1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

As my friend so eloquently put it as we pulled out of the theater parking lot: "It was like... whoa." Not only the finest film I saw this year, but one of the finest films I've ever seen, period. Spectacular action, effortless world-building, a kickass score, flawless casting, and a story with unexpected heft. I'm willing to argue that Fury Road has more to say about the sexes and society than almost any other film in recent memory - but I'll save that for another post.

2. The Babadook (2014)

I never thought I'd call a horror film beautiful, but this one is; nor did I think a horror film could bring me to tears, but this one did. Director Jennifer Kent eschews gore and cheap plot tricks in favor of slow-burning terror and a profound meditation on grief. The ending is one of my all-time favorites of any movie ever.

3. I Love You, Man (2009)

I wasn't expecting to love this one, but I do. It's odd and it's funny, with a refreshingly smart take on the importance of good old-fashioned male friendships. I also discovered the music of Rush through this film, and for that I am eternally grateful.

4. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

This film is flipping hysterical, but the lack of an Oxford comma in the title is bothering the hell out of me. True story.

5. Chef (2014)

Behind the drool-worthy food stuffs and toe-tapping, finger-snapping music, there's a meaningful story about fathers and sons and family. It’s funny, wise, and – thank God - non-Disneyesque. It also inspired this post about food and the prodigality of God.

Honorable Mentions

Fargo (1996)

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

Blue Ruin (2013)

Unbroken (2014)

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)