I must confess – I genuinely think 2010 was a good year in movies.

Of course, I'm not simply basing that on a series of obviously stellar performances and the number of films deserving of awards recognition. And I'm not making my list after staring at a bunch of pundits' thoughts on the matter.

My favorite movies are ones that either make me feel something real and physical (and not just that sense of "I'm so smart. I saw that little indie") or that I'm inclined to watch over and over. Better yet, I like my movies to do both, and it's a tall order.

So sure, I really enjoyed and appreciated "The King's Speech" and "The Social Network" – I'm an Aaron Sorkin fan, after all – but they didn't make enough of an emotional impact and I can't picture myself popping the disc into my Blu-ray player on a snowy January night. These, however, are another story:

10. 'Despicable Me'

Who hasn't fantasized about having a bunch of minions to do your evil bidding? I spent most of my childhood trying to mold my younger brother into such a little helper, but when he got taller than me and stopped fetching my sodas while we watched TV, I knew I was doomed. And, let's be honest, he wasn't quite as cute as those little yellow guys who look fab in 3-D. The animated flick about a supervillain (voiced by Steve Carell) who turns out to have a heart as golden as those minions, not only warmed my grown-up (and considerably less conniving) heart, it inspired some serious laughs.

9. 'Catfish'

Regardless of the authenticity of this tale being a documentary or not, I'll never forget leaving the theater after seeing it. For starters, I had a huge crush on its hero, Nev Schulman, and the scene where he reads his sexts with his would-be gal pal Megan is truly hilarious. It also reminded me that while the Internet can be a scary place, it can also be a heartbreakingly pathetic one.

8. 'Let Me In'

Movie buffs were irate when it was announced that "Cloverfield"'s Matt Reeves was directing an American version of the popular Swedish horror film, "Let the Right One In," and, while I loved the original, I was among the minority of people pumped to see the English version. I wasn't disappointed. The remake remained totally loyal to its subtle-yet-scary source material – and stars Chloe Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee were just as impressive as their foreign counterparts. Dare I say, I actually feel this telling of the vampire tale is superior?

7. 'Easy A'

My name is practically synonymous with high school movies and television shows (my remote stays parked on The CW, thank you very much), so this was a movie I was born to love. That said, it far exceeded any expectations I may have had. From classic '80s movie references and a seriously cool (albeit purposefully over-the-top sexy) wardrobe to Emma Stone, Penn Badgley and Cam Gigandet, the entire movie was pure eye candy. Top it off with Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson, whose every line was comedic gold, and I know exactly what I'm watching during my next girls' night in.

6. 'Inception'

From the stunningly creative visuals to Joseph Gordon-Levitt (seriously, that man wears clothes better than anyone in Hollywood), this movie was a feast. Or, best when followed by a feast, anyway, because there was no better movie to debate and discuss with friends this year than this one. So did the top fall at the end or did it just keep on spinning? The best part about this movie is that Christopher Nolan didn't make that choice – what a lesser movie it would be if he had!

5. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1'

When a movie makes me cry within the first few minutes, how can it not be one of the best movies of the year (see also: last year's "Up")? This chapter served as a fitting and emotional beginning of the end for my favorite Hogwarts students and was arguably the most true to the source novels of any of the seven adaptations thus far. Sure, Hermione got a little more naked and Kreacher lacked screen time, but Dobby's demise was one of the most heartbreaking moments of the books and, appropriately, of the year in cinema. I cannot wait to see the final chapter in July, but I'm also so saddened by the prospect of saying goodbye to my pals.

4. 'The Fighter'

Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams packed a one-two-three-four acting punch in this true tale of boxing champ Micky Ward and his debilitatingly dysfunctional family, and director David O. Russell swings for much more than just a sports biopic. Having seen Ward fight live when he battled Arturo Gatti in 2002, I connected to this film more than some of the other awards bait this year. Bale is devastatingly strong as Ward’s junkie brother/trainer and probable Oscar contender Leo (“Frozen River”) gives her second scene-stealing performance of the year after “Welcome to the Rileys.”

3. 'Toy Story 3'

Seriously, who didn’t sob watching this movie? The return of Woody, Buzz and friends alone was enough to make me smile, but watching the toys bid farewell to their beloved Andy as he heads to college had huge, wet teardrops streaming down my cheeks. Kids may see colors and talking playthings when they watch these films, but I saw sheer brilliance… and a real need for someone to pass the tissues.

2. 'Black Swan'

I really love a good dance movie ("Step Up 3-D," anyone?) but this doesn't really count, despite its subject matter. The concept of using the ballet "Swan Lake" as a jumping off point for a twisty thriller was a great idea and casting Natalie Portman was an even better one. I left the theater physically shaking from tensing my muscles throughout the entire film and yet in awe of the rare beauty I saw on the screen. How often does that happen?

1. '127 Hours'

A movie about a guy trapped alone in a canyon for days should be pretty lame, right? But with the combination of the talents of "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle and the inspired performance of James Franco, this movie was anything but boring. For some, seeing Franco's Aron Ralston cut off his limb sent them running for the restroom (or even the hospital), but for me, the highlight of the film was experiencing the butterflies that went all a-flutter just as Ralston's impending disaster was about to strike. It is, quite simply, a great story told in a fascinating and inspiring way.

Follow NextMovie Senior Editor Breanne L. Heldman on Twitter.