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10 Best Movies of 2011 ...

By Lyndsie

Best Movies 2011, from action to comedy to drama, are different for everyone. It all depends on what you like, what you're willing to watch, who your favorite actors and actresses are, and so on. I haven't seen any best movies 2011 lists that agree entirely on which of this year's films were best, partly because so many of them were good. So, I'm going to throw caution to the wind here and, on this best movies 2011 list, I'm going to name what I loved – then you're going to tell me what movies you loved, and we'll see where we meet!

1 The Help

Not only was The Help one of my favorite movies of the year, but over the spectrum, reviewers agree that it was one of the best movies of 2011. It's charming but thoughtful, and the subject is still relevant. Emma Stone just can't fail right now, and my favorite part is that it parallels the book quite nicely, i.e. I didn't end up cussing at the film for leaving out the best parts of the book. So that's always good!

2 X-Men: First Class

I am an X-Men fanatic, and though I went into this movie with qualms, since it lacked my beloved Ian McKellan, I was not disappointed. Yes, it had its down points, but I was largely pleased with the story and the action. Some of the casting choices were so-so, but the rest was so brilliant, I didn't even care. And the cameo from Hugh Jackman as Wolverine? Beautiful!

3 Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids was unequivocally one of the best movies of 2011, touted as being “The Hangover for girls.” Actually, I think it was a film guys could appreciate as well, if only thanks to Melissa McCarthy's wonderfully vulgar character, and such antics as, you know, have “accidents” in the bathroom.

4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

I was more excited about this movie than any other, and it did not disappoint, beyond making me cry like a baby because the franchise is over. I became an HP fan late in the game, and even after devouring the books and seeing what the films left out, I did not care. This movie was dark and beautiful and sad and wonderful and I think I need to go watch it again.

5 Drive

This is actually one of the most underrated movies of the year, but it's worth a watch if you haven't seen it. It's actually stunningly artistic and incredibly beautiful. I think it's one of Ryan Gosling's best movies ever, and the cast is such that they highlight and enrich each other's performances.

6 The Descendants

Although this didn't get a lot of publicity, to me it's still one of the best movies of 2011. I love it when George Clooney plays in movies like this. It's no surprise that Alexander Payne's last movie before this one, Sideways, was a hit as well. Matt King is a fantastic character and the unfolding story involving his daughters is just as moving as the main arc.

7 Midnight in Paris


I knew I was going to love this movie the first time I saw a preview, even though I'm not the biggest fan of Owen Wilson. Woody Allen unquestionably still knows how to make a good movie, though, and Rachel McAdams shines, as always. If you're into the ex-pats, if you love Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his crazy, beautiful wife, Hemingway, and Salvadore Dali, see this!

8 Crazy Stupid Love

So, speaking Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, right? When it comes to love stories, I like them this way best – realistic, a little awkward and quirky, no Prince Charmings need apply. Besides, as I may have mentioned before, I have a total girl crush on Emma.

9 Pirates of the Caribbean: on Stranger Tides

I cannot resist Captain Jack Sparrow. This movie did so much better than many of Johnny Depp's other movies this year (sadly, because I thought The Rum Diaries was awesome), but even if he'd had a ton of blockbusters, this still would have qualified as one of the best movies of 2011. I mean, it's Pirates of the Caribbean!

10 Never Let Me Go

This movie was understated and a bit misunderstood ever, but it was just … incredible. It's hard to go into it without completely spoiling the plot, so let me just urge you to see it. If you do, you need to watch very, very carefully!

Like say, on any list of the best movies 2011 edition, it's hard to pinpoint, just because there really have been so many really good movies this year. Please, please, beg my pardon for not including the first part of Breaking Dawn on my list of best movies 2011 – I just didn't see it, so it doesn't feel right to judge it either way. But if your favorite films didn't make it onto my best movies 2011 list, sound off! I'm always eager to find good movies to watch!

Top Image Source: weheartit.com

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