Best films of 2012

The best-of lists of 2012 have started trickling out. Critics Christy Lemire, David Germain and Jake Coyle from The Associated Press came up with their favorites films of the year. Some of the choices are predictable, while others may surprise you. "Argo" and "Lincoln" -- both of which have been getting a lot of Oscar buzz -- made a couple of their lists, as did "Beasts of the Southern Wild" and "Moonrise Kingdom."

But there are a few lesser-known films on the year-end tallies, too.

Lemire chose the French film, "Holy Motors" as one of the year's best, noting, "This movie is just straight-up nuts, in all the best ways. Writer-director Leos Carax's journey provides a joyous, surprising and darkly funny exploration of all the best cinema has to offer. Yes, this is a capital-A art film, one that challenges the viewer and leaves a lot of room for interpretation, but that's part of the adventure."

Or take one of Germain's picks, "Searching For Sugar Man."

"Imagine the bitterness of the true artist who fades back to obscurity after being on the verge of stardom," Germain notes. "Now imagine a soul so noble that bitterness never enters the picture. That's a guy who truly deserves another chance. Singer-songwriter Rodriquez gets just that as Malik Bendjelloul's inspiring documentary recounts apocryphal rumors about his fate then reveals what really happened after his brush with success in the 1970s."

Check out the slideshow to see which other film are being touted as the best of 2012.

Tell us: What was your favorite movie of the year?