Best Movies of 2020
The year 2020 was a tumultuous one for the movie industry and moviegoer alike. The global pandemic meant that theater releases were scarce, with many blockbuster releases being delayed or moved straight to streaming services. However, despite the difficulties, this year still produced some truly great films that gave us something to escape to over the difficult year.
Here, we run through the 10 best movies of 2020 to make sure that you’re not missing out on the very best that this year has to offer. So, read on and decide which ones to add to your watchlist – if you haven’t already.
The Best Movies of 2020
- Parasite (Bong Joon-ho, South Korea)
- Tenet (Christopher Nolan, USA)
- The Invisible Man (Leigh Whannell, USA)
4.First Cow (Kelly Reichardt, USA) - Palm Springs (Max Barbakow, USA)
- Possessor (Brandon Cronenberg, Canada)
- Da 5 Bloods (Spike Lee, USA)
8.The Vast of Night (Andrew Patterson, USA) - Minari (Lee Isaac Chung, USA)
- Soul (Pete Docter, USA)
Exploring the Best Movies of 2020
Parasite (Bong Joon-ho, South Korea):
Parasite is one of the most innovative, critically-acclaimed films of this era, and the first film of 2020 to win the Oscar for Best Picture. It follows the story of a poor family who schemes their way into the lives of a rich family. The sharp characterization, clever storytelling and sly social satire makes Parasite a timelessly relevant watch, and all set against an electric backdrop.
Tenet (Christopher Nolan, USA):
The highly anticipated science fiction extravaganza from Christopher Nolan did not disappoint, delivering a cutting-edge movie experience that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Through a complex plot involving time-travel, espionage, and action-packed sequences, Tenet tells the story of the Protagonist (John David Washington) who embarks on a mission to protect the future of the world.
The Invisible Man (Leigh Whannell, USA):
Screenwriter Leigh Whannell (Cleverman, Saw) directs this inventive adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic. It follows Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss), who escapes a violent and abusive relationship only to find her former partner has devoted his energy to a secret, sinister experiment. The Invisible Man creates horror not just through the unveiling of its villainy, but also in its commentary and exploration of psychological trauma.
First Cow (Kelly Reichardt, USA) :Set in early 19th-century America, First Cow is a reflection about companionship, persistence and fortune. It follows two close friends as they find themselves engaged in a risky enterprise, hustling for a better life that may be just beyond their reach. A simple yet remarkable story, beautifully shot and told with a dreamlike precision and grace.
Palm Springs (Max Barbakow, USA):
Palm Springs is a marvel, a unique feature debut from Max Barbakow, combining the timelessness of Groundhog Day with the complexities of a modern relationship, as two wedding guests (Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti) find themselves stuck in an infinite time loop. It is an exciting, witty and emotional trip, on top of fantastically original writing and stunning performances.
Possessor (Brandon Cronenberg, Canada):
Brandon Cronenberg, the son of legendary director David, returns to the film scene with a cold-blooded psychological horror, brimming with neon-lit visuals and a sharp script. It stars Andrea Riseborough, who plays a corporate assassin controlling the bodies of other people to commit murders, crafting a dizzying new style of body horror. A must-watch for horror fans.
Da 5 Bloods (Spike Lee, USA):
Spike Lee again proves his cinematic brilliance with Da 5 Bloods, a powerful Vietnam War adventure tale, infused with exciting sequences and dark humour. It follows a group of black veterans travelling back to Vietnam to retrieve a lost stash of gold, and is an audience-friendly mix of action-thriller and emotionally charged drama, with a deeply powerful ending.
The Vast of Night (Andrew Patterson, USA):
The Vast of Night is the debut feature from first-time director Andrew Patterson. It is an ambitious science fiction film, combining a 1950s setting with creative sound design, weaving a mysterious tale of conspiracy that follows two citizens as they investigate strange phenomena in a small town.
Minari (Lee Isaac Chung, USA):
The semi-autobiographical story created by Lee Isaac Chung explores a Korean-American family’s move to rural Arkansas in the mid-1980s. It is a very human story of the pursuit of the American Dream in its many forms and a thoughtful reflection on family, love and hope.
Soul (Pete Docter, USA):
The latest Pixar release comes courtesy of director Pete Docter – the talent behind Up and Inside Out. It follows the story of Joe (Jamie Foxx), a middle-school band teacher who dreams of becoming a jazz musician, and is set in a powerful afterlife world inhabited by ‘souls’. Soul is funny and tender, a thought-provoking contemplation of life and death that makes us ponder the meaning of our own existence.
2020 was a strangely successful year for the movie industry and movie viewers alike, despite the difficulties faced, thanks to the creativity and versatility of filmmakers around the world. These 10 films above are a great representation of how powerful and inspiring the medium can be, and each one offers a unique perspective, story and emotional journey that is truly unforgettable. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to check them out and be sure to remember 2020 as one of the best years of movie watching.
