25 Movies from the 2020s That Were Overlooked but Deserve Much More Attention
In the 2020s, the way we watch movies has changed. With so many streaming services and new movies coming out all the time, it’s easy for some great films to get lost. While big blockbuster movies get a lot of attention, many smaller, independent films don’t reach a wide audience. These overlooked movies often tell unique stories and feature amazing performances that deserve to be seen.
This list highlights 25 movies from the 2020s that you might have missed but are definitely worth watching. These films come from different genres and countries, offering a variety of stories and styles. From quiet dramas to thrilling mysteries, each of these movies provides a special experience. If you’re looking for something new and different to watch, this list is a great place to start.
The Empty Man (2020)
This horror movie starts with a group of friends in the mountains who encounter a strange skeleton. This event leads to a series of mysterious deaths. The story then moves to a former police officer who is investigating the disappearance of a young girl. He soon discovers a connection to a local legend known as the Empty Man.
As he digs deeper, he finds a secret group that is trying to summon this supernatural being. The movie is long for a horror film, but it uses its time to build a feeling of dread and suspense. It’s a dark and philosophical movie that is more than just a simple scary story.
Possessor (2020)
This science-fiction horror film is about an assassin who can take control of other people’s bodies. She uses this technology to carry out her missions, but it starts to affect her own mind. The movie is very graphic and has a unique visual style that makes the story feel intense and unsettling.
The main character struggles to separate her own identity from the people she possesses. This leads to a story that is both a thrilling and a thoughtful look at identity and technology. It’s a challenging movie that will stay with you long after it’s over.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)
This drama follows a teenage girl from a small town in Pennsylvania who travels to New York City with her cousin. She needs to get an abortion and can’t do it in her hometown without her parents’ permission. The movie shows the difficult journey and the challenges she faces along the way.
The film is quiet and realistic, focusing on the main character’s emotions and experiences. The title comes from a powerful scene where she is asked a series of personal questions. It’s a simple but very moving film that tells a story about female friendship and strength.
First Cow (2020)
Set in the 1820s, this movie is about a cook who travels to Oregon and befriends a Chinese immigrant. They come up with a plan to steal milk from the first and only cow in their settlement to make and sell oily cakes. Their small business becomes popular, but they are always in danger of getting caught.
This is a quiet and gentle movie about friendship and the early days of America. It shows a different side of the American West, focusing on the small moments of everyday life. The story is simple, but it is told with a lot of care and detail, making it a beautiful and unique film.
The Vast of Night (2020)
This science-fiction movie takes place in a small New Mexico town in the 1950s. A young radio DJ and a switchboard operator discover a strange audio frequency that they believe could be from outer space. As they investigate further, they uncover a mystery that could change their town forever.
The movie is filmed in a way that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. It uses long takes and clever camera work to build suspense. It’s a love letter to old sci-fi stories like “The Twilight Zone” and is a great example of how to make a big impact with a small budget.
I’m Your Woman (2020)
This crime drama is about a woman whose husband is a thief. After he disappears, she is forced to go on the run with her baby. She doesn’t know what her husband did, but she knows she is in danger. A man sent by her husband helps her and her baby escape.
The story is told from the wife’s perspective, which is different from most crime movies. We see how she learns to be strong and protect her child in a dangerous world. It’s a tense and stylish thriller with a great performance from its lead actress.
The Kid Detective (2020)
A former child detective, now a washed-up adult, gets his first real case when a teenage girl asks him to solve the murder of her boyfriend. He is still haunted by a childhood mystery he could never solve, and this new case forces him to confront his past and his failures.
The movie is a mix of dark comedy and mystery. It starts off as a funny story about a man who can’t let go of his past, but it slowly becomes a serious and sad detective story. The ending is surprising and powerful, making it a unique and memorable film.
Shiva Baby (2020)
A young woman attends a shiva, a Jewish mourning gathering, with her parents. Her sugar daddy and her ex-girlfriend are also at the event, which makes for a very awkward and stressful day. The movie takes place almost entirely in one house and unfolds in real-time.
The film is a cringe-comedy that feels like a horror movie. The main character becomes more and more anxious as she tries to keep her secrets from her family and community. It’s a funny and intense look at family, tradition, and the pressures of being a young woman today.
Pig (2021)
Nicolas Cage plays a former chef who now lives alone in the Oregon wilderness. He spends his days hunting for truffles with his beloved pig. When his pig is stolen, he must return to the city of Portland and confront his past to get her back.
This is not an action movie like you might expect. It’s a quiet and sad story about loss and love. Cage gives one of his best performances, showing a gentle and emotional side. The movie is a thoughtful look at what is truly valuable in life.
Mass (2021)
This powerful drama is about two sets of parents who agree to meet and talk. One couple’s son was killed in a school shooting, and the other couple’s son was the shooter. The entire movie takes place in one room as they have a difficult and emotional conversation.
The film is like a play, with a strong focus on the dialogue and the performances of the four main actors. It is a heartbreaking and honest look at grief, anger, and forgiveness. It’s a tough movie to watch, but it is also a very rewarding one.
After Yang (2021)
In the near future, a man’s daughter is sad because her android companion, Yang, has stopped working. As he tries to get Yang fixed, he discovers a way to view the android’s memories. He learns that Yang was more than just a machine and had a rich inner life.
This is a gentle and beautiful science-fiction film that explores what it means to be human. It’s a quiet and thoughtful movie about family, memory, and loss. The story is told with a lot of warmth and has a peaceful and calming style.
Red Rocket (2021)
This dark comedy is about a former adult film star who returns to his small Texas hometown. He has no money and no one wants him there, but he tries to charm his way back into the lives of his estranged wife and her mother. He then meets a young woman working at a donut shop and sees her as his ticket back to the big time.
The movie is a funny and uncomfortable look at a charismatic but deeply flawed character. It shows a side of America that is not often seen in movies. The lead actor, Simon Rex, gives an amazing performance that is both hilarious and unsettling.
Petite Maman (2021)
A young girl named Nelly is helping her parents clean out her grandmother’s house after she passed away. While exploring the woods behind the house, she meets another girl who looks just like her and is building a treehouse. Nelly soon realizes that she has met her own mother as a child.
This is a short and simple film with a magical and heartwarming story. It explores the relationship between mothers and daughters in a unique and beautiful way. It’s a gentle and moving film that feels like a classic children’s story.
Memoria (2021)
A Scottish woman living in Colombia is woken up one morning by a loud, strange sound that no one else seems to hear. She becomes obsessed with finding the source of the sound, and her journey takes her through the city of Bogotá and into the Colombian jungle.
This is a very slow and quiet movie that is more of an experience than a story. It asks the audience to be patient and to pay close attention to the sounds and images. It’s a mysterious and hypnotic film from a unique director that is not for everyone, but for those who connect with it, it is a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
A recent college graduate with no clear path in life starts a business as a party starter for bar and bat mitzvahs. At one of these parties, he befriends a young mother and her autistic daughter. He falls for the mother and forms a special bond with the daughter.
This is a charming and funny coming-of-age story. The movie is full of heart and has a very natural and realistic feel. It’s a sweet and emotional film about growing up and finding your place in the world.
Emily the Criminal (2022)
A young woman is struggling with student loan debt and can’t get a good job because of a minor criminal record. Desperate for money, she gets involved in a credit card fraud scheme. She discovers she has a talent for it, but it pulls her deeper into a dangerous criminal world.
This is a tense and exciting thriller that is also a smart look at the struggles of young people today. Aubrey Plaza gives a great performance as a woman who is pushed to the edge and decides to fight back. It’s a gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Broker (2022)
Two men run an illegal business where they steal babies left at a church’s baby box and sell them to wealthy couples. A young mother who left her baby decides to join them on a road trip to find the right parents for her child. A couple of detectives are also following them, hoping to catch them in the act.
This is a heartwarming and thoughtful film from the Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, set in South Korea. It explores the idea of family and what it means to belong. The movie is both funny and sad, with wonderful performances from its cast.
To Leslie (2022)
A single mother from West Texas wins the lottery but quickly wastes all the money on alcohol. Years later, she is broke and has lost the trust of her family and friends. The movie follows her as she tries to get sober and rebuild her life.
This is a powerful and honest drama about addiction and redemption. Andrea Riseborough gives an incredible performance as Leslie, showing her struggles and her small moments of hope. It’s a tough but ultimately hopeful story about a woman trying to find her way back.
Causeway (2022)
A U.S. soldier returns to her hometown of New Orleans after suffering a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan. She is struggling with both physical and mental pain and finds it hard to adjust to her old life. She forms a friendship with a local car mechanic who is also dealing with his own past trauma.
This is a quiet and moving drama about two people who find comfort in each other’s company. Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry give subtle and powerful performances. The movie is a thoughtful look at the long journey of healing and the importance of human connection.
Living (2022)
In 1950s London, a veteran civil servant is known for his boring and routine life. When he is diagnosed with a fatal illness, he decides he wants to do something meaningful with the time he has left. He tries to help a group of women who want to build a small children’s playground.
This is a remake of the classic Japanese film “Ikiru,” and it is a beautiful and touching story. Bill Nighy gives a wonderful performance as a man who learns to live for the first time at the end of his life. It’s a quiet and gentle film with a powerful message about making a difference, no matter how small.
Rye Lane (2023)
Two young people who are both getting over bad breakups meet in a gender-neutral bathroom at an art gallery in South London. They spend the rest of the day together, walking through the vibrant neighborhoods of Peckham and Brixton, sharing stories and helping each other deal with their exes.
This is a fun, colorful, and energetic romantic comedy. It has a fresh and modern style with creative visuals and a great sense of humor. The two lead actors have amazing chemistry, making it a joyful and charming movie about a new romance.
Theater Camp (2023)
The founder of a beloved theater camp in upstate New York falls into a coma. Her son, who has no interest in theater, must work with the camp’s eccentric staff to keep it running. They have to put on a big show to save the camp from being sold.
This is a hilarious mockumentary, a type of comedy that pretends to be a documentary. It’s a loving tribute to theater kids and the dramatic world of summer camp. The movie is full of funny characters and catchy songs, making it a joyful and heartwarming watch.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)
This is a film adaptation of the famous book by Judy Blume. It tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Margaret who moves to a new town and has to deal with puberty, new friends, and questions about religion. She talks to God about all of her worries and hopes.
The movie is a faithful and charming adaptation of the book that many people grew up with. It perfectly captures the feelings of being a young girl on the edge of her teenage years. It’s a sweet, funny, and honest story that is great for all ages.
BlackBerry (2023)
This movie tells the true story of the rise and fall of the BlackBerry, the first smartphone. It follows the two men who created the device and the ruthless businessman who helped them build a billion-dollar company. The film shows how their success was quickly followed by a dramatic collapse.
The film is a fast-paced and entertaining look at the world of technology and business. It is both funny and stressful, with great performances from its main actors. It’s a fascinating story about innovation and the dangers of flying too close to the sun.
All of Us Strangers (2023)
A lonely screenwriter living in London begins a relationship with a mysterious neighbor. At the same time, he finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where he discovers his parents, who died 30 years ago, are still living and appear to be the same age they were when they died.
This is a beautiful and heartbreaking film about love, grief, and loneliness. It has a magical and dreamlike quality, and the performances from the four main actors are incredible. It’s a deeply emotional and unforgettable movie that will make you think about your own relationships and memories.
