Poll: What Is the Best Movie of 2009?

It's been a good year here at The Big Picture, so much so that we'll be back in 2010. So, a sincere thanks goes out to our growing number of return readers. I think we're starting to get some really good interaction here, and I'm positive we have some very intelligent, passionate movie fans who swing by here from time to time. For that reason, and because my own opinion of what the best films of the year are have very little consequence to anyone other than me, we're giving you a chance to sound off on the year in movies. Obviously, we can't list every possible candidate, so we've put our top ten here with a few that didn't make our list but that might generate a few more votes than, say, Saw VI. So please vote and feel free to add a comment below or submit your own top five, top ten, or whatever.Here's democracy in action:

What Is the Best Film of 2009? » online polls
Tags : movies entertainment film

Thanks for joining the discussion, and we'll have more of them next year.

Comments

[Frnkln0385]

I saw the majority of the movies on the list and for me it came down to Hurt Locker, Star Trek and the Hangover. I went with Star Trek because that was the most fun blockbuster movie in a long time.

[Rob]

While I'm not surprised that Avatar is leading this poll, its timeliness is the only reason it's at the top. It was a great cinematic achievement that transcends the technology for film-making, but it's far from the best film of the year. It's also to no surprise that a lot of the summer blockbusters like Star Trek and Inglourious Basterds are among the favorites. But they were more appealing in an entertaining way rather than being the best film of the year. In my opinion, from all the films I've seen this year, I think Up in the Air is the best. The film, from script to complete product, was a masterpiece led by Jason Reitman and leading actor George Clooney. It was smart, funny, moving, and avoided a conventional Hollywood ending. It's a rare act to achieve such intelligence in a mainstream film and Reitman has it down.

[Cary]

I think "avoiding the Hollywood ending" is overrated. When I go to see a movie (or read a story) I want a happy ending--cheesy as this may be. When you think through the greatest stories of all-time, the endings were not unexpected, but expected. To get your audience rooting for an ending and then to deviate from that ending, though perhaps more 'real to life,' is not more desirable.

I voted for Avatar. Not necessarily because the movie had the best story (though I was thought the story was very good and a bit too criticized), but because of all of the elements of film-making. Ten years from now, the average person will likely not remember most of the movies on this list. Newer, better movies will come and these ones will be mostly forgotten. However, Avatar will not be forgotten because of what it did for film-making. It was visually the most stunning movie I have ever seen in a movie theater and I think it will open the door to a new world of film-making.

[Mr.K]

I voted for Avatar, but it was between Avatar and District 9. I think they are the best movie because they tell a story or issue relating to our real world. Of course i cant argue about the acting but this is a vote for the movie as a whole.

I enjoyed Star Trek too. And The Hurt Locker is definitely better than Inglorious Basterds.

[Get The Big Picture]

I don't know about the "ten years from now" thing, Carv. I'm still trying to see the lasting imprint of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on the art form itself.

[Sarah]

Zombieland was the best imo.

[Nick Capertina]

I voted District 9, and I think the main reason alot of people are voting for Avatar and movies closer to the end of the year, is because they can't really remember all the movies they saw this year wholey. District 9 was a momentous acheivement, in all aspects.

Not only was it one of the most original films of the year, the graphics were seemless, the writing was on point, and the social commentary was well worked into the film. Also, the acting was substantially better than most films I've seen this year.

Sharlto Copely was flawless as Wikus, and you could really emapthize with him. The character developement of the film was on his shoulders alone, and he dragged you into a story that was unexpected, enveloping and very well thought out.

Don't get me wrong though, I believe this year was a great year for film, and as such I understand why alot of people chose what they did. My top 5 stand as follows;

1. District 9
2. Up
3. Avatar
4. Inglorious Basterds
5. Precious

I haven't seen Up in the Air, but I do like the trailers, I'll probably see it sometime next week. Honestly though, I stand by my 5, so even if it is a great film, I probably wouldn't bump anything.

Congrats on a great year Colin! I'm on your site every day, and I love the community here. You should really throw some forums up!

[Nelson]

close between UP IN THE AIR and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER