Best Movies of 2018: 'Outlaw King,' 'To All The Boys,' 'Mamma Mia 2' And More!

While television was booming in 2018, watching movies remained an integral part of life. The ability to conjure and complete a story within 2 hours will never stop being a magical thing to behold.

Long-known for its top-notch television series, Netflix delivered quite a few quality movies in 2018. More than half of the movies on this year’s list streamed as Netflix originals. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “Like Father,” and “Outlaw King” are among the titles, you will find below.

You read 2017's highlights, now prepare for the following year's. Without further ado, these are Eclectic Pop’s picks for the best movies of 2018…

“Manhunt”

John Woo gave viewers the chance to enjoy a thrilling action adventure with “Manhunt.” Dazzling action sequences and an engaging plotline that deviated from expectation at every turn made “Manhunt” a standout.



“The Warning”

An arresting thriller that involved a mathematical equation and fate. What is correlative and what is causative? “The Warning” left viewers to wonder without letting their minds wander.

"Perdida"

Unraveling a character-driven mystery that spans decades is difficult. "Perdida," told a tale of deception, regret, and constantly-shifting character perceptions.

Grounded by a gifted ensemble, "Perdida" proved to be one of 2018's most haunting entries. A movie that would not stop working on the mind, even after it was watched long ago. That takes skill.

[Image by TEA - The Entertainment Industry/Vertical Entertainment]

“In Darkness”

“Game of Thrones” alum Natalie Dormer stunned in this evocative thriller. Dormer and co-star Natasha Richardson stole the show in this diabolical tale filled with enthralling mystery. Drama, suspense, and multiple twists secure “In Darkness’” spot as one of 2018’s brightest indie gems.

“Outlaw King”

One of the true surprises of 2018 was David Mackenzie’s Netflix epic. Historical fiction has found a popular home on television and “Outlaw King” proved why it will never stop having a welcomed one in film. Riveting and packed with everything you could hope to find from a genre piece, “Outlaw King” ruled.

“Like Father” 

Kelsey Grammer gave one of the most heartfelt performances of the year as Harry, a dad trying to reconnect with his work-obsessed daughter. “Like Father” was as moving as it was funny.

One of those throwback dramedies that encapsulated why the ‘90s' style of storytelling worked so well. Life is emotionally complicated; shouldn’t movies be too?

“Forgotten”

Just when you thought you had “Forgotten” figured out, another twist initiated a total detour. Supernatural? Psychological?

This suspenseful thriller never stopped making you consider the possibilities. It all came together to make “Forgotten” one of the most unforgettable films of 2018.

“The Chase” 

A thriller with comic elements is not easy to pull off and yet, “The Chase” expertly managed to do so. Led by an exceptional performance of Baek Yoon-sik, this unique crime drama evolved throughout its runtime.

As a result, it was impossible to figure out where "The Chase" was headed. It only kept this viewer in an even hotter pursuit for answers.


“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”

Romantic comedies started to make a much-needed comeback in 2018 and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” played a crucial role in the trend. Funny, sweet, and thought-provoking, this Netflix rom-com also brought back the high school-set sub-genre.

Carrie Pilby” helmer Susan Johnson aptly directed a promising young cast to sincere turns, which included a breakout performance by lead, Lana Condor. To sum it up, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before" was absolutely lovely.

[Image by Universal Pictures]

“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”

Fans of the original were not left disappointed by this long-awaited follow-up to 2008’s “Mamma Mia.” The music, performances, and the sequel’s script did not miss a beat. Making the decade-wait, entirely worthwhile.

Lily James and Amanda Seyfried’s heartfelt performances brought heightened emotion to the past and present storylines. Both of which, seamlessly wove together what viewers already knew regarding the past, and what they were learning about it.

It all culminated in one of the most emotional endings in recent movie memory.

“Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again” was not just the best mother/daughter movie of the year. It was the best movie, period.

[Featured Image by Netflix/Netflix/Universal Pictures]

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