Here it is! The films of 2018 that caught my attention.

During the last year I watched 202 films that were released during the year.

That’s one more than the year before.

No film that premiered in 2017 is on this list. Also, no film that premiered in 2019 will be on this list. These are my choices for the best films of 2018.

You may disagree with me, but you definitely should see the film before you make a decision. Rent the film, borrow it or buy it so you can see what you are missing.

Here is my list for the first half list from back in June: “Adrift,” “America Animals,” “Beast,” “Breath,” “Chappaquiddick,” “Foxtrot,” “Incredibles 2,” “Isle of Dogs,” “Lean on Pete.” “Paddington 2,” “Peter Rabbit,” “A Quiet Place,” “Ready Player One,” “The Rider,” “Tully,” and “Upgrade.” Out of these 16 films from the first half of the year, three of them made the final list of 10.

Here is the final list of my favorite films of 2018 in reverse order.

10. “Lean on Pete” — A boy and a horse story that is quite moving, but also very harsh. This is not a simple or sweet film but it is often powerful.

9. “America Animals” — A great crime film told by the actors and the real-life players in this robbery. I knew nothing about the film when I entered in the theatre, but I find myself thinking of it often months since I have seen it.

8. “Tully” — Most parents will relate at least somewhat with the struggles with a newborn. I still remember walking my son at a.m. However, this film is about much more than a newborn in the house. I saw it many months ago, but I it still stays with me.

7. “BlacKKKlansman” — An often hilarious film about a serious issue. It is sad that hate is still a hobby in our nation, but this film speaks loudly about how wrong racism is. Spike Lee should have got an Oscar for “Do the Right Thing” many years ago. Maybe he will get one this awards season.

6. “Can You Ever Forgive Me” — Melissa McCarthy deserves the Oscar for playing a real-life forger. The film is very good but McCarthy is amazing. And what makes the story so stunning, is the fact that it is based on a true story.

5. “Vice” — I am not a fan of Dick Chaney, the vice president for George W. Bush, but I like him more than I did before I saw the film. I also enjoyed the film quite a bit. After all, I am placing it in my fifth slot.

4. “If Beale Street Could Talk” — I went into this film knowing absolutely nothing about the motion picture. The more I watched the more captivated I became. I especially liked the broken storyline. I had no idea where I was going, but I did not want to get off and never know what happened.

3. “A Star Is Born” — There have been several versions of this story, but this one is something special. Again I went in not knowing what to expect but I came out wowed. I did not think I would like it as much as I did. And that does not even include the music. My toes were tapping throughout.

2. “Roma” — A story of a large Mexican family living in Mexico City and the young woman who serves the family. There is one moment in that film that I do not believe I will ever forget. It is the most powerful moment in any film this year.

1. “Green Book” — This year it is hard to choose one film. I saw “Green Book” before I saw many of these others and that might be what influences me. Maybe it is the music in the film. Or the performances. Or the issues. I am not sure, but I still think of moments in the film and am planning to watch it again soon.

So, that is 23 films that I liked. Seek them all out. They deserve viewers, as all good cinema does.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope you have a good time at the cinema.

Roger W. Thomas of Albemarle reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.