Best-Reviewed Movies 2014 – Limited Release

Selma (2014)
99%

Adjusted Score: 114161%

Critics Consensus: Fueled by a gripping performance from David Oyelowo, Selma draws inspiration and dramatic power from the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. -- but doesn't ignore how far we remain from the ideals his work embodied.

Synopsis: Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it... [More]

Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Giovanni Ribisi

Directed By: Ava DuVernay

Life Itself (2014)
98%

Adjusted Score: 107463%

Critics Consensus: Rich in detail and warmly affectionate, Life Itself offers a joyful yet poignant tribute to a critical cinematic legacy.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Steve James chronicles the life of film critic Roger Ebert, especially his career highlights, his battle with alcohol, and... [More]

Starring: Roger Ebert, Ava DuVernay, Chaz Ebert

Directed By: Steve James

Gloria (2013)
100%

Adjusted Score: 105506%

Critics Consensus: Marvelously directed by Sebastian Lelio and beautifully led by a powerful performance from Paulina Garcia, Gloria takes an honest, sweetly poignant look at a type of character that's all too often neglected in Hollywood.

Synopsis: An aging divorcee (Paulina García) embarks on an intense affair with a man (Sergio Hernández) she picked up at a... [More]

Starring: Paulina García, Sergio Hernández, Diego Fontecilla, Coca Guazzini

Directed By: Sebastián Lelio

Whiplash (2014)
94%

Adjusted Score: 108798%

Critics Consensus: Intense, inspiring, and well-acted, Whiplash is a brilliant sophomore effort from director Damien Chazelle and a riveting vehicle for stars J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller.

Synopsis: Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite... [More]

Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser

Directed By: Damien Chazelle

The Babadook (2014)
98%

Adjusted Score: 109846%

Critics Consensus: The Babadook relies on real horror rather than cheap jump scares -- and boasts a heartfelt, genuinely moving story to boot.

Synopsis: Six years after the violent death of her husband, Amelia (Essie Davis) is at a loss. She struggles to discipline... [More]

Starring: Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney

Directed By: Jennifer Kent

Starred Up (2013)
99%

Adjusted Score: 103896%

Critics Consensus: Smart, hard-hitting, and queasily realistic, Starred Up is an instant classic of U.K. prison cinema.

Synopsis: An explosive teenager runs into his equally violent father after being switched to an adult prison from a facility for... [More]

Starring: Ben Mendelsohn, Rupert Friend, Jack O'Connell, Sam Spruell

Directed By: David Mackenzie

Snowpiercer (2013)
94%

Adjusted Score: 106419%

Critics Consensus: Snowpiercer offers an audaciously ambitious action spectacular for filmgoers numb to effects-driven blockbusters.

Synopsis: A post-apocalyptic ice age forces humanity's last survivors aboard a globe-spanning supertrain. One man (Chris Evans) will risk everything to... [More]

Starring: Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell

Directed By: Bong Joon Ho

Jodorowsky's Dune (2013)
97%

Adjusted Score: 102049%

Critics Consensus: Part thoughtful tribute, part bittersweet reminder of a missed opportunity, Jodorowsky's Dune offers a fascinating look at a lost sci-fi legend.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky discusses how he would have adapted Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel "Dune" for the big screen.... [More]

Starring: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Amanda Lear, Brontis Jodorowsky, Chris Foss

Directed By: Frank Pavich

Mr. Turner (2014)
97%

Adjusted Score: 105997%

Critics Consensus: Led by a masterful performance from Timothy Spall and brilliantly directed by Mike Leigh, Mr. Turner is a superior Hollywood biopic.

Synopsis: Eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (Timothy Spall) lives his last 25 years with gusto and secretly becomes involved with a... [More]

Starring: Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson, Dorothy Atkinson, Marion Bailey

Directed By: Mike Leigh

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