I had fun compiling a list of best British cult movies but putting together a year’s best of list is a taller order as I don’t actually go the cinema that much these days.

I tend to be a little over dependent on DVDs and downloads which often means I miss stuff or see things late.

I just about managed to put together a top ten, however, although keen-eyed buffs will note that some of these were actually released in 2010.

1. Tree of Life. 

Terrence Malick’s epic was panned by some and booed at Cannes but for ambition, scope and sheer beauty movie experiences don’t come much better than this.

2. This Must Be The Place

Having made two first-rate Italian movies (Il Divo and Le consequenze dell’amore) Paolo Sorrentino made a seamless switch to English with the help of Sean Penn as a Robert Smith-style rock star on the rocks.

3. Winter’s Bone

Great novel becomes great movie which picked up an Oscar nomination. It was never likely to win but did a good service of bringing it to a wider audience.

4. Black Swan

Stylishly directed by Darren Aronofsky, a movie that finally gave Natalie Portman a star vehicle which she promptly followed  by taking  dumb roles in Your Highness, No Strings Attached and Thor. Maybe she needs a better agent.

5. Beginners

The story of a dad who comes out and then dies could have been a big downer of a movie but is, instead, warm-hearted, intelligent, funny and moving.

6. Source Code 

Preposterous thriller carried off with aplomb by Duncan Jones

7. The King’s Speech

A film that makes royalty seem almost human.

8. True Grit

Coen Brothers in cruise mode – not one of their best movies but still highly watchable.

9. Blue Valentine

Rom-com turns sour – singing by Ryan Gosling, score by Grizzly Bear – all ends in tears.

10. Le Havre

Stiff characters, sparse dialogue – drama Finnish style by Aki Kaurismaki.