The Absolute Best Movies of 2020

A year of disrupted releases still delivered a wide range of remarkable films across studios, streamers, and countries. From intimate dramas and inventive animations to pulse-quickening thrillers and incisive documentaries, filmmakers found new ways to reach audiences at home and in theaters. This list pulls together standout titles from major distributors and independent banners alike, highlighting directors, writers, performers, crafts teams, and release details that shaped the conversation.

Below, each entry includes a quick overview of what the project covers, plus concrete production and release facts—who made it, who stars in it, where it premiered, and how it reached viewers. The aim is to give you useful, at-a-glance context about each film without veering into hot takes or personal commentary, so you can discover what to watch next and where these projects came from.

‘Nomadland’ (2020)

Chloé Zhao wrote, directed, and edited this Searchlight Pictures drama starring Frances McDormand alongside real-life nomads such as Linda May, Swankie, and Bob Wells. The production blended scripted scenes with documentary-style encounters, using natural light and on-location sound to follow itinerant workers across the American West.

Joshua James Richards handled cinematography, and Ludovico Einaudi’s music features prominently. The film premiered at major fall festivals and later rolled out via a combined theatrical and Hulu release strategy in the USA, with international distribution through Disney’s network of labels.

‘Another Round’ (2020)

Directed by Thomas Vinterberg and co-written with Tobias Lindholm, this Zentropa-backed feature stars Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, and Lars Ranthe. The story was shot primarily in Denmark, using handheld camerawork and a mix of school and urban locations.

The film represents Denmark as its producing country, with language primarily in Danish and some English. It was distributed internationally by Samuel Goldwyn Films and other regional partners after premiering at a major European festival.

‘Minari’ (2020)

Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, this A24 release stars Steven Yeun, Yeri Han, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, and Youn Yuh-jung. The project draws on the filmmaker’s personal background, with principal photography taking place in rural locations that stand in for an Arkansas farm.

Emile Mosseri composed the score, and Lachlan Milne served as cinematographer. The film premiered at Sundance under A24’s banner, followed by a platformed theatrical rollout and premium video-on-demand, with additional international releases managed by partner distributors.

‘Sound of Metal’ (2020)

Darius Marder directed and co-wrote this Amazon Studios drama starring Riz Ahmed and Olivia Cooke, with Paul Raci in a key supporting role. The production worked closely with the Deaf community, employing open-caption and accessibility-forward mixes.

Nicolas Becker and the sound team designed an innovative aural perspective that moves between hearing, muffled, and cochlear implant simulations. After festival play, Amazon released the film on Prime Video with a limited theatrical component.

‘The Father’ (2020)

Adapted by Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton from Zeller’s stage play, this drama stars Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman. Production utilized carefully designed sets with evolving color palettes to underscore shifting spaces and perspectives.

The project is a UK–France co-production with backing from Lionsgate UK and Sony Pictures Classics in different territories. It premiered on the festival circuit before receiving staggered theatrical releases and later availability on transactional platforms.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

Emerald Fennell wrote and directed this Focus Features release led by Carey Mulligan, with supporting performances by Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Laverne Cox, and Connie Britton. Production took place in Los Angeles, emphasizing bright production design and pop-inflected needle drops.

Anthony Willis composed the score, and Benjamin Kracun handled cinematography. The film opened in theaters via Focus before moving to PVOD and physical media, with international distribution through Universal’s aligned labels.

‘Mank’ (2020)

David Fincher directed this Netflix production from a screenplay by Jack Fincher, starring Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, and Arliss Howard. The film was shot in digital monochrome with period-accurate sound design choices, supervised by Ren Klyce.

Erik Messerschmidt’s cinematography and Trish Summerville’s costumes recreate studio-era textures. Netflix financed and distributed the film globally, pairing a limited theatrical run with streaming availability.

‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)

Spike Lee directed and co-wrote this Netflix film starring Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman. The production shot in Thailand and Vietnam, using multiple aspect ratios to differentiate timelines.

Terence Blanchard composed the score, and Newton Thomas Sigel was director of photography. Netflix handled worldwide distribution, releasing the film directly on the platform with select specialty bookings.

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ (2020)

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, this courtroom drama features an ensemble including Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Rylance, and Jeremy Strong. The project is produced by Cross Creek Pictures and Amblin Partners.

The film was initially set for a traditional theatrical release before Netflix acquired distribution rights. It was shot primarily in New Jersey and Chicago-area locations doubling for historical settings.

‘Soul’ (2020)

Pixar Animation Studios produced this feature directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Powers, with Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey leading the voice cast. The film blends character animation rooted in New York City with stylized metaphysical sequences crafted by Pixar’s art and tech teams.

Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste contributed music, with jazz sequences supervised by Batiste. Disney handled distribution through Disney+ and select theatrical territories via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions co-produced this hand-drawn animated feature directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart. Voice roles include Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean, and Simon McBurney, with production artwork rooted in woodcut-inspired visuals.

The film premiered at major festivals and was distributed by Apple TV+ in partnership with GKIDS for theatrical and awards-qualifying engagements. Bruno Coulais scored the film with contributions from the band Kíla.

‘Tenet’ (2020)

Christopher Nolan wrote and directed this Warner Bros. release starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Kenneth Branagh. The production employed large-format film cameras and extensive practical effects, including set-piece sequences staged in Europe and India.

Ludwig Göransson composed the score, and Jennifer Lame handled editing. The film launched with a wide theatrical release coordinated across regions, followed by home entertainment and HBO Max availability based on studio windowing.

‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ (2020)

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the character in this Amazon Studios release directed by Jason Woliner, with Maria Bakalova co-starring. The project blends scripted scenarios and unscripted interactions captured with a small-footprint crew.

The film was produced under secrecy with a rapid turnaround post-production schedule. Amazon distributed it globally on Prime Video, accompanied by marketing that leveraged in-character publicity and viral stunts.

‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)

Leigh Whannell wrote and directed this Blumhouse and Universal Pictures thriller starring Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. The production reimagines a Universal Monsters property with contemporary settings and minimalistic visual effects integrated through motion-control rigs and invisible-suit design.

Principal photography took place in Australia, with Stefan Duscio as cinematographer. The film had a theatrical release through Universal and later moved to early PVOD as part of a studio-wide digital strategy.

‘First Cow’ (2020)

Kelly Reichardt directed and co-wrote this A24 period drama starring John Magaro and Orion Lee, adapted from Jonathan Raymond’s novel. The film was shot in the Pacific Northwest using a boxy aspect ratio and naturalistic lighting.

William Tyler provided the score, and the production emphasized handmade props and costuming sourced from regional craftspeople. A24 managed a staggered release that included festivals, limited theatrical play, and digital rental.

‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ (2020)

Eliza Hittman wrote and directed this Focus Features release led by Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder. The film uses location shooting in Pennsylvania and New York City, with documentary-informed scenes staged in real clinics and transit spaces.

Shot on 16mm with Hélène Louvart as cinematographer, the project was produced by Pastel and Tango Entertainment. Focus followed festival premieres with a limited theatrical rollout and digital platforms.

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

Directed by Max Barbakow and written by Andy Siara, this comedy stars Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J. K. Simmons. The film was produced by Limelight, The Lonely Island’s Party Over Here, and other partners, with desert locations standing in for resort settings.

Neon and Hulu acquired distribution out of Sundance, coordinating a simultaneous streaming and limited theatrical release. Matthew Compton provided the score, and the production used a lean shooting schedule with primarily on-location sets.

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020)

George C. Wolfe directed this adaptation of August Wilson’s play for Netflix, with Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman leading the cast. The film’s production design recreates Chicago recording studios and rehearsal spaces, with costumes by Ann Roth.

Branford Marsalis composed the music, and the project was produced by Denzel Washington and Todd Black among others. Netflix released the film globally on the platform with a targeted awards campaign.

‘The Assistant’ (2020)

Kitty Green wrote and directed this micro-budget drama starring Julia Garner, with Matthew Macfadyen in a key supporting role. The film was shot largely in a single office location, using restrained camerawork and ambient sound.

Bleecker Street handled distribution in North America, pairing limited theatrical bookings with early digital availability. The production team kept a small crew, emphasizing controlled lighting and precise sound editing.

‘Pieces of a Woman’ (2020)

Kornél Mundruczó directed this drama from a screenplay by Kata Wéber, starring Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, and Ellen Burstyn. The film is a Canada–Hungary co-production, with a lengthy opening sequence executed as an extended take.

Howard Shore composed the score, and Benjamin Loeb served as cinematographer. After premiering at a European festival, the project was released by Netflix worldwide with select theatrical engagements.

‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ (2020)

Radha Blank wrote, directed, produced, and stars in this black-and-white comedy produced by Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions and others. The film was shot in New York City with a focus on theater spaces, classrooms, and street locations.

Netflix acquired the film following its festival debut, releasing it globally on the service. The project features original hip-hop performances by the lead, integrated diegetically into the narrative.

‘The Vast of Night’ (2020)

Andrew Patterson directed this indie sci-fi feature starring Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz. The production uses long tracking shots, analog switchboard props, and period radio equipment to build its small-town setting.

Amazon Studios acquired the film after festival play and released it on Prime Video with a brief drive-in and limited theatrical run. The project’s crew executed elaborate oners and radio-call sequences with careful choreography.

‘His House’ (2020)

Remi Weekes wrote and directed this UK production starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Wunmi Mosaku, and Matt Smith. The film blends social drama and horror elements, using a suburban British house set built to accommodate practical effects.

New Regency and BBC Films are among the backers, with Netflix handling worldwide distribution. The soundtrack by Roque Baños and the production design emphasize the contrast between government housing and the protagonists’ memories.

‘Possessor’ (2020)

Brandon Cronenberg wrote and directed this sci-fi thriller starring Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The film was produced by Elevation Pictures, Rook Films, and others, with practical gore effects created by Dan Martin’s team.

Cinematography by Karim Hussain employs strong color separation and in-camera transitions. Neon and Well Go USA distributed the film in North America through theaters and digital platforms, with additional partners covering international territories.

‘Time’ (2020)

Directed by Garrett Bradley, this documentary follows Fox Rich and her family, incorporating home-video archives into a contemporary portrait. The project was produced by Concordia Studio and distributed by Amazon Studios.

The film premiered at Sundance, where editing and direction drew attention for their integration of personal footage. Amazon released it on Prime Video after a limited theatrical run, accompanied by outreach and Q&A events.

Share your own picks for the absolute best films from this year in the comments!