Top10: Best Movies of 2020

2020 is undoubtedly one of the worst years ever for cinema. The global pandemic negatively impacted films worldwide, and the "home viewing vs. theater experience" discourse never got so many people actually debating it. Nevertheless, this year still offered us plenty of great movies. It's just a matter of knowing where to look and giving a chance for a not-that-captivating premise to blow you away. Obviously, blockbusters and/or franchise-related installments are inevitably fewer than in previous years, but indie films surpassed all obstacles, managing to get to thousands of homes throughout the last twelve months.

When it comes to ordering a list of my favorite movies of a particular year, I rarely look at grades to help me out. Instead, I rely on several other criteria: replay value, overall enjoyment, memorability… The answer to "how much do I want to watch this film again?" is, most of the time, the deciding factor when I can't find any other aspect to help me make a final decision. So, don't be surprised if you see a higher-rated movie below a lower-rated one. It's MY list, after all. MY personal preferences concerning genre, entertainment, and quality. My #1 film doesn't necessarily need to be the absolute best movie of the year, period. It can simply be special to me, and that reason alone is enough to warrant a higher spot in my list than other admittedly "better films."

This is how it's gonna work. First, I'll share some honorable mentions (films that almost made it), and then, I'll give my Top10. Every movie with an available review will have a clickable link in its image (including the runner-ups). Enjoy and remember: I love every single film I address here. A movie being a spot higher than others doesn't mean it's better.

(clickable links on each image for its respective spoiler-free review)

Honorable Mentions

10. One Night in Miami

Possessing one of the best ensemble casts of the year, One Night in Miami is a magnificent piece of filmmaking and storytelling. From Regina King's masterful directorial debut to Kemp Powers' thought-provoking, mesmerizing adapted screenplay, it's hard to point out flaws in such a well-made movie. King's brilliant blocking and framing maintain every conversation refreshing and unique despite the location rarely changing, while Powers' narrative is packed with arguments about civil rights so impactful that most of them still exist today. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir and Leslie Odom Jr. have more dialogue to shine than Aldis Hodge and Eli Goree, but all deliver phenomenal performances, especially the first. The first act is a tad too fast yet very entertaining, but the rest of the film is surprisingly captivating until the very end. It might feel heavily depressing at specific moments, but the purpose is precisely to convince audiences to reflect on today's society and its socio-economic system. Personally, I didn't expect it to enter my Top10 of 2020, but here we are…

9. The Personal History of David Copperfield

The Personal History of David Copperfield is one of the most entertaining biographical works I've ever seen, as well as one of the most pleasant surprises of 2020. It's one of those films that leaves you with a huge smile, from ear to ear. As the viewer, watching David Copperfield's journey to becoming a writer is so captivating and fun, not only due to the humorous screenplay, but mainly because it's such an honest, emotional, genuine story. Only a few minutes in, and I already wanted him to succeed in life. My emotional attachment to the protagonist was so strong that I couldn't help myself drop a couple of tears by the end.

I don't have enough words to describe how wonderful every cast member is and how important each role has in David's life. Dev Patel is an impressive lead, but his performance is elevated by the work of his counterparts. It's technically flawless, but the story and its characters make this movie an absolute delight to watch.

8. Promising Young Woman

Promising Young Woman holds one of the best directorial debuts I've ever seen. Emerald Fennell delivers a fascinating, unpredictable story that impressively subverts the (rape) revenge subgenre by brilliantly approaching our society's compliant, biased behavior in these sensitive situations. Despite some tonal inconsistencies, the astonishingly captivating storytelling leaves no one indifferent, especially during the ruthlessly shocking third act. From the weirdly unique pop song choices to the colorful look of the film, passing through exquisite editing and powerful cinematography, every technical aspect has an unquestionable impact on the movie's success, including the smart casting choices. 

Carey Mulligan is able to be extremely menacing but also quite funny, offering a career-best interpretation of a fully-developed protagonist with emotionally resonating motivations, but also with a dangerously elaborated arc that could transmit the wrong message for some viewers. The last ten minutes are… well, you'll have to see it for yourself.

7. Tenet

All in all, Tenet undoubtedly boasts an incredibly complex narrative with a unique temporal concept impressively demonstrated through spectacular, loud, jaw-dropping, practical action set pieces. Christopher Nolan is a masterful director and a fascinating writer, but he has to thank its technical crew for creating such a visually stunning blockbuster. From Hoyte van Hoytema's riveting camera work to Jennifer Lame's seamless editing, passing through Ludwig Göransson's powerful score and Nathan Crowley's beautiful production design, Tenet is one of the most technically mind-blowing movies of the last few years.

With the help of a remarkable cast (especially Debicki and Pattinson), the definitely intriguing story makes the epic runtime feel a bit shorter, despite some scenes being unnecessary. The heavy and forced exposition throughout the entire film transforms an otherwise entertaining flick into a fictional physics class that will confuse thousands of viewers. It also doesn't help to have a generic MacGuffin and a formulaic villain at the core of such an unconventional movie. In the end, Nolan isn't the "savior of cinema" (no one will be), but he certainly delivers the blockbuster everyone's been waiting for since the beginning of the year.

As long as people are able to accept and enter his new world, Tenet will be received as one of the best films of 2020.

6. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Aaron Sorkin's narrative structure and the brilliant cast are the two main reasons why this film succeeds so well. Sorkin's screenplay is organized in a way that keeps the viewer astonishingly captivated throughout the entire runtime by following a nonlinear structure. Maintaining the focus on a single location is an exceptional decision for a movie where words are the action of the story. Inside the courtroom is where every fascinating argument ensues, never losing steam until the very end. It's also a lot funnier than I expected.

Regarding the cast, Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne, and Frank Langella are my standouts, but every actor delivers outstanding performances. Daniel Pemberton's score shines in an overall very well-produced film. The first twenty minutes fly by in favor of entertainment by quickly placing the viewer inside the courtroom, but it's so rushed that it makes it difficult for the audience to remember everyone's names and purposes. Assuming everyone knows the true story and the people involved is a risky move, especially for non-Americans. Nevertheless, this minor issue doesn't affect an otherwise flawless movie.

Maybe reading a bit about the real events beforehand will help the eventual viewing, but don't read too much due to the usual spoilers.

5. The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man deserves all the hype it received. Leigh Whannell crafted a genuinely scary and extremely suspenseful horror movie, based on a traumatic real-life situation that a lot of people, unfortunately, go through. Elisabeth Moss delivers an emotionally powerful performance, demonstrating all of her impressive acting abilities which are probably going to be ignored when the awards season comes around (the usual horror genre bias). Incredibly well-written, intelligent screenplay, supported by some terrific camera work by Stefan Duscio. The haunting score from Benjamin Wallfisch is also a standout, especially when it chooses to be completely silent. I'm not a fan of the slightly incoherent ending since some character/narrative decisions seem hard to believe, and the final message didn't really have the meaning it should.

Nevertheless, it's one of the best films of the year so far, so don't miss it!

4. Wolfwalkers

I have no doubts: Wolfwalkers is one of the best animated feature films I've seen all year. The big gun from Pixar needs to be an absolutely perfect movie to surpass Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart's beautifully heartwarming Celtic-inspired tale. Cartoon Saloon continues to prove that 2D animation is still capable of delivering emotionally compelling stories through gorgeous-looking, unique, artistic drawings. Despite Will Collins's generic narrative and cliche messages, every single detail is executed perfectly, without a single flaw to point out. Outstanding voice work from Honor Kneafsey and Eva Whittaker as the well-written, captivating protagonists. However, it's Bruno Coulais and Kíla's original score that melts my heart and sends chills down my spine every time I listen to it.

Watch it with your family. It's worth it.

3. Palm Springs

I can’t believe I’m going to write this, but Palm Springs is one of the best rom-coms I’ve ever seen. With the help of their first-time director (Max Barbakow), Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti spread their extraordinary chemistry all over the innovative, original narrative, written by the also debutant, Andy Siara. The latter is undoubtedly the main responsible for such an entertaining film. Siara takes an imaginative concept and develops it in the most captivating, fun, hilarious, and even intriguing way possible. A surprising screenplay packed with emotionally impactful plot points, revelations, and twists that keep the enjoyment levels extremely high.

The two protagonists are exceptionally developed, as well as their compelling relationship. With a fast pace and a perfect balance of its tone, Palm Springs sets itself apart from the other movies of the genre, staying away from all of the cliches, formulas, and stereotypes associated with it. J.K. Simmons also lends his awesomeness because why not?

Whether you’re a fan of rom-coms or not, I definitely suggest giving this one a look. You won’t be disappointed!

2. Soul

All in all, Soul is everything I expected it to be. A classic Pixar feature, with the trademark emotionally powerful third act; a heartwarming, sweet, tear-inducing score; and a relatable, profound, well-explored story about our own soul and the meaning of life. Pete Docter delivers another award-worthy flick with the help of Kemp Powers and Mike Jones, and with the outstanding voices of Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. It may start slow and follow a predictable path, but it's only a matter of time until every viewer connects with the main characters. Soul surpasses the barriers of cinema, becoming a healing media from which people can take away so, so much. It works seamlessly as a reflection on life, and as a motivation to truly live every single moment of it.

It's the ideal movie to watch on the morning of Christmas Day with the entire family cozy and warm in the living room. I promise you: it will make you enjoy this festive season a lot more.

1. Sound of Metal

With moderately high expectations, Sound of Metal genuinely surprised me. Darius Marder and Abraham Marder’s exquisite screenplay is the absolute standout, at the same insanely good level as Riz Ahmed’s impressive performance. The former holds a meaningful, enlightening story about not only the deaf community but also about accepting our limitations as something that’s a part of us instead of taking it as a handicap. Except for a couple of unnecessary scenes that could have made the movie a bit shorter, the two-hour duration is quite fair, boasting a very captivating narrative.

Countless storytelling technical details elevate this film into my favorite of the year. From an apparently simple yet extremely clever use (or absence) of subtitles for sign language to emotionally compelling dialogues, an outstandingly realistic atmosphere surrounds the movie throughout the entire runtime. Never, not even for a second, the viewer needs to deal with an over-the-top reaction, cheesy conversation, or a typical Hollywood, overdramatized moment. Darius Marder has terrific control of the tone, keeping it exceptionally grounded.

Riz Ahmed delivers what I believe is his career-best display, incorporating his character’s hearing disability in a seamless fashion. His subtle facial expressions and body movements are essential for the performance that can easily guarantee him dozens of nominations. Olivia Cooke (Lou) is also excellent in her role. Technically, huge praise to Daniël Bouquet’s cinematography, which insists on an almost documentary-style composition by applying standard camera angles and shots often seen in this type of feature, helping to generate the before-mentioned authenticity.

I couldn’t be happier about my #1 spot!