Photo Courtesy of Tribune News Service – ”Inside Out.”

By Tyler Conrad ’17
THE ROUNDUP

Another year has come and gone, leaving behind its own music, television, championships and of course movies.

2015 was undoubtedly a memorable year in cinema across the board, with the return of blockbuster franchises such as “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Jurassic World”, but also providing quality smaller scale treats for movie goers, such as the poignant “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” and the mind-bending “Ex-Machina”.

Whether you prefer lightsabers, historical epics or animated emotions, here, in no particular order, are the best films of 2015.

‘The Martian’

Whether you’re a science fiction junkie or a freshman who procrastinated reading the book, “The Martian” turned out to be one of this year’s most liked films across the board.

Featuring high level intensity throughout and surprisingly funny moments interspersed, the movie easily became a fan-favorite and one that will live on much longer than 2015.

‘Bridge of Spies’

“Bridge of Spies” is the historical movie on this list that your U.S. History teacher told you to see. It’s suspenseful, historically accurate, stars Tom Hanks and is directed by Steven Spielberg. For everyone who loves espionage or low-key historical victories, “Bridge of Spies” is surely the film to check out.

‘Straight Outta Compton’

Next up is the historical movie your U.S. History teacher might not have reccomended, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see it.

The history of one of rap’s most iconic groups is both entertaining, shocking, informative and ultimately saddening. Anyone who considers themself a fan of rap should view this one.

‘Inside Out’

Everyone’s actual favorite movie this year, “Inside Out”, is the standout movie that basically everybody has seen or feels bad that they haven’t seen.

Beautiful animation that transforms philosophy into the most innocent of characters, the film resonates equally with adults and kids. For a great film to take your siblings to (or even yourself) go see “Inside Out”.

‘Jurassic World’

“Jurassic World” was the biggest movie of 2015.

Whether it be an introduction or revisitation to viewers of the series, it seemed to be received well by both, and hopefully served as a reminder and an acceptable follow up to the masterpiece that is the vintage original.

‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’

This year’s “The Fault in Our Stars”, except different and original, and totally awesome.

The movie is laugh out loud hilarious, crushingly heartbreaking and incredibly strong in its theme. Every high-schooler should check this one out (and read the book too!) as 2015’s best coming of age film.

‘Ex-Machina’

Many may not have heard of “Ex-Machina”, but I assure you it rightfully deserves its spot on the list.

A film that follows the struggles of developing artificial intelligence, it is thrilling, suspenseful and extremely meaningful. Anyone who loves science fiction, or philosophy would love “Ex-Machina”.

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

The Marvel movie that made the list, “Age of Ultron” was an action-packed follow up to the immensely successful predecessor. Every comic-book fan, and every non comic-book fan, knows that “The Avengers” are a force to be reckoned with in the movie business.

‘Spotlight’

Rounding out the list is a movie many readers may not have heard of.

However, this film is easily one of the year’s best. “Spotlight” is the true story of a team of journalists who uncover a decade old scandal. Thrilling and intense, but also informative and important, “Spotlight” is a perfectly well-rounded cinematic experience.

Honorable Mentions: “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “Ant Man”, “Spy”, “Furious 7, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”