Top Films of 2020

Picking my top films for 2020 was a peculiar experience this year. Normally the hardest part about curating this list is culling it down to just a certain number of films. However let’s be honest, 2020 was not the best year for movies. With theaters being shut, many of the films so many of us are looking forward to are delayed. I’m grateful to the films that did come out this year as entertainment was needed more than ever. Streaming and television did their best to keep us entertained but they are structured differently. The thing 2020 served to remind me of most is that movies are an experience. The place, time, mood, and company you keep when you watch a film are so influential over how a film speaks to you. 

It would feel unfair to pretend that this year’s list does not come with some qualifications. Some of these films were absolutely outstanding to me, independent of the circumstances of the year. Others, well, others will be reflective of the time and place they came out (or were made available on streaming) and the frame of mind I was in while watching them. The lack of volume of films to choose from this year probably gave many of these a boost.

Some of these films may not see wider distribution or availability until later in 2021. I’m going by their “official” release date or awards contention window.

I also traditionally do a “Most Disappointing” list but it feels unfair to add to the additional strife of the year. 

So, here are some of the highlights of 2020 in no particular order. 

The Top Films

Soul – If there was ever a film that made sense to come out in 2020 it’s this one. Having an animated film featuring a Black lead in a year where Black Lives Matter was at the forefront of the American conversation is incredibly poignant. If that weren’t enough, add to it the underlying question of “what is our purpose in life?” in a year where the best case scenario is you’re struggling with your purpose or putting your dreams on hold. The film has heart, music, and yes… soul. 

Check out the interview with Supervising Animator Jude Brownbill.

Promising Young Woman – As much as it is enjoyable to sometimes just “be,” other times you want vengeance. Promising Young Woman delivered in an unexpected way. It is another film that risks overhype. Avoid spoilers and reactions and I think it’ll be worth it.

First Cow – Another top film that gets built up by critics who had the opportunity to see it at the Telluride Film Festival (back when the idea of a film festival wasn’t completely and utterly terrifying). Sometimes it’s nice to just go on a journey in a film and “be.”  Kelly Reichardt paints a vivid moment in time.

Sound of Metal – In another year this might not make the cut. But Riz Ahmed’s acting talents are carrying this film. While the first few minutes might be overwhelming, stick with it to take a thoughtful journey through the world of deafness. Also, it didn’t hurt that it was available with no fuss from the comfort of one’s home on Amazon Prime. 

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm – Do I think I will ever be capable of watching this film again? Potentially not. Was it incredibly timely and a much needed cringe laugh right before the U.S. election? Absolutely. Sacha Baron Cohen also proved that he was capable of evolving his characters and updating them to the modern times. It will serve as an amazing time capsule of the year 2020. 

Available now on Amazon Prime.

Boys State – As if the year weren’t traumatic enough politically Boys State gave us a glimpse of the next generation of political players. A terrifying, alarming look out how the internet and smear politics have changed our society forever. I’m making it sound like a real downer but it’s a fascinating documentary. I defy you not to end up investing in these up and coming political forces.

Available now on Apple TV+

The Old Guard – In a year mostly devoid of action films and comic book movies etc it was an unexpected delight to have this Charlize Theron led heroic thriller. While like many other films of the genre it wasn’t the most intellectually challenging, but it was an enjoyable popcorn gobbling flick. It probably helps that I had no expectations for it, and didn’t even know it was coming out. Yet at the end I found myself excited for the prospect of the continued partnership of Charlize Theron and director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Available now on Netflix

Palm Springs – We’re all trapped in the conceit of Palm Springs. Living the same day over and over again. Another film that felt particularly fitting this year, but at least the characters in it are a lot more amusing than those most of us are trapped with (if we’re even trapped with anyone). Andy Samberg, Cristin Miloti, and J.K Simmons take us on an amusing and wild ride. 

Available now on Hulu

Sonic the Hedgehog – No, this is not a joke. Look, in any other year would this have made the top film list? Likely not. Was this one of the last films I saw in theaters? Yes. Did everyone at that theater seem to have an enjoyable time? Absolutely. The film doesn’t profess to be anything more than it is. Ben Schwartz’s voice brings a warmth to the classic blue digital alien hedgehog. Sure the film isn’t geared for everyone but I think it’s only fair to include it based on my moviegoing experience. 

Available to rent or buy.

Minari – This one is a little bit of a cheat as it doesn’t get a wider release until 2021 but this was one of my absolute favorite films of the year. It speaks to the American dream, the immigrant experience, dealing with a multi generational family, dealing with feeling othered, and so much more. It’s upsetting that even though the film is made by Americans, and stars several Americans, it is being relegated to compete in “Best Foreign Language” film at the Golden Globes. 

To quote Bong Joon-ho: “Once you overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” 

What is probably even more insulting is that the film is not entirely in Korean. The film will be available more widely in February of 2021 I hope folks will rush to watch it.

Honorable Mention

Birds of Prey – Another of the last films I saw in theaters. Again in another year I don’t think it would have cracked my top list but the Quar does weird things. As I write this Wonder Woman 1984 is still fresh in my mind and I feel I haven’t had enough time to sit with it to determine whether or not it would be one of my top films of the year (or most disappointing). There’s too much churn around WW84 and it’s too fresh, but looking back on Birds of Prey I had an overall enjoyable time.

Part of this is framed by knowing it was one of the last films I saw with friends in theaters. Perhaps the experience of seeing it with others (in a year where that was not able to be a factor in so many other films) has embedded it in my memory in an overly positive way. Yet I think it’s only fair in this year of asterisked experiences to acknowledge the time I had at the movie for what it was. 

Available now on HBO Max.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always – This is one of the last films I watched in 2020 so it is still painfully fresh in my mind. Much like director Eliza Hitman’s Beach Rats this one will haunt me for a bit, but it’s also a challenging one to recommend. I suggest you heed my review before you dive in.

Available now on HBO Max.

What were your top films of 2020?