2012 Movies

The 2012 Plex Movie Database is your reliable and comprehensive guide to the world of film from that year. Our database optimizes your film search process. With user-friendly functionality and convenience, this database facilitates quick retrieval of your favorite movies.

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The Best Movies of 2012

In the realm of cinema, 2012 stood out for its remarkable line-up of films. The year was rich with diverse offerings, from high-profile sequels of renowned franchises like Batman and James Bond to the birth of original classics that would remain etched in viewers' memories for years to come.

Looper

Rian Johnson's Looper was a notable inclusion, primarily because of its originality. This standout feature is a testament to the film's strength, given that original works often struggle to find traction against established intellectual properties. The film was lauded for its accessible and thrilling interpretation of the often perplexing theme of time travel, with Bruce Willis delivering one of his most iconic performances.

Amour

We move on to Michael Haneke's Amour, a film characterized by its solitude and close quarters. The confined setting creates an almost claustrophobic atmosphere, but it is through this seclusion that the film finds transcendence. Straying from his typical critique of society, Haneke explores the intimate depths of human relationships, steering the narrative towards profound emotional terrains without any trace of sentimentality. Amour is a film that lingers in the mind, a haunting masterpiece with a final act that leaves audiences devastated.

The Dark Knight Rises

Securing a mention on our list is The Dark Knight Rises, the grand finale to Christopher Nolan's acclaimed trilogy. Despite the task of following up on The Dark Knight, this film was an immediate success, offering an epic and satisfying conclusion to Nolan's trilogy.

Silver Linings Playbook

2012 was indeed a momentous year for Jennifer Lawrence. Besides her successful portrayal of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, it was her role in Silver Linings Playbook that secured her a Best Actress Oscar. This film stood out for its fearless exploration of profound themes and the skillful balance of humor and gravitas.

Skyfall

Skyfall marked an adventurous departure from the typical 007 plotlines, taking a more emotionally-charged tone. It was lauded for its thrilling action sequences and the exploration of the toll of being 007. This deviation played a significant role in distinguishing Skyfall from its predecessors.

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg's Lincoln followed his critically acclaimed War Horse, delving once more into the realm of historical dramas. Although this genre might lack the glitz and glamour associated with big-screen blockbusters, Spielberg's Lincoln lured audiences thanks to its stellar cast. Daniel Day-Lewis, who played the titular role, went on to clinch the Oscar for Best Actor, tying Jack Nicholson for the all-time record wins.

Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained was a triumph, blending over-the-top violence with a star-studded cast to create a truly memorable film. The film won multiple awards at the Oscars, including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.

21 Jump Street

The buddy cop comedy reboot, 21 Jump Street, demonstrated that with a well-chosen cast and crew, reboots could also be a commercial and critical success. The brilliant casting and sharp script made this film one of Channing Tatum's highest-grossing movies, leading to an equally successful sequel in 2014.

Life Of Pi

In a year dominated by franchise films, Life of Pi carved out a niche for itself. This adaptation of the popular novel achieved commercial success, grossing 609 million dollars worldwide, and secured director Ang Lee an Oscar for Best Director. With its fantastical story and diverse cast, Life of Pi resonated with audiences globally, offering various interpretations of its narrative, thus broadening its appeal beyond traditional drama.

The Avengers

The Avengers was nothing short of a phenomenon, emerging as the highest-grossing movie of 2012. This culmination of five films was an unprecedented spectacle, skillfully merging action, humor, and heartfelt moments. It's a testament to how keen attention to world-building and character development can craft an immersive cinematic experience.

2012 Movies & Industry Highlights

2012 was a remarkable year in the film industry, marked by significant events and milestones. Not only did the two oldest surviving American film studios, Universal and Paramount, celebrate their centennial anniversaries, but the year also saw technological advancements, box office successes, and debates around the dynamics between producers and directors.

Centennial Anniversaries and Milestones

In 2012, both Universal and Paramount, the two oldest surviving American film studios, celebrated their 100-year anniversaries. These centennial celebrations honored the rich histories of the studios, which have produced countless iconic films and nurtured numerous talented filmmakers over the years. Additionally, the James Bond film series marked its 50th anniversary with the release of its 23rd installment, Skyfall, further solidifying the franchise's enduring legacy.

Technological Advancements

Dolby Atmos Sound Format

The year 2012 also witnessed the launch of the Dolby Atmos sound format, an innovative technology that provides a more immersive and realistic audio experience for moviegoers. The premiere of Pixar's Brave marked the debut of this cutting-edge sound format, which has since become widely adopted in theaters worldwide.

High Frame Rate Technology

Another notable technological advancement in 2012 was the introduction of high frame rate (HFR) technology. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey became the first film to utilize 48 F.P.S., a higher frame rate than the film industry standard of 24 F.P.S. This new technology aimed to provide smoother motion and enhanced image clarity, paving the way for future films to experiment with HFR.

3D and IMAX Re-releases

Six major films were re-released in 3D and IMAX formats in 2012, providing audiences with an opportunity to experience these classics in a new and immersive way. These films included Beauty and the Beast, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Titanic, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc.

Independent Financing

2012 saw a rise in independent financing for filmmakers whose work did not fit into traditional franchise formatting. This trend allowed for more diverse and unique films to be produced, offering audiences a wider variety of cinematic experiences beyond the typical blockbuster fare.

Producer-Director Dynamics

The film industry also witnessed a debate around the dynamics between producers and directors, specifically regarding the level of control that should be granted to directors. Some argued that producers should restrain the idiosyncrasies of directors to ensure a coherent and marketable product, while others championed the importance of giving a director's vision free rein for the sake of artistic integrity.

BFI's 2012 Sight & Sound Greatest Films of All Time Survey

In August 2012, the British Film Institute (BFI) announced their updated Sight & Sound Greatest Films of All Time survey, a prestigious list compiled through the input of critics and filmmakers. For the first time ever, Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo topped the list, dethroning Orson Welles' Citizen Kane, which had held the number one position since 1962.

Highest-Grossing Films of 2012

The top-grossing films of 2012 showcased a diverse range of genres and styles, with superhero movies dominating the box office. The Avengers, distributed by Disney, secured the top spot with a worldwide gross of $1,518,812,988. Other notable films in the top ten included Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Ice Age: Continental Drift, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, The Amazing Spider-Man, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, The Hunger Games, and Men in Black 3.