The Best Movies Of 2014

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 202.1K views 87 items
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74.1K votes
5.3K voters
60 reranks
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 2014.

Sure there are the Oscars, Golden Globes, and a number of other award ceremonies that hand out trophies to movies that are voted on as the best of 2014, but we want to know which 2014 movies that fans like you thought were the absolute best. Everyone has their own rankings of the top films of the year, and this is your chance to weigh in on which ones you loved the most.

It's time for you to enter into this hotly contested debate and vote for the best movies of 2014. While it does depend on personal taste, the movies on this list received great reviews, captured the attention of the audience, and earned a place in cinema history. These include films like Interstellar, Boyhood, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Whiplash. For more 2014 movie lists, check out Ranker's lists of the funniest movies of 2014 and the best horror films of 2014.

Most divisive: Divergent
Over 5.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 2014
  • Guardians of the Galaxy
    1

    Guardians of the Galaxy

    Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
    3,197 votes
    In the heart of Marvel's cinematic universe, Guardians of the Galaxy introduces us to a new breed of heroes. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), a rogue adventurer turned unlikely hero, finds himself in possession of a coveted orb. This catapults him into an intergalactic manhunt led by the villainous Ronan (Lee Pace). Enlisting a ragtag group of cosmic misfits: Rocket (Bradley Cooper), a gun-toting raccoon; Groot (Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid; the deadly Gamora (Zoe Saldana); and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), they must thwart Ronan's sinister plan. A blend of comedy, action, and space opera, this film won two Academy Awards nominations and launched an epic franchise.
  • Interstellar
    2

    Interstellar

    Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
    2,327 votes
    In Interstellar, humanity's survival hangs in the balance. Former NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is tasked with navigating the cosmos to find a new home for mankind. Astronaut Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) accompanies him on this perilous journey through wormholes and across galaxies. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this sci-fi epic won an Academy Award for its stunning visual effects. A tale of exploration and sacrifice, it underlines the power of love as a force transcending space and time.
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  • Captain America: The Winter Soldier
    3

    Captain America: The Winter Soldier

    Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson
    2,545 votes
    In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) grapples with a modern world that's far from the 1940s he once knew. As a member of the covert agency S.H.I.E.L.D, Rogers finds himself embroiled in an international conspiracy. He teams up with Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), also known as Black Widow, and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the Falcon. Together they unravel the insidious plot, while a formidable adversary, the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), emerges from shadows. This action-packed, thrilling film is part of Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
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  • Gone Girl
    4

    Gone Girl

    Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
    2,301 votes
    In Gone Girl, a thrilling exploration of deception unfolds. Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) finds himself in the center of an intense media circus when his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the police investigation intensifies and Amy's elaborate life story comes to light, everything points towards Nick as the suspect. Directed by David Fincher, this gripping crime drama earned Rosamund Pike an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film is based on Gillian Flynn's best-selling novel, offering viewers a captivating narrative that keeps them guessing until the very end.
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  • American Sniper
    5

    American Sniper

    Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman
    1,634 votes
    American Sniper, a gripping war film, unravels the story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), an esteemed Navy SEAL sniper. The narrative tracks his military service in Iraq, showcasing the professional feats that earned him the title of deadliest marksman in U.S. history. Sienna Miller plays Taya, Kyle's wife, grappling with his long absences and dangerous missions. Clint Eastwood's direction brings to life this true story, striking a balance between intense combat scenes and emotional homefront struggles. The film nabbed six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, underscoring its cinematic impact.
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  • X-Men: Days of Future Past
    6

    X-Men: Days of Future Past

    Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender
    2,729 votes
    In X-Men: Days of Future Past, it's a race against time as Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is sent into the past by Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen). His mission: To prevent an apocalyptic future dominated by Sentinels, robotic enforcers targeting mutants. Teaming up with a younger Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender), they grapple with their past selves to alter the course of history. A sci-fi action thriller, this film won Saturn Awards for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture and Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release in 2015.
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  • Big Hero 6
    7

    Big Hero 6

    Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, T.J. Miller
    1,594 votes
    In the animated blockbuster Big Hero 6, Hiro Hamada (voiced by Ryan Potter), a tech-savvy teenager, uncovers a criminal plot. His brother Tadashi's (Daniel Henney) creation, Baymax (Scott Adsit), an inflatable healthcare robot, becomes an unlikely companion. Together they assemble a team: adrenaline junkie GoGo Tomago (Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), and fanboy Fred (T.J. Miller). Set in the hybrid city of San Fransokyo, this action-packed adventure won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2015. The film is a unique fusion of robotics, friendship, and superhero genre elements that makes for a fun ride.
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  • The Lego Movie
    8

    The Lego Movie

    Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman
    2,067 votes
    The Lego Movie is a whimsical adventure, seamlessly blending animation and comedy. The story follows an ordinary LEGO minifigure, Emmet (Chris Pratt), who is mistakenly identified as a prophesied 'Master Builder'. This unexpected hero joins a fellowship of strangers, including the spirited Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) and sage Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman), on an epic quest to thwart the evil plans of Lord Business (Will Ferrell). A unique mix of humor and heart, The Lego Movie won the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film in 2015. It's a joyride through a vibrant, plastic-brick universe that celebrates creativity and challenges conformity.
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  • Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
    9

    Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

    Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
    1,738 votes
    In Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, a post-apocalyptic world is ruled by genetically evolved apes, led by Caesar (Andy Serkis). The fragile peace with surviving humans, reeling from a devastating virus, hangs in the balance. As tensions rise, both sides teeter on the brink of war. In this gripping sequel, director Matt Reeves explores themes of survival, conflict, and loyalty. Notably, it received an Academy Award nomination for its groundbreaking visual effects. A captivating blend of science fiction and drama, it's a tale of two civilizations grappling for coexistence.
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  • Edge of Tomorrow
    10

    Edge of Tomorrow

    Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson
    1,770 votes
    In the gripping sci-fi action flick, Edge of Tomorrow, Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) finds himself caught in a time loop during an alien invasion. Unprepared for combat, his repeated deaths become a learning curve. With each revival, he grows stronger, smarter, more adept. Alongside him is Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), a seasoned warrior known as the Full Metal Bitch. Together, they strategize to defeat the hostile extraterrestrials. Directed by Doug Liman and based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel All You Need Is Kill, this movie presents an enthralling blend of high-stakes battles and mind-bending temporal twists.
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  • The Grand Budapest Hotel
    11

    The Grand Budapest Hotel

    Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric
    1,731 votes
    In the visually stunning and quirky The Grand Budapest Hotel, we follow the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel. His trusted friend, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), a lobby boy turned millionaire, recounts their escapades during the tumultuous times between two World Wars. Their journey involves stolen Renaissance art, an escalating family dispute over an immense fortune, and a dramatic prison escape. This Wes Anderson movie won four Academy Awards and is known for its distinctive comedic style and intricate storytelling.
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  • The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies
    12

    The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies

    Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
    1,807 votes
    In The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) finds himself in a perilous predicament. The dragon Smaug has been defeated, but the aftermath leaves the dwarves of Erebor and their leader Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) grappling with greed. As tensions mount, five armies converge for a decisive battle that will shape Middle-Earth's destiny. This epic fantasy adventure, directed by Peter Jackson, is an intense culmination to The Hobbit trilogy. With grand battles, compelling characters, and a riveting plotline, this film showcases the struggle for power and survival in a world on the brink of war.
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  • 22 Jump Street
    13

    22 Jump Street

    Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare
    1,813 votes
    In 22 Jump Street, officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are back on the beat. This time, their assignment takes them undercover at a local college where they're tasked with cracking down on a new drug menace. The sequel to 21 Jump Street weaves together comedy and action in a plot that's as unpredictable as it is hilarious. As Schmidt and Jenko navigate fraternity drama, football games, and their own friendship woes, they find themselves questioning if they can really make this partnership work. 22 Jump Street won the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance (Hill).
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  • The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1
    14

    The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1

    Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
    1,905 votes
    The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 unfolds as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) becomes the face of a mass rebellion against the autocratic Capitol. After surviving back-to-back Hunger Games, she's thrust into the role of the Mockingjay, an emblem of hope for the oppressed districts. Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), her fellow tribute and complicated ally, remains captive under President Snow's (Donald Sutherland) ruthless regime. The film is a high-stakes dystopian drama, filled with political intrigue and action. It marks a shift from survival games to full-blown warfare, setting the stage for an epic showdown in its sequel.
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  • Whiplash
    15

    Whiplash

    Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
    1,274 votes
    In the gripping drama Whiplash, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a young jazz drummer, seeks to climb the ranks at a prestigious music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an esteemed yet terrifying conductor, becomes his mentor and tormentor in equal measures. The movie delves into their intense relationship, punctuated by Fletcher's relentless pursuit of perfection and Neiman's obsessive ambition. This thrilling narrative won three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Simmons. Whiplash is a riveting exploration of dedication, discipline, and the high price of artistic brilliance.
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  • How to Train Your Dragon 2
    16

    How to Train Your Dragon 2

    Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler
    1,317 votes
    Five years have passed since Hiccup and Toothless united the dragons and Vikings of Berk. Now, they spend their time charting the island's unmapped territories. During one of their adventures, the pair discover a secret cave that houses hundreds of wild dragons -- and a mysterious dragon rider who turns out to be Hiccup's long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Hiccup and Toothless then find themselves at the center of a battle to protect Berk from a power-hungry warrior named Drago.
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  • The Imitation Game
    17

    The Imitation Game

    Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
    1,247 votes
    In the heart of World War II, mathematics genius Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) finds himself at the helm of a covert team of code-breakers. Their mission? To crack Germany's Enigma Code, a feat deemed impossible by many. Keira Knightley stars as Joan Clarke, Turing's confidante and fellow code-breaker. The Imitation Game is a gripping biographical drama that delves into the complexities of war, secrecy, and identity. This acclaimed film garnered eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won for Best Adapted Screenplay. A tale of intellect against odds, it's an exploration of a hidden chapter in history.
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  • Maleficent
    18

    Maleficent

    Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley
    1,546 votes
    Dive into the magical realm of Maleficent, a captivating fantasy film that reimagines a classic fairy tale. The story unveils the untold past of Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), one of Disney's most iconic villains, from the 1959 animation 'Sleeping Beauty'. As a young girl, Maleficent lives in an enchanting forest kingdom until an invading army threatens her tranquility. Betrayed by Stefan (Sharlto Copley), she seeks revenge and places a curse on his newborn daughter, Aurora (Elle Fanning). This twist of fate leads to an unexpected alliance and reveals the true meaning of being evil. The movie is peppered with visually stunning scenes, gripping narratives, and unforgettable performances.
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  • John Wick
    19

    John Wick

    Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
    1,104 votes
    Legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden death leaves John in deep mourning. When sadistic mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his thugs steal John's prized car and kill the puppy that was a last gift from his wife, John unleashes the remorseless killing machine within and seeks vengeance. Meanwhile, Iosef's father (Michael Nyqvist) -- John's former colleague -- puts a huge bounty on John's head.
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  • Nightcrawler
    20

    Nightcrawler

    Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton
    1,264 votes
    Nightcrawler is a gripping exploration into the underbelly of Los Angeles after dark. The film's protagonist, Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), is a driven yet desperate man craving success. He stumbles upon the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism and finds his calling. Armed with a camcorder and police scanner, he prowls the city's twilight hours for news-worthy crimes. As he delves deeper, the lines between observer and participant blur alarmingly. His relationship with Nina Romina (Rene Russo), a seasoned news director who takes a chance on him, adds another layer to the narrative. Nightcrawler was lauded for its unflinching portrayal of media sensationalism and moral ambiguity. The film doesn't shy away from shining a light on society's darkest corners, resulting in an intense cinematic experience that leaves viewers questioning the nature of success at any cost.
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  • Fury
    21

    Fury

    Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
    1,240 votes
    In April 1945, the Allies are making their final push in the European theater. A battle-hardened Army sergeant named Don "Wardaddy" Collier (Brad Pitt), leading a Sherman tank and a five-man crew, undertakes a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Hopelessly outnumbered, outgunned and saddled with an inexperienced soldier (Logan Lerman) in their midst, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds as they move to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.
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  • The Equalizer
    22

    The Equalizer

    Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz
    1,042 votes
    Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), a man of mysterious origin who believes he has put the past behind him, dedicates himself to creating a quiet new life. However, when he meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a teenager who has been manhandled by violent Russian mobsters, he simply cannot walk away. With his set of formidable skills, McCall comes out of self-imposed retirement and emerges as an avenging angel, ready to take down anyone who brutalizes the helpless.
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  • The Maze Runner
    23

    The Maze Runner

    Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Aml Ameen
    1,151 votes
    Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), a teenager, arrives in a glade at the center of a giant labyrinth. Like the other youths dumped there before him, he has no memory of his previous life. Thomas quickly becomes part of the group and soon after demonstrates a unique perspective that scores him a promotion to Runner status -- those who patrol the always-changing maze to find an escape route. Together with Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), the only female, Thomas tries to convince his cohorts that he knows a way out.
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  • Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
    24

    Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

    Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson
    767 votes
    When the exhibits at New York's Natural History Museum start behaving strangely, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) -- now the director of nighttime operations -- must find out the cause. He learns that the Tablet, which magically brings Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and the other exhibits to life at night, has started to decay. Larry, along with his son and museum friends, must travel to London's British Museum to learn how to prevent the Tablet's magic from disappearing.
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  • Godzilla
    25

    Godzilla

    Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen
    241 votes
    In Godzilla, humanity faces a colossal threat as ancient super-species emerge, challenging our existence. Among them, the mighty Godzilla rises, clashing with malevolent adversaries while humanity grapples with these titans' awakening and their potential destruction of civilization.
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  • The Fault in Our Stars
    26

    The Fault in Our Stars

    Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Willem Dafoe
    1,246 votes
    The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant tale of love and loss, crafted within the genre of romantic drama. The narrative revolves around Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), an intelligent teenager battling cancer, and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a charismatic boy she meets at a support group. Their shared experiences and resilience weave an extraordinary love story that transcends the ordinary. This critically acclaimed movie, based on John Green's best-selling novel, won the 2014 MTV Movie Award for Movie of the Year. It explores themes of mortality, love, and sacrifice with raw authenticity, delivering a compelling cinematic experience.
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  • The Theory of Everything
    27

    The Theory of Everything

    Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Emily Watson
    1,019 votes
    The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne). The narrative unfolds, revealing his ground-breaking work in physics and his battle with ALS. Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), Hawkings's first wife, plays a pivotal role in his life and their relationship forms the emotional crux of the film. Directed by James Marsh, this movie won Redmayne an Academy Award for Best Actor. It's a poignant exploration of love, ambition, and resilience against all odds.
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  • The Judge
    28

    The Judge

    Robert Downey, Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga
    295 votes
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    Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr.), a brilliant but shady attorney, returns to his Indiana hometown after learning that his mother has passed away. His arrival triggers renewed tension between himself and his father, Judge Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall), who makes no secret of his disapproval of Hank's morally ambiguous career. As the lawyer prepares to depart, his father is arrested for a hit-and-run death. Hank takes on his father's defense, despite the objections of the resentful old man.
  • Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
    29

    Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

    Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Norton
    1,534 votes
    Birdman is a black comedy-drama, a tour-de-force of cinema from director Alejandro González Iñárritu. The story revolves around Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a washed-up Hollywood actor known for his role as the superhero Birdman. In an attempt to reclaim his past glory and artistic credibility, he directs and stars in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver's short story What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. Balancing his deteriorating personal life with professional challenges, Riggan grapples with self-doubt, ego, and his alter-ego Birdman. Aided by stellar performances from Emma Stone (as Sam, Riggan's daughter) and Edward Norton (as Mike Shiner, a volatile method actor), Birdman earned four Academy Awards in 2015 including Best Picture and Best Director.
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  • Paddington
    30

    Paddington

    Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters
    152 votes
    After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear (Ben Whishaw) makes his way to England in search of a new home. The bear, dubbed "Paddington" for the london train station, finds shelter with the family of Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins). Although Paddington's amazement at urban living soon endears him to the Browns, someone else has her eye on him: Taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has designs on the rare bear and his hide.
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