As a movie buff, you can usually find me at the theater on Tuesday nights. I love going to the movies! And I watch a lot of them. Sometimes I watch the same film over and over and over again. On the big screen too! (My favorite way to watch a movie.)

Every year I take the time to look back at the major motion pictures that made it an exciting time to be an entertainment lover.

What follows is my ranking of all the films I saw on the big screen in 2018. All were released in 2018, although some had early screenings to be considered for 2017 awards. I rank them according to my preference, not the critics, not Rotten Tomatoes, not the Academy… just my own personal level of enjoyment.

What are your Top 5?

1. Avengers: Infinity War — I don’t deny it… I am a comic book nerd! I love the fantasy and adventure that comes with a comic book story. But the experience of watching this movie was beyond. It not only satisfied my daydreaming of what it would be like to live in a world that had these kinds of heroes, it also brought a deep, rich, compelling story. The film-makers were able to bring an engaging movie to the screen that was riveting, captivating and just lots of fun!

2. Black Panther — Similar to the experience I had with the Avengers, Black Panther was cinematic excellence in the shell of a super-hero flick. An amazing cast that brought nuance, humor, pathos, depth. Cinematography that delivered visual richness, captivating sequences, excitement, and awe. A storyline that had meaning and value. And did I mention it was a super-hero movie? So of course, cool powers, weapons, ships, and scenarios. Avengers edged out this movie for me because of sheer grandness. But this is a very, very, very close second!

3. The Darkest Hour — I am a student of history and am always drawn in by a well-done historical drama. And boy did Gary Oldman deliver in his portrayal of Winston Churchill. I was riveted. Literally sat at the edge of my seat throughout… even though I knew the outcome.

4. Coco — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… animated movies are just not my jam. Too often I am taking out of the story by the visuals. And for me, story is always king. But then a gem likes this one shows up. And it gives me all the feels. And I’m Puerto Rican, not Mexican! The amazing story, the culture significance, being able to hear Spanish-tinged accents, and the great music… yup, gave me all the feels!

5. A Star is Born — I am definitely far from the shallows after watching this one. Man did it draw me in! I was engulfed by this story. I literally felt like the world disappeared around me while watching this film. And enough cannot be said about the sublime, superb, stupendous acting. Both Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga gave tour de force performances. Truly one that will leave you longing to see it again.

And here is the rest of my ranking for major motion picture films seen by me in the theater in 2018:

6. Bohemian Rhapsody
7. Beautiful Boy
8. Greatest Showman (I’ve heard the soundtrack hundreds of times by now!)
9. Ant-Man & the Wasp
10. Creed II
11. The Post
12. A Quiet Place (still scared to talk out loud)
13. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
14. Three Billboards Over Ebbing, Montana
15. Crazy Rich Asians
16. Thor: Ragnarok
17. First Man
18. Love, Simon
19. Deadpool 2
20. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
21. Solo: A Star Wars Story
22. Mission Impossible: Fallout
23. Aquaman (DC’s best showing so far IMHO)
24. Ocean’s 8
25. Adrift
26. Roma (important, but not sure I agree with all the buzz)
27. Molly’s Game
28. 12 Strong
29. Isle of Dogs
30. Get Out
31. Incredibles 2
32. White Boy Rick
33. Midnight Sun
34. Sicario 2: Day of the Soldado
35. Mile 22
36. Hostiles
37. Jurrasic World: Fallen Kingdom
38. Won't You Be My Neighbor
39. Tag
40. Maze Runner: The Death Cure
41. Pacific Rim Uprising
42. Hot Summer Nights (Timothee Chalemet is amazing to watch, but this flick, not so much!)
43. Annihilation
44. Equalizer 2
45. Ready, Player One
46. Red Sparrow
47. American Animals
48. The Meg
49. Venom (Garbage!)
50. Uncle Drew (Sorry… just no!)

14th Annual Film Ranking (2018)