Many publications count down the top 10 movies of the year, which is always a great way to get movie suggestions. But looking at the film industry as a whole, for better or for worse, the best movies do not always leave a big impact. So I decided instead of doing my personal “best of” list, here’s a list of movies from 2015 that have resonated with audiences, and we can expect to remain in our pop culture.

10. Kingsman: The Secret Service

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” was simply an awesome movie that no one saw coming. Featuring amazing action sequences, a unique wit and some of the sharpest looking suits since 007 himself, this film became a sizable hit that no one expected. As the year ends, it stands as one of the freshest action-comedies in recent years, and a sequel is already in the works. We’ll be talking about “Kingsman: The Secret Service” for a long time.

9. Fifty Shades of Grey

Valentine’s Day was a big day for movies this year, as “Fifty Shades of Grey” opened the same day as “Kingsman: The Secret Service”. Talk about good counter-programming. While “Fifty Shades of Grey” was essentially trash, it would be hard to deny the film’s cultural relevance. Very few films directed by women have had the success of the film, and like it or not, people are still talking about Christian and his red room. A spoof entitled “Fifty Shades of Black” is coming out in January, and if a spoof movie is not a sign of cultural relevance, I don’t know what is.

8. Trainwreck

“Trainwreck” is the movie that catapulted Amy Schumer from another face on television to a star. This raunchy rom-com exceeded expectations both financially and in quality, and had crowds coming to the theaters for weeks. The film has a high re-watch value, and should have a long life once it’s available for us to own.

7. Furious 7

Why are there hoards of fraternity brothers and bicycle gangs leaving “Furious 7,” a movie about people in cars fighting, with tears on their face? Because beyond the spectacle of “Furious 7,” it is a beautiful tale of friendship. As fun as the action sequences are and as much as we love watching Ludacris jump out of an airplane in a car, what separates this film is the emotion that the filmmakers and cast wear on their sleeves. This movie’s finale simply one of the most heartwarming moments of the year, and will help “Furious 7” remain in the public consciousness indefinitely. Even writing this inspired me to rewatch that final scene, and now I will finish my list while wiping away tears.

6. The Martian

Everyone who heard about “The Martian” knew it would be successful, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how successful the film ended up being. “The Martian” was a perfect blend of Sci-Fi, human drama and humor and captivated audiences with its sense of wonder. Even though it seems we get a new space movie every October, “The Martian” will stand with the best.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road

It took half the list, but we’re finally getting to a sequel-reboot, which is the genre that really defines 2015. “Mad Max: Fury Road” stands out simply through its unique visual aesthetic and filmmaking prowess, something rarely seen in a blockbuster, studio-produced film. Director George Miller was the true auteur of this film, creating a final product unlike anything we’ve seen on screen before. Combine his kinetic direction with a kickbutt Charlize Theron, playing one of the strongest female protagonists in recent memory, and “Mad Max: Fury Road” is one for the ages.

4. Straight Outta Compton

Yes, the film that took millions of people like myself and gave them the knowledge they so desperately required to speak somewhat intelligently about the history of rap. “Straight Outta Compton” gave us a peek behind the curtain at the history of rap group N.W.A., but the events and presentation of the film was nothing short of Shakespearian. Sometimes truth is more fascinating than fiction, and this film had audiences on the edge of their seats, even though many already knew the film’s events. The film’s performances of N.W.A. music combined with the authenticity and grit of the story presented to us made “Straight Outta Compton” a movie to remember.

3. Jurassic World

This film broke nearly every record. But unfortunately, it lost those records pretty quickly, as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” really stole this film’s blockbuster thunder. Regardless, it is hard to ignore the massive success of “Jurassic World” this summer. People were coming out of the woodwork to see the dinosaurs back on screen, and this film delivered on every expectation. Was it perfect? No, it wasn’t, but it was a worthy entry into the Jurassic Park canon and an action movie that kept people on their toes.

2. Inside Out

It would not surprise me if “Inside Out” is played in every psychology class for the next half-century. Not only is this film hilarious and heartwarming, but it so beautifully illustrates mental health at a time where this illustration is so needed. I believe that “Inside Out” will be the groundbreaker for mainstream products to address mental health and psychology, but I doubt anything will be able to top Pixar’s most recent masterpiece. Whenever I look at someone, I think about the characters of “Inside Out” in their head, which is truly a testament to this film’s legacy.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

It’s only been out for a few days, but I think it’s easy to say that this is the movie of 2015. In fact, just the hype for this film in 2015 is worthy of a spot on this list. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was caught at the cultural zeitgeist at just the right moment, combining fanboys and average moviegoers, creating a sensation so large it is simply beyond compare. The best part? It lives up to the hype, and if we take away all of the advertising and fandom, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stands on its own as a solid film that 2015 is lucky to have.

Erik Benjamin is a sophomore television, radio and film major. You can email him at ebenjami@syr.edu or follow him @embenjamin14 on Twitter.

Published on December 22, 2015 at 8:47 pm