It all comes down to this: the December issue of Empire, our Review of the Year issue, hits the shelves later this week – and before we show off our shiny new covers, it’s time to unveil the Top 5 in our countdown of the Top 20 Films of 2018. The full list was compiled for the new issue, with members of the Empire team submitting their own personal Top 10s, which were fed into one all-encompassing rundown. You can find 20-11 here, and 10-6 this way – now, let’s get on with the top spots.
In at 5, it’s Black Panther – a bold and visionary entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bearing the indelible stamp of filmmaker Ryan Coogler. Next it’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at 4, Martin McDonagh’s searing comedy-drama still lingering long after its release at the start of the year, thanks in no small part to Frances McDormand’s incredible lead performance. In at 3, it’s A Quiet Place – a new horror classic with an ingenious high-concept, and highly emotional turns from writer-director John Krasinksi and wife Emily Blunt. Skydiving into the number 2 spot is Mission: Impossible – Fallout, the new high water mark of a franchise that’s over 20 years old, and perhaps the most adrenaline-pumping fruit from the dream team of Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie.
There’s only one film that could have made the top spot though, and that’s Avengers: Infinity War. Yes, there’s a lot of affection for the Marvel Cinematic Universe among moviegoers, and many members of the Empire team. But even setting that aside, the Russos pulled off a stunning feat – a gigantic blockbuster studded with emotion, wit, thrills, spills, and moments to make your jaw drop. Many months – and many, many viewings – later, its impact isn’t diminishing. In fact, on repeated watches our affection continues to grow at a remarkable feat of movie magic.
You can read more about every film in our Best Movies of 2018 list here, and keep your eyes peeled for Empire’s Review of the Year issue from Thursday 1 November, which is packed with goodies about 2018’s best films and stand-out movie moments.
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