3) Guardians of the Galaxy

I’m still hooked on the feeling of sheer, unbridled joy that James Gunn’s weird and wonderful Guardians of the Galaxy left in my heart. There were so many reasons why this space-set superhero romp shouldn’t have worked, but thanks to a simply incredible script, Gunn’s impish touch and the stellar performances of its cast, it’s far and away the best movie Marvel has made to date.

It’s almost beyond belief how beautifully Guardians of the Galaxy comes together as a whole. It’s packed with some of the most thrilling, visually appealing action sequences you’ll see this year. Gunn’s direction is intelligent bordering on genius, and his choices for the soundtrack are delightful. But where the film really soars is in the details, as Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) come together as a team and bond over their unexpected similarities. The dialogue pops off the screen, and it’s delivered with a devil-may-care smirk that’s reminiscent of Star Wars in places.

The cast is aces throughout, but special praise must be given to Pratt, who plays Quill with such humor, charisma and good will that you love him before he’s even opened his mouth (the taste in music admittedly helps). Bautista, too, is a comic secret weapon, nailing Drax’s literality with a straight-man performance that must have been near impossible to maintain in such an over-the-top movie. He’s perfectly cast. And who knew I’d like Cooper better as a CGI rodent?

Perhaps the most gratifying thing about Guardians of the Galaxy is how confidently, unashamedly out there it is. From its bizarre leads (a weapon-toting raccoon and a friendly tree?) to its goofy, retro soundtrack, Guardians of the Galaxy is by far Marvel’s most adventurous film to date, and that it has the gall to wear its scrappy rebel heart on its sleeve is alone reason for celebration.