Listmania Decades: My Favorite Prequels, Sequels, Remakes, and Reboots of the Decade (2010's)

Scene from How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

With 2019 marking the end of a decade, it's time to commemorate the past 10 years with the help of Listmania Decades. Over this year's 12 months, the series will look at a variety of different styles of film in order to highlight everything that made this period unique and exciting. While this isn't meant as a collection of the greatest films ever released, it's more meant as a highlight of films that I would consider to be among my favorite, or ones that are worth remembering in the future. So please feel free to join me every 19th of the month to highlight a new entry that will highlight 25 films that exemplified a certain field of cinema. There's a lot of great work out there, and this list barely captures the bulk of it. Feel free to leave your favorites in the comments so that we can find more to appreciate before this year is through.

THIS MONTH: More than August, September tends to be a dead month as far as thematic movies. Whereas July has blockbusters and October has horror, September is a time of filler, where anything goes. With that in mind, it feels like a good time to look back on a few things that have become crucial to the pop culture conversation: sequels, prequels, remakes, and reboots. Love or hate them, they are crucial to the modern film diet and are everywhere from mainstream cinema to the small art-house movies. The following is a list of films that were inspired by another piece of entertainment (in a few cases TV was allowed for "reboot" or "remake" territory). While these aren't always the most original stories, they manage to excel above the low standards and have made great art in the process.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

The first outing with the Guardians of the Galaxy was fun, but it was nothing new in the way of cinema. Turns out it was only the set-up for this masterpiece of space operatics. It's a story that pits nuclear families against the real thing with a great turn by Kurt Russell as a man who can create planets from thin air. It's the funniest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as one of the most satisfying third acts, managing to get into some surreal and insane imagery while being a quasi-musical. It's an ambitious crossroads of ideas coming together with some of the most vibrant cinematography of any big-budgeted blockbuster this decade. There hasn't been a film this unique or fun from any studio that matches the opening credits sequence. It's a lovable weird film that deserves your respect, even if you don't love sci-fi or fantasy.

2. Before Midnight (2013)

While it does seem likely that director Richard Linklater will better be remembered this decade for Boyhood, a lot of credit should be given to his other time-challenging drama. Before Midnight is the third film in an unlikely series that follows one could over the course of decades. The previous two were deeply rooted in the young romance that we all love to fantasize about. What makes the unexpected third entry a masterpiece on another level is how it ages the characters realistically. They have families now, their good looks are fading, and conversation about fading into irrelevance haunts every conversation. It helps that Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have developed one of the most affecting chemistries of any couple on film. You buy into their achievements as well as their heartbreak, and the finale is a beautifully piercing reminder of how deep love can go for us all. It's still unclear if there will be a fourth film, though that's as predictable as this film existing. Still, here's hoping that if that day should come that it maintains the beauty and wisdom that this series so lovingly captures in every single piece of dialogue.

3. Logan (2017)

Up until Avengers: Endgame, it seemed like the idea of actors retiring from their roles was the perfect punchline. Who would think of walking away from the fame and iconic role that would make hundreds of millions simply for showing up? For Hugh Jackman, Logan was the end of the road and few directors deserved to take him out like James Mangold. It's not only the best X-Men movie by several miles, but it's also the perfect encapsulation of the genre. Jackman is still strong, but his subtle withering shows a man who cannot save the world forever. Alongside an excellent performance by Laua Kinney as X-23, the film explores what it means to grow old and lose the desire to be a hero, and what keeps us doing it. There's so much power packed into the drama of this film, managing to be the most mature and violent film in the series. It's a farewell to an icon the likes of which the Marvel Cinematic Universe has yet to achieve. Farewell, Logan. Cinema was better for having you.

4. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

Among the animated franchise this decade, the only one that could compete with Disney was Dreamworks' incredible How to Train Your Dragon series. Not only were the stories filled with action and emotion, but the visuals were some of the strongest in the realm of CGI. By the time its conclusion came around, the series was confident enough to make a powerhouse of a film that managed to say goodbye while playing with the form. Toothless remains one of the best cartoon characters, managing to charm you with nothing more than a smile. It's a world that is better for having existed, even if the ending is far from the easy out many would want. It's a happy one, but it's one that sticks with the series' desire for humans and dragons to coexist peacefully. It's bittersweet for being gone, but the journeys of Hiccup and Toothless are great for what they have taught us about nature and ourselves. 

5. Les Miserables (2012)

While one could argue that there have been better movie musicals released this decade, few have felt as bawdy, ambitious, strange, and sometimes missing the mark entirely. As flawed as director Tom Hooper's take of the Tony-winning musical is, it's still hard not to love on some strange level thanks to how it swings for the fences. Sure, Russell Crowe can't sing and the editing is at times a bit off, but there's still moments of sublime cinema such as Anne Hathaway singing a soul-crushing rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream." Hooper got flack for his close-up camera work on a story that was expansive, but it helps to capture the deeper emotion of its characters. It's likely that the film's divisiveness will make many question why it's here, but for me it's an embodiment of what an epic musical could be. There's probably a more perfect version that could've been done, but it still packs a punch for me every time. If you can get on its wavelength, I'm sure you'll agree.

6. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Of every Oscar-nominated film of the decade, few feel as unprecedented or groundbreaking as the fourth film in director George Romero's Mad Max series. On paper, it should've been a failure. However, it ended up being one of the most delightfully experimental action films that raised conversation about feminism thanks to Charlize Theron's excellent performance as Furiosa. It's a film that proved that the economy of film doesn't need endless exposition and set-up to give audiences an enjoyable time. All it really needs is a bunch of cars driving in the desert and people swinging from poles. It's a perfect distillation of madness, and one that puts every other car movie of the 21st century to shame. In an era where they sequels are the norm, it's incredible to realize not only that Romero's fourth entry resonates, but that it shows how much more interesting studio cinema could be with people who know how to have fun (and probably have good insurance agents).

7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

There were few franchises that felt like they didn't need a reboot quite as much as Planet of the Apes, which last appeared in a notorious Tim Burton-directed bomb. All it took was Andy Serkis and a cast of motion-capture actors bringing the apes to life to change people's mind. Suddenly there was a sense of purpose, making the franchise darker and capable of wilder achievements. Their first outing remains one of the finest achievements in special effects this decade, especially as Caesar grows up from a baby to the radical leader. The Golden State Bridge scene is also one of the most delightful and kinetic action scenes of the decade, managing to show the expanse of what this franchise was going for. Not only were the effects good, but the film proved that you could sympathize with a digital rendering of an ape with the right performance. Serkis continues to be overdue for an Oscar when this franchise started, now it feels criminal that he's ignored.

8. Pete's Dragon (2016)

It's exhausting to look at the recent trend of Disney live-action remakes and see all of the missed potentials on display. Why remake a classic without any of the whimsy? Luckily director David Lowery is one of few who got the memo and took the silly world of the original Mickey Rooney-lead film and gave it a mature indie sensibility. Yes, it's still a fantastic family movie full of spectacle and awe, but the emotions are richer and capture a sense of wonder that is hard to ignore. Elliott is another one of the best characters of the decade, managing to update the dragon's look into something more realistic and dog-like as he plays around in the forest with Pete. It's a beautiful bonding and friendship, and there are very few Disney films that resonate from this decade as much as this one. 

9. Step Up 3D (2010)

In a world of endless franchises, there have been few as unappreciated as the Step Up franchise. Over the course of five films, the series reflected some of the best and most innovative ways to bust a move on the big screen. Along with a breakthrough work by director Jon M. Chu, the third entry encapsulated the series best by bringing a new dimension to the dance. It's as much an art piece as it is a story of misfits coming together. With a great central cast and an upbeat soundtrack, the camera whirls around the characters with such ease that it becomes a powerful statement on dance in general. There's power in every frame and with characters exuding great chemistry, this is a one of a kind achievement made better by its excellent writing and direction.

10. Widows (2018)

Few fiction writers have had as great of a decade as Gillian Flynn, whose work with Gone Girl and the TV series Sharp Objects has made her an essential voice in modern crime fiction. Her unique depiction of women stuck in compromising positions has produced some of the most memorable, controversial depictions in quite some time. However, her work with director Steve McQueen may be among her best... and it's not even based on her own work. The adaptation of an 80's TV series has an all-star cast lead by Viola Davis that explores women who are forced to perform a heist to close deals set up by their deceased husbands. It's a novel concept made better by the tense direction and how the story becomes a tale of social struggles that inform why we do bad things in the first place. It may have bombed at the box office, but the film will hopefully continue to be reappraised as the years roll on and its genius continues to be discovered from every one of its standout, excellent moments.

11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

In a career full of bold decisions, director David Fincher's "franchise for grown-ups" film is maybe one of his most daunting thanks to a mix of its dark subject matter, a humongous budget, and a running time of almost three hours. It's a bold move, and one that isolated audiences at the time. Still, it's one of those rare achievements as an adaptation of a Swedish murder mystery book that perfectly brought an American sensibility without losing the point. Its ambitions are perfectly met by a career-making performance by Rooney Mara whose shameless embodiment of protagonist Lisbeth Salander is radical, intense, and makes her small frame feel intimidating. The cold atmosphere brings a touch of intrigue to the story and the methodical pacing allows for the audience to not only get to the heart of the mystery, but explore one of pop culture's most enigmatic icons. As superhero cinema continues to dominate, it's easy to argue that the R-Rated adult franchise is a thing that will never again exist. Even the film's "sequel" (The Girl in the Spider's Web) was knocked down to a paltry PG-13. If for no other reason, the edginess of this film reflects a yearning for a world of cinema that could've been far more interesting and strange than the one we have. 

12. Toy Story 4 (2019)

Following the gut-wrenching "finale" that was Toy Story 3, Pixar returns to their flagship series for one last outing. The question is: was it worth it? For those who felt this was Andy's story, it is not. For those who see it as Woody's reflection on his place in the world, then this is the masterful swan song that we deserve. With excellent new characters (notably Forky and Duke Kaboom), the visit to a carnival uncovers the familiar struggles of toys to find meaning in their own lives, free of any masters to love them. It's one of their most creative films to date, managing to turn an antique store into a landscape of visual splendor. The team is here once again with plenty of great moments that remind you why this franchise has resonated for a quarter-century. There's nothing like a fork in the middle of an existential crisis, and in some ways, that's enough to get us thinking of our own mortality. This is the story of a toy looking for his place in the world, and it's a powerful reflection of that struggle.

13. The Beguiled (2017)

It may seem like the unlikely choice for remakes, but director Sofia Coppola's choice to update the Clint Eastwood drama worked out very well. With an all-star cast of female actors (lead by the always great Nicole Kidman), the story becomes a sadistic post-Civil War drama about how men corrupt the world. It's sleight in its humor and presents a tale that is winding with tense moments. Few directors have developed a reputation quite like Coppola at bringing the female ennui to its cinematic potential. This ranks among her best work and one of the best period pieces, if just for the gorgeous costume design and cinematography that elevates the story into the realm of wonderful southern gothic. 

14. The Avengers (2012)

This is it. This is where the modern era of superhero cinema truly starts. Up to this point, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was just a cute idea that might have not to work. Nowadays, it seems funny that a film featuring characters from THREE franchises crossing over was considered ambitious. However, it gets to the core of what makes these films downright exciting to watch. It's in seeing the characters fight together, where everyone is alongside each other in an iconic shot that hasn't been forgotten yet. This is the triumphant memo sent to the world that Marvel was here to dominate pop culture and it wasn't going to let go. Many franchises have tried to make a film like The Avengers in the seven years since, but none have figured out how to do it as purely and entertainingly as here. 

15. A Star is Born (2018)

As far as remakes go, there haven't been many as ambitious this decade as Bradley Cooper's directorial debut. The film feels like a burden of love thanks to Cooper's ability to create one of the richest soundtracks of the decade full of catchy numbers ("Shallow") and one of the most ambiguous bad songs ("Why Did You Do That Me?"). There's so much to unpack from the film, and that includes the career-best performance by Lady Gaga, who is born into the role so perfectly that she makes every second all the more magnetic. She's more emotional than she ever has been, and her meta-narrative manages to spike with pain and humor. As far as remakes go, this is one that does the job perfectly of updating the source material for a modern age, making an 80-year-old story feel relevant. It's the movie magic that is often promised but rarely achieved. It's simple and to the point, and all the better for it.

16. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

It always seemed doomed to happen, but a giant, R-Rated sequel to Blade Runner always felt like a gamble that even Denis Villeneuve couldn't overcome in a three-hour epic. Still, it's what makes the film, in particular, a fascinating franchise film, if just because of how sparse the epic is even when it's exploring deeper themes against a gorgeous color-pallet. It isn't just a cash grab of a sequel, it's a legitimate expansion of the world that makes it even more cryptic and exciting. Those willing to get on board with its creeping energy will appreciate all that it achieves, even as Hans Zimmer's score radiates through your bones. It's a provocative film that never lets up, and its singularity is striking. Few films take as many risks like this, and that's refreshing to see, even as you know it's probably doomed to a box office bomb fate.

17. The Great Gatsby (2013)

In some ways, choosing director Baz Luhrmann to remake a film about one of the greatest American novels in history is boneheaded. He is a self-indulgent filmmaker who is likely to fill a scene with lush visuals and manic music choices that are, at best, idiosyncratic. Then once you realize why "The Great Gatsby" has aged very well, you'll understand why there wasn't a better choice. It was because of his love of the heightened style and form that the film is allowed to become a full-out melodrama full of a Jay-Z-compiled soundtrack of modern pop and hip-hop tunes that make the dance scenes electrify with pzazz. It's hard not to love also that it's one of Leonardo DiCaprio's most charismatic performances, managing to reflect the charm of Jay Gatsby with nothing more than a smile. It's a perfect tribute to a novel about the flaws of an indulgent lifestyle, and thankfully Luhrmann's faithfulness to the novel makes even the tragic finale's emotional depth land. Few could pull the film off as well as he did, even if he took some liberties to get there.

18. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

It is likely that your grandchildren or even great-grandchildren will not know what it's like to live in a world not populated with new Star Wars movies. While the release schedule has been shaken up, later on, The Force Awakens reintroduced the franchise to a new generation, reflecting how the mistakes of the past influence the future. It helps that Rey (Daisy Ridley) is one of the strongest protagonists of the decade, managing to reflect a modern sensibility as she tries to understand her place in the world. While The Last Jedi was more divisive and ambitious, there's something reassuring about The Force Awakens starting things off on such a surefire note, hitting every mark that would go on to define the franchise. Every part of this film exists as a plea to keep the force alive, and thankfully director J.J. Abrams made a very convincing case. 

19. IT: Chapter One (2017)

For what it's worth, every Stephen King movie claims to be scary. After all, they all fall in the camp of horror that features monsters and supernatural forces coming to rattle our senses. However, director Andy Muschietti is only the second filmmaker to take on his most popular novel "IT," which comes out like a wrecking ball in the R-Rated form. Mixing Amblin-awe with King's horror allows the first entry to be the most powerful, the scariest adaptation of King in decades. The child actors have a chemistry that is impeccable, managing to be both rude but also charming as they navigate the world as their traumas form. Also in the mix is the excellent performance by Bill Skarsgard, whose Pennywise is a demented joy to watch, recreating the character into his own demented image. While Chapter Two is messier, the Muscietti films as a whole are some of the most ambitious horrors that a studio has released this decade, and one of the most ambitious takes on King this century. There's nothing like this version of IT, even if it's far from perfect. It's still an incredible ride. 

20. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

How do you make a sequel to a film about male exotic dancers? Why by taking them on the road of course! The results are less rooted in a conventional narrative and more give in to the magic of dance and the joys of the human body. As a result, it's one of those lucid dreams of a film, managing to exist solely by the joyful movements and celebration of life. Even if this fails to have a compelling plot, it still manages to invite you in and care about every moment, whether it's dancing to the Backstreet Boys at a gas station, or performing at a convention in Florida. It's all about the fun of being alive, and no film makes you feel that way better than this.

21. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

To some extent The Hunger Games franchise never quite became the phenomenon it was promised to be in 2012. Sure, it helped launch Jennifer Lawrence's career, but the politically active quadrilogy was met with scrutiny as it worked within a studio system. However, the third time was the charm for the series as it captured a 21st century take on activism that the others failed to do. With protagonist Katniss Everdeen worn from the plight of evil, she turns to modes that could be described as social media to convey her message. Cameras are on, catchy songs send messages further than simple statements. There's power in every frame as Lawrence creates urgency and desire for change. It may suffer from being part one of a two-part story (the latter of which is more of the same old action), but it conveys so much of what a modern activist is that it would be wrong to ignore its impact as a film and the message it conveys to a young generation.

22. Wonder Woman (2017)

There was so much pressure put on this film to simply be good. Not only was it because it followed a string of maligned D.C. Extended Universe entries, but also because it would be the first female superhero to be taken seriously. Thankfully, it ended up being the juggernaut that the studio wanted and director Patty Jenkins broke myths that unfortunately held in Hollywood for several decades. The most notable was that female superheroes could lead a film and have it be successful and downright entertaining and inspiring. While it's too early to determine just how much things will change, the performance by Gal Gadot is a thing of wonder, literally. It gives hope that the next decade will have a lot more women leading films both on-screen and behind the scenes. One could hope, as she has for several decades, that Wonder Woman is a symbol of hope for everyone and not just a strange anomaly. 

23. Shin Godzilla (2016)

If you're stateside, you'll know Godzilla as having a popular resurgence in the MonsterVerse. However, it's no comparison to the Japanese interpretation, which updates the character in the wake of natural disasters. Much like the original interpretations of the character, this one is a giant metaphor about the global disaster by taking on a more grotesque Godzilla who levels cities in some of the most harrowing photography of the decade. It's also full of great character development as scientists and politicians do their best to understand how to fight the monster. Is there really any answer that doesn't involve some destruction? Not exactly. Still, just as American audiences think they understand the kaiju king, Japan delivers one of the most brutal takes on the character, leaving the world to catch up to an unobtainable goal.

24. Mirror Mirror (2012)

No, this is not a Disney remake. It's actually an adaptation of the original Grimm's fairytale with some of the most lavish set designs and slapstick imaginable. With one of Julia Roberts' strongest performances in years, she plays the White Queen as she fears Snow's ability to be more beautiful than her. With a great supporting performance by the humorous Armie Hammer, the film ends up being a reminder of how adapting familiar source material can go into interesting new corners, such as updating to modern sensibilities. Lily Collins is a charming lead, managing to make this ridiculous little tale into a joyful time at the movies and one reminder of how much better live-action family entertainment could be.

25. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Was there really a need for a Mary Poppins sequel? Not exactly. In fact, this film sort of suffers if you compare them too much. However, one can judge its achievements by how well it has updated the MGM-era musical for the modern age. Few films (for some reason) are confident enough to be this driven by song and elaborate dance numbers that will get stuck in your head. It's the whimsiest film of the decade, full of elaborate spectacle that exists solely to put a smile on your face. The results are silly fun and serve as a solid update of the Mary Poppins mythology. Even if Emily Blunt is no Julie Andrews, she still is the next best thing, managing to make the character her own and make the journey ahead into something worthy of this adaptation.