By Dalton DeStefano ’16, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Though 2014 hasn’t been the best year for the movie business (this year held the least profitable summer blockbuster season in years), it was still full of outstanding movies that will likely become classics in the years to come. Here is a showcase of three of the many breakout films of 2014.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

This film, which was released earlier in the year, was met with critical acclaim and is considered a serious contender for the Academy Awards. The film was directed by Wes Anderson and boasted an impressive cast filled with big-ticket actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, and Tilda Swinton. The story focuses on a renowned hotel in a fictional European country in the 1960’s. The hotel is home to a variety of eccentric characters who all get wrapped up in the murder of a wealthy woman and the search for a coveted painting which she possessed. The film was given rave reviews and truly demonstrates that filmmaking is an art form. Anderson’s cinematography is unique and aesthetically pleasing, and that — along with the impeccable musical score, great acting, and lighthearted script — make the film a truly enjoyable experience.

Maleficent

During its development, this film seemed like a children’s film; however, it later proved to have very dark undertones, which made it a hit among all age groups. The plot is a variation on that of Sleeping Beauty, and gives Maleficent, the eponymous villain, a chance to tell her side of the story. The titular character is played by Angelina Jolie, who donned razor-sharp prosthetic cheeks for the role and was praised for her cold and captivating portrayal of the revenge-seeking empowered villain. The dark tone is a welcome departure from Disney’s generally formulaic movies, and the uniqueness of this movie will undoubtedly make it a classic.

Gone Girl

Adapted from the wildly popular book of the same name, this film performed extremely well at the box office and is a dark, chilling story cited as a favorite among many viewers and critics. The author of the novel, Gillian Flynn, is a bestselling author who has written multiple novels focusing on macabre murder stories and often involving shocking twist endings. This film is no exception, and many viewers were completely stunned by the ending. Directed masterfully by David Fincher, the story involves Nick Dunne, a typical everyman played by Ben Affleck, who has to cope with the disappearance of his wife, who is played by Rosamund Pike. Pike gives the standout performance of the year as Nick’s multifaceted wife, Amy Dunne, and the various twists throughout the movie create sustained suspense. This is a great movie for those who like to discuss and debate the meaning of film.