AFI Top Ten Films/TV Programs of 2010

The critics are letting us know what they think this weekend with the results from Boston, Los Angeles, and New York Critics Online coming down the pipeline. Will wait until tomorrow though when New York gives us their winners for the post-mortem analyses.

In the meantime, the American Film Institute also released their top movies and television programs of the year. And they are...


MOVIES OF THE YEAR

• Black Swan
• The Fighter*
• Inception*
• The Kids Are All Right
• 127 Hours
• The Social Network*
• The Town*
• Toy Story 3*
• True Grit*
• Winter's Bone*

SPECIAL AWARDS

• The King's Speech*
• Waiting for Superman*

I've seen 8 out of 12 of these films with only The Town, The Fighter, True Grit, and Waiting for Superman I have yet to see. Every film here has ton of Oscar-heat and buzz so expect to see a majority of these to be name-checked a few more times this awards season. Notable snubs include Blue Valentine, Rabbit Hole, and Shutter Island.

*These films also merited recognition from the National Board of Reviews.


TELEVISION PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR

• The Big C
• Boardwalk Empire
• Breaking Bad
• Glee
• Mad Men
• Modern Family
• The Pacific
• Temple Grandin
• 30 Rock
• The Walking Dead

I've seen 7 of 10 TV shows in this list and only really question the inclusion of 30 Rock and Glee. The latter less so, because it's still the cool new kid. Great showing for AMC though garnering 3 of the top 10! Now, I don't doubt the shows I haven't seen (The Big C, Boardwalk Empire, and The Pacific) are worthy picks, but I'm severely disappointed at the lack of LOST here especially for their wonderful final season. A few more dubious snubs, at least for me: Community, Fringe, Sherlock, Dexter, and The Good Wife.