Although film production and distribution continue to evolve, one thing is unchangeable: to make a great movie, you need a great story. And in 2011, that was as true as ever. The following films, in alphabetical order, are the year's best.

"The Adjustment Bureau" • Matt Damon and Emily Blunt generate strong romantic chemistry in director George Nolfi's suspenseful science-fiction tale about defying the odds and doing what's necessary to fulfill your destiny.

"Beginners" • Ewan McGregor is an artist who finds love with a French actress (Melanie Laurent) while mourning the death of his father (Christopher Plummer) in this funny/sad film from writer-director Mike Mills.

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" • Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara are the new Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander in director David Fincher's supercharged take on novelist Stieg Larsson's tale of murder and mayhem in Sweden.

"Hanna" • Saoirse Ronan proves to be a formidable action heroine in this thinking-person's thriller co-starring Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett and directed by, in a stunning change of pace, Joe Wright ("Atonement").

"Martha Marcy May Marlene" • Elizabeth Olsen turns in a breakout performance in director Sean Durkin's drama about a young woman who seeks a life away from the pursuit of money and status, only to find corruption and deceit.

"Moneyball" • Brad Pitt brings true movie-star charisma to this fascinating story about the business of baseball and the unpredictability of success, directed with intelligence and style by Bennett Miller ("Capote").

"Shame" • Michael Fassbender reunites with "Hunger" director Steve McQueen for this drama about a sex addict who must also cope with his overemotional sister (Carey Mulligan). Opens in St. Louis in 2012.

"Take Shelter" • Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") reteams with director Jeff Nichols ("Shotgun Stories") for this apocalyptic fable about a working-class guy who may be losing his mind.

"The Tree of Life" • Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and the seemingly ubiquitous Jessica Chastain star in director Terrence Malick's meditation on time, space and humanity — the most visionary film since "2001: A Space Odyssey."

"We Need to Talk About Kevin" • Tilda Swinton is mesmerizing in this dark, provocative and brilliant drama from director Lynne Ramsay ("Ratcatcher") about an indifferent mother and her dangerous son. Opens in St. Louis in 2012.