10 Must See Movies of 2009

After reading Stephen King's list in Entertainment Weekly, I thought I would publish my own list of the 10 movies that you absolutely must see from 2009. These films range from comedy to action, drama to sci-fi. Some are mainstream blockbusters, and some are more obscure. Without further ado, the 10 movies you absolutely must see from 2009.

10. The Informant!

Matt Damon showing comedic range as a corporate whistle blower in this piece of non-fiction. Soderbergh does a fantastic job with the levity of satire while maintaining the integrity of what is ultimately a seriously entertaining film.

9. Moon

Sam Rockwell as a solitary miner on the moon. Far and away the most original piece of science fiction this year, a great simple story with a haunting conclusion.

8. A Serious Man

The Coen brothers continue to etch their place in cinematic history with another plot that is little more than prolonged dialogue and quirky characters.

7. District 9

Amazing film for the budget. Timeless racial overtones and international flavor combined with futuristic weaponry and aliens. A recipe for pure entertainment.

6. The Hangover

By far the funniest film of the year. The trio of Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms complement each others' strengths and give birth to what is most likely going to become a trilogy or more. Unfathomable box office success and DVD sales, this movie has become one of the highest grossing comedies of all time. Galifianakis is emerging as a comic superstar.

5. Star Trek

A huge gamble in resurrecting an historic and fading franchise pays off with an injection of youth and coolness. Throw in new technology with great special effects and a director who blazes his own trail, and there is action galore.

4. Inglorious Basterds

Tarantino. His name is synonymous with wickedly clever screenplays, and tackling one of the most taboo film genres of the 20th century doesn't disappoint. His bold perspective makes for an epic cult classic in the making.

3. The Hurt Locker

Katherine Bigelow may take home the Oscar for direction, and Jeremy Renner leads a small but visceral cast in the edge-of-your-seat film of the year. Bomb defusing in an unforgiving war zone never seemed so real.

2. Avatar

The titanic 3D Imax extravaganza will resonate in the minds of cinemaphiles for years to come. Unlike anything ever seen before, this is the epitome of magical film entertainment. It will be a long time before something this monumental occurs again.

1. Up in the Air

Clooney will notch another Oscar for this light and airy dramedy. All around great, it manages to cause serious reflection on life, relationships, and the baggage that we all carry with us everyday. Jason Reitman will take home serious hardware before his career is finished.