Like Jason's WGI top 10 list, I'll preface by stating this is the all-inclusive, 100 percent accurate, not-up-for-debate list of the best DCI shows ever. 

Well, I'm only going to pick shows I've actually seen live, so that means any shows before 2009 are out of the running... sorry folks. I know that there are plenty of great shows that have happened in each decade of drum corps' existence, but I also know that live performances cannot be topped by an old video—plain and simple.

Honorable Mention: Crossmen 2012 | "Fragile"

I have to give a shoutout to the Crossmen show from 2012. This show has it all from compelling music to the Crossmen finishing their season in finals after not being in finals since 2004.

As a young, "fragile" rookie in the Glassmen, this show caught my attention in 2012 and is still one of my favorites. My senior editor just told me I couldn't have a top 11 list.

#10 Blue Stars 2017 | "Star Crossed"

The Blue Stars had an incredible year in 2017. The hornline took huge strides and showed consistent progress from 2016—enough progress to make me feel confident that 2018 will be even better.

From "Romeo and Juliet" to "Moulin Rouge" to "The Great Gatsby," the music selections were a treat to listen to from this show. The drill was clear and simple, filled with symbols that eased along the story being told.

#9 Bluecoats 2010 | "Metropolis: The Future is Now"

Everyone knows the modern Bluecoats' identity: electronics, music that has a distinct groove to it, and no holding back on the theatrics. I feel like their 2010 show was a first glance at what the future Bluecoats' identity would look like going forward. And that's not to mention it resulted in a third-place finish.

Visit this link to see an old rehearsal video from June 2010.

#8 Carolina Crown 2012 | "For The Common Good"

Again, 2012 was my rookie year. Watching (mostly hearing) Crown for the first time this season was a "coming to Jesus" moment for me. 

The hornline sounded incredible. The choreography Crown was doing was impressive. The drill never stopped. Oh, and remember that rotating cube drill? Yeah, me too.

#7 Bluecoats 2017 | "Jagged Line"

What can I say? Watching "Jagged Line" from the front sideline during the DCI World Championship finals was one of my favorite takeaways from the week.

The thing that sets this show above the other recent Bluecoats efforts is the pure showmanship that was inherently designed into the performance. The corps' members got to express their abilities and personalities at the same time.

#6 Boston Crusaders 2017 | "Wicked Games"

What's not to love about the Boston Crusaders in 2017, really? "Wicked Games" was an accessible concept, it was an emotional rollercoaster, and the music visual design was compelling.

We all know the final moment when the witches go up in flames; however, it was only through the drama brought by the solemn ballad and furious "Guilty" moment that heightened the narrative to an epic peak. I could watch this show a million times and not get sick of it.

#5 Bluecoats 2014 | "Tilt"

One has to include "Tilt" whenever one talks about the best drum corps shows. I might be a little biased, though.

The crowd reaction alone on finals night should explain why "Tilt" is on this list. But, if you needed more of an excuse, we didn't beat The Cadets all season long until August 9—finals night.

#4 The Cavaliers 2010 | "Mad World"

"Mad World" was one of the first drum corps shows I saw live. I was an underclassman in high school and didn't know what I was watching, just that I liked it. The drill was mesmerizing and the corps was incredibly talented. Some upper split lead trumpet players were definitely another factor that made "Mad World" just that good.

You also can't forget about that famous "this is my rifle" moment.

#3 Santa Clara Vanguard 2017 | "Ouroboros"

Definitely SCV's best chance at a gold medal in the last decade, "Ouroboros" was an incredible show that was the "talk of the town" for DCI 2017. Although many old-fashioned drum corps fans may not like the integration of electronics and a brass choir, SCV was going full steam ahead with its show design.

#2 Blue Devils 2017 | "Metamorph"

As you might have been able to tell, I really think that 2017 was the strongest year of drum corps shows that I've seen since being a spectator and participant. 

To top it off, Blue Devils' finals run of "Metamorph" was simply the best of the night. It was a show designed to grasp drum corps fans of all decades and give them a reason to enjoy what's being put on the field in 2018—I'd say it was successful. 

If you're looking for a specific moment that defines how amazing this show was, the ballad is my go-to.

#1 Blue Devils 2014 | "Felliniesque"

99.65. There's a reason this drum corps has the highest score ever, and the most DCI World Championships (18). "Felliniesque" is the show that made me want to march Blue Devils. A few moments in particular: the entire brass line doing a jazz run feature, the triple tonguing moment with trumpets and mellophones together while spread across 50 yards, the backfield rotating company front.

People will always say that "Felliniesque" may not have deserved a 99.65, but it's much harder to say that A) it doesn't deserve a win, and B) it doesn't deserve higher than a 99.15 (previous record).