8 Surprising Films that Defined 2014

Move over Interstellar. The best films of 2014 were mostly not the ones that made it big at the box office. Discover what you should have watched this year. Special effects and grand explosions might be entertaining, but they don't necessarily reflect cinema at its best.

This gem is unlike anything else. Filmed over 12 years (yes, you read that correctly: 12 years), it's a coming of age story that's a natural journey.

A fresh take on the sci-fi genre with fascinating story development and profound meaning.

After many years of rather mediocre horror films that rely more on gore than an interesting plot, this film is a hauntingly creepy return to true horror.

A hand-drawn animated beauty, this retelling of Japan's most well-known folktale is the result of decades of work.

Musically electrifying.

This finely crafted documentary tells the story of world-renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert.

A cinematic portrait of the last 25 years of the rather eccentric life of British painter, J.M.W. Turner that doubles as an intense character study. While uneven at times, the high notes are splendidly high.

Simply magical storytelling combines with vibrant backdrops to create a grand experience.