Let's be real - scrolling through streaming services at 11pm trying to find something good to watch is the worst. You start wondering which films are actually worth your time from this decade. I've been there too, wasting hours reading reviews instead of watching. That's why I put together this guide to the best movies of the 2020s after watching over 200 releases myself.
Forget those generic lists telling you to watch the same ten Oscar nominees. We'll cover everything from big studio productions to hidden gems you probably missed. And I'm not just parroting critics - I'll tell you straight up when something's overhyped. Remember when everyone raved about that artsy festival darling? Yeah, we'll talk about why that one actually put me to sleep.
How I Chose These Best Movies of the 2020s
My method was pretty simple: First, I watched everything. Okay maybe not everything, but close enough. Then I considered three things:
- Rotten Tomatoes scores (both critics and audiences)
- IMDb ratings from regular viewers
- My own personal bias after sitting through them
Some movies critics love just don't land with normal people. Others become surprise hits despite being ignored by awards. I've included both types here. You'll also find where to stream each film because what good is a recommendation if you can't actually watch it?
What Didn't Make the Cut
Surprisingly, a few big names got left out. Take Don't Look Up (2021) - amazing cast, important message, but honestly? Felt like being hit over the head with a sledgehammer for two hours. And the less said about that overly long superhero flick everyone pretended to like last summer, the better.
The Definitive Best Movies of the 2020s List
These aren't ranked because honestly, comparing Dune to an animated gem like Soul is like comparing steaks to sushi. Both amazing, but totally different experiences. Here's what you should prioritize:
| Movie Title | Year | Director | Key Cast | RT Score | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything Everywhere All at Once | 2022 | Daniels | Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan | 95% | Showtime/Paramount+ |
| Dune | 2021 | Denis Villeneuve | Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson | 83% | Max |
| Parasite | 2020 | Bong Joon-ho | Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun | 99% | Hulu |
| Top Gun: Maverick | 2022 | Joseph Kosinski | Tom Cruise, Miles Teller | 96% | Paramount+ |
| Past Lives | 2023 | Celine Song | Greta Lee, Teo Yoo | 96% | VOD |
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Michelle Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, a stressed laundromat owner dragged into multiverse chaos. What sounds like typical superhero fare becomes this incredibly moving story about family and regret. I went in expecting martial arts and came out crying about my relationship with my mom.
Why it stands out: Perfect blend of absurd humor and emotional depth. That scene with the talking raccoon still cracks me up thinking about it.
Available on: Showtime (subscription required)
Dune (2021)
Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel finally gets the adaptation it deserves. Follow Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as his noble family battles for control of the desert planet Arrakis. Saw this in IMAX and the sandworm scene literally made people jump.
Heads up: This covers only half the book. Part Two came out in 2024 and completes the story - watch them back-to-back for maximum impact.
Parasite (2020)
Okay technically this had 2019 festival release but most saw it in 2020. This Korean masterpiece about class struggle follows a poor family infiltrating a wealthy household. The tonal shift halfway through? Never experienced anything like it in a theater.
Personal confession: I've watched this five times and still notice new details. That symbolic rock keeps revealing new meanings.
Best Movies of the 2020s By Genre
Sometimes you're just in the mood for something specific. Here's what stands out:
Action & Adventure
| Movie | Year | Why Watch | Watchable On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Gun: Maverick | 2022 | Practical flight sequences that'll leave you breathless | Paramount+ |
| Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning | 2023 | Tom Cruise actually drives a motorcycle off a mountain | Paramount+ |
| The Northman | 2022 | Brutal Viking revenge tale with insane one-take battles | Netflix |
Hot take: Today's action movies rely too much on CGI. Maverick works because you feel every G-force moment. Those actors really were in those jets!
Animation
- Soul (2020) - Pixar's jazz-infused exploration of life's purpose. Made me call my old piano teacher afterwards
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) - Visual innovation that sets new standards. Each dimension has its own animation style
- Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021) - Surprisingly profound stop-motion about a talking shell. Don't judge till you've seen it!
Parents note: Turning Red (2022) deserves mention for capturing puberty in ways Disney never attempted. My niece related to it hard.
Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
These didn't get big marketing but absolutely deserve attention:
Decision to Leave (2022) - Korean noir romance about a detective falling for a murder suspect. Camera work is hypnotic.
The Worst Person in the World (2021) - Norwegian film about a woman navigating her 30s. More relatable than any rom-com.
RRR (2022) - Indian action epic where historical revolutionaries fight tigers and colonialism. Pure adrenaline.
Why These 2020s Films Matter
Looking at these best movies of the 2020s, you notice trends reflecting our world:
- Streaming dominance - Many were released simultaneously on streaming. Remember watching Hamilton at home?
- Genre blending - Movies like Everything Everywhere mash up comedy, sci-fi, and family drama
- International voices - Parasite's Oscar win opened doors for non-English films
The pandemic changed everything. Small films found audiences at home that might've disappeared in theaters. Big movies either got delayed or became cultural events when they finally released.
Biggest Disappointments
Not everything worked. Some promising projects fell flat:
Amsterdam (2022) had an all-star cast but confusing plot. Left halfway through at my screening - something I never do.
Don't Worry Darling (2022) got more press for off-screen drama than its mediocre story.
And while I appreciate the effort, that $200 million fantasy adaptation last year proved money can't buy soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest rated 2020s movie critically?
Parasite sits near perfection with 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. Though small films like Aftersun (2022) scored 96% with critics.
Any great 2020s movies on Netflix?
Absolutely. The Power of the Dog (2021), Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022), and The Irishman (2019/2020 streaming release) are essentials.
What recent movies will become classics?
Everything Everywhere All at Once has that timeless quality. Past Lives feels like a future romance classic. And Dune will likely define sci-fi for years.
Are there good horror movies from this era?
Absolutely! Hereditary director Ari Aster's Midsommar (2019/2020) terrified audiences. X and Pearl created fresh slasher vibes. And Talk to Me (2022) proved A24 still dominates indie horror.
Making the Most of Your Movie Nights
After watching hundreds of releases, here's my practical advice:
- Check JustWatch.com before renting anything - it shows streaming availability
- For hidden gems, browse the Criterion Channel or MUBI
- Don't force yourself through boring films - life's too short
What makes the best films of the 2020s special isn't just quality, but how they meet our cultural moment. Whether it's the escapism of Top Gun or the family dynamics in Everything Everywhere, they help us process this wild decade.
Last weekend, my friends argued for hours about whether Oppenheimer counts as a 2020s movie (technically 2023). But that's the fun of cinema - discovering these gems and debating them. Now get watching!
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