The Absolute Best Movies of 2018

The films collected here span intimate dramas, bold experiments, and large-scale blockbusters across languages and genres, with stories set on city streets, in the quiet of family homes, and far beyond Earth. Each entry focuses on concrete details—who made it, who’s in it, and what it covers—so you can quickly grasp what distinguishes every title.

From studio releases to festival discoveries, these selections reflect what audiences encountered that year. There are award winners and box-office successes alongside smaller releases that reached viewers through platform rollouts and critical recognition. Use this as a practical guide to creators, casts, and production backgrounds as you explore or revisit the era’s standouts.

‘Roma’ (2018)

Written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, ‘Roma’ follows a middle-class family’s live-in housekeeper in Mexico City. The film stars Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira, with production by Espectáculos Fílmicos El Coyúl and Participant. Cuarón handled cinematography, capturing the story in black-and-white with extensive on-location shooting and long takes grounded in domestic settings and surrounding social unrest.

Distributed by Netflix after a festival run, the film received major industry recognition, including Academy Awards across directing, cinematography, and international feature categories. Its release prompted discussion on theatrical windows for streaming-backed features, with limited 70mm exhibitions complementing its platform debut.

‘Black Panther’ (2018)

Directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Marvel Studios, ‘Black Panther’ centers on T’Challa’s return to the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda. The ensemble includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright, with production design by Hannah Beachler and costumes by Ruth E. Carter drawing on Afrofuturist concepts and varied African influences.

The score by Ludwig Göransson incorporates traditional instrumentation alongside contemporary elements, paired with an accompanying curated album. Released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, the film earned multiple Academy Awards in crafts categories and informed subsequent entries connected to its characters and setting.

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ introduces Miles Morales as he discovers parallel versions of Spider-heroes. Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, and produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation in association with Marvel, it blends CG animation with comic-book textures and stylized editing to emulate panel-based rhythms.

The voice cast features Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, and Mahershala Ali. With a screenplay by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman and music by Daniel Pemberton, the film won the Academy Award for animated feature and established a foundation for future sequels and related projects.

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, ‘The Favourite’ is a period drama set in the court of Queen Anne. The film stars Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone, with a screenplay by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara. Production companies included Element Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, and Film4, with natural-light cinematography by Robbie Ryan and extensive location work in historic estates.

Costume design by Sandy Powell and detailed production design present early-18th-century interiors alongside distinctive lens choices. The film received extensive awards recognition, with Olivia Colman receiving the Academy Award for lead performance and broad nominations across writing, production design, and costume categories.

‘A Star Is Born’ (2018)

Co-written, produced, and directed by Bradley Cooper, ‘A Star Is Born’ stars Cooper alongside Lady Gaga in a new version of the industry-set drama. The film features additional performances from Sam Elliott and Dave Chappelle, with music produced in collaboration with Lukas Nelson and Mark Ronson; the soundtrack’s original songs were recorded live on set where feasible.

Warner Bros. Pictures handled distribution, and the film played at major festivals before wide release. The song ‘Shallow’ received the Academy Award for original song, and the production’s approach to concert scenes emphasized location sound capture and practical stage environments.

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

Written and directed by Ari Aster, ‘Hereditary’ follows a family confronting escalating events after the death of a secretive matriarch. The cast includes Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne, with a score by Colin Stetson that uses extended-technique saxophone and layered drones to define the sonic palette.

Produced by A24 and PalmStar Media, the film integrates practical effects and miniature work into its visual strategy. Its release included a festival debut and targeted marketing materials, leading to notable box-office results for a character-driven horror title and establishing Aster’s ongoing collaboration with A24.

‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

Christopher McQuarrie wrote and directed ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’, continuing the franchise with Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt alongside Rebecca Ferguson, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames. The production emphasized in-camera stunts, including a HALO jump and helicopter sequences completed by Cruise after extensive training and certification.

Paramount Pictures distributed the film, with Lorne Balfe composing a score that reinterprets Lalo Schifrin’s themes. The release leveraged premium large formats, and the production’s global location work involved coordination across multiple countries, aerial units, and complex safety planning.

‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018)

Directed by Spike Lee and produced by Focus Features and Blumhouse, ‘BlacKkKlansman’ adapts the memoir of Ron Stallworth, a detective who infiltrated a hate group through phone communication and undercover work. John David Washington and Adam Driver lead the cast, with Laura Harrier and Topher Grace in supporting roles.

The screenplay by Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott, and Spike Lee interweaves archival material with dramatized scenes. The film received the Academy Award for adapted screenplay, and Terence Blanchard composed the score, continuing a long-running creative partnership with the director.

‘Green Book’ (2018)

‘Green Book’ is directed by Peter Farrelly and stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. The narrative follows a working-class bouncer who becomes a concert tour driver for pianist Don Shirley on a road trip across the American South. Production companies included Participant and DreamWorks, with Universal Pictures distributing.

The film received the Academy Award for best picture, with Mahershala Ali recognized for supporting performance. Kris Bowers contributed on-screen piano work and arranged music to match Don Shirley’s style, integrating performance sequences with period-specific set design and costuming.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

Directed by Jon M. Chu and based on Kevin Kwan’s novel, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding, with Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, and Gemma Chan. The film was produced by Color Force and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, with extensive location work in Singapore and Malaysia.

The project marked a major Hollywood studio release featuring a predominantly Asian cast in a contemporary romantic comedy. Costume and production design highlight high-society settings, while the soundtrack mixes Mandarin and English-language tracks to underscore cross-cultural dynamics.

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

Written and directed by Alex Garland, ‘Annihilation’ adapts Jeff VanderMeer’s novel about a scientific expedition into a mysterious zone known as the Shimmer. The ensemble cast includes Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Tuva Novotny, with cinematography by Rob Hardy.

Produced by Paramount Pictures and Skydance, the film uses practical and digital effects to depict biological mutation and environmental anomalies. Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow composed the score, and release strategies varied by territory, with a streaming partner handling certain international markets.

‘First Man’ (2018)

Damien Chazelle directed ‘First Man’, a biographical drama about NASA’s Apollo program through the perspective of Neil Armstrong. Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy lead the cast, with a screenplay by Josh Singer based on James R. Hansen’s authorized biography. Linus Sandgren’s cinematography combines handheld sequences with large-format lunar surface imagery.

Universal Pictures distributed the film, and Justin Hurwitz composed a theremin-accented score. The production employed full-scale spacecraft interiors and period-correct mission control recreations; it received the Academy Award for visual effects for integrating miniatures, LED projection, and practical techniques.

‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018)

Adapted and directed by Barry Jenkins from James Baldwin’s novel, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ centers on a young Harlem couple facing a wrongful accusation that disrupts their plans. The cast includes KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, and Colman Domingo, with production by Annapurna and Plan B.

Nicholas Britell composed the score, continuing his collaboration with Jenkins. The film earned the Academy Award for supporting performance by Regina King, and its release strategy emphasized festival premieres followed by platform rollouts for awards-season visibility and audience growth.

‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)

Written and directed by Bo Burnham, ‘Eighth Grade’ follows a middle-school student navigating social media and end-of-year milestones. Elsie Fisher stars, with Josh Hamilton in a key supporting role. A24 produced and distributed the film, which features naturalistic cinematography and a synth-driven score by Anna Meredith.

The production used real school locations and a mix of professional and non-professional performers to depict contemporary digital habits. It screened at major festivals and received recognition from critics’ groups, with attention to its lead performance and the screenplay’s structure.

‘Shoplifters’ (2018)

Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, ‘Shoplifters’ focuses on a makeshift family living on the margins in Tokyo. The cast includes Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Mayu Matsuoka, and Kirin Kiki, with cinematography by Ryuto Kondo and production by Gaga Corporation and Fuji TV.

The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was Japan’s submission for the Academy Award for international feature. Its release included strong domestic box-office results and broad international distribution through specialty labels.

‘Burning’ (2018)

Lee Chang-dong directed ‘Burning’, loosely adapting a Haruki Murakami short story. The film stars Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, and Jeon Jong-seo. Core production entities include Pinehouse Film, with additional co-production support that included partners such as NHK and, in some listings, NOWFILM (Germany), alongside regional backers.

The film premiered at international festivals and received the FIPRESCI Prize. It was South Korea’s submission for the Academy Award for international feature and appeared on numerous year-end lists, contributing to renewed international attention for Lee Chang-dong’s work.

‘Sorry to Bother You’ (2018)

Written and directed by Boots Riley, ‘Sorry to Bother You’ is a satirical science-fiction film set in the world of telemarketing. The cast includes Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Steven Yeun, and Armie Hammer, with production by Annapurna Pictures and Significant Productions.

Production design integrates surreal elements with workplace settings, supported by an eclectic soundtrack featuring contributions from The Coup and Tune-Yards. It premiered at Sundance before theatrical release, generating strong per-screen averages for a mid-budget independent title.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

Directed by John Krasinski, ‘A Quiet Place’ focuses on a family surviving in a world where sound attracts dangerous creatures. Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe co-star, with a screenplay by Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, and John Krasinski. The production incorporated American Sign Language within its performances and blocking.

Produced by Platinum Dunes and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film emphasizes sound design, using near-silence and dynamic range to structure sequences. Its commercial performance led to additional installments expanding the premise to new locations and characters.

‘Widows’ (2018)

Steve McQueen directed ‘Widows’, adapted from a British miniseries by McQueen and Gillian Flynn. The ensemble features Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, Cynthia Erivo, Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, and Daniel Kaluuya. Production companies included Regency Enterprises and Film4, with distribution by 20th Century Fox.

The film combines heist mechanics with political and community storylines set in Chicago. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt and editor Joe Walker continued collaborations with McQueen, while Hans Zimmer provided the score. Festival premieres preceded a wide release positioned for the late-year corridor.

‘Leave No Trace’ (2018)

Directed by Debra Granik and co-written with Anne Rosellini, ‘Leave No Trace’ follows a father and daughter living off-grid in the Pacific Northwest and their interactions with social services. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie star, with production by Topic Studios and Bron Creative.

The film was shot largely on location in forested state parks, using natural light and a restrained visual style. It received wide recognition from regional critics’ groups, and Granik’s approach highlights community-support networks and caseworker procedures as part of the narrative environment.

‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ (2018)

Marielle Heller directed ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’, based on author Lee Israel’s memoir about forging literary letters. Melissa McCarthy plays Israel, with Richard E. Grant co-starring; the screenplay is by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty. The film was produced by Archer Gray and distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Costume and production design recreate New York’s literary and antiquarian-book circles, while the score by Nate Heller underscores the intimate scale of the story. The film received Academy Award nominations for its two lead performances and adapted screenplay.

‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (2018)

‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ is an anthology western written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film comprises six chapters with casts including Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, Zoe Kazan, and Tom Waits. Cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel ties the segments together visually across varied frontier settings.

Produced by Annapurna Television and Netflix, the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival before streaming release. It received Academy Award nominations for adapted screenplay, costume design, and original song, and its chapter-based structure allowed the Coens to present multiple tones within one feature.

‘Mandy’ (2018)

Directed by Panos Cosmatos, ‘Mandy’ stars Nicolas Cage and Andrea Riseborough in a revenge-driven story set against a stylized backwoods landscape. The score is by Jóhann Jóhannsson, one of the composer’s final works, blending electric guitars with orchestral textures.

Produced by SpectreVision and XYZ Films, the project employed saturated color grading and practical effects, with cinematography by Benjamin Loeb. After a midnight-program festival debut, the film recorded strong specialty results and sustained home-release interest via curated screenings.

‘Cold War’ (2018)

Paweł Pawlikowski directed ‘Cold War’, a black-and-white romance set across postwar Europe. Joanna Kulig and Tomasz Kot star, with cinematography by Łukasz Żal and music that draws on folk traditions and jazz to mark shifts in time and place. The film was produced by Opus Film with international partners.

It premiered at Cannes, where Pawlikowski received the Best Director prize. The film later secured Academy Award nominations in directing, cinematography, and international feature, building on the director’s earlier success with another black-and-white period piece.

‘Aquaman’ (2018)

Directed by James Wan, ‘Aquaman’ stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry alongside Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The production combined underwater world-building with large-scale action sequences designed through extensive visual effects supervision and second-unit work.

Produced by DC Films and The Safran Company (Peter Safran), with Warner Bros. Pictures as distributor, the film’s global box-office performance placed it among the top earners within its franchise. Rupert Gregson-Williams composed the score, and production design emphasized distinct undersea kingdoms and creature concepts.

Share your favorites from this list—and any titles you think belong here—in the comments!