15 Incredible Blockbusters That Ruled The Last 5 Years

7. District 9

In a renaissance year for sci-fi, 2009 saw the release of Avatar, Moon, Star Trek, and Watchmen, the most surprising entry was Neil Bloomkamp's astonishing debut film, District 9. Mixing stinging social commentary with an immensely clever take an alien invasion, Bloomkamp managed to do something exceedingly rare in modern Hollywood; He took a small budget, no stars, and an original story and was able to make a smart film that blended action and smarts in a way that satisfied both critics and audiences alike, becoming a sleeper hit financially and earning a rare Best Picture nomination. Sharlto Copley is the breakout star of the film, transforming Wikus van de Merwe from a bumbling beaurucrat into an unlikely savior. Despite a relatively miniscule budget, the special effects on District 9 movie are second to none, with the CGI aliens being the standout. On a more trivial note, District 9 is by far the best recent example of the "mockumentary" style of filmmaking. District 9 looks and feels like a movie by a veteran director with a massive budget, a sign that Bloomkamp's potential is through the roof.