At least according to me.

It's that time again, when anyone with a frequent ticket buyer card chimes in with their picks of the year's cinematic litter. Everybody's right, if they have solid rationale to back up their choices and I believe I do.

For the sake of provoking argument, here's my list:

10. Waltz with Bashir -- An animated documentary; a first in my book. Just making that happen is impressive, the results even more so. Don't worry, you didn't miss it. I saw it at the Telluride festival in September. A local engagement, probably in February, is inevitable after awards season pans out. (Watch trailer)

9. Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson -- You're somewhere around Barstow when the brilliance of Alex Gibney's documentary begins to take hold. Now on DVD. (View trailer)

8. Frost/Nixon -- Frank Langella's immersion into disgraced president Richard Nixon's psyche is Oscar bait. Opens Dec. 25. (View trailer)

7. The double feature of Rachel Getting Married and Happy-Go-Lucky, diverse films about polar opposite women that were reviewed in tandem, so the shared billing fits. Now in theaters, or returning soon. (View 'Rachel' trailer and 'Happy' trailer)

6. Let the Right One In -- The best foreign film of the year, a Swedish horror flick that is alternately terrifying and beautiful. Opens Jan. 2 at Tampa Theatre. (View trailer)

5. Milk -- Sean Penn carries this biography of slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk, maybe to another best actor Oscar. Now in theaters. (View trailer)

4. The Wrestler -- Mickey Rourke is Penn's strongest competition, with a semi-autobiographical performance that amazes; physically and emotively. Opens January 9. (View trailer)

3. The Dark Knight -- You may have heard of this one. (View trailer)

2. The Reader -- Kate Winslet's best performance ever, in a stunning combination of Last Tango in Paris, Summer of '42 and Judgment at Nuremburg. Opens Dec. 25. (View trailer)

1. Slumdog Millionaire -- Even if you don't like occasional subtitles, no-name casts and exotic locales, I dare you to not find Danny Boyle's movie entertaining. Opens Friday. (View trailer)

(Photo from Fox Searchlight Pictures)