The 10 Best Films of 2010

here are my picks for the best movies of 2010:

1. “Inception” — Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi action movie about corporate raiders invading other people’s dreams featured a complicated, fascinating plot and stunning action scenes. It was that rare summer blockbuster that not only doesn’t insult your intelligence, but insists that you pay attention and think about what you are watching. (On DVD now)

2. “The Social Network” — Director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s brilliant retelling of the creation of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to billionaire tycoon. Not since Orson Welles took down William Randolph Hearst in “Citizen Kane” has a movie so relentlessly depicted a living — and still powerful — figure in a movie. It’s smart, funny and touching. (On DVD Jan. 11)

3. “The Kids Are All Right” — A smart, beautifully written drama/comedy about two teens who seek out their biological father with surprising results, especially for the children’s lesbian parents. It features terrific performances, especially by Annette Bening as a no-nonsense mom and Mark Ruffalo as the down-to-earth donor. (On DVD now)

4. “True Grit” — The Coen brothers’ remake of the John Wayne classic is a rip-
roaring Western full of great performances and gorgeous moments. It is movie making at its best, with Oscar-nomination-worthy performances by Jeff Bridges in the Wayne role and 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld. (Now playing in theaters)

5. “Black Swan” — This psychological horror story features a heart-breaking, Oscar-nomination-worthy performance by Natalie Portman and brilliant directing by Darren Aronofsky. (Now playing in theaters)

6. “Nowhere Boy” — Sam Taylor-Wood’s touching film biography of John Lennon’s teenage years in Liverpool, England featured a brilliant performance by Aaron Johnson as Lennon, an angry, confused boy caught between the mother who abandoned him and an aunt who raised him. Kristin Scott Thomas was outstanding as Lennon’s reserved but loving aunt. (On DVD Jan. 25)

7. “Never Let Me Go” — A devastating adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian novel about young people raised for spare parts. It’s bleak, but gorgeously directed by Mark Romanek and acted by stars Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley. (On DVD Feb. 1)

8. “Hereafter” — Clint Eastwood’s remarkable rumination on death is an elegant and powerful film. The movie isn’t just a compelling intellectual exercise, though. Eastwood also does a remarkable job of creating characters we connect with and care about. (On DVD in February)

9. “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” — The Swedish-language adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel features a star-making performance by Noomi Rapace, who plays Lisbeth Salander with a hypnotic blend of steely toughness and vulnerability. It’s stylish and suspenseful mystery thriller with unrelenting action sequences. (On DVD now)

10. “Winter’s Bone” — Set in the Missouri Ozarks, director Debra Granik’s stark exploration of poverty and drug abuse is scarier than any horror movie you’ll ever see. Star Jennifer Lawrence gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a teen trying to hunt down her meth-making father. It’s tough to watch, but always compelling. (On DVD now)