Jonathan Glazer's surreal sci-fi horror demonstrates the climactic heights film can reach as a visual medium when the image rather than dialogue acts as the predominant storytelling device.
Jennifer Kent's poignant horror masterpiece is a close second to Hereditary as my favorite genre film of the past decade, and a profound reflection on the effects of trauma.
A grim anti-war film so profound and technically commanding it would have defined most careers, but for a 29-year-old Stanley Kubrick, it was only a stepping stone.
One of the decade's most successful genre directors, Mike Flanagan introduced himself into the commercial market with this twisting psychological chiller.
Oscar Isaac anchors another masterpiece from the Coen Brothers in the way only Oscar Isaac can - as a character who you want to root for even through his glaring flaws.