Editor’s note: Movie review Jeff Marker selected his top 10 films for the year.

It wasn’t a particularly deep year for quality films.
Some of my colleagues disagree, but some of the movies being touted as award contenders (“Trumbo,” for example) didn’t live up to the hype for me. However, some did make the cut.
The top three films on my list stand far above all others and the next five are all outstanding. Then there are several good films that wouldn’t be strong enough to make best-of lists in many other years. Still, the best things about year-end movie lists are they might encourage folks to seek out lesser-known movies or debate those they have seen. Hopefully this list does both.

1. “Room”
Seven years ago, a young woman (Brie Larson) was abducted and confined to a one-room shed by her captor. This room is the only world her 5-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay) knows, until mother and child attempt a perilous escape. Lenny Abrahamson (do yourself a favor and see his “Frank” from last year) focuses on the mother’s will to protect her child and the young boy’s discovery of the world outside the room, and leaves us with a deeper appreciation of the bonds between mother and child.

2. “Beasts of No Nation”
Cary Joji Fukunaga (“True Detective”) adapted Uzodinma Iweala’s novel about an African child soldier into a harrowing, empathetic, brutal and unforgettable viewing experience. This is also a significant moment in media history, since “Beasts” is Netflix’s first theatrically released motion picture. It will compete for awards and already marks a sea change for the industry.

3. “Ex Machina”
This thought-provoking, sexy, stylish science-fiction thriller is so stunning I watched it on an airplane yet was still enamored. Three brilliant actors (Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Oscar Isaac) conduct a cinematic Turing test among themselves and with us. You will not look away from this movie.

4. “The Big Short”
I would call this an essential movie, but people tend to resist must-see recommendations. I would tell you it provides the best explanation yet of the Wall Street collapse, but that description is far too academic. And I don’t dare tell you it predicts impending dangers. Instead, I’ll just say it’s a hilarious, witty comedy featuring a world-class cast (Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Marisa Tomei and Rafe Spall). Incredibly, all of those descriptions are equally accurate.

5. “Steve Jobs”
“Steve Jobs” is less a biopic than a virtuoso enunciation of classic American themes (like “The Social Network,” this movie owes an enormous debt to “Citizen Kane”). Director Danny Boyle, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and actors Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels and Michael Stuhlbarg comprise an exquisite quartet who are occasionally joined by other outstanding players.

6. “Spotlight”
The next great journalism movie has arrived. Writer/director Tom McCarthy (“The Station Agent,” “The Visitor”) and a stellar ensemble cast (Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery and Billy Crudup) dramatize the true story of the Boston Globe’s investigation into the child molestation scandal and subsequent cover-up that forever altered the stature of the Catholic church. It’s an inspiring reminder of the social role only the fourth estate can fill.

7. “Love & Mercy”
You might not believe this, but John Cusack is outstanding in this Brian Wilson biopic but not as strong as Paul Dano. The two actors play Wilson at different stages of life, and both capture the genius and torturous mental illness that defined the legendary composer and musician. “Love & Mercy” is an unconventional biopic and a fitting tribute.

8. “Sicario”
An idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) goes on a covert mission into Mexico with a shadowy task force as part of the “war on drugs.” But she discovers much more is going on than she initially recognized. Director Denis Villeneuve uses the scenario to say some things about the narcotics trade and the government’s battle against it, but mostly he delivers a taut, fever pitch action movie that, along with “Prisoners,” places him in a whole new class of filmmakers.

9. “Inside/Out”
This was inarguably Pixar’s best movie in years, but that’s no longer saying much for a studio that has churned out formulaic sequels since being bought by Disney. Honestly, I think this one is a bit over-rated, but I’m including it here because of the superb animation. (How did they create those skin textures on the emotion characters?!) There is also much to be said about a family movie willing to tackle pre-teen emotions and let kids know it’s natural to express sadness, fear and anger.

10. “Mad Max: Fury Road”
I’m including “Fury Road” for three reasons.
One, people like lists with 10 entries.
Two, George Miller’s revival of the legendary Australian post-apocalyptic science-fiction franchise elevates the car chase to a thing of beauty. Stunning cinematography captures impeccably executed, acrobatic battle sequences taking place on wheels.
Three, I hope it angers men’s rights activists, a group for whom “Fury Road” sparked the most pathetic outrage of the year. Max is not made weak because Furiosa is made strong. Surprisingly, this all-out action opus captures gender equality circa 2015 perfectly.

Others worth seeing: “Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter,” “Carol,” “The Danish Girl,” “Amy,” “Finder’s Keepers” and “Best of Enemies”

Jeff Marker is head of the Communication, Media & Journalism Department at the University of North Georgia.