This year in films is widely being described as the worst year in recent memory. Sure, Quentin Tarantino became a household name with Pulp Fiction, and Robert Redford scored a critical hit with Quiz Show, but after that nobody could really agree on what makes a good film.

For every box office mega-hit such as True Lies dozens of movies barely broke even (Angels in the Outfield, Beverly Hills Cop 3, PCU). And for every surprise hit (The Santa Clause, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) there was a big-name failure (Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, I Love Trouble).

The biggest winners of the year, not surprisingly, had the biggest budgets and the most advertising. The year's runaway winner was the special-effect laden Forrest Gump. And the year's runaway loser was It's Pat: The Movie. This film was actually released, although not widely, and grossed an amazing $50,000. That means less than 10,000 people actually saw it -- an unprecedented loser in the film world.

Through the haze, several films left an impression on us for one reason or another. So, as far as we're concerned, here are the best films of the year.

-- Pulp Fiction -- Not the classic it was supposed to be, but Tarantino (the Shaggy of American directors) tests his armor with the mainstream and succeeds. Mending bits of splatter-paint brain, blood and guts, and a tart script to an off-kilter perfection.(JC)

-- Backbeat -- An involving, complex story about the early days of the Beatles, centering on the relationship between John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe, the fifth Beatle who left before the band broke big. A great character piece featuring terrific performances by Stephen Dorff as the artistic Sutcliffe and Ian Hart as the brash Lennon. Directed with fine, subtle strokes by Iain Softley.(JD)

-- Romeo is Bleeding -- This overlooked crime flick from director Peter Medak (The Krays) was an over-the-top exercise in style that worked. A crooked cop (Gary Oldman) meets his ultimate match in a ruthless gangster, played with venomous gusto by Lena Olin. A great script and a wonderful performance by Oldman turned an expected genre piece into an exciting and unexpectedly touching ride.(JD)

-- Hoop Dreams -- The most talked-about documentary since Roger & Me and The Thin Blue Line. The filmmakers go beyond the stodgy documentary format to tell the story of two high school basketball hopefuls. The tale of inner-city reality avoids gangsta stereotypes and sport clichs because it actually happened. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll leave a little angry. Most of all, you will be moved.(JC)

-- Quiz Show -- A towering achievement from director Robert Redford, detailing the quiz show scandals of the 1950s. Redford takes the story of fixed winner Charles Van Doren and critically examines the trust placed in the medium of television. Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List) is magnificent as the complicated Van Doren, with fine supporting work by John Turturro and Rob Morrow.(JD)

-- Crooklyn -- After years of being dogged as a sexist from critic Bell Hooks and others, Spike Lee sets out to tell a story through the eyes of a young black girl growing up in Brooklyn, or rather, Crooklyn. Lee creates a world of sexual confusion (check out Ru Paul's incredible cameo), spiteful neighbors and mounting bills. Through a series of montages, Lee offers his most moving work since Do The Right Thing.(JC)

-- Red Rock West -- A true return to film noir, RRW dwells in an ugly world of money, lust and crime. Any fan of the writings of Daschiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain or Jim Thompson, or old-time film noir can not help but love this stylish hard-edged thriller.(MC)

-- Natural Born Killers -- You either loved or hated it, but Oliver Stone's visionary essay on America's fascination with violence was an unforgettable and revolutionary movie-going experience. A feverish pace, standout performances by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis and a claustrophobic look drove Stone's point home with tremendous force.(JD)

-- The Lion King -- Any animated movie by Disney is a winner but this one with its cast of singing jungle animals and all-star voices was a real thrill, combining touches of humor with an engaging storyline. Not just a favorite with the youngsters, The Lion King magic lives on in the countless pieces of paraphernalia that adorns dorm rooms throughout campus.(LH)

-- True Lies -- Popular blockbuster films still deserve recognition and this Arnold Schwarzenegger flick was a roller coaster ride of action-packed excitement. Schwarzenegger plays a muscular James Bond type while masquerading as a boring salesman for his family. The movie was highly comedic with humorous lines from both Arnie and Roseanne's ex-hubby Tom Arnold, who was surprisingly good. Schwarzenegger looked great in a tux doing the tango.(LH)

-- It Could Happen to You -- This movie, based loosely on a true story, had a magic mixture of romance and the good nature of some human beings, which made it a really good spirit-lifting movie. In this money-oriented society it's nice to think that someone would keep a promise and part with cold hard cash, even if it is just a movie. It probably bolstered lottery sales and provided an innovative if somewhat rotten method of tipping for cheap people everywhere.(LH)

-- The Shawshank Redemption --Not typical Stephen King fare, this movie focused on the odd friendship that developed between two convicts. Focusing beyond the plight of a wrongly imprisoned banker, the friendship between the characters played by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins was developed in an excellent and believable fashion, elevating the entire film.(LH)

-- Star Trek Generations -- Okay, so Star Trek movies usually do not pop up on "the best of" lists, this one deserves a little recognition and respect, if only as a eulogy to Capt. James T. Kirk. In an unprecedented passing of the torch, this film made a nice addition to a cult film tradition and was pleasant food for hungry trekkies everywhere.(LH)

Honorable Mention: Forrest Gump, Disclosure, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mi Vida Loca and Barcelona.

This critics' round table consists of Lara Hyde, film/TV beat reporter; James Doolittle, music general assignment reporter; Jason Cherkis, community arts beat reporter and Mark Correa, arts editor.