Film Fad’s Top 4 Favorite Movies of 2015

Check out the top 4 best films of 2015 according to Film Fad writers!

The 2015 year is coming to a close and the movie premieres are over and done with. While 2016 will bring forth many films to anticipate, we’d like to reflect upon our top 4 film favorites of 2015. Check out the picks from the writers of Film Fad as we go through our list of films that had the most impact on us individually.

Ryan’s Picks

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4. Mad Max: Fury Road

Reboots and sequels are continuously happening in Hollywood. While many satisfy, few have established themselves as superior to their predecessor. When George Miller, the original “Mad Max” director, came forth to breathe life into the franchise he succeeded in an exceptional way with “Fury Road.” As an “old school” director with a nostalgic flair for practical effects, George Miller created a seamless blend of CGI and practicality in this film. Mad Max: Fury Road took risks that other films were not taking. In addition to the practical effects and stuntwork, Miller focused on center framing which was a risk as a filmmaker but paid off greatly with the acclaim that followed. “Mad Max: Fury Road” may be a film that is a basis for study for future filmmakers.

3. Ex-Machina

People may think of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens when you mention Domnhall Gleeson or Oscar Isaac, but hopefully they remember this other film they did together. Ex-Machina was a film that didn’t have a blockbuster marketing budget so it might have slipped under your radar. If it had slipped under my radar, I would have been greatly disappointed. In addition to highlighting the range of the two actors mentioned above, it also brought Alicia Vikander into the spotlight. The performances were superb but the story, theme, and setting are what carried this film. The unique plot also carries a bit of social significance due to its questioning of science and Artificial Intelligence. “Ex-Machina” is thought provoking and surprisingly visually captivating regardless of the confined setting. It was one of the best surprises of 2015 and a very enjoyable, heart-pounding experience.

2. Room

Character development is a virtue of this film and this virtue runs emotionally strong throughout. I became attached to these characters quickly and this adapted story continually tugs at your heartstrings due to this attachment. Room is an emotionally enriching experience and probably the most emotionally enlightening film of the year. It’s a potential Best Picture nominee and in my opinion it should be a Best Actress win for Brie Larson. I’ve seen a majority of the other potential Best Picture nominees but “Room” is the film that stood out for me as my personal winner as far as the Oscars go. It’s creative, engaging, brilliantly shot, and definitely deserves the attention that is sure to come during awards season.

1. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

I admit that there is a bias for putting “The Force Awakens” at the top of my list. I’m a huge Star Wars fan so seeing a (good) “Star Wars” film in theaters during its premiere was a milestone experience for me. While my “Star Wars” fanboy side may establish a bias, it also made me more critical than most during this film. Cinematically it wasn’t the greatest film of 2015 but as a “Star Wars” film, it put the franchise back on track for greatness and gave a majority of fans exactly what they wanted. There will be a number of films to make the Oscar Best Picture nomination list and “The Force Awakens” won’t be on there. But 25 years from now when everyone’s struggling to remember who won the 2015 Best Picture, they sure won’t forget this film. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is more than the best picture of 2015, it is a iconic, cinematic experience that has made its mark on history.

Click to the NEXT PAGE for Pooya’s Top 4!