Last year was a good year for movies thanks to a healthy dose of indie flicks and the fact Hollywood may be getting their act together – at least in some areas.

I was unable to watch everything I’d hoped for by the time this list was completed, like “A Most Violent Year” and “Two Days, One Night,” however I still hope you will find something interesting that will make you want to go to the theater or plan a movie night with friends.

Here are my favorite movies of 2014 plus a few other enjoyable selections:

1. “The Immigrant”

The year’s best films are masterpieces comprised of artistry and genuine emotional power reminiscent of a classic style rarely seen these days. This is director James Gray’s superb tale of a Polish immigrant struggling to survive in 1920s New York.

The storyline is beyond anything I can describe in this limited space. I will say it nearly drove me to tears. It has become one of my all-time favorites. The stellar performances and lavish production values of Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner as lead characters are just some of the many enjoyments it offers.

2. “Last Days in Vietnam”

This is a captivating documentary about the final days of the U.S. troops in Vietnam and the desperate attempts to evacuate civilians while Northern Vietnamese army closed in on Saigon.

It’s an equally disturbing and inspiring film.  It depicts intense acts of brutality, notable acts of heroism through historical footage and there is also a healthy dose of suspense which makes it feel like a well-crafted thriller. Definitely a film everyone should see.

3. “The Grant Budapest Hotel”

There were plenty of R-rated comedies to choose from this year but none were as hilarious and satisfying as this one. With excellent performances (particularly Ralph Fiennes), clever jokes and a whimsical sense of adventure that only a director like Wes Anderson could conjure up.

This is easily one of the best times I had at the movies last year. If you watch it and don’t understand the first time rest assured a second viewing will be much more enjoyable.

4. “Ida”

Short and simple, yet also complex and emotionally powerful, “Ida” is a rare film these days who shows how religion and art need not be mutually exclusive. The story of a young nun who discovers she is actually Jewish and the subsequent journey to learn about her parents in 1960s Poland is a fascinating experience.

The film is made even more compelling by the black and white cinematography. It’s like an unreleased classic we’ve been waiting 50 years to see.

5. “The Lego Movie”

Who would have thought an animated film that initially looks like a 100-minute commercial for a popular toy line would turn out to be so smart and entertaining? Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller craft a film that is both funny and emotional at key moments.

The talented voice cast ensures the witty dialogue is instantly quotable. Perhaps not-so-ironically, it’s also a great satire against corporate consumerism and government totalitarianism.

6. “Snowpiercer”

Fabled director Bong Joon-ho’s English-language debut is both a great alternative to the usual glut of big-budget Hollywood action flicks and an intriguing piece of social commentary that really hits it mark. This story of the last surviving humans living aboard a train in a wintery, post-apocalyptic Earth has a suitably retro vibe.

It features a fine assortment of interesting characters and stylish action scenes. It’s a perfect combination of brains and brawn we rarely see at the movies anymore.

7. “Joe”

David Gordon Green proves himself one of the best directors working today with “Joe,” a powerful and heartfelt drama that also features a career-best performance from Nicholas Cage as a bonus.

It tells the story of an older man who befriends a young boy trying to escape his alcoholic father while still providing for his mother and sister.

Tye Sheridan and Gary Poulter also give stellar performances as son and father, respectively, and there is no shortage of character depth to provide an emotional edge.

8. “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”

The self-described first ever Iranian vampire Western is also one of the most compelling and ingenious horror films since “Let Me In.”

It isn’t scary, but the gritty style, black and white cinematography and surprisingly emotional moments make it an unforgettable experience which evokes the Gothic roots of its featured monster. It’s just the kind of movie I’d like to watch at a midnight drive-in with a group of friends and a cold beer in hand.

9. “Godzilla”

It’s not often that a blockbuster dares to challenge audiences to really think about why they go see movies in the first place by refusing to follow the usual formula but this is exactly what “Godzilla” does.

And even then, it still manages to be an absolutely mind-blowing experience. The action and special effects serve as worthwhile rewards for patience in what is otherwise an emotional family drama that just happens to have giant monsters in it. Better yet, it still holds up well after multiple viewings.

10. “The Babadook”

This is another superb horror film that intelligently values suspense over gore and proves to be a frightening experience.

What makes it truly unique is not the scares but the relationship between a widowed mother (brilliantly played by Essie Davis) and her emotionally disturbed son.

This drives the story and makes the film work well as an emotionally satisfying family drama. First-time director Jennifer Kent shows great promise in this particular genre and the titular monster just might prevent you from falling asleep at night.

Honorable Mentions:
1. “American Sniper”
2. “Belle”
3. “Big Hero 6”
4. “Camp X-Ray”
5. “Deliver Us From Evil”
6. “The Drop”
7. “Foxcatcher”
8. “Fury”
9. “Muppets Most Wanted”
10. “The Signal”

Runner Up List:
11. “Calvary”
12. “Birdman”
13. “Life Itself”                                                                                                                                                                                                             14. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”
15. “The Homesman”
16. “St. Vincent”
17. “Guardians of the Galaxy”
18. “The Theory of Everything”
19. “A Most Wanted Man”
20. “Locke”