Here is a list of my top 11 movies of the decade (who says I have to do Top 10?). I thought about it long and hard, so I’m not changing anything. I’m no movie expert, but watching movies is one of my favorite hobbies so I feel I have the right to post.

In no particular order:

1. No Country for Old Men

Best adapted screenplay. Best casting (seriously, I had never heard of Javier Bardem and figured they were going to cast some Jack Nicholson freak who would over-exaggerate Chigurh’s every move…he was brilliant). One of my favorite books and they did an awesome job.

2. The Lives of Others

Ulrich Mühe was an extremely talented actor and he was so great in this role. This is probably one of my top ten movies of all time. This story was so real, I can’t remember many other movies where I felt so connected to multiple characters.

3. Up

I cried so hard at the beginning of this movie. I’m not sure I could watch it now. But, what a beautiful movie. I have a difficult time becoming attached to animated characters— not the story with Up.

4. The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger was an incredible Joker. I’m sorry he can’t reprise the role.

5. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (suck it, I’m counting them as one)

Epic. I’ve only seen the movies in an altered state but I’m smart enough (?) to know how epic it is.

6. The Hurt Locker

Not enough people saw this movie. Your loss.

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I don’t know what it is about this movie but I just love it. I think people think it’s pretentious but I don’t. It even has Kirsten Dunst in it and I love it, that says something.

8. Pan’s Labyrinth

Freaking depressing, but it takes place during one of my favorite times in history (favorite as in most interested in, not favorite as in I LOVE WAR!) and the costume/makeup/scene design rules.

9. Amelie

Not a huge fan of romantic movies but this one is adorable.

10. Memento

I get the feeling that most people thought this was overrated but I was 15 or 16 when I first saw it and it blew my mind. Plus, I love evil females and this definitely has that.

11. Diving Bell and the Butterfly

One of the few examples of a movie that was better than the book. Visually stunning, incredible story. There’s a scene where the main character shaves his dad’s face and it was very touching. I love, LOVE this movie.

Honorable Mentions: Children of Men, High Fidelity, Mulholland Drive, Royal Tenenbaums, Wet Hot American Summer