Although it has yet to unspool except for a handful of Hollywood and press screenings, Star Wars: The Force Awakens earns a spot on the annual list of the best American films. If you don’t see your favorite film on the list, remember that these are American films only. That means no Brooklyn or 45 Years. Apart from that, the only films missing from the list that could have been included: The Hateful Eight, Joy, Beasts of No Nation, Creed, The Danish Girl and Sicario. However, the biggest omission is The Revenant, a film that has gotten plenty of attention this year, but was completely shut out.

Best American Films

• The Big Short
• Bridge of Spies
• Carol
• Inside Out
• Mad Max: Fury Road
• The Martian
• Room
• Spotlight
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens
• Straight Outta Compton

American Film Institute Data

Year Founded: 1967
First Awards: 2001 (15)