The American Film Institute names their Top 10 movies and shows of the year. Guess who got snubbed?

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

I love top ten lists. They are the best because they are unique to the person/group who creates them and they can be debated like crazy. With 2012 coming to a close, every critical group will be awarding winners for the best films of the year. I always like the AFI lists because they don’t crown a winner, but the ten best of the year.

Now, this being my first year at JoBlo.com, I am trying to make my own list, which you may see very soon, but I am in major disagreement with the AFI this year. Take a look at these lists and tell me if you think anything is missing?

AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR
ARGO
BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
DJANGO UNCHAINED
LES MISÉRABLES
LIFE OF PI
LINCOLN
MOONRISE KINGDOM
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
ZERO DARK THIRTY

AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR
AMERICAN HORROR STORY
BREAKING BAD
GAME CHANGE
GAME OF THRONES
GIRLS
HOMELAND
LOUIE
MAD MEN
MODERN FAMILY
THE WALKING DEAD

The TV list is pretty much on par with my own, although I do think it should have included BOARDWALK EMPIRE, but that movie list has a glaring omission.  Where is THE MASTER?  I am very happy they decided to include THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD, but THE MASTER is definitely Top 10.  Hell, it was even Top 5!

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD is looking more and more to be a dark horse contender for the Oscars this year.  Could it pull an upset like SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE?  Could this be the year that THE DARK KNIGHT RISES gets recognized for direction or even Best Picture?  Time will tell.

Like I said at the top, these lists are made to be debated.  Do you agree with these movies and TV shows?

Note that SKYFALL was not eligible for this list as it was produced and financed primarily in the UK.

Source: AFI

About the Author

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Alex Maidy has been a JoBlo.com editor, columnist, and critic since 2012. A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of Chicago Indie Critics, Alex has been JoBlo.com's primary TV critic and ran columns including Top Ten and The UnPopular Opinion. When not riling up fans with his hot takes, Alex is an avid reader and aspiring novelist.