The best films of 2015: Guardian readers' choice
The Dailies Podcast: Harrison Ford dines out in Peckham and our film of the year
Read more
The votes are in and the verdict is through. We’ve had our say over three different territories – UK, US and Australia – now it’s over to you.
A note, by the way, on how our lists were decided: an average was taken of the ratings given to each film by Peter Bradshaw, Andrew Pulver, Henry Barnes, Benjamin Lee and Catherine Shoard. A few films weren’t in contention as we hadn’t yet seen them: in the US, The Hateful Eight and The Big Short and worldwide, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
1) Carol
Watch the trailer for Carol. Guardian
You said:
A film that really makes one feel deeply. Immersive is the word: emotionally, visually. But only if one allows himself/herself to feel, to look at it deeply, without worrying that: ‘If I say I like the film, will people think I might be a lesbian? Will people think that I’m selfish, condoning choosing my own heart’s desire over my child?’
We said:
Fifth best film of the year in the UK, seventh best in the US (yet to open in Australia).
2) Mad Max: Fury Road
Watch the trailer for Mad Max: Fury Road Guardian
You said:
A highly innovative action movie that genuinely entertains like most blockbusters these days don’t.
We said:
17th best film of the year in Australia, 32nd best in the UK and 34th best in the US.
3) Ex Machina
Watch the trailer for Ex Machina. Guardian
You said:
A clever and thoughtful feminist sci-fi masterpiece that transcended genre conventions with it’s wholly convincing performances and deft handling of a complex moral quandary. Shouldn’t be forgotten for the Oscars but I sadly imagine that it will be!
We said:
Failed to chart.
4) The Martian
Watch the trailer for The Martian. Guardian
You said:
I didn’t think I would like this film. From the trailer, I was expecting “Gravity with added testosterone”. Instead I laughed, I cried, I hung on to the edge of my seat and I almost whooped with joy when at a pivotal moment the Abba soundtrack reassured me everything would work out. Best surprise of the year.
We said:
The 39th best film of the year in Australia.
5) Sicario
Watch the trailer for Sicario. Guardian
You said:
Emily Blunt recorded her best performance yet, while Benicio del Toro remained fantastic as always. Film was gripping, intense, and powerful.
We said:
The 27th best film of the year in Australia, 43rd in the UK and 45th in the US.
6) Brooklyn
Watch the trailer for Brooklyn. Guardian
You said:
Beautiful, compelling and a wonderful visual treat. Ronan is a genius and even when she doesn’t say anything she has you on the edge of your seat.
We said:
Failed to chart.
7) Spotlight
Watch the trailer for Spotlight.
You said:
Tense, closely plotted detective story with a moral outlook.
We said:
The 44th best film of the year in the US; yet to open in the UK and Australia.
8) Whiplash
Watch the trailer for Whiplash. Guardian
You said:
The story was incredible and backed by a superb performance by Teller and Simmons, this stellar narrative was backed by a tremendous soundtrack and beautiful cinematography.
We said:
The 12th best film of the year in the UK (released in the US and Australia last year).
9) Inside Out
Watch the trailer for Inside Out. Guardian
You said:
In a year where children still seem to be obsessed with singing snowmen, Inside Out showed how great a ‘child’s’ film could be. Perfect portrayal’s of emotions, inspired voice casting and don’t get me started on Bingbong.
We said:
The 19th best film of the year in Australia, 33rd in the UK and 35th in the US.
10) Mommy
Watch the trailer for Mommy. Guardian
You said:
Wonderfully acted, and unashamedly emotional.
We said:
Eight best film of the year in Australia, 11th in the UK and 14th in the US.
11) Victoria
12) The Lobster
13) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
14) The Dressmaker
15) Slow West
Watch the trailer for Slow West. Guardian
16) Bridge of Spies
17) Steve Jobs
18) Phoenix
19) Force Majeure
20) Love and Mercy
21) Duke of Burgundy
22) Wild Tales
23) London Road
24) The Falling
Watch the trailer for The Falling. Guardian
25) The Look of Silence
26) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
27) Pride
28) Wild
29) The Little Prince
30) Taxi Tehran
31) Ted 2
32) Straight Outta Compton
Watch the trailer for Straight Outta Compton. Guardian
33) The Avengers: Age of Ultron
34) Amy
35) Trumbo
36) Birdman
37) Jurassic World
38) Mia Madre
39) Spectre
Watch the trailer for Spectre. Guardian
40) Love is Strange
41) Still Life
42) Timbuktu
43) Creed
44) Leviathan
45) Tomorrowland
46) Southpaw
47) Crimson Peak
48) Suffragette
49) 45 Years
50) Hector