My Top 18 Movie Posters of 2018

Time really flies, and it’s already that time of the year when people look back, making lists of things that happened in the last 365 days. In my case—it’s movie posters. So, without any further ado, here are my 18 personal favorites (turns out there were lots of amazing ones this year, so I really struggled which ones to leave out)!

Note: I didn’t limit myself to theatrical posters only, but included everything that was produced and that I could find.

Also, special thanks to filmcompanion.in for images and information on posters number 9, 10 and 11.

1. Shoplifters

Designed by Huang Hai
This earned top spot the moment I saw it. It’s such a timeless piece of design and I can’t wait to see the movie.

2. Suspiria

Designed by LA
The Suspiria campaign included a bunch of great posters throughout the year, this one being my favorite (and most unsettling one). Bloody splatters, a bunch of eyes and an amazing title (designed by the great Dan Perri)—what more do you need?

3. First Reformed

Designed by P+A
The quiet simplicity won me over with this one. Probably the most elegant poster of the year.

4. Apostle

Designed by TBD
Great use of texture and so many (spooky) details to look at. Plus that use of red is just gorgeous!

5. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Designed by Zhang Chun
This Chinese version of the poster is just in its own league of gorgeousness. The same artist also did a bunch of character posters for each beast which are also pretty amazing.

6. Her Smell

Designed by Teddy Blanks
Alex Ross Perry never disappoints with posters. Her Smell is his latest, and this homage to vintage rock concert posters seems so appropriate.

7. Roma

Designed by Concept Arts
I love this photo and I love this title design! I hear the movies is maybe Cuaron’s best yet (which says a lot!), and this poster makes it look like a new classic.

8. The Burial of Kojo

Designed by TBD
I don’t know anything about this movie, but I hope it’s as magical as this poster.

9. Cat Sticks

Designed by Lech Majewski
I was immediately drawn to this peculiar poster featuring two faces in a moon-shaped element, so I wasn’t surprised that it was designed by a living legend of Polish design.

10. Fugue

Designed by Julia Mirny
As much as I fear eating a centipede while sleeping, I’d hang this beauty on my bedroom wall!

11. Czechmate: In Search of Jiri Menzel

Designed by Prashant Kanyalkar (Concrete Design)
Poster for a documentary on the great Czech director conveniently tributes many of his films in a cool-looking collage style. It’s probably an homage to New Wave Czech movie posters, but it also reminds me of Monty Python!

12. Burning

Designed by Palaceworks
Although this poster is already on many best posters lists, I just had to include it on mine as well. It’s a simple use of overlaying two images (scenes from the movie), but the result is so effective and mysterious. That title font is also a thing of beauty!

13. Isle of Dogs

Designed by BLT Communications, LLC
Every details of a Wes Anderson movie is always perfect, and this stop motion movie full of nice looking dogs is not an exception. Extra points for a creative combination of English and Japanese titles. Oh, and I love dogs!

14. Claire’s Camera

Designed by Brian Hung
Can’t wait to see this charming and funny movie (as the tagline says)—and that’s exactly how the poster makes it seem. Again, using the dog doesn’t hurt!

15. Jallikattu

Designed by Old Monks Design
Not only does this look amazing, but it’s also made of actual mud! How cool is that?

16. Slice

Designed by BOND
A pretty original concept for a horror-comedy poster. Those “toppings” check boxes at the bottom are a fun and playful touch.

17. Us

Designed by LA
An example of maximum effect with minimal elements (even the title uses only two letters!).
Violent brushstrokes and the name Jordan Peele both hint to a dark story. I loved Get Out so I can’t wait for March 2019 to come!

18. Under the Tree

Designed by Šesnić&Turković
A nice concept, quirky illustration, and a color palette somehow fitting for a movie from Iceland.