What were the best movies of 2014? Why?

The year 2014 was notable for its diverse and critically acclaimed films, which were recognized by various critics and publications. Here are some of the best movies of 2014, along with reasons why they were highly regarded:

Boyhood

• Directed by Richard Linklater, this film stands out for its unique 12-year production span, following the life of Mason from childhood to his arrival at college. It is praised for its realistic portrayal of growing up and the commitment of its cast and crew over such a long period345.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

• Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, this film is acclaimed for its innovative cinematography, appearing as a single continuous shot. It features a strong performance by Michael Keaton and a talented ensemble cast, exploring themes of identity, fame, and redemption. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2015345.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

• Wes Anderson's film is celebrated for its visually stunning and meticulously detailed world-building, along with its quirky characters and intricate plot. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and production design345.

Whiplash

• Directed by Damien Chazelle, this film is praised for its intense portrayal of a young drummer's journey under the tutelage of a demanding instructor. The performances by Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are particularly noteworthy, and the film's themes of ambition and perfectionism resonated strongly with audiences345.

Nightcrawler

• Dan Gilroy's directorial debut features a compelling performance by Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a sociopathic and ambitious individual who enters the world of crime journalism. The film is lauded for its dark humor, social commentary, and Gyllenhaal's unsettling yet captivating performance345.

Selma

• Directed by Ava DuVernay, this film is a powerful historical drama that chronicles Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign for voting rights. It is praised for its historical accuracy, strong performances, and its ability to evoke the emotional and political significance of the Civil Rights Movement345.

Interstellar

• Christopher Nolan's sci-fi epic is admired for its ambitious scope, exploring themes of time, space, and human existence. The film features impressive visual effects and a strong cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain3.

Gone Girl

• Directed by David Fincher, this thriller is based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn. It is praised for its twisty plot, strong performances by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, and its exploration of marriage, media, and the unreliability of appearances3.

Under the Skin

• Jonathan Glazer's film is a critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller starring Scarlett Johansson as an alien who assumes the form of a human woman. It is noted for its atmospheric tension, visual beauty, and Johansson's performance45.

Guardians of the Galaxy

• James Gunn's Marvel film is celebrated for its fun, colorful, and energetic take on the superhero genre. It transformed lesser-known comic book characters into pop culture icons and was praised for its humor, visuals, and the chemistry among its cast135.

Edge of Tomorrow

• Directed by Doug Liman, this sci-fi action film stars Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt in a time-loop narrative where the characters relive the same day repeatedly. It is praised for its innovative storytelling, action sequences, and the performances of its leads13.

These films were recognized for their innovative storytelling, strong performances, and technical achievements, making 2014 a standout year in cinema.