16. Ghost World (2001)
United ArtistsNot all comic book movies need to feature superhero and spandex, demonstrated to great effect by Terry Zwigoff's adaptation of Daniel Clowes' cult series. The movie perfectly captures the source material's unique take on the trials of friendship and adolescence, with the end result being a comedy/drama that covers the emotional spectrum all the way from hilarity to poignancy with almost everything in between. Anchored by two strong central performances form Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson, Ghost World also features strong supporting turns from the talented supporting ensemble that lace the proceedings with everything from laugh-out-loud moments to powerful social commentary. Zwigoff and Clowes scored a deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for a witty, intelligent script that delivers a smart and sophisticated movie that turns the teen comedy on its head.