Simon Dillon reveals his shortlist

Best Bit: The final confrontation when the journey comes full circle. Those who have seen the film will know what I mean.

4. Captain Phillips - Another true story, this time that of the eponymous Captain Phillips (Tom Hanks), whose harrowing tussle with Somali pirates is recreated to utterly riveting effect in this nail-chewing and uber-realistic thriller from Paul Greengrass. Incidentally Danish film A Hijacking offered a very different but no less gripping look at the Somali piracy issue, and was another strong candidate for this list.

Best Bit: (MAJOR SPOILER WARNING) The final scene where Phillips is treated for shock; simultaneously a bravura piece of acting and a stunning depiction of the appalling consequences of undergoing such violent trauma. In effect it completely debunks years of Hollywood action movie histrionics.

3. Blue Jasmine - Woody Allen's remarkable drama features a career-best performance from Cate Blanchett as Jasmine; a socialite trying to rebuild her life following her husband's prosecution for financial fraud. Selfish, snobby, self-deluded and condescending, Jasmine ought to be insufferable yet Blanchett makes her live and breathe so brilliantly that one ends up feeling sorry for her. Great supporting cast too (including the always wonderful Alec Baldwin).

Best Bit: When we discover who really tipped off police about Jasmine's husband, and why.

2. Gravity - A fantastic rebuttal to those who claim cinema is a spent force and that the most interesting drama is on TV these days. Technically this is a cinematic triumph to stand alongside 2001: A Space Odyssey, though Gravity is not actually science fiction. In essence the plot is little more than a survival B-movie is space, but it is done so well with great performances from Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It absolutely must be seen on a big screen, ideally in 3D.

Best Bit: Where Bullock experiences what is either a message from God in Clooney form, or a hallucination brought on by lack of oxygen. Either way, the metaphysical aspect of this story is every bit as powerful as the stomach flipping disaster sequences.

1. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - The lure of Middle-Earth once again proves too much for me. Objectively speaking Gravity probably deserves the accolade as best film of 2013 more, but personally I can't get enough of hobbits, dwarves, elves and orcs. And since this is my list, this second instalment of Peter Jackson's trilogy adapting Tolkien's novel is at the top almost by default. That said, don't take my decision with too much salt as this is still a top-flight, five star blockbuster thrill ride that will leave you gagging for next year's concluding film.

Best Bit: Bilbo's conversations with Smaug - every bit as memorable in the film as they are in the book. Or maybe the bit with the barrels.