More than any other year this decade, 2015 had a sufficient amount of prestigious films that had distinct narratives about women being considerably perplexed and troubled with their particular situations. Perusing the films on my list, I started to realize that a vast number of them contained women longing to attain an ideal, a passion, or a faint semblance of hope that the future can and will be brighter. From all over the globe these individuals sought love and respect only to encounter threatening obstacles, some that could be overcome and others that could barely be comprehended, let alone endured.

The atmosphere that Harley found herself in in Heaven Knows What was beyond volatile and dangerous, but it didn’t prohibit her from dreaming of a better existence for herself and her lover. A lethal assassin is summoned back to her homeland to carry out a murder but is unable to do so due to her growing consciousness in The Assassin. Two women who fall spellbindingly in love in Carol each possess desires to create a lasting bond with each other despite society’s unbending morality. Looking to move up in the ranks of the FBI and make a name for herself, Kate unquestionably steps too far out of her comfort zone where she quickly meets the most ruthless of men in Sicario. And the women of Mad Max: Fury Road are acquainted with an impossible to comprehend evil but are willing to go through an unrelenting gauntlet to attain their ideal.

Here are my Top 30 Movies Of 2015…

The Top 20 performed on So You Think You Can Dance last night, a chance to show off their excellence in their own forms. After a harrowing time during Vegas week, these 20 proved that they outshone their peers, and had what it takes to get to the live show. SYTYCD judges Nigel Lythgoe, Jason Derulo, and Paula Abdul had the most difficult job of choosing the best of the best, with some assistance from Team Street mentor Stephen “tWitch” Boss (most recently of Magic Mike XXL) and Team Stage mentor Travis Wall. Host Cat Deeley kept everyones spirits up during the previous episodes, but returned to the spotlight to look lovely, and do what she does best.

“Welcome… to So You Think You Can Dance!”

Watch all the SYTYCD highlight videos, and the check out the gorgeous image gallery below.