George Clooney and Sandra Bullock star as astronauts trapped in space in Alfonso Cuarón’s latest film, “Gravity.”

The Crimson Arts board presents its cinematic favorites of the year.

1. Gravity

"Gravity" is not your typical action movie. It excels because it is delicate: the film emphasizes the frailty of human life, the ironic isolation in the vastness of space, and the limits of human endurance. Noteworthy are the beautiful shots of Earth and the convincing depiction of the main character, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), as she fights for her life in zero gravity.

In what may be her most accomplished and serious performances since "Crash," Bullock carries the film both through both moments of terror and temporary reprieve, while the effortless lightness of the beautiful camera angles and visual architecture of the film belies its meticulous construction.

If any criticism can be made, it is that "Gravity" comes tantalizingly close to realism only to have this realism undercut by a few logical inconsistencies. For the most part, though, "Gravity" is simultaneously a serious artistic achievement and a joy to watch, soaring above other 2013 films in its nuance and style. —Ola Topczewska

2. 12 Years A Slave

"12 Years a Slave" is an excruciating film to watch. It’s a worry-your-lip, dig-your-nails-into-your-arm, squirm-in-your-seat sort of film. Which is exactly as it should be. This is director Steve McQueen’s specialty: to pick a subject so painful, so dehumanizing, that it cannot be treated but with his own aesthetically stunning flavor of brutality. As in McQueen’s prior films, Michael Fassbender is the core of the film’s intensity; he manages to keep his performance as the cruel slave owner Epps realistic despite the character’s insanity, and thus represents perhaps the most troubling part of the film. "12 Years a Slave" lingers, long after Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) escapes his bondage and the theater lights come back on. This is exactly what McQueen wants—his subject deserves this brand of haunting imagery, and his skillful direction ensures it will not leave the minds of his viewers easily. —Grace E. Huckins

3. Star Trek Into Darkness

This summer, the phasers of "Star Trek" were definitely set to stun. For fans of the franchise’s 2009 reboot, "Star Trek Into Darkness" was a necessary nod to one of the baddest villains in the history of the series and a welcome departure from its predecessor’s light-hearted tone. "Into Darkness" initiates this tonal shift without delay; the movie opens with a terrorist attack in London and a threat to the life of a Starfleet officer minutes afterward. Instead of watching Kirk take another joyride on the Enterprise, viewers now get to watch him make ethically complicated decisions, the results of which have profound implications for the other characters. Benedict Cumberbatch executes his portrayal of the ruthless Khan with chilling intensity, which helps to drive the film into a much more sophisticated (and darker) domain. —Charlotte D. Smith

3. Pacific Rim

Trailers for "Pacific Rim" promised a "Transformers"-like tale of mechanical warfare, so one could be forgiven for assuming the film would serve up action at the expense of relatability. Propelled by its irresistible sense of fun and lighthearted take on the action genre, however, "Pacific Rim" became one of the most surprising hits of the summer, proving these preconceptions wrong.

In this over-the-top yet consistently enjoyable film, humanity must fight for its existence against monsters called kaijus. To contain the assault, a pan-Pacific government resurrects the "Jaeger" program: gigantic robots, controlled by two mentally linked pilots, who just may have the strength to send the monsters back to hell. Led by convincingly stoic actors Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, and Idris Elba, this film is pure joy from start to finish. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy director Guillermo del Toro’s ride. —Leanna B. Ehrlich

3. The Great Gatsby