Best Movies of 2015 and the Movies I Look Forward to Most in 2016

It seemed like for so long I was looking forward to 2015 simply because of the movies that were coming out. It's crazy to think I've know seen all the movies I've been anticipating for a few years now. So without further adieu here are my favorite movies from 2015!

(Also check out my favorite movies from 2014, 2013, and 2012)

10. Joy

Directed by: David O. Russell

Starring: Jennifer Lawerence, Robert Dinero, Bradley Cooper

Most critics were pretty mixed on this movie so I wasn't really expecting too much from it, but the combo of Jennifer Lawrence and director David O. Russell paid off once again. This movie was weird and quirky, depressing, frustrating, but also inspiring. It's a great story about hard work and not letting your circumstance in life prevent you from doing what you really want. I also like that it shows that going after your dreams is not easy and sometimes it can be painful, but it also incredibly satisfying. I felt like Jennifer Lawrence demonstrated all those emotions from her performance. 

9. American Sniper 

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller

Technically this movie came out in 2014, but it wasn't wide released until Jan. of 2015, which is when I saw it. Not only is this an intense war movie, but it's also a great movie about family. I loved that they decided to focus on Chris Kyle and his relationships. It was fascinating to see his story unfold and to get to know him as a person. This movie also made me want to do more for the people around me, and gave me great appreciation for anyone who sacrifices for help others.  

8. Mad Max: Fury Road

Directed by: George Miller

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theoron, Nicolas Hoult

This was probably the most insane movie I saw this year, and I mean that in a good way. It was one giant thrill ride, but it also had a great story about humanity and pulling yourself out of terrible circumstances. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Nicolas Hoult are all crazy in this movie and yet they still show enough humanity that you really care for them. This movie has some of the best chase scenes I've ever seen in a film. Along with that it has amazing visuals, great action, and a heart pounding soundtrack. 

7. Mission Impossible Rogue Nation

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames 

There seemed to be a lot of spies movies in 2015 but no one does spies quite like Tom Cruise does. I love that he still does his own stunts and that's what makes this movie so much fun. This time around though Tom Cruise is joined by Rebecca Ferguson who proves that she can go toe to toe with Ethan Hunt. Mission Impossible delivered some of the best action scenes of the year but it also had a fun and interesting plot (something the last one was lacking). 

6. Antman 

Directed by: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, Corey Stroll

Marvel has a great track record but if any movie was going to fail it probably would be one about a guy who can talk to Ants. Some how though they managed to make this movie both funny, heartfelt, and deliver some unique action. I liked that Marvel chose to go with a smaller more intimate movie and focus on family relationships, which is something we don't see in a lot from superhero movies.

5. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Directed by: Joss Whedon

Starring: Robert Downy Jr., Christ Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Paul Betany, James Spader

Living up to the first Avengers is an impossible task, but Joss Whedon does an excellent job at creating a sequel that comes very close. Age of Ultron checks off all the requirements of a good Marvel movie, it’s funny, has incredible action, introduces a great villain, but it also some how manages to still make the characters relatable and real. In-between the action and laughs there are great character moments for all the main characters. Some of them get more screen time than others, but the fact that this movie has about 10 main characters and is still cohesive is a huge achievement.

4. Bridge of Spies

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan

This movie took a premise that in the wrong hands could of been slow and boring but instead it was a fascinating and interesting and intense thriller. By now everyone has come to expect great performances from Tom Hanks, but everyone else in this movie were also excellent. I really enjoyed how this movie felt like an old movie. It had a certain charm to it that you don't see a lot in modern movies anymore. This is based off an amazing true story that is both inspiring and entertaining. I'm glad that Steven Spielberg took the time to tell us this great story.

3. Inside out

Directed by: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen

Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Lewis Black

After a little bit of rough patch Pixar is back at it delivering funny, thought provoking movies, and this might be my favorite one yet. I loved how creative and original this movies is. There aren't whole lot of original movies like this that get made anymore. What made this movie work so well for me was the great dynamic between the characters Joy and Sadness. This movie was more than just a kids movie, but an interesting and moving piece of art.

2. Creed

Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

I've always been a huge Rocky fan. I love all the movies, including the sequels, but this may be one of the best one since the first Rocky. Michael B. Jordan kills it as the lead character and Apollo Creed's son, and Sylvester Stallone gives one of his best performances of his career. Seriously, he almost made me tear up a few times. While Creed relies on some of the same plot points from the first Rocky it does a enough new things and introduces great new characters for it to still feel fresh. This movie is an instant classic.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Directed by: JJ Abrams

Starring: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boega, Oscar Isaacs, Adam Driver 

Was there even ever really a question on whether or not this was going to be my favorite movie of the year? Star Wars is back and I could not be happier about it. The Force Awakens introduces fun and interesting new characters, brings back old ones, has excellent special effects, is funny, emotional, and most of all feels like a Star Wars movie. It's not a perfect film, but it was still the most fun I had with any movie this year. No other movie this year made me cheer, laugh, and cry like this movie did. And plus, it's Star Wars that alone gives it bonuses points.

Honorable Mentions:

Everest

The Martian

Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2

Jurassic World

Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl

Movies I Look Forward to Most in 2016

10. Midnight Special

Release Date: March 18

9. Star Trek Beyond 

Release Date: July 22

8. Hail Caesar 

Release Date: February 6 

7. Doctor Strange 

Release Date: November 4

6. Suicide Squad

Release Date: August 5

5. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 

Release Date: November18

4. X-Men: Apocalypse

Release Date: May 27

3. Captain America: Civil War

Release Date: May 6

2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Release Date: March 28

1. Star Wars: Rogue One

Release Date: December 16

So what were your favorite movies of 2015? I didn't get to see every movie of 2015. Did I miss any good ones? What movies are you look forward to seeing most in 2016?