The Best Movies of 2012

1. Argo

Crackling with suspense and surprising humor, Ben Affleck's tautly crafted political thriller — about the real-life rescue of six U.S. diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis under the guise of a low-budget sci-fi movie — is the rare adult flick that's accessible, smart and just damn good. Armed with a superb cast (including Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Victor Garber, Kyle Chandler, Chris Messina, Clea DuVall and Christopher Stanley), the film not only cements Affleck as one of the best directors today, but proves that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and a Hollywood ending is not always improbable.