1 AVENGERS ASSEMBLE

Joss Whedon gathers a multitude of superheroes together for a spectacular action fantasy simply unrivalled in the amount of fun and entertainment it provides.

2. THE KID WITH A BIKE

The fate of a young boy hangs in the balance in this exquisitely directed and acted Belgian drama from the Dardenne brothers.

3. SKYFALL

James Bond is reinvented and reinvigorated in what might well be his best ever adventure.

4. ARGO

Hollywood satire and political thriller combine seamlessly in a cracking drama directed by and starring Ben Affleck.

5. PARANORMAN

Pipping Brave for the year's best animation, this spooky toon has laughs and thematic resonance to spare.

6. LOOPER

Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt play versions of each other in a dazzling and intelligent time travel actioner.

7. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

The entire horror genre gets blown to smithereens in a hilarious, gruesome and inventive romp.

8. MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

A chilling drama about a young woman escaping a cult, with stunning performances from Elizabeth Olsen and John Hawkes.

9. THE DESCENDANTS

George Clooney proves how good an actor he really is in a funny and moving Hawaii-set drama of taste and restraint.

10. BRAVE

Pixar hits something of a return to form with their funny and visually wondrous princess story set in medieval Scotland.

11. A ROYAL AFFAIR

A Danish history lesson gets wrapped in a compelling costume drama starring the excellent Mads Mikkelsen.

12. THE RAID

Insane wall-to-wall action from Indonesia that breathes new life into the genre.

13. THE HUNGER GAMES

The best-selling book series is brought to the big screen in muscular, thoughtful fashion.

14. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN

A profoundly moving documentary about the life and career of little known US singer, Rodriguez.

15. THE IMPOSTER

A French conman convinces an American family he's their missing teenage son in a jaw-dropping documentary.

16. WILD BILL

There's much more than sub-Guy Ritchie antics in Dexter Fletcher's funny and touching cockney hard-man fable.

17. 21 JUMP STREET

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are a revelation as dopey cops in what is the year's best comedy.

18. MAGIC MIKE

Channing Tatum strips and Matthew McConaughey continues his career renaissance.

19. KILLER JOE

A sick and twisted thriller from William Friedkin, starring a reinvented Matthew McConaughey.

20. MOONRISE KINGDOM

Bruce Willis and Bill Murray shine in a quirky and amusing tale from Wes Anderson.