As the year comes to a close, every magazine, blog, and critics circle around, has compartmentalized the year’s best films into list form. It’s a tradition as ubiquitous as spiking the egg nog, and each year it feels as though the same ten films–with a few exceptions of course–appear on every list. This year, Up in The Air, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, and Precious are the usual suspects, having already appeared on over two dozen “best of” lists. So rather than sheepishly follow the herd, we’ve decided to look into our very own Swarovksi crystal ball and name the ten best films of 2010. Our list is a grab bag of can’t-miss directors, future studio tentpoles, and the requisite indie darlings. So when the critics roll out their lists a year from now, just remember: You heard it here first.

Alice in Wonderland: It was only a matter of time before Tim Burton unleashed his take on Lewis Carrol’s macabre children’s tale, and he brought partner-in-crime Jonny Depp along for the ride. Sweeney Todd was Burton’s first true awards darling; look for this to be his second. (Mar. 5)

Inception: Nevermind that this top secret sci-fi movie is Chris Nolan’s first since the decade-busting The Dark Knight. Nevermind that its teaser trailer and poster have the Internet buzzing months before the film’s release. Inception will be one of next years best films thanks to what has to be one of the best casts ever assembled: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine, Lukas Haas, and Tom Berenger. That must have been some wrap party. (Jul 16)

Shutter Island: Martin Scorsese’s follow up to his best picture-winning The Departed was slated for a 2009 release and on many expert’s shortlists for another Oscar nod, but thanks to star Leonardo DiCaprio’s lack of availability for international promotion, Shutter Island was pushed to next year. Delayed release dates are usually a kiss of death for most films, but with a script based on Oscar-magnet Dennis Lehane’s eponymous book, and Scorsese behind the camera, this psychological thriller isn’t most films. (Feb. 19)

The Green Hornet: It will be interesting to see how former Corduroy cover boy Michel Gondry’s (photo on left) whimsical, DIY aesthetic translates to the shiny world of big budget action movies. With a leaner Seth Rogen writing and starring, and newly minted bad boy Christopher Walz as the villain, we’re predicting they turn the superhero genre flat on its head. In a good way, of course. (Dec. 22)

It’s Kind of a Funny Story: Acclaimed directing duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s debut film Half Nelson scored with critics and made Ryan Gosling a star, while their follow up Sugar was one of the most underrated films this year. Look for their latest, which features a troubled teen, a mental health clinic and Zach Galifianakis, to be the breakout hit of the year. (Nov.)

The Fighter: Idiosyncratic director David O. Russell hasn’t quite reached the potential promised by his film Three Kings, but he’s come close. His latest is a surprisingly conventional story of redemption in the world of boxing with a marquee cast that includes Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams. Only a true halfwit can miss this one up. (TBA)

Tree of Life: Enigmatic director Terrence Malick has only made four films in over three decades, so needless to say his fifth will be a very big deal. Add two of Hollywood’s best–Brad Pitt and Sean Penn–to the coming of age tale, and we have ourselves an surefire early contender for best picture. (TBA)

Somewhere: For a film about the disillusionment of celebrity, Sofia Coppola’s next is decidedly lacking in star power. Stephen Dorff stars as a hard-living actor whose life is turned upside down when he’s paid a visit by his daughter, played by Elle Fanning. After Marie Antoinette failed to catch, Coppola returns to what she does best: a movie about lost souls rattling around a big city. (TBA)

Black Swan: A film about rival ballet dancers played by Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman is enough to excite even the most hardened cynics. Add The Wrestler director Darren Aronofsky to the mix and we have ourselves a game changer. (TBA)

All Good Things: Andrew Jarecki’s first film since his blistering 2003 documentary Capturing The Friedmans, this love story-cum-murder mystery stars Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling Jr. and is based on “the most notorious unsolved murder case in New York history.” This one simply can’t miss. (March)

-Daniel Barna