14. V For Vendetta (2006)
Warner Bros.Alan Moore distanced himself completely from this adaptation of his 1982 graphic novel given the way Hollywood had previously butchered his work, but ironically V for Vendetta was the best feature-length movie yet to be based on his output. Wachowski protege James McTeigue made a confident directorial debut with this dark and stylish political actioner, led by a strong central performance from Hugo Weaving. The influence of the Wachowskis is evident, especially in the movie's mixture of philosophy, political undertones and slick action, but it would be a disservice to McTeigue to suggest that he doesn't put his own stamp on the material. More intelligent and subversive than the average studio blockbuster, V for Vendetta is an emotional, well-written and superbly cast thriller that successfully treads the delicate balance between the underlying message and the explosive pyrotechnics.