7) The LEGO Movie

Everything is indeed awesome about this creative, candy-colored ode to the beauty of pure imagination, from its gorgeous animation to its roundly excellent voice cast to its hilarious and uncommonly ambitious script. Co-writer/directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord take what could have been a feature-length advertisement for a children’s toy and turn it into an exhilarating amusement park ride, cannily deconstructing the modern blockbuster and building something so, so much better out of its parts.

For the kiddies, there was no film more important this year. The LEGO Movie‘s catchy command that its audiences unleash the Master Builders within themselves is a call to action for children (and adults) too often stifled by the daily grind, a heartfelt plea for those with imagination to spare to put it to use. The film is also a smart, irreverent satire that promotes individuality and empathy, teaching kids that our differences are what make us special.

The LEGO Movie left me with a massive, implacable grin on my face. It made me laugh (a lot). It made me think (much more than I thought it would). And most importantly, it made me hope. In a year filled with hard times and heartbreak all across the world, its irrepressible creativity and compassion was exceedingly welcome.