50 Must-Watch Movies from the 2020s

The 2020s have been a strange time for movies. The decade began with theaters closing and productions stopping. This led to more movies going straight to streaming services. But even with these challenges, the first half of the decade has given us many great films. We have seen big blockbusters, small independent films, and amazing stories from around the world.

This list looks at 50 must-watch movies released from the beginning of 2020 to the middle of 2025. These films cover different genres and styles. They show that even in tough times, filmmakers can create powerful and memorable art. From big award winners to hidden gems, these are the movies that have defined the decade so far.

Aftersun (2022)

This film is a quiet and emotional look at memory and family. It follows a young girl named Sophie as she remembers a vacation she took with her father twenty years earlier. The movie moves between her memories as a child and her life as an adult, trying to understand her father and their relationship.

Aftersun is a powerful story about how we see our parents and how time can change our understanding of the past. It is a slow and thoughtful film that stays with you long after it ends. The movie shows how small moments can have a big impact on our lives.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

This fantasy drama tells the story of a lonely screenwriter named Adam who has a strange and magical experience. One night, he visits his childhood home and finds his parents living there, looking the same as they did thirty years ago before they died. As he starts to build a relationship with them, he also begins a romance with a mysterious neighbor.

All of Us Strangers is a touching and sad film about love, loss, and the pain of loneliness. It explores how we connect with others and how we deal with grief. The movie is both a ghost story and a love story, with powerful performances from its cast.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

This French thriller is a courtroom drama about a woman accused of murdering her husband. After he is found dead at the bottom of their chalet, his wife becomes the main suspect. The only witness is their blind son, who must decide what he believes happened.

The film is a gripping story that keeps you guessing until the very end. It is not just a murder mystery, but also a close look at a complicated marriage. Anatomy of a Fall won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival for its smart writing and strong performances.

Another Round (2020)

This Danish film follows four high school teachers who decide to test a strange theory. They believe that by staying slightly drunk all the time, their lives will improve. At first, their experiment seems to be a success, but things soon get out of control.

Another Round is a funny and sad movie about friendship, aging, and the search for happiness. It is a celebration of life, but it also shows the dangers of alcohol. The film won an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Set on a remote Irish island in the 1920s, this dark comedy tells the story of two lifelong friends. One day, one of them decides to end the friendship without any explanation. This sudden decision leads to a series of strange and sad events that affect the entire small community.

The Banshees of Inisherin is a story about friendship, loneliness, and the absurdity of conflict. The movie is both funny and heartbreaking, with beautiful scenery and great acting. It received many award nominations for its unique story and characters.

Barbie (2023)

This fantasy comedy brings the famous doll to life in a way no one expected. When Barbie starts to have thoughts about death, she leaves her perfect pink world and travels to the real world to find the source of her problems. She is joined by Ken, who is also trying to figure out his place in the world.

Barbie is a fun and colorful movie that is also very smart. It has a lot to say about being a woman in today’s society and the challenges of growing up. The film was a huge box office success and became a cultural phenomenon.

The Batman (2022)

This dark and gritty superhero movie shows a younger Batman in his second year of fighting crime. He is still learning how to be a hero when a new villain called the Riddler starts to terrorize Gotham City. Batman must solve a series of puzzles to stop him, and he uncovers a deep web of corruption along the way.

The Batman is a serious and intense detective story. It is a different take on the character, focusing more on his detective skills than his gadgets. The film was praised for its dark atmosphere and new approach to the iconic hero.

Broker (2022)

This South Korean drama follows two men who find and sell abandoned babies on the black market. Their lives change when they meet a young mother who decides to join them on a road trip to find the right parents for her child. Along the way, they form an unlikely family.

Broker is a warm and touching film about people on the edges of society. It explores themes of family, forgiveness, and what it means to belong. The movie is both funny and sad, with a lot of heart.

Challengers (2024)

This intense romantic drama is set in the world of professional tennis. It tells the story of a talented player who becomes a coach after an injury. She finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with her husband, a champion on a losing streak, and his former best friend, who is also her ex-boyfriend.

Challengers is a fast-paced and exciting film about competition, desire, and betrayal. The story jumps back and forth in time, building tension both on and off the tennis court. The movie is known for its energetic style and great music.

CODA (2021)

This heartwarming drama tells the story of a teenage girl who is the only hearing person in her deaf family. She loves to sing and dreams of going to music school, but she is also essential to her family’s fishing business. She must choose between her own dreams and her responsibility to her family.

CODA is a powerful and emotional film about family, communication, and following your passion. It was praised for its wonderful performances and for shining a light on the deaf community. The movie was a surprise winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Decision to Leave (2022)

This South Korean neo-noir film is a stylish and suspenseful mystery. It follows a detective who is investigating the death of a man who fell from a mountain. He becomes fascinated by the man’s mysterious wife, who is also the main suspect in the case.

Decision to Leave is a beautifully made film with a complex and twisting plot. It is a story of love, obsession, and the search for truth. The director, Park Chan-wook, won the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival for this film.

Drive My Car (2021)

This Japanese drama is a long and thoughtful film about grief and art. It follows a theater director who is struggling with the sudden death of his wife. He travels to Hiroshima to direct a play and forms an unexpected bond with the young woman who is hired to be his driver.

Drive My Car is a slow and powerful movie that explores how we deal with loss and how art can help us heal. The film is three hours long, but it uses its time to tell a deep and moving story. It won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

This epic science fiction film continues the story of Paul Atreides. He has joined the Fremen, the native people of the desert planet Arrakis, and is learning their ways. He must lead them in a war against the evil Harkonnens who destroyed his family.

Dune: Part Two is a huge and spectacular movie with amazing visuals and action. It is a grand story of destiny, power, and revolution. The film was a massive box office hit and was praised as a stunning achievement in filmmaking.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

This wild and imaginative film is a mix of action, comedy, and science fiction. It follows a middle-aged woman who is struggling with her family and her laundromat business. She discovers that she can access the lives and skills of her parallel universe selves to save the multiverse from a powerful villain.

Everything Everywhere All at Once is a crazy and creative movie with a lot of heart. It is a story about family, identity, and finding your place in the universe. The film was a huge success and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

The Fabelmans (2022)

This personal drama is based on the childhood of its famous director, Steven Spielberg. The film tells the story of a young boy who falls in love with movies and starts making his own. As he grows up, he discovers a family secret that will change his life and his art forever.

The Fabelmans is a touching and honest film about family, growing up, and the power of cinema. It is a very personal story from one of the world’s most beloved filmmakers. The movie was nominated for many awards for its heartfelt storytelling.

The Father (2020)

This powerful drama gives a unique and moving look at dementia from the perspective of the person experiencing it. The film follows an elderly man who is struggling with his memory and his sense of reality. As his world becomes more confusing, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind, and even the fabric of his existence.

The Father is a heartbreaking and masterfully crafted film that puts the audience directly into the main character’s mind. The story is told in a non-linear way, making the viewer feel the same confusion and fear as the protagonist. Anthony Hopkins won an Academy Award for his incredible performance in the lead role.

First Cow (2020)

This quiet and thoughtful film is set in the Oregon Territory in the 1820s. It tells the story of a lonely cook and a Chinese immigrant who form a friendship and a business partnership. They secretly milk the only cow in the territory to make and sell delicious oily cakes.

First Cow is a gentle and beautiful story about friendship, ambition, and the early days of America. It is a slow-paced film that focuses on the small details of life. The movie was praised by critics for its unique style and touching story.

Flee (2021)

This animated documentary tells the true story of a man who fled from Afghanistan to Denmark as a child. As he is about to get married, he decides to finally share his incredible story of survival and his journey to find a new home. The film uses animation to protect his identity and to bring his memories to life.

Flee is a powerful and groundbreaking film that combines documentary storytelling with beautiful animation. It is a deeply personal story about trauma, identity, and the meaning of home. The movie made history by being nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best International Feature Film.

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

This Japanese monster movie brings Godzilla back to his roots as a terrifying force of destruction. Set in post-World War II Japan, the film follows a group of veterans who must come together to fight the giant monster as he attacks their already devastated country. The “minus one” in the title refers to Japan’s situation being at zero after the war, with Godzilla’s arrival making it even worse.

Godzilla Minus One is a thrilling and emotional film that is more than just a monster movie. It is a powerful story about survival, trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit. The movie was a surprise hit around the world and won an Academy Award for its stunning visual effects.

The Holdovers (2023)

This charming and funny drama is set at a New England boarding school during Christmas break in 1970. It tells the story of a grumpy history teacher, a rebellious student, and the school’s head cook, who are the only ones left on campus over the holidays. The three unlikely companions form a special bond as they share their stories and help each other through a difficult time.

The Holdovers is a warm and witty film that feels like a classic movie from the 1970s. It is a story about friendship, family, and the importance of human connection. The movie was praised for its great script and wonderful performances, with Da’Vine Joy Randolph winning an Academy Award for her role.

Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

This powerful historical drama tells the true story of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Black Panther Party in Illinois, and William O’Neal, the FBI informant who infiltrated the party and betrayed him. The film shows Hampton’s rise as a charismatic leader and O’Neal’s internal struggle as he is forced to help the government bring him down.

Judas and the Black Messiah is a tense and important film about the fight for civil rights and the abuse of power. It is a gripping story of betrayal and a tribute to a key figure in Black history. Daniel Kaluuya won an Academy Award for his amazing performance as Fred Hampton.

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

This epic crime drama from director Martin Scorsese tells the true story of a series of murders of wealthy Osage Nation members in the 1920s. After oil was discovered on their land, the Osage became some of the richest people in the world. The film follows the investigation into the murders, which became one of the first major cases for the newly formed FBI.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a long and powerful film about greed, corruption, and the dark history of America. It is a slow and deliberate movie that tells a complex and important story. The film was praised for its incredible filmmaking and powerful performances.

Licorice Pizza (2021)

This charming coming-of-age film is set in the San Fernando Valley in 1973. It tells the story of a confident 15-year-old boy who falls in love with a 25-year-old woman who is trying to figure out her life. The film follows their strange and funny adventures as they start a waterbed business, audition for movies, and run through the streets of Los Angeles.

Licorice Pizza is a fun and nostalgic movie about young love and the feeling of endless possibilities. It is a sweet and funny film with great music and a warm, sunny look. The movie was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

May December (2023)

This fascinating and unsettling drama tells the story of a famous actress who travels to Georgia to research a role. She is going to play a woman who became a tabloid sensation 20 years earlier for having a relationship with a seventh-grade boy, whom she later married. As the actress spends time with the couple, their seemingly perfect life begins to fall apart.

May December is a smart and complex film about performance, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. It is a dark comedy that is both funny and deeply disturbing. The movie was praised for its brilliant script and incredible performances by its lead actresses.

Minari (2020)

This gentle and moving drama tells the story of a Korean-American family that moves to a small farm in Arkansas in the 1980s. The father dreams of growing Korean vegetables to sell to other immigrant families. The family must learn to adapt to their new life and the challenges of farming while also dealing with the arrival of their funny and unconventional grandmother.

Minari is a beautiful and honest film about family, faith, and the search for the American dream. It is a personal and heartfelt story based on the director’s own childhood. Yuh-Jung Youn won an Academy Award for her wonderful performance as the grandmother.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

In this action-packed installment, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team face their most dangerous mission yet. They must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands. The weapon is a powerful artificial intelligence known as “the Entity.”

This film features incredible stunts and thrilling action sequences that the series is famous for. The story raises timely questions about the dangers of advanced technology. It is a globetrotting adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Monster (2023)

This Japanese drama tells a complex story from three different perspectives. A mother believes a teacher is bullying her son. The teacher believes the student is the one causing problems. And the son has his own version of the truth.

The film slowly reveals new information as it switches points of view. This makes the audience question their own assumptions. It is a powerful movie about the difficulty of understanding the full story and the pain of miscommunication.

Nomadland (2020)

This quiet and beautiful film follows a woman in her sixties who loses everything in the Great Recession. She decides to live in her van and travel across the American West, taking on seasonal jobs. Along the way, she meets other modern-day nomads who have formed a community on the road.

Nomadland is a moving portrait of people who live on the fringes of society. It features real-life nomads alongside actress Frances McDormand. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Chloé Zhao.

Nope (2022)

This science fiction horror film is about two siblings who run a horse ranch in California. After their father dies in a mysterious accident, they discover something strange and dangerous in the sky above their ranch. They decide they need to capture it on camera.

Nope is a thrilling and original movie from director Jordan Peele. It is a story about spectacle, exploitation, and our relationship with the unknown. The film is both a scary monster movie and a smart commentary on Hollywood.

Oppenheimer (2023)

This epic biographical film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist who is known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” The movie follows him as he leads the Manhattan Project during World War II to develop the first nuclear weapons. It also shows his later life as he deals with the consequences of his creation.

Oppenheimer is a massive and intense film from director Christopher Nolan. It is a complex portrait of a brilliant but troubled man. The movie was a huge critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Past Lives (2023)

This romantic drama tells the story of two childhood friends from South Korea who are separated when one of them moves to Canada. They reconnect online 12 years later and then meet in person in New York City after another 12 years. The film explores their deep connection and the different paths their lives have taken.

Past Lives is a quiet and beautiful film about love, fate, and the choices we make. It is a touching and realistic look at relationships and the feeling of “what if.” The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Petite Maman (2021)

This French fantasy drama is a short and gentle film about a little girl named Nelly. After her grandmother dies, Nelly goes with her parents to clean out her mother’s childhood home. While exploring the woods, she meets another girl her age who looks exactly like her and is building a treehouse.

Petite Maman is a magical and touching story about mothers and daughters, friendship, and childhood. It is a simple and quiet film that has a big emotional impact. The movie is a beautiful and imaginative exploration of family and memory.

Poor Things (2023)

This strange and wonderful fantasy film tells the story of a young woman named Bella Baxter who is brought back to life by a mad scientist. She has the brain of an infant and must learn about the world from scratch. She runs off on a wild adventure across the continents, eager to learn about life and stand for equality and liberation.

Poor Things is a funny, weird, and visually stunning movie. It is a unique story about a woman’s journey of self-discovery and freedom. Emma Stone won an Academy Award for her amazing performance as Bella.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2020)

This French historical drama is a beautiful and passionate love story. Set on an isolated island in the 18th century, it follows a female painter who is hired to paint the wedding portrait of a young noblewoman. However, she must paint her subject in secret, so she observes her by day and paints her at night.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a powerful and intimate film about love, art, and the female gaze. It is a slow and beautiful movie that builds to a heartbreaking conclusion. The film was praised by critics around the world for its stunning cinematography and emotional depth.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

This dark comedy thriller tells the story of a woman who is haunted by a tragic event from her past. She spends her nights pretending to be drunk at bars and waiting for men to take advantage of her. When they do, she confronts them about their behavior.

Promising Young Woman is a bold and timely film about revenge and consent. It is a stylish and suspenseful movie with a powerful message. Emerald Fennell won an Academy Award for her original screenplay.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

This animated adventure finds the fearless hero Puss in Boots down to the last of his nine lives. Terrified of death, he retires to a cat sanctuary. He soon learns of a mythical Last Wish that could restore his lives, so he sets off on a grand journey to find it.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a surprisingly deep and exciting family film. It has a beautiful, painterly animation style and a great sense of humor. The movie also deals with serious themes like mortality and anxiety in a thoughtful way.

RRR (2022)

This Indian epic action film is a fictional story about two real-life revolutionaries who fought against the British Raj in the 1920s. The movie imagines what would have happened if the two men had met and become friends before they started fighting for their country. The result is a spectacular adventure with incredible action sequences and musical numbers.

RRR is a fun and over-the-top movie that is full of energy and excitement. It is a story of friendship, betrayal, and revolution on a grand scale. The film became a global sensation and won an Academy Award for its amazing song “Naatu Naatu.”

Soul (2020)

This animated film from Pixar tells the story of a middle school band teacher named Joe Gardner who dreams of being a professional jazz musician. On the day he gets his big break, he has an accident that separates his soul from his body. He ends up in a place where new souls get their personalities before they go to Earth.

Soul is a beautiful and thought-provoking movie about life, death, and what it means to have a purpose. It is a funny and touching film with amazing music and stunning animation. The movie won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.

Sound of Metal (2020)

This powerful drama follows a heavy metal drummer whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly loses his hearing. He checks into a sober house for the deaf to learn how to live with his new reality. He struggles to accept his situation and find his place in the world.

Sound of Metal is an immersive film that uses sound design to put the audience in the main character’s shoes. It is a moving story about loss, identity, and acceptance. The movie won two Academy Awards for its incredible sound and film editing.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

This animated superhero film is the sequel to the hit movie Into the Spider-Verse. It follows Miles Morales as he is transported to a multiverse filled with a team of Spider-People who are in charge of protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a visually stunning and incredibly creative movie. Each universe has its own unique animation style. It is an exciting and emotional story about what it means to be a hero.

Tár (2022)

This psychological drama tells the story of a world-famous orchestra conductor named Lydia Tár. She is at the height of her career, but her life begins to unravel as accusations from her past come to light. The film is a fascinating character study of a powerful woman who is heading for a downfall.

Tár is a smart and complex film about power, art, and cancel culture. It features an incredible performance by Cate Blanchett in the lead role. The movie is a slow and detailed look at the life of a brilliant but troubled artist.

Titane (2021)

This French body horror film is a wild and shocking movie that is not for everyone. It follows a woman who has a strange connection to cars and goes on the run after committing a series of violent crimes. She disguises herself as the long-lost son of a fire captain.

Titane is a bold and provocative film that explores themes of gender, family, and love in a very extreme way. It is a visceral and unforgettable movie experience. The film won the top prize, the Palme d’Or, at the Cannes Film Festival.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

This action-packed sequel brings back Pete “Maverick” Mitchell after more than 30 years. He is now a test pilot who is forced to return to the Top Gun school to train a new generation of elite pilots for a dangerous mission. One of the students is the son of his late friend, Goose.

Top Gun: Maverick is a thrilling and emotional movie with some of the most incredible aerial action sequences ever filmed. It is a story about legacy, redemption, and the need for speed. The film was a massive blockbuster and was praised for being even better than the original.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

This black-and-white film is a stylish and haunting adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous play. It tells the story of a Scottish lord who is convinced by a trio of witches that he will become king. He and his wife then plot to murder the current king, which leads to a dark and violent spiral of madness and guilt.

The Tragedy of Macbeth is a visually stunning film with a stark and minimalist look. It is a powerful and atmospheric version of the classic story. The movie was praised for its beautiful cinematography and strong performances.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

This satirical black comedy takes a sharp look at the world of the super-rich. It follows a celebrity couple who are invited on a luxury cruise for the wealthy. The trip takes a disastrous turn when a storm hits, and the survivors are left stranded on a deserted island.

Triangle of Sadness is a funny and shocking film that makes fun of class, beauty, and power. It is a wild and unpredictable movie that is divided into three parts. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Worst Person in the World (2021)

This Norwegian romantic dramedy follows a young woman named Julie over four years of her life. She is trying to figure out her career, her love life, and who she really is. The film is divided into 12 chapters, an epilogue, and a prologue, showing different moments in her journey of self-discovery.

The Worst Person in the World is a smart, funny, and relatable film about the messiness of modern life. It is an honest and charming look at the challenges of growing up, even when you are already an adult. The movie was nominated for two Academy awards.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

This historical drama offers a chilling and unique perspective on the Holocaust. The film follows the daily life of the commandant of Auschwitz and his family, who live in a beautiful house and garden right next to the concentration camp. We see them go about their ordinary lives while the horrors of the camp are heard in the background.

The Zone of Interest is a powerful and disturbing film that shows the “banality of evil.” It forces the audience to confront the terrible reality of the Holocaust in a new and unsettling way. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best International Feature Film.