It’s been a good year for film, but there can only be 10, or 11 with a tie.

Tom Hardy stars in “Mad Max: Fury Road,” one of the top 10 films of 2015. (photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

10. “Spy” (Paul Feig)/“The Revenant” (Alejandro González Iñárritu)

Melissa McCarthy nearly ran her course until “Spy” reignited the flame. It’s easily the funniest comedy of the year, with several rich characters. And Jason Statham … never knew he had it in him. As for “The Revenant,” Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest attempt at that white whale of an Oscar better pay off. Nobody commits to a performance like him, and this is the most visceral film of the year, thanks to some of the most beautiful shots on screen and a DiCaprio we’ve never seen before.

9. “The Martian” (Ridley Scott)

The idea that “The Martian” is nominated as a best comedy or musical at the Golden Globes should remind us all how thinly stretched that sad category is. Matt Damon’s Mark Watney might crack a few jokes amid dire circumstances, but this is mostly a drama about surviving an environment more hostile than Arizona. The premise sounds boring, but the screenplay by Drew Goddard weaves together a complex journey home.

8. “Spotlight” (Tom McCarthy)

Few films tap into how exhausting investigative reporting can be. And for the Spotlight team at The Boston Globe, breaking the story about the Catholic Church’s biggest scandal isn’t one that happens overnight. With sensational performances by Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo, this is likely the film that will sweep every awards ceremony over the next few months.

7. “Ex Machina” (Alex Garland)

This was the year of Alicia Vikander, starting with her breakout role as artificial intelligence Ava in “Ex Machina.” Add to that some other faces we all know by now thanks to the latest “Star Wars” film – Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson – and the cast includes more appeal than most films. But the real star here is freshman director Alex Garland. After years of writing stellar screenplays (“28 Days Later,” “The Beach” and “Dredd”), he finally unveils the most intriguing science fiction film in a long time.

6. “Creed” (Ryan Coogler)

I never thought a “Rocky” spinoff would make me tear up. But that’s what Ryan Coogler (“Fruitvale Station”) does. Sylvester Stallone best get all the critical love he deserves for such an incredible reprisal as the ultimate underdog. As for Creed himself, Michael B. Jordan is the man. Don’t hold “Fantastic 4” against him.

5. “Room” (Lenny Abrahamson)

Imagine getting kidnapped at 17 and being held captive in a shed for seven years, all while raising a child. That’s “Room,” one of the most beautiful and emotionally exhausting films of the year. Brie Larson better win big for her role as Joy Newsome.

4. “It Follows” (David Robert Mitchell)

Be careful who you sleep with. Your next lover might pass on a curse, a creature that simply walks toward you. It might look like a friend, family member or stranger, but it just walks. Don’t let it catch you. If that isn’t tense enough, the killer score by Rich Vreeland (also known as Disasterpeace) will guide you into the next life.

3. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (J.J. Abrams)

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a film that that remains a hit no matter how many times you see it. (photo courtesy of Disney)

The world has waited so long for this film. George Lucas broke our hearts with three terrible prequels, and he just kept making all the DVD and Blu Ray releases of the original trilogy more unwatchable with painful additions, all the while restricting anyone from seeing the theatrical cuts unless you own a laser disc or VHS player.

Needless to say, it’s tough to be a “Star Wars” fan when the guy in charge doesn’t let people love his creation. It was time for him to move on and let his fans have a shot. I don’t trust Disney, but J.J. Abrams was the right man for the job. Three viewings of this film is not enough. Ten won’t be either. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is amazing, like surgically amazing, with a script that shamelessly replicates tropes from the original and still expands a far-away galaxy so much more. The force is truly with us all.

2. “Inside Out” (Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen)

Forget what I said earlier about “Room” being emotionally exhausting. “Inside Out” will wreck you. It’s easily the best written film of the year, chock-full of concepts every child and adult needs to understand. Growing up is rough, but Pixar’s best film (perhaps tied with “The Incredibles” for me) should remind us all to have a little more empathy for others. I need to stop, I’m tearing up again.

1. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (George Miller)

Tricked-out dystopian muscle cars, Tom Hardy mumbling sparse dialogue and powerful female characters. I never thought “Mad Max: Fury Road” would be such a rich film. I’m sure plenty of people won’t get why it’s being nominated everywhere for awards, but if you watch closely, you’ll note how the character development all happens on the road. Those flashy effects might be distracting: don’t be fooled. The entire story between all of the characters – their affection for each other, how they overcome together – happens as they survive and take on Hugh Keays-Byrne’s Immortan Joe. Sure, it’s a fun ride, but it’s an even more complex one if you really, really look.

Honorable Mention: “Kung Fury” (David Sandberg), “Dope” (Rick Famuyiwa), “Sicario” (Denis Villeneuve), “Tangerine” (Sean Baker) and “Ant-Man” (Peyton Reed).