Based on box office figures alone, 2007 was the year of the trilogy. Spider-Man 3, Shrek the Third, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End all broke the $300 million mark as the year's biggest money makers.
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Top 10 films
News 8 Austin film critic Victor Diaz counts down the best of 2007.
 
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But they weren't nearly the best.
These are movies that didn't disappoint and leave a lasting impact as the top films of 2007.
1. Juno - In a year dominated by heavy drama, the humor and heart of Juno delivered the most satisfying story of the year. Actress Ellen Page, director Jason Reitman, and screenwriter Diablo Cody can back up a truck to carry home all the awards this smart and spunky comedy deserves.
2. Once - The independent miracle movie of the year. Not only did I fall in love with it, I wish I could have invested in it. Made for about $150,000, the contemporary Irish musical was an art house blockbuster. In Austin alone it packed the house for 17 weeks at Arbor Cinema.
3. Lars and the Real Girl - You'd never expect a movie about a lonely man and life-size love doll to be one of the sweetest films of the year. Kudos to great screen writing, acting, and directing for taking a potentially icky topic and making a total heart warmer.
4. Eastern Promises - Coming out of the dark as one of most surprising films of year, a lot the credit here goes to Viggo Mortenson's incredible immersion into his role as a complex Russian Mafia henchmen.
5. The Bourne Ultimatum - Excellence of execution in action film making. It's the only blockbuster series this year that actually got better in the third film.
6. No Country for Old Men - The film that will most likely win the Oscar for best picture. I didn't think it was perfect, but it's still the Coen Brothers' best work and Javier Bardem masterfully plays one the baddest men you'll ever see.
7. Gone Baby Gone - Who knew Ben Affleck would be so much better behind the camera? He knocked it out of the park as the director of a twisting and unsettling kidnapping caper.
8. There Will Be Blood - A mesmerizing movie soon to hit Austin theaters, it's a dark striking tale of a ruthless and greedy oil man played magnificently by Daniel Day Lewis. Outstanding cinematography and original score make this one a can't miss.
9. 300 - stands the test of time as one of the most memorable movie experiences. Who could forget the hyper-stylized action and battle hungry characters? Not hard to see why the film also found a huge audience as a motivational movie for many high school football teams.
10. Talk to Me - the most entertaining bio-pic of the year, Don Cheadle stole the show in in the true story of Washington, D.C. DJ turned activist Petey Green.
