The final day of the first decade of the 21st century is upon us, giving me a chance to reflect on the decade that was at the movies.

In the past 10 years I have seen somewhere between 1,300 and 1,400 films, some great and some not so great. Back in November I decided to compile a list of the 50 best films of the decade and unveiled Nos. 50-11 on my blog with the intention of saving the top 10 for this column.

The late addition of “Up in the Air” threw a wrench into those plans, so now my top 10 list is actually a list of 11 – all equally deserving of a mention of the best of the best in the past 10 years.

1. United 93 (2006)

The re-creation of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is the defining film of the decade, an exquisite and respectful masterpiece that resonates with power, intensity and raw emotion, making it the most emotionally significant film since “Schindler’s List.”

The craftsmanship alone makes it an extraordinary achievement, but director Paul Greengrass’ ability to capture the confusion and horror of that tragic day makes it even more special.

2. Almost Famous (2000)

As a journalist, this Cameron Crowe film about a high school boy given a chance to write a profile of an up-and-coming band for Rolling Stone struck a chord. It was a beautiful coming of age postcard.

Crowe’s film was funny, smart and featured a star-making turn from Kate Hudson (even if the young actress has failed to capitalize on this role).

3. Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch’s twisted tale of fame and fortune is a delightful jigsaw puzzle, and I’m still unsure how all the pieces fit together, but the confusion only adds to my appreciation of the film.

If “Almost Famous” was the arrival of Hudson, this is where Naomi Watts established herself, playing a starlet who comes to Los Angeles determined to make her way into movies.

4. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Joel and Ethan Coen’s best film since “Fargo” is a white-knuckle thriller with a great ensemble cast, including Oscar winner Javier Bardem.

Some people might be frustrated by the film’s final act. I’ll admit it’s not an easy ending, but it is challenging and upon reflection something I’ve grown to appreciate.

5. There Will Be Blood (2007)

With Daniel Day-Lewis’ brilliant performance as the centerpiece, writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson delivered another masterpiece with this tale of a prospector at the turn of the century who develops a rivalry with a charismatic young preacher (Paul Dano).

“Blood” is an amazing study of greed and corruption, expertly crafted by Anderson (including an out-there final act that leaps outside the box, well outside the confines of a typical Hollywood ending).

6. The Virgin Suicides (2000)

A powerful drama from director Sofia Coppola about a group of young men whose lives are forever changed by their obsession with five doomed sisters is both beautiful and haunting.

Like “Mulholland Drive,” the film has an almost dreamlike quality to it, with a screenplay that doesn’t provide all the answers – but is all the better because of its vagueness.

7. Memento (2001)

In a decade full of jigsaw puzzles, this Christopher Nolan film is the most perplexing and entertaining. “Memento” tells the story of a man with short-term memory loss searching for his wife’s killer who has to use notes and tattoos to help him piece together the clues.

The backward narrative can be frustrating to some, but Nolan’s confident direction and Guy Pierce’s underrated performance make it all worthwhile.

8. Up in the Air (2009)

Smart, topical, funny and just a little bittersweet, the latest from director Jason Reitman has plenty of strengths that make it the best film of 2009.

George Clooney is fantastic as a man who travels around the country to various workplaces notifying employees that they have been terminated, and performances from Vera Fermiga and Anna Kendrick and a screenplay that goes in some unexpected places only add to the film’s richness.

9. Mystic River (2003)/The Departed (2006)

I felt the need to make room for both of these strong crime dramas set in New England, which actually have more in common than just the locale.

“River” – director Clint Eastwood’s shining moment in a decade full of great films – is a modern-day tragedy about three friends scarred by a childhood incident. “The Departed” is the best film of the decade for director Martin Scorsese, who finally picked up the Oscar with this intense remake of the popular Hong Kong drama “Internal Affairs.”

Both films have strong casts and stories that expertly capture the seedy underbelly of modern-day crime and justice.

10. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

I don’t think there is any other film in this decade that I’ve seen more than this musical from John Cameron Mitchell about a transsexual punk rock singer trying to find fame and fortune after his boyfriend steals his music.

The film is full of catchy songs, features a great performance from Mitchell, and has lots of laughs and plenty of heart – making it perhaps my favorite film of the last 10 years.

— Disagree with sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton’s picks? Send him an e-mail at mcompton@bgdailynews.com and let him know about it. To see the other 40 films in his top 50 or to get a sneak peek at his look back at 2009, visit his blog at mcompton.wordpress.com or his Twitter page at twitter.com/mcompton428.