There were a lot of bad movies released this year. Big budget, Hollywood blockbusters have never been as consistently horrible as they were in 2000. But there were a lot of good movies too, most of which went ignored by the general public. Here's a list of the 10 best films of the year.

10. Timecode
Director Mike Figgis ("Leaving Las Vegas") is responsible for the most creative movie of the year. The screen is split into four segments and four stories, all taking place in real time and all shot on digital video in one take. It's a remarkable achievement and, if nothing else, is worthy of a viewing just to see how they pulled it off.

9. High Fidelity
John Cusack turned in his most charming and sincere performance to date in this hilarious ode to love, heartbreak, music and top 10 lists. It boasts award-worthy supporting work from Jack Black and an outstanding soundtrack.

8. Wonder Boys
It's sad that when Michael Douglas plays a horny cop, people flock to the theater ("Basic Instinct"). But when he plays a pot head college professor with a good heart and a mid-life crisis, no one goes to see it. It's a memorable character and an unforgettable movie. Along with Douglas, the stellar cast features Tobey Maguire, Katie Holmes, Robert Downey, Jr. and Frances McDormand.

7. Croupier
This indie gem from Europe and director Mike Hodges (the original "Get Carter") came out of nowhere and was an art house, word of mouth hit during the summer. It features a star-making performance from Clive Owen and a script full of suspense and surprises. It's like James Bond for adults with more edge and attitude.

6. Sunshine
Ralph Fiennes gives three magnificent performances as three generations of a Jewish family living in Hungary. This is an absorbing epic drama full of both triumph and tragedy. It's so good you don't even notice that it's three hours long.

5. Almost Famous
Writer/director Cameron Crowe's ("Jerry Maguire") best film yet. Every critic in the world loves this movie but it still bombed at the box office. It's about love, loss, rock and roll, growing up and so much more. It's been a long time since any film has done such a perfect job of capturing the magic of being young and innocent. The cast and soundtrack are both arguably the best of the year.

4. Gladiator
Everything an epic action movie should be. Russell Crowe gives a commanding and charismatic performance that elevates him to the top of the list of male lead actors working today. All of the battle scenes are exciting as well as eye-popping and Joaquin Phoenix makes a marvelous villain. It's that rarest type of film: one that was worth every penny.

3. Wonderland
This is the most criminally overlooked movie of the year. Director Michael Winterbottom's ("The Claim") tale of lonely, ordinary people in London is haunting and beautifully acted. Gina McKee ("Notting Hill") gives an extraordinary performance that deserves an Oscar nomination at the very least. The kind of movie that stays with you long after you leave the theater.

2. Requiem For a Dream
There are images in this film that will disturb you like nothing has before. With the exception of the aforementioned McKee, Ellen Burstyn gives the best performance of the year. The breakdown of her character may be the most heartbreaking thing ever put on screen. Director Darren Aronofsky ("Pi") is a genius.

1. You Can Count On Me
This movie is so quietly moving it's almost a miracle. It's nearly impossible to remember the last time a sibling relationship has been captured so honestly and poignantly. The performances by Laura Linney and Kenosha's Mark Ruffalo could not possibly be better. The kind of movie you could watch for days because you love the people in it so much.

Note: This list was comprised before the release of "Traffic," which would have most likely ended up in the top five.

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