2014 Movies

Our comprehensive 2014 database collates every film released in 2014 for effortless access. This exhaustive catalog brings together worldwide cinematic releases, making it a potent tool for film enthusiasts.
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Browse 12,447 titles in our 2014 Movies Database

The Best Movies of 2014

The world of cinema in 2014 was a fascinating blend of surprise hits, blockbuster success, and poignant narratives. Despite the allure of box-office giants like Guardians of the Galaxy, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1, and The Lego Movie, some of the most captivating stories were found in intimate, personal films.

Birdman

'Birdman,' Alejandro G. Iñárritu's cinematic whirlwind, is a wild ride about a Hollywood superhero, played by Michael Keaton, seeking respect on Broadway. This film not only packs a comic punch but also resonates deeply, with Keaton delivering an unforgettable performance.

Whiplash

Damien Chazelle's 'Whiplash' is a haunting exploration of a young jazz drummer's journey, played by Miles Teller, under an unforgiving instructor, a role that secured J.K. Simmons an Oscar. The film marks Chazelle's second directorial outing, a triumph of visceral storytelling.

Foxcatcher

'Foxcatcher' is a chilling true story of wrestling, wealth, madness, and murder. Bennett Miller's direction is masterful, eliciting career-best performances from Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo.

Boyhood

Boyhood is an emotional powerhouse of a film by Richard Linklater. Filmed over 12 years, it traces the life of a Texas boy, played by Ellar Coltrane, as he grows up with divorced parents. With Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke in the roles of his parents, the film is an exquisite portrait of the ups and downs of life, framed against the backdrop of time.

Interstellar

As the only epic on the list, this film examines the relationship between a parent, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, and a child, played by Jessica Chastain, against the backdrop of space exploration. Both 'Interstellar' and 'Boyhood'—which we will discuss later—offer intimate perspectives on familial bonds, forming the bookends of the cinematic year.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' offers an eccentrically delightful experience. Located in a luxury spa in the interwar period, the film explores the importance of etiquette as a civilizing factor, conveyed through the character of a concierge, portrayed magnificently by Ralph Fiennes.

Unbroken

In the compelling biographical war film 'Unbroken,' Angelina Jolie directs a stirring tribute to Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner tested to his limits in a Japanese POW camp. This film stands out for its adept handling of a narrative that Hollywood had left untouched for decades.

Under the Skin

The year brought many less publicized gems, one of which is Jonathan Glazer's 'Under the Skin.' It features Scarlett Johansson in an unforgettable role as an extraterrestrial being cruising Scotland, seeking to understand the human male psyche.

Gone Girl

In 'Gone Girl,' Gillian Flynn's bestseller is transformed into a cinematic social commentary by director David Fincher. A study of marital disintegration, it features a potent performance by Rosamund Pike as the wife on a vengeance quest.

Selma

'Selma' offers a pulsating retelling of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famed 1965 voting-rights march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. Under the expert direction of Ava DuVernay, the historical epic gains an intimate texture, with David Oyelowo delivering a stunning performance as King.

2014 Movies & Industry Highlights

The year 2014 was marked by unique trends, iconic movie releases, and the celebration of major milestones by industry players.

A Landmark Year For DreamWorks Animation

The year 2014 was indeed special for DreamWorks Animation, as it commemorated its 20th anniversary. Launched in 1994, DreamWorks has since established itself as a household name, bringing memorable characters and heartwarming narratives to screens worldwide. The anniversary represented two decades of unprecedented creativity and innovation that have indelibly shaped the animation genre.

The Rise of Independent Filmmaking

Arguably, one of the most noteworthy developments over the decade culminating in 2014 was the marked increase in American filmmaking. Interestingly, this was largely driven by the surge of independent financing across different levels, leading to a more diverse and dynamic cinematic landscape. Independent cinema became a force to reckon with, establishing itself as an influential player in the global film industry.

The advent of independent financing presented a unique platform for directors to freely express their creativity. This led to a period marked by extraordinary cinematic invention and saw the emergence of a new class of culturally respectable directors. Despite this, the growth of independent filmmaking also gave rise to significant market challenges. Commercial hurdles were particularly problematic, even for industry veterans. Concerns emerged about the potential marginalization of independent films and the looming threat of a "re-professionalization" of the film industry, a topic that sparked advocacy among critics.

Box Office Hits of 2014

Looking at the commercial aspect of the 2014 film industry, several films made a significant mark. Among the highest-grossing films released in 2014, "Transformers: Age of Extinction," distributed by Paramount, claimed the top spot with an impressive worldwide gross of $1,104,054,072.

Coming second was "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" by Warner Bros. which earned $962,201,338. "Guardians of the Galaxy," distributed by Disney, ranked third with a gross of $772,776,600, while "Maleficent" followed closely with $758,410,378. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" by Lionsgate secured the fifth spot, earning $755,356,711. Other notable entries included "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," and "Interstellar."

Box Office Records of 2014

The year 2014 also saw several records being set at the box office. For example, "Transformers: Age of Extinction" grossed over $1.1 billion, making it the 10th highest-grossing film of all time. Moreover, 2014 marked the year when "PK" became the first Indian movie to gross over $100 million at the box office, attesting to the growing influence and reach of Bollywood in global cinema.

Interestingly, 2014 marked the first time since 1997 when no animated movies featured among the 10 highest-grossing films of the year. This fact underscores the changing dynamics and audience preferences in the global film industry.

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