Top 10 Best Movies of 2020

2020 was full of surprises, most of which weren’t especially pleasant, although this “Borat” sequel was definitely an exception. The original “Borat” was both uproarious and eye-opening back in 2006. “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” is another gutbuster, balancing chuckles with cringe. It also hilariously sums up 2020, serving as a timely wake-up call and a time capsule for future audiences. Sacha Baron Cohen fearlessly tackles everything from the pandemic to politics, at times even putting his own safety in jeopardy. Along with newcomer Maria Bakalova, who plays Borat’s “fifteen-year-old” daughter, Baron Cohen trolls several high-profile figures, the best of which is saved for the final act. In a year as stressful as this one, this film gave us exactly what we needed: laughter. Very nice, indeed!

We all know Steven Yeun from “The Walking Dead,” but his star has risen significantly as of late with films like “Burning.” He gives his best performance to date in “Minari,” which emerged as a widespread favorite at the Sundance Film Festival where it won multiple prizes. Yeun plays the patriarch of a Korean-American family that moves to Arkansas in pursuit of the American Dream. Their new life on a small farm ranges from heartbreaking, to warm, to occasionally humorous, but always beautifully acted. Yeun’s chemistry with Han Ye-ri paints a meaningful picture of marriage. Veteran actress Yuh-Jung Youn and newcomer Alan Kim practically steal the show whenever they’re on screen together. It’s the authentic family dynamics that make Lee Isaac Chung’s film something truly special.

“The Invisible Man” is one of the few movies on this list that a wide audience got to see in theaters. Leigh Whannell’s modern reimagining of the classic novel is best experienced with some friends, as watching others jump out of their seats is half the fun. Part of what makes the film so chilling is that it feels strangely grounded. Of course, the domestic violence that our heroine endures is all-too identifiable and relevant. The opening sequence alone would fit in well with a thriller like “Sleeping with the Enemy.” Yet, even the science behind the titular invisible man, while not real, seems as if it could exist someday. It’s all anchored by Elisabeth Moss, whose engrossing performance is worthy of a Best Actress nomination.

Throughout her esteemed acting career, Regina King has won four Emmys and an Oscar. King brings that same passion to the director’s chair with her feature debut, “One Night in Miami.” Kemp Powers, who co-directed/co-wrote another film on this list, adapted the script from his own stage play. The film imagines the fictional events of a historic night in 1964 when Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke all came together. We see the four icons discuss civil rights, the African-American experience, and their own contributions to the changing world. Just as the stars aligned that night in Miami, the same can be said about this film’s talent behind and in front of the camera, amounting to a thought-provoking and timely experience.

This historical legal drama chronicles events that took place in the late 60s and early 70s, but it just as easily could be mistaken for a window into 2020. The film portrays the protests, police brutality, and political injustice that surrounded the Chicago 8, which eventually became the Chicago 7. The ensemble is nothing short of exceptional with dead-on performances from Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Rylance, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, just to name a few. As is the case with any Aaron Sorkin movie, the real star is his brilliantly-crafted screenplay. Also serving as a director, Sorkin crafts a film full of shocking revelations and even when he bends the truth, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” remains faithful to what these defendants stood for.

In a nutshell, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is about a young woman who accompanies her boyfriend to his parents’ house where things aren’t what they seem. Of course, that brief description doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. Such is to be expected from writer/director Charlie Kaufman, who commonly mixes surrealism and existentialism. Much like another Kaufman film, “Synecdoche, New York,” it challenges our perception of time and reality. Above all else, it’s about the human condition, missed opportunities, and the insecurities that eat away at us. While Kaufman has discussed these themes before, he’s never done it in such twisted, unnerving, even scary ways. It won’t just leave you questioning your own existence, but rethinking what a psychological horror movie can be.

2020 gave us two Pixar films, both of which touched upon life, death, and what makes us human. Granted, the main characters in “Onward” were technically elves, but their struggles and dynamics certainly felt human. As wonderful as that film is, “Soul” stands out as this year’s greatest achievement in animation, not only on a technical level, but in terms of storytelling as well. With “Inside Out,” director Pete Docter took us on an inventive exploration of the human mind. Along with co-director Kemp Powers, Doctor goes to even deeper places in “Soul.” Aside from bringing great joy to audiences of all ages, the film’s life-affirming message reminds us what’s most important. Funny, profound, and soulful, it’s a movie that we all needed in 2020.

It’s generally known that Orson Welles was a director, producer, and writer on “Citizen Kane,” not to mention its star. What some might not know is that this cinematic masterpiece was co-written by Herman J. Mankiewicz, who had to fight to get the credit he deserved. Who better to tell this legend’s story than another legend, director David Fincher? Along with cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, Fincher does an extraordinary job at replicating the look and tone of “Citizen Kane” as Mankiewicz struggles to complete the picture. Gary Oldman delivers another transformative performance as Mankiewicz while Amanda Seyfried turns in some of her best work as actress Marion Davies. Shockingly, “Citizen Kane” didn’t win Best Picture, but could “Mank” right this wrong almost eighty years later?

Spike Lee has hit two home runs in a row. With “BlacKkKlansman,” he won his first competitive Oscar. We wouldn’t be surprised if Lee picked up another for this war drama, which possesses echoes of classics like “Platoon” and “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” “Da 5 Bloods” blends the past with the present, showing how little has changed since the Vietnam War, especially for the black soldiers who fought. The cast is universally excellent, although the two standout performances come from Delroy Lindo, who dominates the screen, and the late Chadwick Boseman, whose presence is sure to bring a tear to your eye. With themes concerning race, regret, greed, nostalgia, and brotherhood, few films released in 2020 are better suited to the current zeitgeist.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
After That First Trailer, Who Would’ve Guessed This Video Game Movie Would Be a Blast?

“Palm Springs” (2020)
The Year’s Best and Most Creative Romantic Comedy

“Tenet” (2020)
Christopher Nolan’s Latest Mind-Bender is Best-Experienced on a Sizable Screen

“First Cow” (2020)
Another Minimalist Masterwork From Kelly Reichardt

“On the Rocks” (2020)
Bill Murray’s Reunion with Sofia Coppola is Only Made Better by Rashida Jones

2020 marked one of the most difficult chapters in human history since the Great Recession. In that sense, “Nomadland” couldn’t have arrived at a more appropriate time. Although “Nomadland” focuses on a challenging period, it’ll leave audiences feeling more hopeful, which is especially welcome now. Based on a non-fiction book, the story follows a woman who travels across the American West after the recession leaves her with nothing. This profoundly emotional film is carried by a phenomenal performance from Frances McDormand and the considerable talents of Chloé Zhao, who serves as the director, writer, co-producer, and editor. Becoming the first film to win both the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the People’s Choice Award at TIFF, we foresee even more milestones and accolades on its horizon.