02. The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan, 2008)
Given the sheer excellence of Batman Begins it seemed impossible to top it with a sequel, and perhaps top it is not the right way to describe Christopher Nolans follow up, featuring the final full appearance from Heath Ledger, a shining light in Hollywood that was extinguished far too early. But if The Dark Knight doesnt top Batman Begins then it certainly takes all of its best moments and expands upon them, with a superior bad guy, a more exciting story and one particularly unforgettable performance. In case youre one of the five people that havent seen the film, The Dark Knight sees our favourite Gotham City saviour do battle with his greatest nemesis, the demented and deformed Joker a man so criminally insane that he is completely without reason, without conscious and without fear. Giving an Academy Award winning performance Ledger takes Nicholsons earlier portrayal and turns it on its head. So you thought Jack was the best person for the job? Like me you couldnt see Ledger in the role? He proved us all wrong and sadly well never get to see him reprise the role. The Dark Knight is a masterstroke in film making.