The year 2014 was a goldmine for cinema. From mind-bending science fiction to heart-pounding action and quirky animated adventures, there was something for everyone. As these films celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2024, let’s revisit a few more gems that solidified their place in pop culture history:

 

1. Ex Machina (2014)

A programmer, Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), is selected by Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), the CEO of a giant tech company, to be the human test subject for Ava (Alicia Vikander), a revolutionary humanoid AI. Caleb is tasked with determining Ava’s consciousness and humanity through a series of tests, but as he spends more time with her, the lines between real and artificial begin to blur.

 

 

2. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) finds himself inexplicably stuck in a time loop while fighting a war against a deadly alien race. He relives the same brutal day over and over again, forced to die countless times. With each loop, Cage gains experience and skill, partnering with warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) to find a way to break the loop and defeat the aliens.

 

 

3. Nightcrawler (2014)

Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a disturbed young man desperate for work. He stumbles into the world of freelance news videography, where the most disturbing and violent crimes fetch the highest price. Lou becomes obsessed with capturing the most shocking footage, pushing ethical boundaries and putting himself in danger in a relentless pursuit of success.

 

 

4. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is a washed-up actor best known for his iconic superhero role, Birdman. Desperate to regain critical acclaim, Riggan directs, writes, and stars in a Broadway play. However, his mounting stress, self-doubt, and hallucinations threaten to derail the production. As Riggan struggles to separate himself from his superhero persona, the lines between reality and delusion begin to blur.

 

 

5. Interstellar (2014)

Earth is a dying planet, ravaged by dust storms and dwindling resources. A team of astronauts, led by Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), embark on a daring mission through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. Facing the unknown dangers of space and the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind, Cooper grapples with the vastness of the universe and the power of human connection.

 

 

6. John Wick (2014)

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a retired hitman living a peaceful life with his beloved dog. When his tranquility is shattered by the brutal murder of his puppy, a gift from his deceased wife, John unleashes the dormant beast within. He re-enters the world of assassins, seeking vengeance on those who took everything from him. John Wick established a new action hero archetype, with Reeves’ portrayal of the stoic assassin sparking a successful film franchise.

 

 

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

M. Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) is the meticulous concierge of the luxurious Grand Budapest Hotel, a beacon of European elegance between the wars. When a wealthy guest (Tilda Swinton) is murdered, M. Gustave becomes entangled in a web of intrigue involving a stolen fortune, a rebellious family, and a relentless pursuit by a corrupt police officer (Willem Dafoe). Director Wes Anderson’s signature style shines through with its whimsical visuals and quirky characters.

 

 

8. The Lego Movie (2014)

Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt) is an ordinary Lego minifigure content with following the instructions. However, his world is turned upside down when he is mistaken for “The Special,” the prophesied hero who will save the Lego universe from the evil Lord Business (Will Ferrell). Emmet, along with a ragtag group of allies including the feisty Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) and the wise old Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), embarks on a hilarious adventure to embrace his destiny and prove that anyone can be extraordinary.

 

 

9. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), a brash American pilot, finds himself in the clutches of an intergalactic bounty hunter. He teams up with a motley crew of outcasts – the gun-toting Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the muscle-bound Drax (Dave Bautista), the mischievous Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and the loyal Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) – to save the universe from a powerful villain. Director James Gunn injects humor and heart into this space opera, creating an unlikely team of heroes who became pop-culture favorites.

 

 

10. Whiplash (2014)

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a promising young drummer at a prestigious music school. He falls under the tutelage of Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), a ruthless instructor who pushes Andrew to his absolute limits. Their relentless pursuit of musical perfection leads to a brutal and captivating exploration of ambition, dedication, and the cost of achieving greatness. Whiplash’s intense performances and powerful story earned it critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.

 

 

What was YOUR favorite movie of 2014? Let us know in the comments below, and share your thoughts on why it resonated with you. We’d love to hear your picks for this stellar cinematic year!