7) The LEGO Movie
2014 was full of films that were far better than they had any right to be, and The LEGO Movie is undoubtedly one of them. We have dynamic directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller (the masterminds behind the equally surprising 21 Jump Street and its sequel) to thank for that. They turned what initially sounded like yet another attempt by Hollywood to turn a recognizable brand into a blockbuster film franchise into a fun, smart, imaginative, delightful, funny, and thoughtful effort that truly understands why LEGO has endured the test of time, and why the little building toy is so important to countless fans around the world.
The LEGO Movie is unlike any animated film we’ve seen; Lord and Miller creatively use every kind of LEGO piece ever invented for their purposes, leading to some surprisingly hilarious and oftentimes ingenious creations and landscapes. The characters are memorable and relatable, and the story takes some surprisingly honest twists and turns that aren’t normally found in blockbuster family fare. Add in the incredibly catchy theme, “Everything is Awesome,” and you’ve got one of the most heart-warming and fun films of the year.
