10. The Shape of Water

Written by Guillermo del Toro

At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.

Why It’s Innovative: A love story between a mute woman and an amphibious creature being studied by the government. Once again del Toro manages to beautifully blend genres (love story, fantasy, and science fiction) with a successful effect.