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Last week, we posted our 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2005. And this week, we present our Critics' Choice Awards for the Top 10 Films of 2005.

What's the difference between the lists? The "redeeming" list speaks for itself—films that told a story of redemption (something or somebody bad turned good, an uplifting story that celebrates truth, goodness and/or biblical values, etc.). Our Critics' Choice list, on the other hand, consists of the 10 films that our panel believes were the most excellent films of 2005, whether they carried a "redeeming" message or not. But all are films of excellence, and many are up for various honors at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Our list resembles some you've seen in the mainstream, but we've got a few off-the-beaten-path picks as well—especially our No. 1 choice. We also let each of our panelists choose "One That Got Away"—a single film they wish had made our Top Ten list. Think of those five extra films as sort of our "honorable mentions."

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George Lucas may have capped off the Star Wars saga with a bang, but Serenity was the year's most intelligent and clever sci-fi film. Joss Whedon's cinematic debut wraps up his prematurely cancelled TV series Firefly with a film that explores spiritual and political themes without beating us over the head with sloganeering and polemics. It's loaded with top-notch action and a suspenseful, well crafted script laced with snappy dialogue and wit. The complex characters share a chemistry that's irresistible. (Our review.)

This deconstruction of popular genres—the Western, the gangster flick, the high-school movie—and the moral codes lurking within them is a strange mixture of tragedy and satire. Dark and disturbing—and only for the most cautious and discerning viewers—Cronenberg's film about the American ideal of a "good guy" is one of the most challenging conversation starters of the year. It asks us to consider: If violence is brought against us, what inspired it in the first place? Does violent retaliation set a good example for the rest of the world, and if so, how do we break the cycle of violence? (Our review.)

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Jim Jarmusch turns in his most commercial film here, but it's every bit as quirky and idiosyncratic as we've come to expect. Bill Murray gives one of his most heartbreaking and revealing performances as an aging womanizer, showing how our various pursuits can leave us empty, broken, and dissatisfied. As the lonely Don Johnston, Murray creates a funny and affecting character, a man who is running out of time to develop a meaningful life. His expensive belongings and shallow affairs have failed to fulfill him, but with the help of his neighbor Winston, he may yet get up off the couch and pursue some meaning, rather than just observing it. (Our review.)

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Another Jane Austen adaptation may seem like the last thing we need, but Joe Wright—the most exciting new director on the block—brings this beloved material such warmth, humor, and energy that it's like we're seeing this story unfold for the very first time. The filmmakers didn't try to outdo previous versions, recognizing the limitations of a movie and working within those parameters to their advantage. The film is mercifully allowed to breathe, with some lovely scenery, texture, and symbolism. As Elizabeth, Keira Knightly delivers her most impressive performance yet, while Matthew Macfadyen, as Mr. Darcy, proves himself a strong leading man. (Our review.)

A dark, thought-provoking, and suspenseful look at Israel's possible retaliation to the assassination of some of the 1972 Olympians by PLO terrorists. Spielberg is at the top of his game in this technically and artistically solid examination of the world's response to evil. Part spy thriller, part political drama, Spielberg's controversial film examines a subject that goes far beyond Israeli-Palestinian tensions. When does the pursuit of justice become vengeance? Does God allow us to take matters into our own hands? As the characters learn the soul-breaking lessons of violent retaliation, the film does lift up a "prayer for peace," just as Spielberg said it would. (Our review.)

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Related Elsewhere:

Readers Pick Narnia	Printer view
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is far and away the No. 1 choice in our second annual Readers' Choice Awards.

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The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2005	Printer view
What do exorcists, terrorists, caped crusaders,  and a talking lion have in common? They're all characters in some of the year's most redeeming movies, presented here in our second annual list.