When a movie feels truly original, it can be because of a completely new story, a fresh take on an old one, or simply unique filmmaking choices. In recent years, filmmakers globally have been experimenting with blending genres, trying different structures, and using innovative techniques to create stories that really capture attention.
As a movie lover, I’ve been thinking about the last decade in film, and I’ve put together a list of projects that really stuck with me. These aren’t just good movies; they’re the ones that felt genuinely *new*. They took risks with sci-fi and horror, breathed fresh life into historical dramas, and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with both animated and live-action storytelling. It’s about the ideas and how beautifully – or uniquely – they were brought to life.
‘Annihilation’ (2018)
Alex Garland’s film is based on the first book in the Southern Reach trilogy. It’s about a group of scientists who venture into a strange, isolated area known as the Shimmer. The story focuses on a biologist trying to understand a puzzling event that changes DNA and dramatically alters the surrounding environment.
Filming happened in the UK, using real locations and detailed, physical sets to create the look of the rundown base and swampy areas. The music, composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, mixes natural sounds with electronic music, and the effects for the creatures and surroundings combine real-life props and digital imagery.
‘Midsommar’ (2019)
A grieving graduate student joins friends on a trip to a remote Swedish community to witness a midsummer festival steeped in tradition. The story follows how the group’s behavior and the community’s customs shape every choice the visitors make once they arrive.
Ari Aster both wrote and directed the film, shooting most of it in Hungary to create the setting of a village and its surrounding fields. Two versions of the film were released: a standard theatrical cut and a longer director’s cut. The film’s unique atmosphere is created through the use of bright, natural light, colorful floral costumes, and traditional folk symbols.
‘Hereditary’ (2018)
A family grapples with grief while strange occurrences reveal buried secrets and a hidden world around them. The story explores how past events and the actions of others impact the family as unsettling incidents begin to pile up.
Ari Aster’s first feature film, distributed by A24, starred Toni Collette and a supporting cast. The film used detailed miniature sets to recreate the family’s house. The score, composed by Colin Stetson, heavily featured low-frequency sounds, and the filmmakers relied on practical effects and in-camera techniques for important scenes.
‘The Lighthouse’ (2019)
Two lighthouse keepers, stationed on a harsh, isolated coastline, face challenges from storms, daily tasks, and their differing habits. The story explores how their memories, beliefs, and the balance of power between them change over a long period of being stationed at the remote lighthouse.
Director Robert Eggers filmed in black and white on 35mm film, choosing a nearly square aspect ratio to mimic the look of old photographs. The filmmakers actually constructed a working lighthouse and used props and language that were authentic to the time period, drawing from historical maritime resources.
‘The Favourite’ (2018)
Life at the royal court revolves around the shifting relationships between the ruler, a trusted advisor, and a newcomer eager to gain power. The story follows the web of friendships, secret messages, and exchanged favors as each person tries to increase their standing within the palace.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s filmmaking style uses expansive wide shots and realistic lighting to highlight both the settings and the characters’ elaborate costumes. The film features strong performances from Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone, and received significant awards attention, including a Best Actress win.
‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022)
A man’s sudden decision to end a decades-long friendship disrupts life on a small Irish island, impacting both him and the close-knit community. The story unfolds through everyday life – from regular routines and social events – as the resulting conflict escalates due to the unwavering stances of those involved.
Martin McDonagh wrote and directed the film, shooting on location in Ireland’s Inishmore and Achill Island to showcase the dramatic landscapes of cliffs, fields, and village streets. The music was composed by Carter Burwell, and the film went on to receive numerous award nominations worldwide.
‘Get Out’ (2017)
A photographer visiting his partner’s family home uncovers a strange set of rules and practices for guests. The story follows a trail of hints found during social gatherings, in the estate’s medical facilities, and through a recorded auction, ultimately revealing a hidden scheme.
Jordan Peele wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Blumhouse on a small budget but became a major worldwide success. It won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and phrases from the movie, like ‘the Sunken Place,’ became part of popular culture.
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
A small business owner discovers they can tap into the abilities of their alternate selves after encountering someone from a different timeline. The story weaves between these different versions of the characters, using events like a tax audit and a family reunion as central points in the narrative.
Okay, so “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was directed by the Daniels – Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert – and produced by A24. What blew me away was how much they accomplished with a surprisingly small visual effects team; they did *hundreds* of shots! And it wasn’t just visual flair, either – the movie cleaned up at the Oscars, including winning Best Picture. Plus, the action? Seriously incredible. They worked with a real martial arts group to choreograph those fight scenes, and it totally showed.
‘The Zone of Interest’ (2023)
The family of the camp commandant lives a seemingly normal life in their home and garden, which borders a concentration camp. The film shows their everyday activities – eating, doing chores, and celebrating – while sounds from inside the camp subtly hint at the horrors happening just beyond their walls.
Jonathan Glazer’s film, based on a novel by Martin Amis, creates a rich and immersive sound experience by using microphones placed throughout the filming location. The movie features dialogue in both German and Polish and was recognized with Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound.
‘Arrival’ (2016)
I was completely captivated by this story about what happens when twelve mysterious crafts arrive on Earth. It follows a linguist and a physicist as they desperately try to figure out how to talk to whoever – or whatever – is piloting them. What really got to me was watching them build a whole new way of writing, and how unlocking that language fundamentally altered the way everyone saw the world. It’s a fascinating exploration of communication and perspective.
Denis Villeneuve’s film, based on a story by Ted Chiang, boasts striking visuals, including a ship with curved walls and unique oval designs. The beautiful score was created by Jóhann Jóhannsson, and the film’s sound editing earned it an Academy Award.
‘RRR’ (2022)
I’m so excited about this story! It follows two rebels who team up when their country is under colonial rule, and their partnership is really the heart of everything. It’s packed with action – think daring rescues, secret missions where they have to go undercover, and huge, epic scenes filmed in both bustling cities and wild forests. It sounds like a total thrill ride!
S.S. Rajamouli’s Telugu-language film, starring N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, is known for its grand musical sequences and action scenes. It gained international recognition when the song “Naatu Naatu” won an Academy Award, and the film was a major box office success worldwide.
‘Shoplifters’ (2018)
A found family – a group of people who aren’t related by blood but have come together – takes in a child and attempts to build a normal life. The story follows their everyday routines – sharing meals, working odd jobs – and a single event that draws unwanted attention from the authorities.
Hirokazu Kore-eda directed and wrote the film, which received the top prize, the Palme d’Or, at the Cannes Film Festival. Filmed in everyday locations around Tokyo with actors including Lily Franky and Sakura Ando, it proved to be both a critical and commercial success in Japan and internationally.
‘A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
I just finished reading this really touching story about a guy who used to be a bully. He reaches out to a classmate he tormented years ago – a classmate who is deaf – hoping to apologize and actually understand the pain he caused. It’s a sweet story about their time in school, him learning sign language, and the friends who help them both try to rebuild trust. It’s really powerful to see him try to make things right.
Naoko Yamada directed the film for Kyoto Animation. Futoshi Nishiya designed the characters, and Kensuke Ushio composed the music. It’s based on a manga created by Yoshitoki Oima and was shown at film festivals and in theaters around the world.
‘Poor Things’ (2023)
After being brought back to health by an unusual doctor, a young woman sets out on a journey that introduces her to different cities, professions, and ways of life. The story follows her travels by sea, her experiences in legal settings, and her time living in various boarding houses, all of which help her develop her own unique perspective.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s direction is visually striking, featuring painted skies, detailed miniatures, and lavish sets. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan helped bring this vision to life, and the film received Academy Awards, including a Best Actress win, as well as recognition for its design elements.
‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)
A thief disguised as a servant gets caught up in a plot to steal an inheritance. The story unfolds through secret letters, false identities, and a collection of valuable books, as the characters’ intentions change and the plan evolves.
Park Chan-wook reimagines a classic Victorian novel by setting it in Korea during a time of occupation, and films it in both Korean and Japanese with meticulous attention to historical accuracy. The film has received accolades, including a BAFTA award, and its story is told through a non-linear, multi-part structure.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
Miles Morales is a student who unexpectedly gains superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He must then juggle school with his new life as a hero. The story brings together Spider-People from different universes, and they team up, combining their abilities and technology, to shut down a dangerous machine that could destroy everything.
Sony Pictures Animation created the film, directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, and produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. They combined 3D animation with techniques inspired by comic books – like hand-drawn textures, changing speeds, and on-screen text – to give it a unique look. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)
A painter travels to a secluded island with a unique challenge: to paint a portrait of a woman who refuses to sit for him. He must work in secret, observing her during their daily interactions – walks, conversations, and even quick glances – to capture enough details to create the painting. The finished portrait is intended for a man who is hoping to win her hand in marriage.
Céline Sciamma’s film, shot by Claire Mathon, relies heavily on natural light to create its atmosphere, both inside and along the coast. The filmmakers intentionally used very little added music, reserving it for key scenes. The film was highly acclaimed at Cannes, winning awards for Best Screenplay and as the best LGBTQ+ film, and it has been widely distributed by art house cinemas internationally.
‘Tár’ (2022)
An orchestra conductor manages rehearsals, auditions, and recordings, and their choices – both professional and personal – are closely watched by the orchestra and the public. This story takes you behind the scenes, into practice rooms, classrooms, and concert halls, to explore how a major orchestra prepares and operates under its leader’s direction.
Todd Field’s direction featured a strong collaboration with Cate Blanchett and musicians in Berlin and Dresden, resulting in authentic live performance scenes. Florian Hoffmeister handled the cinematography, and the film prioritized high-quality sound recording and mixing in various locations. This dedication to both visual and audio craftsmanship earned the film awards for direction, acting, and technical aspects.
‘Another Round’ (2020)
Four teachers embark on an experiment to see if keeping a low level of alcohol in their system can actually boost their performance at work and in their personal lives. The story follows them through their classes, family events, and as they adjust their rules and approach based on the results they’re seeing.
Thomas Vinterberg’s film stars Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, and Lars Ranthe as coworkers carrying out an unusual experiment. Produced in Denmark with financial backing from national sources, the movie gained recognition after premiering at festivals and receiving a broad release across Europe, ultimately winning the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
‘The Florida Project’ (2017)
I’m really drawn to this story – it follows a little girl and her mom living in a cheap motel near a huge theme park. It’s not about the park itself, though. It’s about their summer, watching the kids who live there – running between rooms, grabbing ice cream, playing in these forgotten, empty buildings nearby. And there’s this property manager, just trying to keep everything from falling apart, which adds another layer to the whole vibe.
Sean Baker’s film was primarily shot on 35mm film, with the last scene filmed on a smartphone because of location restrictions. Willem Dafoe earned significant award recognition for his performance, and the movie was filmed along Route 192 in Kissimmee, featuring both professional actors and local residents.
‘Raw’ (2016)
A new veterinary student who has always been a strict vegetarian starts having strange cravings after a challenging initiation event at school. The story follows her experiences with dorm life, classes, and family, as she grapples with these unexpected urges and uncovers surprising secrets about her family’s past.
Julia Ducournau wrote and directed the film, with Ruben Impens handling the cinematography. The movie featured impressive makeup and practical effects. It first premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize, and then screened at various genre festivals and in select theaters internationally.
‘Titane’ (2021)
A woman fleeing a difficult past takes on the identity of a missing boy and finds refuge with a seasoned firefighter who welcomes her into his firehouse. The story unfolds through the daily life of the station – training exercises, emergency responses, and shared moments – as they both struggle to keep her secret safe and protect each other.
Julia Ducournau’s film, starring Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon, won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The filmmakers focused on practical effects and physical acting, and shot in both industrial and residential areas to depict the characters’ lives together.
‘Sorry to Bother You’ (2018)
I was completely captivated by the story of this young telemarketer. He stumbled upon something incredible – he realized changing his voice actually made him *much* better at his job, and he started climbing the ranks really quickly. But it wasn’t just about success; the story also showed me the pressure of hitting those office targets, the frustrations of the workers, and ultimately, uncovered a hidden side to the company – a secret facility that revealed how terribly they treated their employees. It was a really compelling look at ambition and the cost of success.
Boots Riley wrote and directed the film, which was produced in Oakland and featured music by Tune Yards and his band, The Coup. Annapurna Pictures distributed the film in North America. It gained attention for its realistic sets, unique costumes, and a surprising plot twist that took the story in an unexpected, dreamlike direction.
‘The Green Knight’ (2021)
A knight of King Arthur’s court makes a promise to a strange traveler, and then embarks on a difficult quest to keep it. His journey takes him across wild landscapes – through forests, over bleak moors, and past crumbling ruins – where he meets people who challenge his commitment.
David Lowery directed the film, shooting on location in Ireland and using studio sets for indoor scenes like caves and castles. Daniel Hart created the music. A24 distributed the movie, and the set design focused on natural textures and muted colors to create a realistic adaptation of the original poem.
‘Knives Out’ (2019)
When a famous author dies at his home, a well-known detective interviews his family to find out what happened. The investigation focuses on issues with the author’s will, the routines of the people who worked at the house, and little pieces of evidence that help build a picture of the events leading up to his death.
Rian Johnson wrote and directed the film, which starred Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and a talented supporting cast. Steve Yedlin was the cinematographer. Filmed in Massachusetts, using both historic locations and sound stages, the movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)
A New York jeweler is struggling to balance his business debts, customer orders, and family life. When a valuable gemstone and a risky sports bet come into play, he finds himself caught up in increasingly dangerous situations. The story unfolds across the bustling sales floor, the jeweler’s private life, and the world of high-stakes gambling, where urgent calls and deliveries constantly clash with tight deadlines.
The film was written and directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, and stars Adam Sandler alongside Kevin Garnett playing himself and Idina Menzel. Darius Khondji was the cinematographer, and Daniel Lopatin created the score. Filming took place extensively in New York City’s Diamond District, utilizing actual stores and people.
‘Train to Busan’ (2016)
A fast-moving train becomes a battleground when a dangerous virus breaks out among the passengers. The story follows several groups of people as they try to stay safe, barricading doors, coordinating stops, and protecting children while the train races southward.
Yeon Sang ho directed the film, which was a huge hit in Korea and throughout Asia. He later created an animated prequel called ‘Seoul Station’ that broadened the story’s universe, and a sequel, ‘Peninsula,’ which took place on an even bigger scale.
‘The Worst Person in the World’ (2021)
I recently saw a really compelling film set in Oslo. It follows a woman as she navigates a turning point in her life, questioning her studies, career path, and relationships. What struck me was how the story unfolded – it wasn’t linear at all! It jumped around in time, and the director used the city itself as a backdrop to beautifully show how each decision she made rippled outwards, impacting what came next. It really felt like a complete picture of a life in transition.
Joachim Trier directed the film, co-writing the script with Eskil Vogt. Renate Reinsve’s performance earned her the Best Actress award at Cannes. Filmed in Oslo with cinematography by Kasper Tuxen, the movie has received numerous international accolades, including Academy Award nominations.
‘One Cut of the Dead’ (2017)
A film crew shooting a low-budget zombie movie at a secluded location faces unexpected problems. They’re forced to continue filming live to try and save the broadcast, and the story unfolds to reveal the people pulling the strings and how quick thinking helps them overcome the chaos.
Shinichiro Ueda made this film with a very small budget and a cast of relatively unknown actors. Remarkably, the beginning of the movie plays out as if it’s all one continuous shot. It started as a small theatrical release, but quickly became popular across Japan thanks to positive word-of-mouth. Eventually, it gained international attention through film festivals and online streaming.
‘A Ghost Story’ (2017)
Following an unexpected death, a mysterious figure appears, draped in a sheet, at a family home and silently witnesses the days pass. The story unfolds through long, still scenes of everyday life – rooms, meals, and visitors – as this unseen presence observes the changes happening around the house.
David Lowery not only wrote and directed the film, but also made a deliberate stylistic choice to use a square frame with softened corners, reminiscent of early photographic techniques. The music was composed by Daniel Hart, and the filmmakers prioritized creating a strong atmosphere and letting scenes play out, relying on practical effects and minimal digital enhancements to stay within a limited budget.
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)
A young, aspiring filmmaker starts film school at the same time as their family embarks on a road trip. Meanwhile, a new technology platform sparks a robot rebellion, effectively locking down entire cities. The story centers on a desperate journey across shopping malls, highways, and a company’s main office, where everyday objects are transformed into essential survival tools.
Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe directed the film, with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller producing it for Sony Pictures Animation. It combines 3D animation with hand-drawn doodles and expressive text, and it received several Annie Awards following its release on Netflix.
‘Suzume’ (2022)
A young person meets a traveler on a quest to find and seal doors that lead to catastrophes. Together, they travel from seaside towns to bustling cities, facing earthquakes and bizarre weather as they work to prevent disaster, aided by a surprisingly helpful little chair.
Makoto Shinkai wrote and directed the film at CoMix Wave, with a soundtrack created by Radwimps and Kazuma Jinnouchi. The movie’s beautiful backgrounds showcase real locations throughout Japan. Distributed globally by Crunchyroll and Sony, it became one of the studio’s most successful anime films released worldwide.
‘Flee’ (2021)
The film tells the story of a man’s journey from Afghanistan to Europe, using animated scenes to keep his identity secret and bring his memories to life. The narrative unfolds through interviews, and the film highlights the homes, schools, and borders he encountered along the way.
Jonas Poher Rasmussen directed the film, collaborating with production companies from Denmark, France, and other Nordic countries to fund and create it. The film made history by receiving three Academy Award nominations – for Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best International Feature Film – a unique achievement for a single movie.
‘Nope’ (2022)
Two brothers who train horses for movies see something strange in the sky above their ranch and try to get it on camera. Their plan involves old-fashioned filmmaking techniques and a local landmark, all of which influence how the event plays out.
Jordan Peele directed the film, with Hoyte van Hoytema handling the stunning visuals. They used large-format film and IMAX cameras for both daytime and nighttime shots. The filmmakers created a massive, realistic environment and designed a creature with a unique, fabric-like appearance. The movie was a big success in theaters around the world.
‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)
After experiencing a family tragedy, a young boy named Mahito is led by a talking heron to a mysterious tower. He discovers a world where the line between life and death blurs, filled with shapeshifting birds, unusual guardians, and a skilled craftsman who maintains a delicate connection to Mahito’s own world.
Hayao Miyazaki directed and wrote the film for Studio Ghibli, with a beautiful score by Joe Hisaishi. The animation was traditionally hand-drawn, featuring detailed layouts and vibrant backgrounds. Released in Japan without any prior trailers or plot summaries, the film was later distributed internationally, including a release in North America by GKIDS.
‘1917’ (2019)
Two soldiers are sent on a dangerous mission across enemy territory to deliver a message that could prevent an attack. The movie shows their journey through war-torn landscapes – trenches, bomb craters, and ruined villages – as they struggle to cross the land and a river.
Sam Mendes envisioned the film as one seamless experience, using extended shots and intricate camera movements. Roger Deakins received an Oscar for his stunning cinematography, and the filmmakers constructed elaborate outdoor sets, carefully designed to align with the precise timing and distances needed for each scene.
‘Coco’ (2017)
A music-loving boy journeys to the Land of the Dead, hoping to find a family member who can lift a curse. The story beautifully incorporates traditions like ofrendas (altars), marigold pathways, and a special guitar that allows him to travel between worlds.
Pixar’s film, directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina, was created with the help of cultural experts and musicians from Mexico. It received two Academy Awards – for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song – and features a score by Michael Giacchino.
‘Your Name.’ (2016)
Two teens in Japan, living far apart, start mysteriously swapping bodies while they sleep. They begin leaving each other notes to manage their daily lives. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of vibrant rural festivals, bustling city commutes, and an upcoming astronomical event that connects them both.
Makoto Shinkai wrote and directed the film, with animation from CoMix Wave and a soundtrack by Radwimps, who also provided songs for it. The movie was a huge success, becoming one of the highest-grossing anime films ever and helping Shinkai gain a wider international audience.
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)
The movie centers on a physicist heading a desert lab while competing to create a groundbreaking weapon. The story then shifts to a series of hearings and witness testimonies focused on security checks and who was chosen for government positions.
Christopher Nolan filmed the movie using large-format film, even creating a special black and white version for the production. It was a critical and commercial success, winning awards like Best Picture at the Academy Awards and earning nearly a billion dollars worldwide.
‘Parasite’ (2019)
A family living in a basement apartment finds work with a wealthy family thanks to a series of connections. The story focuses on important locations – a neighborhood on a hill, a spacious living room with a prominent window, and a secret space that changes how we understand the situation.
Bong Joon Ho directed the film, which was produced by Barunson E & A and distributed in North America by Neon. It received critical acclaim, winning the Palme d’Or and making history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The film also performed exceptionally well commercially, earning over $200 million worldwide.
Share your favorite picks from the last decade in the comments and tell us what we should add next.
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2025-09-16 12:53