BEST FILMS of 2006

Description of the year…2006 ranks as one of the most entertaining years in recent movie history. There were tons of great films and the requisite number of stinkers too. However, in my opinion, the sum total was better than average.

I also think that there were more hidden gems that slipped through the cracks than usual. If you check out the Top 10 below and the honorable mentions section below that… you may just find some great rental ideas. After all, that is the best thing about Top 10 lists… finding movies that you may otherwise have passed on.

Of course, there are always a great deal of stinkers imposed upon us every year — and as usual, you can scroll to the bottom of the page for the worst of the worst.

So, without further ado, let’s start with the Top 10…

1. The Departed
One of Scorsese’s many classic films… This ranks as one of his best.
2. The Good Shepherd
A vastly overlooked masterpiece directed by Robert De Niro and starring Matt Damon.
3. Casino Royale
The best Bond movie ever made. This is an instant classic in the action genre.
4. Apocalypto
Perhaps the best chase scene in film history. This is another gem from Mel Gibson.
5. Marie Antoinette
Sofia Coppola is well on her way to greatness with another gorgeous film.
6. Pan’s Labyrinth
For a critic who is not known for embracing the fantasy genre… this is high praise.
7. The Fountain
Aronofsky continues to show why he is one of the most inventive directors around.
8. Little Children
The most disappointing four star film I have ever seen.
9. Man Push Cart
An astonishing character study based on the Myth of Sisyphus.
t10. The Descent
The best monster movie I’ve seen in years… This only applies to the UK ending version.
t10. Lollilove
Hysterical in every possible way. Do yourself a favor and rent this sucker.

Honorable Mentions

Babel
Griffin and Phoenix
The Painted Veil
La Bestia Nel Cuore
V for Vendetta
An Inconvenient Truth
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Inside Man
Edmond
Manderlay
The Notorious Bettie Page
Death of a President
Children of Men
Shut Up and Sing
Blood Diamond
Lady in the Water
Dreamland
Rocky Balboa
The Da Vinci Code
Click
Mission: Impossible III
Little Miss Sunshine
Hard Candy
Bobby
Breaking and Entering
Jesus Camp
How Much Do You Love Me? (Combien tu m’aimes?)
United 93
The Quiet