2015’s Best Movies: Ranking The Top 10

2015 was an incredible year for cinema, delivering a blend of blockbuster hits, heartfelt animated adventures, and gripping dramas that captivated audiences worldwide. From high-stakes superhero battles to groundbreaking post-apocalyptic chases and mesmerizing journeys through space, these films didn’t just entertain—they became cultural touchstones. This list ranks 2015’s top 10 movies, examining their box office success, cast performances, and critical acclaim to reveal which films truly defined the year. Dive in to see which unforgettable titles made the cut!

10. Spectre

• Box Office Performance: $880 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%
• IMDb Score: 6.8/10
• IGN Score: 7/10

As the 24th installment in the James Bond series, Spectre continued Daniel Craig’s portrayal of the iconic spy. The film blends Bond’s thrilling action sequences with a deeper exploration of his past. Christoph Waltz plays the villainous Blofeld, adding to the tension. Although not as well-reviewed as Skyfall, Spectre was a commercial success, drawing fans of the spy genre and complementing Craig’s complex take on Bond’s character.

9. The Hateful Eight

• Box Office Performance: $155.8 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
• IMDb Score: 7.8/10
• IGN Score: 8/10

Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight combines a strong ensemble cast and a classic Western setting with the suspenseful storytelling Tarantino is famous for. Set in post-Civil War America, the story centers around a group of strangers trapped in a cabin during a blizzard. Stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell delivered standout performances. Despite a slower pace, the movie gained praise for its intense dialogues and the bold 70mm film format.

8. Ant-Man

• Box Office Performance: $519.3 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
• IMDb Score: 7.3/10
• IGN Score: 8.5/10

Marvel introduced a new superhero to its cinematic universe with Ant-Man, starring Paul Rudd as the unlikely hero Scott Lang. Unlike other Marvel films, Ant-Man focuses on humour and a heist storyline. Its playful and light-hearted tone, along with Rudd’s comedic charm, made it a hit with audiences. The film wasn’t the highest-grossing Marvel release, but it still scored well with critics and fans, who enjoyed its originality within the superhero genre.

7. The Revenant

• Box Office Performance: $533 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
• IMDb Score: 8.0/10
• IGN Score: 8.5/10

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant is a grueling survival story set in the 1820s, following frontiersman Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio’s commitment to the role won him an Oscar, while Tom Hardy’s performance as the antagonist added tension to the story. The Revenant was acclaimed for its natural cinematography, harsh realism, and emotional intensity, making it one of 2015’s most memorable.

6. Inside Out

• Box Office Performance: $857.6 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
• IMDb Score: 8.1/10
• IGN Score: 9/10

Pixar’s Inside Out took audiences on an emotional journey by exploring the inner workings of a young girl’s mind through characters like Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust. The film’s creativity, heartfelt story, and imaginative concept earned it universal praise. The voice cast, featuring Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, brought the characters to life beautifully. Inside Out touched both kids and adults with its powerful message about accepting all emotions.

5. The Martian

• Box Office Performance: $630 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
• IMDb Score: 8.0/10
• IGN Score: 9.2/10

Ridley Scott’s The Martian, based on Andy Weir’s novel, starred Matt Damon as an astronaut stranded on Mars. The movie balances drama, science, and humour, showing Damon’s character as he uses science to survive against all odds. Critics and audiences praised the film for its realistic depiction of space exploration and Damon’s performance. Its optimistic tone and inspiring story won over both science fans and casual viewers.

4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

• Box Office Performance: Over $2.07 billion
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
• IMDb Score: 7.8/10
• IGN Score: 8.8/10

The seventh installment in the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens brought the iconic franchise back to the big screen. Directed by J.J. Abrams, it introduced new characters, including Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), while reuniting fans with Han Solo and Princess Leia. The film was 2015’s highest grossing movie, sparking excitement among fans old and new. Critics appreciated its respectful nods to the original trilogy, though some felt it relied too heavily on nostalgia.

3. Mad Max: Fury Road

• Box Office Performance: $375 million
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
• IMDb Score: 8.1/10
• IGN Score: 9.1/10

Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller, is a high-octane post-apocalyptic action thriller. The film is praised for its breathtaking stunts, explosive visuals, and minimalist storytelling. Charlize Theron’s Furiosa stood out as a strong female lead, while Tom Hardy brought intensity to Max. Fury Road was celebrated by critics for its technical excellence, winning multiple Oscars. It also resonated with audiences, becoming a benchmark for modern action films and one of the 2015’s best.

2. Avengers: Age of Ultron

• Box Office Performance: $1.4 billion
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%
• IMDb Score: 7.3/10
• IGN Score: 8.4/10

The second Avengers film reunited Marvel’s favorite heroes as they faced a powerful new enemy: Ultron, voiced by James Spader. Directed by Joss Whedon, the movie featured high-stakes battles and expanded on the dynamics within the superhero team. Although not as universally loved as the first Avengers, Age of Ultron remains a key part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans enjoyed the action and character moments, though some critics found the story a bit overcrowded.

1. Jurassic World

• Box Office Performance: $1.6 billion
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
• IMDb Score: 7.0/10
• IGN Score: 8/10

Jurassic World revived the beloved dinosaur franchise, combining nostalgia with new thrills. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the movie starred Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, whose performances helped bring the dinosaur-packed adventure to life. Audiences flocked to see the return to Isla Nublar, where things quickly go wrong as a genetically modified dinosaur escapes. Jurassic World scored high on entertainment value, attracting both new viewers and longtime fans of the franchise. Its strong box office performance and wide appeal makes it 2015’s best movie in our books.

Each of these movies helped make 2015 into a memorable year in cinema, offering a mix of sci-fi, adventure, drama, and animated treasures that appealed to diverse audiences. If you have any title you feel should be in 2015’s top 10, let us know in the comment section.