As we move out of the first half of the 2020s, I find myself inspired to reflect on the past five years of filmmaking. It has been a tumultuous time, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent strikes in 2023. Yet, despite these challenges, many filmmakers have risen above the odds to deliver truly remarkable art. I hope to celebrate what I believe are the best films of this period. So, let’s dive into the start of My Top 50 Best Movies of the 2020s.
Before delving into the list, I think it’s important to explain the framework I used to evaluate and rank these films. Ranking movies is always a challenging exercise; how do you compare a romantic comedy to a serious drama?
In addition to this overarching standard, here are the other key factors I considered:
- Craftsmanship and Performances: Did the film demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in its direction, cinematography, editing, or other technical aspects? Were the performances compelling and memorable?
- Execution of Ideas: How well did the filmmaker translate their vision and ideas onto the screen?
- Originality and Vision: Was the film unique, offering something fresh that I hadn’t seen before?
- Engagement and Storytelling: Did the film hold the audience’s attention through strong storytelling or well-developed characters?
Ultimately, my goal was to celebrate films that moved, challenged, or captivated me in unique ways. With that in mind, let’s get started with some honorable mentions. The following films are my 75-51. Great films that I can’t recommend enough.
75. Love Lies Bleeding (Dir. Rose Glass)
74. Pearl (Dir. Ti West)
73. Petite Maman (Dir. Céline Sciamma)
72. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (Dir. Kelly Fremon Craig)
71. Sound of Metal (Dir. Darius Marder)
70. Civil War (Dir. Alex Garland)
69. Titane (Dir. Julia Ducournau)
68. Minari (Dir. Lee Isaac Chung)
67. Possessor (Dir. Brandon Cronenberg)
66. BlackBerry (Dir. Matt Johnson)
65. The Vast of Night (Dir. Andrew Patterson)
64. Women Talking (Dir. Sarah Polley)
63. A Real Pain (Dir. Jesse Eisenberg)
62. The Holdovers (Dir. Alexander Payne)
61. Perfect Days (Dir. Wim Wenders)
60. Another Round (Dir. Thomas Vinterberg)
59. They Cloned Tyrone (Dir. Juel Taylor)
58. The Substance (Dir. Coralie Fargeat)
57. Nightmare Alley (Dir. Guillermo del Toro)
56. The Fabelmans (Dir. Steven Spielberg)
55. Red Rocket (Dir. Sean Baker)
54. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Dir. George Miller)
53. Lovers Rock (Dir. Steve McQueen)
52. Fallen Leaves (Dir. Aki Kaurismäki)
51. The Killer (Dir. David Fincher)
50. How To Blow Up a Pipeline (Dir. Daniel Goldhaber)
Rarely does a film deliver as strong a political message as How to Blow Up a Pipeline. It’s hard not to admire a filmmaker who has something important to say and refuses to pull their punches.
What makes the film even more remarkable is that, despite its weighty themes, it remains incredibly entertaining. Edited with the precision and energy of an Ocean’s movie, How to Blow Up a Pipeline uses its runtime to craft a gripping heist narrative while building a compelling ensemble of characters. Even if you don’t agree with the characters’ beliefs, the film presents their perspectives with nuance, helping the audience understand why they hold such convictions.
49. The Iron Claw (Dir. Sean Durkin)
No film this decade may move you to tears more than Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw. About the rise and fall of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, its brilliance lies in how Durkin resists making the tragic story of the Von Erich family a tale steeped solely in darkness. At its heart, the film is a celebration of family, love, and brotherhood, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
The Iron Claw also stands out as one of the most authentic portrayals of wrestling. While many wrestling films have a basic interpretation of the sport as “fake” or barbaric, the Iron Claw captures its beauty and the physical sacrifices wrestlers make in pursuit of greatness. Masterfully shot, it reveals how pro wrestling can become an all-consuming obsession.
The Iron Claw boasts a terrific ensemble cast anchored by Zac Efron, who delivers a powerful performance. Efron captures both the physicality of a wrestler and the emotional weight of a man trying to hold his family together. His work is a standout in a film that masterfully balances heartbreak and hope.
48. C’mon C’mon (Dir. Mike Mills)
Like a Warm hug, C’mon C’mon is a tender exploration of the bonds that shape our lives. About a radio journalist (Joaqun Phoenix) forced to look after his nephew (Woody Norman), the film is an impressively honest portrayal of vulnerability and how we can live with life’s uncertainties.
Director Mike Mills is also able to craft a beautiful portrayal of the United States with black-and-white cinematography, which, coupled with the frequent focus on the point of view through Woody Norman’s character, really shows the beauty of the smallest things.
47. John Wick Chapter 4 (Dir. Chad Stahelski)
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a film of massive proportions that raises the bar of what is possible in action filmmaking. At nearly three hours, the film is a relentless showcase of stunning choreography and inventive set pieces. Director Chad Stahelski masterfully crafts sequences that are as visually striking as they are exhilarating, leaving the audience breathless.
While the John Wick series has always delivered impressive action, the aspect that makes Chapter 4 the best of the franchise and earns its spot on this list is its stellar supporting cast. Donnie Yen shines as a formidable adversary, bringing unmatched physicality and charisma that perfectly complement Keanu Reeves’ iconic portrayal of Wick. Meanwhile, Bill Skarsgård’s performance as the Marquis is the most layered and interesting antagonist of the franchise. Finally, there is Shamier Anderson as Tracker, who gives the film a secondary protagonist in whom the audience can invest in. These performances elevate the film into being more than just a dumb action movie but a true genre-defining film.
46. May December (Dir. Todd Haynes)
Todd Haynes’ engrossing drama May December’s biggest strength in how it can linger in the audience’s mind long after watching. Through its writing and directing it forces viewers to question how we and those around us present ourselves. In a world where true selfhood seems almost nonexistent, the film underscores how we are constantly performing, shaped by the circumstances around us. Even with its dark subject matter, May December is never dull, as Haynes infuses the film with dark humor, creating a captivating blend of tension and wit.
May December boasts incredible performances from its leads, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, as well as standout supporting roles like Corey Michael Smith. However, it’s Charles Melton who truly steals the show, delivering a performance that is both heartb
45. RRR (Dir. S.S. Rajamouli)
On paper, RRR seems like an impossible balancing act, a three-hour film that combines high-octane action, musical numbers, comedy, and a serious drama about colonial resistance. Yet, under the direction of S.S. Rajamouli, this epic comes together seamlessly, delivering a cinematic experience that truly feels unique.
Set during British colonial rule, the film follows a fictionalized tale of two revolutionaries, Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan). Beneath the action and music lies a deeply human story of defiance. RRR is not just a groundbreaking achievement in Indian cinema but a celebration of storytelling that resonates globally.
44. Wolfwalkers (Dir. Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart)
Cartoon Saloon delivered its finest work in 2020 with Wolfwalkers. Boasting a lush, storybook aesthetic that is unlike anything else in modern cinema. Every frame bursts with life, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, offering a breathtaking take on the world around us.
At its heart, Wolfwalkers tells the story of Robyn, a young English girl who moves to Ireland with her father, a hunter tasked with eradicating wolves in the nearby forest. When Robyn befriends Mebh, a spirited wolfwalker, a mystical being who can shift between human and wolf, her world is turned upside down. The film beautifully explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the tension between nature and control. While many animated films provide a visually satisfying experience, Wolfwalkers goes further, pairing its stunning visuals with an emotionally resonant narrative.
43. Shiva Baby (Dir. Emma Seligman)
Marking one of the most exciting directorial debuts of the 2020s, Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby is a masterclass in tension and dark humor, making audiences squirm in their chairs as often as they laugh out loud. Set almost entirely at a single shiva, the film follows Danielle, a soon-to-be college graduate, as she navigates a suffocating web of awkward encounters with her family and old friends. Seligman captivates by crafting a story that feels both claustrophobic and relentless. Seligman cuts and frames the film like a horror story, with the crushing weight of expectations and insecurities pressing down as much on the audience as on Danielle.
At the heart of the film is Rachel Sennott’s breakout performance, showcasing all the qualities that have made her one of the most exciting young stars today. Effortlessly funny and relatable, Sennott imbues Danielle with a vulnerability that keeps viewers rooting for her and eager to see how her story unfolds.
42. Spencer (Dir. Pablo Larraín)
With Spencer, Pablo Larraín crafts a haunting reimagining of Princess Diana’s life, centering on a fateful Christmas weekend. The film feels more like a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan than a traditional biopic, a creative choice that polarized critics and audiences in 2021 but has only helped the film continue to stand out in a market filled with traditional biopics.
At the heart of the film is Kristen Stewart’s career-defining performance, which holds the narrative together. She masterfully embodies Diana’s fragility, capturing the pressure and paranoia that haunted the latter part of her life. Stewart’s portrayal is heartbreaking yet layered with subtle strength, delivered with precision. At its core, Spencer is a story of resilience. This sense emerges not from an overt triumph but from Diana’s quiet defiance and her determination to reclaim her agency.
Visually, Spencer is beautiful and unsettling. The cinematography bathes the story in an ethereal glow, evoking the disorienting atmosphere of a fever dream. Jonny Greenwood’s masterful score further heightens the tension, making Spencer an unforgettable cinematic experience.
41. Barbie (Dir. Greta Gerwig)
Few films this decade have felt as instantly iconic as Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. What makes the film so remarkable is Gerwig’s ability to deliver a hilarious blockbuster while infusing it with her distinct vision and directorial style. The result is a profound exploration of identity, gender roles, and societal expectations.
Margot Robbie shines as the titular Barbie, balancing comedy with the film’s emotional weight. Opposite her, Ryan Gosling delivers a show-stealing performance as Ken, blending humor with surprising vulnerability.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes, with meticulously designed sets and costumes that bring Barbie Land to life in surreal detail. Gerwig’s direction, paired with a clever and self-aware script, ensures that Barbie is more than just an entertaining blockbuster; it’s a bold cultural statement deserving of this list.
40. Baylon (Dir. Damian Chazelle)
Babylon is bold, messy, epic, overwhelming, ugly, and beautiful. You may not like it, but you will never forget it.
Set in the 1920s, Babylon follows an ensemble cast led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva. Each actor embodies a character striving for success in Hollywood, which was undergoing a seismic shift with the introduction of sound in film. Each performance is among their career-best, evoking different senses of ambition and desperation as the characters seek to fulfill their dreams in an industry that is only looking to swallow them up and spit them out.
Babylon captures the extremes of human experience; every decision is driven by excess. Chazelle’s direction is fearless, and his uncompromising vision unsurprisingly polarized audiences back in 2022. However, it is a cinematic statement that will only continue to age well.
At its center is potentially the best score of the decade, crafted by Justin Hurwitz. His jazz-infused compositions perfectly mirror the film’s frenetic energy.
39. Pig (Dir. Michael Sarnoski)
What makes Pig so remarkable is its subversion. At first glance, it appears to be a standard revenge thriller, but as the story unravels, it shows itself to be a complex and very moving meditation on grief. Sarnoski does not cheap out by including overdramatic moments of violence or anger but instead takes his time leaning into moments of quiet humanity, making the film a poignant exploration of loss.
Nicolas Cage gives what may be his best performance as Rob, a reclusive former chef who lives in the woods with his beloved pig. When the pig is stolen, Rob ventures into the city to retrieve her, uncovering layers of his past along the way. Cage’s performance is intense and understated, yet always layered with vulnerability. Even as the film slows down, the audience is never disengaged. It’s a career-defining role that reminds everyone of Cage’s extraordinary range.
38. Licorice Pizza (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
A hang-out movie crafted by one of the best filmmakers working today, Licorice Pizza shines through Anderson’s meticulous attention to detail in his direction. Every moment is crafted with a level of authenticity and love that makes you want to continue living in the vision of the 70’s he has created.
The film follows Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), a teenager with dreams of escaping his poor background, and Alana Kane (Alana Haim), a woman navigating her twenties. The audience follows their unlikely relationship as they interact with a variety of wild characters (the highlight being Bradley Cooper playing producer Jon Peters) in southern California. Hoffman and Haim are exceptional, perfectly embodying their characters’ insecurities and their search to find their place in the world. While light on plot, Licorice Pizza is filled with memorable scenes and has become a new go-to comfort film.
37. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (Dir. Charlie Kaufman)
There may be no greater compliment to a director than being able to say that no one else could have made a particular film. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the most Charlie Kaufman film imaginable.
The movie follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) on a road trip with her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to his parents’ remote farmhouse. As the journey progresses, unsettling and bizarre events unfold, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is not. Kaufman, known for crafting mind-bending narratives and blending reality with surrealism, infuses the film with his trademark dark humor and philosophy, forcing viewers to reflect on their own experiences and their connections to the characters on screen.
Ultimately, the film becomes a haunting meditation on the passage of time, the fragility of relationships, and the complexity of identity. Kaufman once again created a film that will sit with you long after watching.
36. The Batman (Dir. Matt Reeves)
In an era when superhero filmmaking continues to suffer from oversaturation and struggles to create fresh stories, The Batman flourishes by wearing its influences (most notably Seven) on its sleeve. The final result is an endlessly engaging neo-noir that takes itself seriously but not too seriously. It also helps that the film is crafted with a level of care rarely seen in major blockbuster productions today. The cinematography and art direction are immaculate, presenting a world that is grim and dark yet visually captivating. Robert Pattinson gives a fresh take on the character, quickly earning his place as a standout Batman. The film is bolstered by an incredible supporting cast, with strong performances from both secondary protagonists and antagonists, including Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and Paul Dano’s portrayal of the Riddler. This ensemble, combined with the film’s meticulous craftsmanship, elevates The Batman into one of the most memorable superhero films of the decade.
35. Judas and the Black Messiah (Dir. Shaka King)
It feels odd to call a film nominated for Best Picture underrated, yet four years on, Judas and the Black Messiah still hasn’t received the acclaim it deserves as a brilliant historical drama. Featuring two of the best actors working today, Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya, the film showcases what might be their best performances. Stanfield plays the titular Judas, William O’Neal, a petty criminal coerced by the FBI to infiltrate the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party. Kaluuya portrays Fred Hampton (the Black Messiah), the young and passionate leader of the chapter, imbuing the role with strength, charisma, and righteous anger. His monologues and speeches are riveting and impossible to look away from.
The contrast between Kaluuya’s commanding presence and Stanfield’s nuanced portrayal of O’Neal is striking. A lesser actor and script might have painted O’Neal as a mere villain, but Stanfield’s performance reveals a man torn between loyalty and self-preservation. Allowing Director Shaka King to delve into systemic oppression and corruption and explore how they exploit desperate individuals.
34. Top Gun: Maverick (Dir. Joseph Kosinski)
The legacy sequel has continued to gain popularity in recent years, often driven more by financial incentives than creative innovation. This frequently leads to lackluster films that fail to live up to their predecessors. Top Gun: Maverick, however, stands as a notable exception. It captures the spirit of the original while carving out its own identity, delivering a thrilling two-hour ride that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The story follows Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise), now a seasoned pilot tasked with training a new generation of fighter pilots. While the plot may seem simple, the film consciously avoids subverting audience expectations, instead focusing on delivering the best of what fans want. Director Joseph Kosinski and his team craft a technically stunning and emotionally resonant action experience. The dogfight sequences, in particular, rank among the best filmed, making Top Gun: Maverick endlessly rewatchable and one of the finest action films of recent memory
33. Palm Springs (Dir. Max Barbakow)
Palm Springs is a delightful film with a fresh twist on the time-loop genre, seamlessly blending romance, comedy, science fiction, and existential reflection. Directed by Max Barbakow, the film follows two wedding guests, Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti), who find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over.
Samberg and Milioti are the heart of the film, delivering standout performances that are both hilarious and heartfelt. Romantic comedies live or die on the chemistry of their leads, and here, Samberg and Milioti play off each other effortlessly, balancing both dramatic and comedic moments. The screenplay is sharp, witty, and unexpectedly emotional, while Barbakow enhances the film with a vibrant color palette that reinforces its dreamlike atmosphere. These elements elevate Palm Springs beyond a typical rom-com, making it a truly exceptional film.
32. Soul (Dir. Pete Doctor)
It’s a tall task for any film to tackle the question, “What is our purpose?” Attempting to answer this in an animated movie aimed at kids seems nearly impossible, but Soul is a success. Directed by Pete Docter, the film follows Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz musician who, after a life-altering accident, finds himself in the afterlife. Feeling unsatisfied with where his life was, he joins with an unborn soul (Tina Fey) to try and get back to the real world.
Soul deftly explores existential themes with humor and heart, all while showcasing Pixar at its best in terms of animation, often unrivaled in the 3D space. Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross craft a mesmerizing jazz and electronic score that elevates the film’s storytelling. Its message about finding joy in life’s small moments resonates on a deeply emotional level. Soul, like the great films of Pixar’s past, transcends its intended audience and is a genre-defining triumph.
31. Poor Things (Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)
Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things is a visually stunning and wildly inventive film that defies categorization. A Frankenstein-esque tale, it follows Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman brought back to life by a mad scientist, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. Lanthimos creates a world that feels unique, inspired by Victorian architecture and classic sci-fi, and visually captivating, unlike anything else in modern cinema. This choice isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara use the period as a backdrop to explore Bella’s struggle with being judged and rejected by a hypocritical society.
Stone delivers one of the most unique and captivating performances of her career, embodying the mannerisms of a child while capturing the beauty and horror of experiencing the world for the first time. The film also boasts a remarkable supporting cast, including Kathryn Hunter, Christopher Abbott, Willem Dafoe, and a standout performance by Mark Ruffalo. After years of playing franchise roles, Ruffalo reminds us of his immense range, portraying a scumbag who somehow makes us laugh with his line readings and mannerisms.
30. La Chimera (Dir. Alice Rohrwacher)
In La Chimera, Alice Rohrwacher crafts a vivid, almost mythical world that feels like a living fable. This film succeeds on multiple fronts: it’s an adventure, a comedy, a drama, and even a romance. It follows Arthur (played by Josh O’Connor), a recently imprisoned archaeologist who reconnects with his old crew of grave robbers. The plot unfolds like a treasure hunt, both literally and psychologically, diving into themes of loss, redemption, and the human connection to the past. What truly sets La Chimera apart is its subtle yet powerful storytelling. Rohrwacher has created a world that feels both grounded and ethereal, where the past and present blend together.
29. The Father (Dir. Florian Zeller)
When I set out to create a list of films that offer experiences unlike any other, The Father immediately came to mind. Florian Zeller’s film is an unsettling, brilliant exploration of the mind of a man (played with a heartbreaking intensity by Anthony Hopkins) who is losing his grip on reality due to Alzheimer’s disease. It doesn’t feel like a movie but instead an experience, one that puts you in the shoes of someone grappling with a mind that’s slowly slipping away.
What makes The Father so extraordinary is its ability to make the audience feel the disorienting, terrifying confusion of its central character. Zeller’s screenplay is structured in a way that distorts time and space, leaving you just as lost and uncertain as Hopkins’s character. It’s a haunting portrayal of a disease that robs not just the individual but their loved ones as well.
28. Aftersun (Dir. Charlotte Wells)
Aftersun is a quiet masterpiece about memory, about the fleeting moments of childhood that we carry with us into adulthood, often without fully understanding their weight. The film centers on a preteen girl looking back on a vacation she took with her father. On the surface, it’s a simple story, but beneath that simplicity lies a constant tension. Director Charlotte Wells (in her directorial debut) masters subtlety, revealing the complexities of their relationship bit by bit. The film builds slowly until finally exploding in the final act. Aftersun doesn’t just tell a story, it evokes a feeling of bittersweet longing.
27. Challengers (Dir. Luca Guadagnino)
Challengers is a whirlwind of ambition, desire, and lust, all set against the intense world of competitive tennis. It’s a film that taps into those raw, primal emotions driving us toward greatness—or causing us to implode under the weight of our aspirations.
Writer Justin Kuritzkes and director Luca Guadagnino craft a narrative that unfolds like a tense tennis match, bouncing back and forth between the present and the past. Guadagnino expertly directs, imbuing the film with the pulsating energy of a real sports contest. The thrill of the game mirrors the emotional turmoil and triumphs in the characters’ personal lives, making every serve and rally feel intertwined with the deeper struggles they face. Challengers is a potent cocktail of ambition, love, and emotional depth that leaves you breathless.
26. Sing Sing (Dir. Greg Kwedar)
Sing Sing is a film that could have easily veered into sentimentalism, with its plot revolving around the transformative power of art in prison. But thanks to the vision of director Greg Kwedar, it transcends the usual prison movie tropes. Set within the walls of a maximum-security facility, the film follows a group of incarcerated individuals as they channel their pain and experiences into artistic expression.
What makes Sing Sing so powerful is its authenticity. Kwedar’s decision to cast an ensemble of (mostly) formerly incarcerated actors involved in similar art programs gives the film an unflinching sense of realism. These are real stories told by those who have lived them. Kwedar’s patient direction allows the actors to share their experiences without embellishment, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal and raw.
25. Decision to Leave (Dir. Park Chan Wook)
Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave (2022) is another masterclass in blending genre from Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook. The film flawlessly bends between neo-noir, romance, mystery, and psychological drama all with stunning craftsmanship. The film follows detective Hae-joon, who becomes captivated by a widow, Seo-rae, suspected of her husband’s death. With meticulous direction, Park crafts a world of lingering tension, elevating a love story and mystery into a complex exploration of obsession, guilt, and deceit. The film’s slow-burn narrative and haunting atmosphere, combined with standout performances from Tang Wei and Park Hae-il, make it unforgettable.
24. West Side Story (Dir. Steven Spielberg)
After a few misses at the end of the 2010s, I was skeptical about whether Steven Spielberg could do justice to the classic Broadway musical. Yet West Side Story was a return to form for the legendary filmmaker. Gorgeously made, every musical scene is directed with a level of energy and love that can only be realized by a filmmaker like Spielberg. The classic story of a greaser and an immigrant finding love in a world where they are supposed to be enemies remains as timeless and heartbreaking as ever.The film also boasts an incredible ensemble, helmed by breakout stars Rachel Ziegler and Mike Faist.
23. The French Dispatch (Dir. Wes Anderson)
Ingeniously structured like a New Yorker magazine, Wes Anderson’s French Dispatch is a delightful love letter to journalism and writing. Mostly revolving around three separate stories accounted by different journalists in the film, French Dispatch explores how writers are able to capture the human experience through their writing. Like many of Anderson’s best films, French Dispatch draws you in with its quirky tone and detailed production, but its always-lingering sense of melancholy never makes it feel devoid of emotion.
22. Godzilla Minus One (Dir. Takashi Yamazaki)
As Hollywood’s take on the classic monster drifts further from its serious roots, Godzilla Minus One is a breath of fresh air, bringing the franchise back to its origins. This stunning entry is not only a satisfying monster movie with breathtaking set pieces but also a deeply moving human story. Set in post-World War II Japan, it follows a society struggling to rebuild amidst the chaos. The filmmakers wisely keep humanity at the heart of the narrative, even amidst the destruction, while thoughtfully revisiting the anti-war themes that have always defined the Godzilla franchise.
21. Killers of the Flower Moon (Dir. Martin Scorsese)
Martin Scorsese continues to solidify his unparalleled legacy with Killers of the Flower Moon, a deeply unsettling and profoundly moving exploration of love, betrayal, and systemic violence. Killers of the Flower Moon is not just a historical drama but a poignant reflection on the exploitation and erasure of Indigenous communities. Set against the backdrop of the Osage Nation murders in the 1920s, the film centers on the tragic and morally complex relationship between Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone).
Scorsese’s deliberate pacing allows the story to unfold with a sense of inevitability, immersing viewers in the insidious nature of the crimes. Rather than framing the narrative as a mystery, the film intentionally exposes how the murders were able to exploit America’s fragmented legal systems, enabling these atrocities to persist unchecked.
The performances of the three leads are extraordinary: DiCaprio conveys a mix of devotion and weakness, while Gladstone’s quiet strength and vulnerability make Mollie an unforgettable presence. Robert De Niro is chilling as the manipulative William Hale.
20. The Banshees of Inisherin (Dir. Martin McDonagh)
In what might be the best film of his already illustrious career, Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark comedy about a man (Brendan Gleeson) abruptly ending a friendship (Colin Farrell). On the surface a seemingly simple story, McDonagh crafts a nuanced story about legacy, human connection, and the purpose of life. Portraying the island of Inisherin at times of great beauty and at times a great prison, The Banshees of Inisherin, like many of McDonagh’s best, is a hilarious but soul-stirring experience.
19. The Boy and the Heron (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki)
Legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki created one of his most complex and deeply personal films in his (maybe) swan song, The Boy and the Heron. Following a structure similar to his other films, a young boy, Mahito, while struggling to settle into his new home after being forced to move due to WWII, goes into a fantasy world of beauty and horror. Like so many of Miyazaki’s best, the movie equally exhilarates, humors, and makes you cry. At its center, The Boy and the Heron is an artist coming to terms with the end of his career, a celebration of all his work, filled to the brim with references to his prior work, but also a reflection on the choices and sacrifices he has made to achieve his art. All brought together with gorgeous hand-drawn animation and a Joe Hisaishi score that rivals his best.
18. The Brutalist (Dir. Brady Corbet)
Brady Corbet’s three-and-a-half-hour epic about a Jewish brutalist architect who fled to the United States after WWII is equal parts overwhelming and exhilarating. A true American epic, every detail is crafted with precision. Corbet takes his audience through a decade-long story where he builds up and tears down the American dream. Adrien Brody brilliantly plays the lead character, Laszlo Toth, a man who endures pain and suffering from others, his country, and his obsession to create art. Surrounding Brody is a brilliant supporting cast, with standouts Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones, and an all-time great score from Daniel Blumberg that evokes the grandeur of classic cinema.
17. Anatomy of a Fall (Dir. Justine Triet)
Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall, a film about the investigation and trial of a woman (Sandra Hüller) suspected of pushing her husband to his death from a roof, is a riveting courtroom drama. Triet’s storytelling immerses the audience in the moral ambiguity of the case, challenging them to confront their assumptions and biases. Hüller delivers a brilliant performance, toeing the line between innocence and guilt. Each choice she makes forces the audience to reconsider what they thought they knew.
16. Everything Everywhere All at Once (Dir. Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert)
The indie that could, Everything Everywhere All at Once, found boundless success in both the box office and awards back in 2022. What might have been lost in all that success is just how creative and imaginative the film is. The Daniels tell the story of an immigrant laundromat owner forced to traverse the multiverse to save the universe. What makes the film so special is that the Daniels never let their imaginations ever falter. At its core, it’s a story about the beauty of life, a somewhat cheesy message, but the Daniels craft a beautiful and endlessly entertaining film around it.
15. Past Lives (Dir. Celine Song)
Celine Song delivered the best directorial debut of the decade with Past Lives. This poignant drama follows a pair of childhood friends who reunite decades after one immigrates to the United States from South Korea. The three leads, Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, are exceptional, creating three characters rich with depth, whom the audience almost instantly feels they know. Lee, in particular, is perfect as Nora Moon, an immigrant playwright forced to confront her past, heritage, and how her choices have shaped the life she now lives. Song shows brilliant restraint with the melodrama, holding it back until an unforgettable ending.
14. Spiderman Across the Spiderverse (Dir.Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson)
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse rises to and surpasses the challenge of being the follow-up to one of the best and most influential animated films of the last decade, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). Across the Spider-Verse pushes the animation medium forward by fearlessly combining art styles and delivering animation so detailed and well-realized that it feels unlike anything seen before. It’s not all style, though, Across the Spider-Verse also delivers a heartfelt coming-of-age story about accepting yourself and finding community.
13. Drive My Car (Dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi)
The Japanese indie that took award season by storm back in 2021, Ryusuke Hamaguchi 3 hour slow-burn drama is a moving feature about The Japanese indie that took award season by storm in 2021, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s 3-hour slow-burn drama is a moving exploration of finding peace after loss. The film follows Yusuke, a recently widowed actor, who forms a bond with his driver while working on a stage production. A true achievement in subtle direction, Drive My Car showcases the importance of human interaction, no matter how small.
12. Bones and All (Dir. Luca Guadagnino)
Only Luca Guadagnino could make a film about two young cannibals driving around the 1980s Midwest into an incredibly romantic story about two young outsiders forced to come to terms with their past. A film that combines Luca’s two interests, romance and horror, Bones and All is a fully unique work of art that is gory and moving. Timothée Chalamet continues to rise as one of the signature movie stars of his era, able to lead major blockbusters and awards-targeted biopics, but it’s projects like this that truly showcase his talent as a performer. Taylor Russell does not shy away from the challenge of the subject matter or co-lead delivering an equally magnet performance of a young woman trying to find herself in a bizarre and dreamlike landscape.
11. The Power of the Dog (Dir. Jane Campion)
Jane Campion’s anti-Western, set in 1920s Montana, follows two brothers, Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George (Jesse Plemons), as they navigate complex emotional terrain after George marries a widow, Rose (Kirsten Dunst). Meticulously directed, Campion creates a quiet but haunting examination of masculinity, jealousy, and how people exert power over each other. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career-best performance as Phil, a terrifying man who hides behind a mask of charisma. Real-life couple Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst are both incredible in portraying Rose and George, who bear the brunt of Phil’s attacks. The standout of the supporting cast is Kodi Smit-McPhee as Peter, Rose’s sensitive and intelligent son, who serves as Phil’s foil throughout the film. The evolution of their tense relationship is both subtle and gripping, culminating in a quietly explosive confrontation.
10. Asteroid City (Dir. Wes Anderson)
It always surprises me when someone says that Wes Anderson, at this point in his career, plays it safe or makes very similar movies. Asteroid City is Anderson at his most daring, and the final product is one of his most complex films. The story is an unorthodox exploration of the making of a play within a televised broadcast, layered over the lives of its characters and the performers playing them. Unsurprisingly, Anderson’s signature visual flair continues to impress. However, Asteroid City also demonstrates the director’s willingness to experiment, grappling with how art helps us understand our place in the world, particularly in times of grief.
9. The Green Knight (Dir. David Lowery)
David Lowery’s The Green Knight is a visually stunning adaptation of the Arthurian legend, transforming the tale of Sir Gawain into a surreal and meditative journey. Dev Patel delivers a career-best performance as Gawain, a young knight grappling with his insecurities and the weight of honor and legacy as he embarks on a quest to confront the mysterious Green Knight. Lowery’s direction is mesmerizing, blending dreamlike visuals that immerse viewers in a medieval world unlike anything we’ve seen.
8. The Zone of Interest (Dir. Jonathan Glazer)
Jonathan Glazer’s return to directing after ten years, The Zone of Interest, continues to show Glazer’s fearlessness in experimenting with the form. Using unorthodox techniques like static, meticulously composed framing and an unsettling sound design that contrasts with the horrors lurking beyond the frame, The Zone of Interest is a haunting film.
What makes the film so exceptional is its timeliness. While a period piece, the film holds a mirror up to the current world and how we all selfishly tune out the darkness around us. By portraying the banality of evil through the everyday lives of a Nazi officer’s family living next to Auschwitz, Glazer forces the viewer to confront their complicity in ignoring suffering for the sake of comfort.
7. Dune Part II (Dir. Denis Villeneuve)
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part II continues the saga of Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny among the Fremen. The sequel masterfully expands on the foundations laid in Part I, delivering stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and intense character development. Timothée Chalamet shines as Paul, a young man seeking vengeance for his family while grappling with the morality of his decisions. Part II also boasts an incredible ensemble, headlined by newcomer Austin Butler, who gives a gripping and sinister turn as Feyd-Rautha, the dark parallel to Paul. Villeneuve’s unparalleled sense of scale continues to reach new levels, as his vision of Arrakis is equal parts beautiful and grand. Like the book it adapts, the film strikes an incredible balance of complex political intrigue and pulse-pounding action sequences.
6. The Worst Person in the World (Dir. Joachim Trier)
Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World is a poignant exploration of modern love, identity, and the uncertainty of life. Renate Reinsve delivers a career-defining performance as Julie, a restless young woman navigating her late 20s and early 30s, torn between relationships, career paths, and the search for purpose. Trier succeeds most in capturing the messiness of life, crafting a story with unflinching honesty, blending humor, heartbreak, and moments of quiet reflection. Julie’s internal struggles are deeply relatable. With a sharp script co-written by Trier and Eskil Vogt, the story avoids clichés, instead offering a raw and layered portrayal of a woman learning to embrace her imperfections.
5. Anora (Dir. Sean Baker)
Finally breaking into the mainstream, Anora may well be Sean Baker’s best work to date. A twisted modern-day Cinderella story, it follows a sex worker who elopes with the son of a Russian oligarch. The film captures the romantic-comedy energy of Pretty Woman but with Baker’s signature edge. As always, he focuses on those that society tends to overlook, crafting a sharp critique of class divides that culminates in an unforgettable emotional gut punch.
Baker also assembles a tremendous ensemble cast, largely made up of unknowns, staying true to his trademark style. The titular Anora (played beautifully by Mikey Madison) carries the emotional weight of the story, a young woman navigating a bizarre world of money, crime, and love.
4. Tar (Dir. Todd Field)
Todd Field’s return to film after 16 years was worth the wait with the flawless TÁR. Born out of the Me Too movement, the film is a character study of the fictitious Lydia Tár, a world-class composer whose past begins to catch up to her and her world slowly collapses. A work that Field has been crafting for years, TÁR is so meticulously designed that it operates like a well-oiled machine, with every scene, sound, and musical note created as a small piece of the larger puzzle Field wants to show. A portrait of the blurred lines between genius and moral compromise. The film’s portrayal of the high-stakes nature of artistic perfection makes TÁR incredibly thought-provoking and, at times, haunting.
The one and only Cate Blanchett plays the titular Lydia Tár. Already having a career filled with brilliant performances, TÁR showcases her at her best. Blanchett brings a raw complexity to Lydia, capturing both her brilliance and her deep flaws with equal precision. The character’s fall from grace is both devastating and mesmerizing, a testament to Blanchett’s ability to embody such a multifaceted role.
3. Mangrove (Dir. Steve McQueen)
Cheating a little by including Mangrove, which is part of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe miniseries from 2020. However, at 120 minutes and telling a complete three-act story, I believe it counts. It also deserves to be here as it is a masterfully made and powerful work of art.
The film portrays the real-life events surrounding the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were wrongfully charged with inciting a riot in 1970s London. Fittingly released in 2020 during one of the heights of the Black Lives Matter movement, the film serves as a reminder of the continued fight against structural injustice and police brutality across many societies. Art, at its most powerful, is a call to arms for audiences to recognize the injustices in their own lives. Mangrove accomplishes this by not only depicting police brutality but also celebrating the strength and beauty of community and culture in the face of adversity.
2. Nope (Dir. Jordan Peele)
Jordan Peele further cements his place as one of the most innovative filmmakers of his generation with Nope. Set against the vast and haunting landscape of California’s horse country, the film follows siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer) as they try to capture footage of a mysterious UFO that has been haunting their family ranch. Like his previous works, Peele expertly blends thrilling genre elements with social commentary, creating a gripping mix of horror, exhilaration, and dark humor. But Nope also serves as a thoughtful meditation on humanity’s obsession with spectacle and fame, asking unsettling questions about our insatiable desire for attention. Once again, Peele proves he’s more than just a genre filmmaker, he’s a storyteller who uses thrilling narratives to explore complex, universal themes. With its deft balance of tension and reflection, Nope feels like a modern blockbuster classic, echoing the likes of Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
1. Oppenheimer(Dir. Christopher Nolan)
In a way predictable yet undeniably fitting, Christopher Nolan’s biopic of Robert J. Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb stands as the cinematic achievement of the decade so far. A 3-hour epic, Oppenheimer is a feat of filmmaking only possible with Nolan’s skill, brimming with practical effects at an immense scale, culminating in perhaps the best scene of the decade: the Trinity Test.
What truly elevates Oppenheimer to number 1 is how it shows Nolan, like the great filmmakers before him, moving beyond the sandbox of popcorn blockbusters to craft a timely and powerful piece of art that tackles the fear of nuclear annihilation in a way only he can.
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