30 Best-Rated Movies from 2020

The year 2020 was certainly an unusual one for the film industry. With theaters around the world facing unprecedented challenges, the way we watch movies shifted dramatically. Many big-budget blockbusters had their release dates pushed back, which created a unique opportunity for smaller, independent films and streaming service originals to capture the spotlight. This led to a diverse and fascinating collection of movies that might not have gotten the same level of attention in a typical year. Viewers at home were treated to a wide array of genres and stories, from intimate dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to animated adventures.

This shift in how films were released and consumed also changed the conversation around what makes a great movie. Without the usual box office numbers to dominate headlines, audiences and critics focused more on storytelling, character development, and artistic vision. As a result, the films that resonated most were often those that offered a deep connection or a fresh perspective. The movies on this list represent the best of what 2020 had to offer, showcasing incredible talent and creativity from around the globe. They are a testament to the power of film to entertain, inspire, and bring people together, even when we have to stay apart.

‘The Outpost’ (2020)

‘The Outpost’ tells the true story of a small unit of U.S. soldiers at Combat Outpost Keating, located deep in a remote valley in Afghanistan. The film depicts the daily lives of these soldiers as they defend the outpost against constant attacks from the Taliban. The narrative builds towards the climactic Battle of Kamdesh, one of the bloodiest American engagements of the War in Afghanistan. The film is based on the 2012 non-fiction book ‘The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor’ by journalist Jake Tapper.

The movie features a cast that includes Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones, and Orlando Bloom. It was directed by Rod Lurie, who aimed to create a realistic and immersive portrayal of the soldiers’ experiences. The film was praised for its intense action sequences and its raw depiction of the chaos and heroism of combat. It provides a ground-level view of the events, focusing on the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who were stationed at the incredibly vulnerable outpost.

‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ (2020)

This film follows a 17-year-old girl named Autumn from rural Pennsylvania who travels to New York City with her cousin Skylar. She undertakes the journey to seek medical help after an unintended pregnancy. The story provides an intimate look at the challenges she faces, from the lack of local support to the difficult decisions she must make. The title refers to a series of deeply personal questions she is asked at a clinic.

‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ was directed by Eliza Hittman and stars Sidney Flanigan in her debut role as Autumn. The film was widely acclaimed for its quiet yet powerful approach to a sensitive subject. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of teenage friendship and the obstacles young women can face. The film’s strength lies in its subtle, documentary-like style and emotionally resonant performances.

‘The Father’ (2020)

‘The Father’ presents a poignant and disorienting look at the effects of dementia from the perspective of an aging man named Anthony. As he struggles with his memory, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind, and the very fabric of his reality. The film intentionally confuses the viewer, mirroring Anthony’s own experience of losing his grip on time and place. The narrative unfolds within his London flat, which seems to change in subtle and unsettling ways.

Anthony Hopkins delivers a powerful performance as Anthony, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also stars Olivia Colman as his daughter, Anne, who is trying to care for him as his condition worsens. Directed by Florian Zeller, the movie is based on his own 2012 play of the same name. It was praised for its clever storytelling and its empathetic and devastating portrayal of memory loss.

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

‘Palm Springs’ is a romantic comedy with a science fiction twist. The story centers on Nyles and Sarah, two wedding guests who find themselves stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again in the California desert. Nyles has already been repeating the day for a long time and has grown cynical, while Sarah is horrified by their predicament. Together, they navigate their strange reality and form a complicated bond.

The film stars Andy Samberg as Nyles and Cristin Milioti as Sarah, with J.K. Simmons in a supporting role. It was directed by Max Barbakow and written by Andy Siara. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was praised for its clever writing, humor, and heartfelt performances. It successfully breathes new life into the time-loop concept by exploring themes of love, existentialism, and the consequences of our actions.

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ (2020)

This historical legal drama is based on the true story of a group of anti-Vietnam War protestors who were charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film follows the chaotic and politically charged trial that followed, highlighting the clash between the defendants and the justice system. The defendants included activists like Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and Tom Hayden.

Directed by Aaron Sorkin, the movie features a large ensemble cast that includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Mark Rylance. Sorkin’s signature sharp and witty dialogue is on full display throughout the film. ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ received critical acclaim for its screenplay, performances, and its timely exploration of themes related to protest, justice, and political division.

‘One Night in Miami…’ (2020)

‘One Night in Miami…’ is a fictional account of a real night in February 1964. The story imagines a meeting between four iconic figures: boxer Cassius Clay, activist Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke, and football star Jim Brown. They gather in a hotel room to celebrate Clay’s surprise heavyweight championship victory. As the night unfolds, they engage in passionate discussions about their roles in the civil rights movement and their responsibilities as influential Black men.

The film was the directorial debut of actress Regina King and is based on a play of the same name by Kemp Powers. The cast includes Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr. The movie was celebrated for its powerful performances and its thoughtful exploration of fame, friendship, and social change. It offers a captivating look at a pivotal moment in history through the eyes of four legendary individuals.

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020)

Set in Chicago in the 1920s, this film depicts a tense afternoon recording session with the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey. As the trailblazing performer and her band gather, tensions rise between them, their white manager, and the ambitious trumpeter Levee. The story explores themes of race, art, and commerce as the musicians confront their ambitions and frustrations in a world that seeks to exploit their talent.

The film stars Viola Davis in a transformative role as Ma Rainey and features Chadwick Boseman in his final film performance as Levee. Both actors received widespread acclaim for their powerful work. ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ was directed by George C. Wolfe and is an adaptation of the play by August Wilson. The movie was praised for its electrifying performances and its vibrant recreation of the Jazz Age.

‘Another Round’ (2020)

This Danish film follows four high school teachers who decide to test a theory that humans are born with a blood alcohol content that is too low. To combat their midlife crises, they begin a daily drinking experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication. Initially, they find that their lives and work improve, but the experiment soon spirals out of control, leading to serious consequences for each of them.

‘Another Round’ was directed by Thomas Vinterberg and stars Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role. The film skillfully balances comedy and drama, exploring themes of friendship, aging, and the search for happiness. It received international acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The movie was praised for Mikkelsen’s compelling performance and its nuanced and thought-provoking story.

‘Minari’ (2020)

‘Minari’ tells the story of a Korean-American family that moves to a small farm in Arkansas in the 1980s in pursuit of the American Dream. The father, Jacob, is determined to grow Korean produce to sell to vendors in the city. The family faces many challenges, including the difficulties of farming the land and adapting to a new and unfamiliar culture. Their lives are further complicated when their unconventional grandmother comes from Korea to live with them.

The film was directed by Lee Isaac Chung and is semi-autobiographical, drawing from his own childhood experiences. It stars Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, and Youn Yuh-jung, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the grandmother. ‘Minari’ was celebrated for its heartfelt and tender portrayal of family, resilience, and the search for a place to call home. It received numerous accolades for its direction, writing, and performances.

‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ (2020)

This psychological thriller follows a young woman who is having second thoughts about her new relationship. She joins her boyfriend, Jake, on a road trip to meet his parents at their secluded farm. Once they arrive, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about him and herself. The film is a surreal and philosophical exploration of memory, identity, and regret, with a narrative that is both dreamlike and unsettling.

The movie was written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, known for his mind-bending and unconventional films. It is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Iain Reid. ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ stars Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons, with Toni Collette and David Thewlis in supporting roles. The film’s ambiguous and challenging nature sparked much discussion among audiences and critics alike.

‘Small Axe’ (2020)

‘Small Axe’ is an anthology of five films that tell distinct stories about the lives of West Indian immigrants in London during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Each film focuses on a different aspect of their experience, from confronting police brutality in ‘Mangrove’ to the joys of a blues party in ‘Lovers Rock’. The collection as a whole paints a rich and varied portrait of a community navigating life and fighting for its place in a new country.

The anthology was created and directed by Steve McQueen. The five films in the series are ‘Mangrove’, ‘Lovers Rock’, ‘Red, White and Blue’, ‘Alex Wheatle’, and ‘Education’. ‘Small Axe’ was praised for its powerful storytelling, historical significance, and stunning cinematography. It sheds light on important and often overlooked chapters of Black British history with nuance and artistry.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

‘Promising Young Woman’ is a darkly comedic thriller about a woman named Cassie who seeks to avenge the death of her best friend. Traumatized by a past event, Cassie lives a secret double life, spending her nights feigning intoxication at bars to confront the predatory men who try to take advantage of her. Her mission for vengeance takes an unexpected turn when a former classmate re-enters her life, offering a chance at a new beginning.

The film stars Carey Mulligan in the lead role and was the feature directorial debut of Emerald Fennell, who also wrote the screenplay. ‘Promising Young Woman’ was acclaimed for its bold and timely subject matter, its unique blend of genres, and Mulligan’s compelling performance. Fennell won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her work on the film.

‘Nomadland’ (2020)

‘Nomadland’ follows Fern, a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West. She lives in her van and joins a community of modern-day nomads who have adopted a lifestyle outside of conventional society. The film explores her experiences as she travels from place to place, taking on seasonal work and forming connections with other nomads along the way.

The movie stars Frances McDormand as Fern and features many real-life nomads as supporting characters, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. ‘Nomadland’ was directed by Chloé Zhao, who also wrote the screenplay based on a 2017 non-fiction book. The film was a major critical success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director for Zhao, and Best Actress for McDormand.

‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)

This science fiction horror film is a modern reimagining of the classic story. It centers on Cecilia Kass, who escapes an abusive relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist. Shortly after her escape, she learns that her ex has taken his own life and left her a fortune. However, she begins to suspect that his death was a hoax and that he is now using his technology to make himself invisible and terrorize her.

‘The Invisible Man’ was directed by Leigh Whannell and stars Elisabeth Moss in the lead role. Her performance was widely praised for its intensity and believability. The film was celebrated for its suspenseful atmosphere and its clever use of the invisibility concept to explore themes of gaslighting, trauma, and domestic abuse. It was a critical and commercial success, noted for its smart script and genuinely frightening moments.

‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ (2020)

This comedy film follows Radha, a playwright in New York City who is struggling with her career as she approaches her 40th birthday. Feeling that she has lost her creative voice, she decides to reinvent herself as a rapper. The film chronicles her journey as she tries to balance the worlds of hip-hop and theater, all while navigating the challenges of middle age and finding her true passion.

‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ was written, directed by, and stars Radha Blank in a semi-autobiographical role. The film was shot in black and white and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where Blank won the U.S. Dramatic Competition Directing Award. The movie was praised for its sharp humor, witty dialogue, and its honest and refreshing take on the life of a struggling artist.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

‘Wolfwalkers’ is an animated fantasy film set in 17th-century Ireland. It tells the story of Robyn, a young apprentice hunter who comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. Her life changes forever when she befriends a free-spirited girl named Mebh, who is a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As Robyn gets closer to Mebh, she uncovers a secret that draws her into the enchanted world of the ‘Wolfwalkers’.

The film was directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart and is the final installment in Moore’s “Irish Folklore Trilogy,” following ‘The Secret of Kells’ and ‘Song of the Sea’. It was produced by the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon. ‘Wolfwalkers’ was widely acclaimed for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation, its enchanting story, and its rich Celtic-inspired visuals. It received numerous award nominations, including one for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.

‘Mank’ (2020)

‘Mank’ is a biographical drama that tells the story of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and his tumultuous development of the screenplay for the classic film ‘Citizen Kane’. The movie is shot in black and white and follows Mankiewicz as he battles alcoholism and personal demons while writing what would become one of the greatest films of all time. It also provides a glimpse into the politics and personalities of Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s.

The film was directed by David Fincher and is based on a screenplay written by his late father, Jack Fincher. Gary Oldman stars in the title role, with Amanda Seyfried and Lily Collins in supporting roles. ‘Mank’ was praised for its stunning cinematography, its sharp script, and its meticulous recreation of Old Hollywood. It received ten Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.

‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)

This war drama follows four African American veterans who return to Vietnam decades after the war. They are searching for the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide. As they venture back into the jungle, they are forced to confront the lasting trauma of the war and the moral dilemmas they faced. The film weaves together their present-day journey with flashbacks to their time as soldiers.

‘Da 5 Bloods’ was directed by Spike Lee and features an ensemble cast that includes Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, and Chadwick Boseman in one of his final roles. The film was acclaimed for its powerful performances, particularly Lindo’s, and for its bold examination of the Vietnam War from a Black perspective. It explores themes of race, friendship, and the legacy of war with Lee’s signature style and historical insight.

‘The Vast of Night’ (2020)

‘The Vast of Night’ is a science fiction mystery film set in a small New Aico town in the 1950s. The story follows a young switchboard operator named Fay and a charismatic radio DJ named Everett. On one fateful night, while nearly everyone in town is at a high school basketball game, Fay and Everett discover a strange audio frequency that may be of extraterrestrial origin. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the source of the mysterious signal.

The film was the feature directorial debut of Andrew Patterson and was lauded for its clever low-budget filmmaking and its palpable sense of atmosphere and suspense. It pays homage to classic sci-fi shows like ‘The Twilight Zone’ with its long, continuous shots and its focus on dialogue-driven storytelling. ‘The Vast of Night’ was praised as a stylish and inventive piece of indie filmmaking.

‘His House’ (2020)

‘His House’ is a horror film that tells the story of a refugee couple from South Sudan who are struggling to adjust to their new life in a small English town. They are given a rundown house to live in, but they soon discover that it is haunted by an evil spirit from their past. The film blends the supernatural scares of a haunted house movie with the real-world horrors of the refugee experience, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and assimilation.

The movie was the directorial debut of Remi Weekes and stars Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu. ‘His House’ received critical acclaim for its terrifying atmosphere, its powerful performances, and its smart and socially relevant storytelling. It was praised for using the horror genre to tell a deeply moving and thought-provoking story about the trauma that refugees carry with them.

‘Sound of Metal’ (2020)

‘Sound of Metal’ follows Ruben, a heavy metal drummer whose life is thrown into turmoil when he suddenly begins to lose his hearing. His bandmate and girlfriend, Lou, checks him into a sober house for the deaf, hoping it will help him learn to cope with his new reality. Ruben struggles to adapt to this quiet world and must choose between embracing his new identity and trying to reclaim the life he once knew.

The film stars Riz Ahmed in a powerful and immersive performance, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. It was directed by Darius Marder, who co-wrote the screenplay. ‘Sound of Metal’ was widely praised for its innovative sound design, which allows the audience to experience the world from Ruben’s perspective. The film won Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Film Editing.

‘First Cow’ (2020)

Set in the Oregon Territory in the 1820s, ‘First Cow’ tells the story of a quiet cook named Cookie and a Chinese immigrant named King-Lu. The two men form a friendship and decide to start a business together selling oily cakes. The only problem is that they need milk for their recipe, so they secretly begin milking the only cow in the territory, which belongs to a wealthy landowner. Their small enterprise is a success, but their risky venture puts them in increasing danger.

The film was directed by Kelly Reichardt and is based on the novel ‘The Half-Life’ by Jonathan Raymond. It stars John Magaro and Orion Lee in the lead roles. ‘First Cow’ was celebrated for its gentle, patient storytelling and its beautiful cinematography. It is a quiet and thoughtful film that explores themes of friendship, capitalism, and the American frontier with a unique and tender touch.

‘Boys State’ (2020)

‘Boys State’ is a documentary that follows a group of teenage boys from across Texas as they participate in an annual week-long program to build their own state government from the ground up. The film provides an inside look at the political process as the boys form parties, run for office, and debate the issues. It captures the passion, ambition, and sometimes messy reality of politics as these young men navigate alliances and rivalries.

The documentary was directed by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. It won the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. ‘Boys State’ was praised for being an entertaining and insightful look at the future of American politics. It highlights the complexities of democracy and offers a fascinating glimpse into how the next generation of leaders is shaping their political views.

‘Dick Johnson Is Dead’ (2020)

In this unconventional documentary, filmmaker Kirsten Johnson stages a series of elaborate and often humorous accidents to help her and her aging father, Dick Johnson, confront his eventual death. As her father begins to suffer from dementia, they decide to face his mortality head-on by filming his fictional demise in various ways. The film is a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and the power of cinema to cope with life’s most difficult moments.

‘Dick Johnson Is Dead’ was celebrated for its creativity, warmth, and its unique blend of humor and pathos. Johnson’s innovative approach to the documentary form allows her to celebrate her father’s life while he is still living. The film won the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-fiction Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival and was praised for being a moving and life-affirming tribute to a father-daughter relationship.

‘Collective’ (2020)

This gripping Romanian documentary follows a team of investigative journalists as they uncover a massive healthcare fraud scandal in the aftermath of a tragic nightclub fire in Bucharest. After the fire, many of the burn victims die in hospitals from infections they did not have when they were admitted. The journalists’ investigation reveals a web of corruption that extends to the highest levels of government.

‘Collective’ was directed by Alexander Nanau. The film plays out like a political thriller, offering an unflinching look at the power of investigative journalism to hold institutions accountable. It was widely acclaimed for its compelling and urgent storytelling. The documentary received Academy Award nominations for both Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature, a rare achievement.

‘Soul’ (2020)

‘Soul’ is an animated film that tells the story of Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. On the day he gets his big break, a sudden accident causes his soul to be separated from his body. He is transported to The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities before they go to Earth. There, he teams up with a cynical soul named 22, who has no interest in human life.

The movie was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Pete Docter. It features the voices of Jamie Foxx as Joe and Tina Fey as 22. ‘Soul’ was praised for its stunning animation, its imaginative world-building, and its profound exploration of existential questions about passion, purpose, and what it means to be alive. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘A Secret Love’ (2020)

‘A Secret Love’ is a documentary that tells the story of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, two women who were in a relationship for nearly seven decades while keeping their love a secret from their families. The film follows them in their later years as they face the challenges of aging and illness and decide whether to come out to their conservative relatives and get married. The story begins in the 1940s when the two women first met and fell in love.

The documentary was directed by Chris Bolan, who is Terry Donahue’s great-nephew. He uses a collection of home movies, photographs, and personal letters to piece together their incredible life story. ‘A Secret Love’ is a tender and moving portrait of a lifelong partnership and a powerful testament to the enduring power of love. It sheds light on the struggles that same-sex couples faced in a less accepting era.

Let us know which of these 2020 movies is your favorite in the comments below.