2014 was an odd year for film. While certain movies seemed like guaranteed wins, others showed Hollywood continuing to make the same mistakes.

It was a year for the underdogs. It was the year of the surprise hits. The movies below are some of the best.

10. Captain America: Winter Solider/ Guardians of the Galaxy:

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe  has never been known for churning out Oscar-caliber movies. It  tends to go with the same formula over and over again. Both movies are the exception to the rule, and showed the studio still reigns supreme in this genre. “Captain America“ was more of a political thriller than a superhero flick and “Guardians” added a unique oddness the universe was lacking.

9. Edge of Tomorrow:

This movie had a lot stacked up against it, including the recent controversial nature of Tom Cruise, a poorly created ad campaign and a plot gimmick straight from “Groundhog Day.” Even with all that, the filmmakers created an emotional roller coaster with a lot of humor and thrills mixed in. It took a conventional idea and flipped it on its head.

8. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes:

This is an example of people making assumptions before the film was released. It had a lot to shoot for, being the sequel to the lukewarm “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” The series was made to rival the original 1968 version. By putting the two paralleling struggles of Caesar and his apes and human beings struggling to survive, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” became one of the most emotionally compelling movies of the year. It shined a new light on the post-apocalyptic genre, which has oversaturated the film business.

7. Snowpiercer:

When “Snowpiercer” first came out it was not widely known. It had a very small theatrical run. What we missed was possibly the most intellectual action movie of the year. Based on a French graphic novel, the movie touches on class systems and climate tampering. Not only is it a smarter action movie than most shoot-up movies that come out, it does not skimp on the action scenes and sets up some of the best of the year.

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6. The Lego Movie:

This movie had surprise hit written all over it. What looked like just another kid’s movie, turned out to be an intelligently written film. It took a lot of great conventions from “Monster’s Inc,” and “The Incredibles,” but added its own flavor. “Lego Movie” keeps adults entertained with its intellectual themes, and appeals to children with big name characters like Batman and Superman. The directing talents of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller help bring a visual style the two have become known for. A star studded cast also helps Warner Brothers become a legitimate contender again in family-oriented films.

5. 22 Jump Street:

Also directed by Lord and Miller, “22 Jump Street” was the best straight comedy of the year. Much like its predecessor, it surprised audiences all around. Many thought it would be just another cheap imitation of the original, like many sequels fall under. What we were given instead was a brilliantly written satire on the nature of action and comedy sequels. With wonderful acting on the part of Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill and Ice Cube, this movie was one of the few this year that kept you laughing all the way through it.

4. Nightcrawler:

The news media is currently a big punching bag in fiction. Very few ever hit on anything in a unique and articulate manner, and Nightcrawler expounds on it like no other. This movie is an unstoppable car wreck in the best possible way. You can never turn away from this film. Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance as Lou Bloom is frightening and compelling. It might even win him the Oscar he has deserved.

3. Gone Girl:

David Fincher is another man who deserved an Oscar a long time ago. Fincher’s style has defined a generation of filmmaking, and he may have put out his best movie this year. “Gone Girl” is an edge-of-your seat type of movie. This is the type of psychological thriller that only Fincher can create. The type we as an audience drive in masses to see. It will make you sick, make you gasp and make you angry all at the same time. Terrific performances from an all-star cast also help place this film as one of the best of the year.

2. Boyhood:

Labeling “Boyhood” as merely a film project would be an injustice. Journey, masterpiece and Magnum Opus all seem like more accurate ways pontificate on “Boyhood.” This movie took 12 years to make; 12 years of heart, dedication and drive to put out something that convincingly showed a boy growing  into a man. Using “real” people mixed in with actors adds a level of realism that makes this project so much better. Using the same kid over the 12 year span just added to the level of connection to him and the movie.

1. Birdman: Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance:

It is not only the best movie, but also the most ambitious, creative and unique film of the year. It is stunning in a way that only film can be. Making a bold statement about the Oscars before anything is even nominated is ridiculous, I am very confident in my claim that this movie will get Michael Keaton his first award. It will also bring a level of gravitas to Emma Stone and Edward Norton. It is compelling and will keep you thinking even as you leave the theater.