Pixar's "Up" is several films rolled into one animated adventure. Credit: Amazon.com

The movies on this list don't have a lot in common -- animated features, buddy comedies, adaptations, hero stories, and documentaries -- except they were all entertaining and well-made. A few possibly worthy films didn't make it, simply because I didn't manage to catch them or they weren't out yet ("Public Enemies," "Pirate Radio," "Sherlock Holmes"). Another, "Anvil: The Story of Anvil," made it because, though it ran the festival circuit in 2008, got its main theatrical run in 2009. So as always, feel free to add your vote below in the comments section, and share what movies you liked and why.

"Up": This Pixar triumph is several movies rolled into one. The first 15 minutes is a touching tragedy, the middle an adventure comedy, and the end an action film, everything executed to perfection.

"The Men Who Stare at Goats": A modern day fairytale about believing you can make a difference despite all evidence to the contrary, with fine comic performances from George Clooney (in just one of the roughly 10,000 films he released this fall), Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, and Ewan McGregor.

"Where the Wild Things Are": Yes, the film is neurotic and, at times, inscrutable, but so is childhood. A wondrous reimagining of the classic Maurice Sendak classic.

"Star Trek": I've never been a Trekkie (I've always been more of a "Star Wars" man), but JJ Abrams' franchise reboot was wildly entertaining, packed with humor and action, and felt just true enough to the original, with a few updates.

"I Love You, Man": Admittedly, I am an easy target for this one, being a fan of Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rush. Even so, "I Love You, Man" is funny, and the story worked surprisingly well.

"Watchmen": Die-hard fans could pick "Watchmen" apart for leaving out some of the details of the back story, but the movie adaptation was as faithful to the artfully sprawling graphic novel as it could be without being a miniseries.

"Anvil: The Story of Anvil": "Anvil" is the confirmation of every rock band's deepest-seated fear -- that "Spinal Tap" is real. But, as the band is now packing it in after this documentary, after decades of misfires, it's also confirmation of every band's biggest dream -- that you can make it eventually if you just keep trying.

"Zombieland": It wouldn't be my list without a zombie flick, and this one is pure fun, from the opening slow-motion montages to the fun park showdown at the end. Plus, the best cameo of the year.

"Coraline": Neil Gaiman's kids' book is beautifully rendered in this Tim Burton-esque animated film (Burton had nothing to do with the film, but his frequent collaborator, director Henry Selick, did). What kid hasn't dreamed of an alternate universe hidden somewhere in their everyday world?

"Big Man Japan": An inventive take on the mockumentary about the man responsible for fighting off monsters that attack Japan. He's always on call, running to an electric plant so he can grow to building-size, but he gets little respect from the public, who yearn for the days of his grandfather, affectionately referred to as "The Fourth."