piece of dialogue. Some may think the film begins slowly but the tapestry woven throughout the story, paralleling Frost (Michael Sheen) and Nixon, forms into a tumbling snowball of intriguing plot and character study. The premise is simple-an interview with a disgraced public official-but through the questioning, through the work of the journalists uncovering Nixon's scandals, through the character parallels of Frost and Nixon, the two focus characters unravel before our eyes, and we see what they are made of.

1. Slumdog Millionaire: Vibrant cinematography, sleek editing, and energetic, original storytelling make this my top pick for 2008. The unique premise of the film, the memorable characters, and the way in which Simon Beaufoy composed the screenplay (based on the novel by Vikas Swarup, titled “Q&A”) surprises the audience, but also speaks on a universal level. By the end, you truly care about Jamal, and you’re sitting beside him, question by question, nervous, and hoping to win it all in the end. From explorations of sibling rivalry, social relevance, and true love this is a well rounded film with an element for everyone.

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