2014 was an exciting year for movies. The year brought thrilling action films, heartfelt romances, comedic revenge, and saw the height of the dystopian genre. Let's revisit some of the best movies from the year.
1. Divergent
Divergent is a blockbuster dystopian movie that first hit screens on March 21, 2014. The movie is based on the 2011 novel of the same name written by Veronica Roth and the cast includes Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller, and Kate Winslet. The cast alone is impressive, and the movie lives up to the hype. The society in which the characters live is divided into 5 factions based on which traits they value. The movie follows Woodley’s character Tris as she adjusts to life after leaving her faction. She grows closer with her training leader Four as they uncover a faction’s plot to overthrow the government. The movie deals with themes of identity, family, and power struggles. It is a quintessential movie from the height of the dystopian genre. Available on VOD/Digital.
2. The Other Woman
The spring of 2014 brought us a fun, woman-led buddy comedy. On April 25, 2014, The Other Woman was released starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton as three women that team up for revenge upon realizing they are all romantically involved with the same man. These characters are hilarious with their schemes, and they are so loveable in the ways they eventually work to uplift each other. This is the perfect movie for a girl’s night. This movie is for you if you want to feel better about a breakup, see some female empowerment, or if you’re just looking for a good time with some laughs. Available on VOD/Digital.
3. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Let’s be honest. We’ve all been thinking about Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man since he returned to the screen in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). If you’re Gen-Z, there’s a good chance Garfield’s adaptation was your first introduction to a live-action Spider-Man. Beyond just the nostalgia factor, Garfield has been widely successful in continuing his acting career and capturing the hearts of viewers. Garfield and Emma Stone are incredible actors, and their movie chemistry is magical. On May 2, 2014, they graced the screens for their second Spider-Man movie. Though the movie has faced harsh criticism in the past, it still has an interesting plot, beloved characters, and an outstanding cast. The Amazing Spider-Man series only consists of two movies, so it is less of a commitment than some other Marvel ventures. Stream on Disney+.
4. The Fault In Our Stars
It has been 10 years since we all became obsessed with Hazel and Augustus’s on-screen love story. This movie, based on the 2012 novel by John Green, captured and then broke our hearts. This is the second movie of the year featuring both Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. In a total turn from their roles in Divergent, the two starred as teenage lovers battling cancer in The Fault in Our Stars. This movie is full of enough lighthearted beauty and love to make you forgive the fact that it’ll make you cry. June 4th will mark a decade since the movie first debuted in theaters, but we still can’t let go of this story. Stream on Hulu and Disney+.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
Upon its debut on August 1, 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy became the action movie of the summer. It’s been almost 10 years since we first heard that iconic soundtrack, and we’re still obsessed with it. The Guardians have appeared in various Marvel projects since, including two more movies in the series, a holiday special, appearances in other MCU films like Avengers: Endgame and Thor: Love & Thunder, and a spin -ff series of Baby Groot animated shorts. The success of this ragtag group of heroes is undeniable. Chris Pratt’s Starlord brings a fun, musical vibe to the movie. He’s a protagonist you want to root for, and his status as the main human character helps cement his relatability in a fantastical movie. The rest of the cast’s talent and chemistry helps make this movie interesting and super rewatchable. Next time you’re on a Marvel movie binge, or if you just want to revisit these loveable characters, fire this one up! Stream on Disney+.
6. The Maze Runner
The Maze Runner hit the big screen on September 19, 2014. The stellar cast composed of Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, and more brought James Dashner’s 2009 novel to life. The Maze Runner follows a group of teenagers as they navigate life in the center of a huge maze. The characters have no memory of their past lives nor any recollection of how they ended up at the Glade. Things begin to change, and chaos ensues, after the first girl appears in the Glade with a note that she will be the last person to enter. This movie is great for anyone that is a fan of the dystopian genre. The movie also has aspects of science-fiction and horror. Plus, there are two sequel movies to enjoy after you (re)watch this movie. Available on VOD/Digital.
7. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
After the shocking cliffhanger that Catching Fire ended on, we were all on the edge of our seats when Mockingjay - Part 1 hit theaters on November 21, 2014. Mockingjay - Part 1 follows Katniss as she, other former tributes, and members of District 13 work in rebellion of the Capitol. With District 12 destroyed and Peeta being held captive in the Capitol, this movie is tense for Katniss. You just can’t look away! There has been a revival in interest in The Hunger Games series following the release of the prequel movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023. So, after you watch or rewatch TBOSAS, you might as well revisit the entire series including this 2014 classic. Available on VOD/Digital.
8. John Wick
The world was introduced to the now-iconic Keanu Reeves character of John Wick in 2014, an action flick about a former hitman who gets back in the game to take revenge on the people who killed his dog -- pretty relatable, no? The movie launched an entire franchise that includes 4 movies with a 5th reportedly in development. Stream on Netflix.
9. Gone Girl
Based on the gripping Gillian Flynn novel, Gone Girl kept us on the edge of our seats as we followed the unraveling scheme of a woman (Rosamund Pike) who fakes her own death in an attempt to frame her cheating husband (Ben Affleck). Things don't exactly go to plan, but it's utterly fascinating to watch how it all plays out. Available on VOD/Digital.
10. What We Do In The Shadows
Although not a mainstream hit in the States upon its original release, What We Do In The Shadows -- the brainchild of Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement -- quickly became a cult favorite. The film is a mockumentary that follows the lives of a group of vampires who all live together in modern-day New Zealand, and all the supernatural shenanigans they get up to. The film would eventually spawn the hit FX TV series of the same name, also produced by Waititi and Clement but this time chronicling vampire roommates in Staten Island, NY. If you love the series and want to revisit its hilarious origins, hit this one up! Available on VOD/Digital.
With the mini-resurgence of the dystopian genre in 2023, now is as great of a time as ever to revisit these old favorites. When you want to switch up the genre, you’ll have just as much fun rewatching the rest of the list as you did back in 2014 too!