Best-Reviewed Movies 2018: Wide Release

Six hundred theaters. That’s all it takes to make it onto our list of wide releases. That, and the undying, near-unanimous adulation of critics. They gave top marks to three superhero movies this year, as burnout and fatigue of this subgenre remains an invisible specter. Meanwhile, the cinema of empathy (Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, Paddington 2) connected in a big way.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2018. Scores might change over time.

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#3 BlacKkKlansman (2018) 96% #3 Adjusted Score: 115.068% Critics Consensus: BlacKkKlansman uses history to offer bitingly trenchant commentary on current events -- and brings out some of Spike Lee's hardest-hitting work in decades along the way. Synopsis: From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It's the early 1970s, and Ron... From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It's the early 1970s, and Ron... [More] Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Topher Grace Directed By: Spike Lee

#6 A Quiet Place (2018) 96% #6 Adjusted Score: 112.28% Critics Consensus: A Quiet Place artfully plays on elemental fears with a ruthlessly intelligent creature feature that's as original as it is scary -- and establishes director John Krasinski as a rising talent. Synopsis: In the modern horror thriller A QUIET PLACE, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious... In the modern horror thriller A QUIET PLACE, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious... [More] Starring: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe Directed By: John Krasinski

#7 Paddington 2 (2018) 100% #7 Adjusted Score: 110.195% Critics Consensus: Paddington 2 honors its star's rich legacy with a sweet-natured sequel whose adorable visuals are matched by a story perfectly balanced between heartwarming family fare and purely enjoyable all-ages adventure. Synopsis: PADDINGTON 2 finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member... PADDINGTON 2 finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member... [More] Starring: Hugh Grant, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson, Hugh Bonneville Directed By: Paul King (VII)

#9 Eighth Grade (2018) 99% #9 Adjusted Score: 112.075% Critics Consensus: Eighth Grade takes a look at its titular time period that offers a rare and resounding ring of truth while heralding breakthroughs for writer-director Bo Burnham and captivating star Elsie Fisher. Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of... Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of... [More] Starring: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson, Jake Ryan Directed By: Bo Burnham