2020 was a challenging year for everyone, and the film industry was no exception. The pandemic disrupted releases and changed the way we watched movies. But despite it all, cinema still found a way to shine.
Each of these films is unique — whether for their visual poetry, outstanding performances, or fresh take on familiar themes. These are the must-watch films of 2020, each a small masterpiece in its own right. If you missed any of them, now’s the perfect time to add them to your watchlist.
Rewind: The Best Films of 2020
Nomadland
Genre: Drama
Director: Chloé Zhao
Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
🏆 Award for Depth and Authenticity
Nomadland is a quiet yet powerful meditation on freedom, loss, and resilience. Chloé Zhao creates an almost documentary-like atmosphere, while Frances McDormand delivers one of the most heartfelt performances of her career. This film takes viewers on a poetic, melancholic journey through America’s vast landscapes and the hidden corners of the soul. A story about survival, self-discovery, and finding meaning in a world where traditional values are fading.
First Cow
Genre: Historical Drama
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Starring: Alia Shawkat, John Magaro, Dylan Smith
🏆 Award for Subtle Humor, Visual Poetry, and Finding Beauty in Simplicity
A minimalist masterpiece. Kelly Reichardt tells a story of friendship and survival in 19th-century America with such tenderness that you can’t help but fall in love with the characters — and yes, even their cow! This quiet yet profound film explores trust, survival, and capitalism as two men start a small donut business using stolen milk. With slow-burn elegance, Reichardt crafts a moving reflection on human connection and the fragility of success.
Minari
Genre: Family Drama
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim
🏆 Award for Warmth, Honesty, and Connecting People Through Emotion
A heartfelt story of a Korean-American family chasing the American Dream in 1980s Arkansas. Balancing hope and hardship, Minari is filled with deeply human moments, from childhood innocence to generational struggles. Young Alan Kim and veteran Youn Yuh-jung (as the unforgettable grandmother) bring raw emotion to this beautifully intimate film. It’s a moving exploration of immigration, family, and identity — one that stays with you long after the credits roll.
WolfWalkers
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Directors: Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart
Voice Cast: Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean
🏆 Award for Unique Aesthetic and Inspiring Audiences of All Ages
A visually breathtaking animated film from the creators of The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. This beautifully crafted tale follows a young girl who discovers she can transform into a wolf, set against a backdrop of medieval-style animation. A story of freedom, friendship, and challenging fear of the unknown, WolfWalkers is a stunning artistic achievement from Ireland’s Cartoon Saloon. A must-watch for the whole family!
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi)
Genre: Anime, Romantic Drama
Director: Kôtarô Tamura
Voice Cast: Kaya Kiyohara, Taishi Nakagawa, Matsutera Chiemi
🏆 Award for Exquisite Animation and a Heartfelt Story That Reminds Us Life is About Moving Forward
A touching love story between a college student and a young woman with a disability who rarely leaves her home. The animation beautifully captures the magic of everyday life, while the relationship between the characters is portrayed with honesty and without excessive sentimentality. This anime reminds us that true closeness comes from accepting one another as they are. Expect a flood of tears and raw emotions!
Another Round (Druk)
Genre: Tragicomedy, Drama
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang
🏆 Award for Mastering the Balance Between Laughter and Tragedy — And That Unforgettable Final Dance
Four teachers embark on an experiment: maintaining a low level of alcohol consumption throughout the day to enhance their performance and confidence. What starts as a lighthearted comedy soon evolves into a profound reflection on alcohol, depression, and societal norms. Mads Mikkelsen is simply mesmerizing — especially in that iconic final dance scene.
Minamata
Genre: Drama, Biographical
Director: Andrew Levitas
Starring: Akiko Iwase, Kogarashi Wakasugi, Johnny Depp
🏆 Award for Relevance and Its Ability to Stir Social Awareness
Johnny Depp delivers one of his strongest performances in years as photojournalist W. Eugene Smith, who exposes an environmental catastrophe in the Japanese city of Minamata. The film is not just about corporate greed but also a story of redemption. Despite mixed critical reception, Minamata stands as a powerful and necessary film with a haunting aftertaste.
Soul
Genre: Animation, Comedy-Drama
Directors: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers
Voice Cast: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton
🏆 Award for Inspiration and Beauty That Speaks to All Ages
Yet another Pixar masterpiece — this time about a jazz musician who finds himself caught between life and death. The film tackles profound questions like, What is the meaning of existence? and Do we need a purpose to be happy? It’s incredible how a family-friendly animation can explore such deep themes with humor and ease. A must-have addition to any family movie collection.
The Father
Genre: Psychological Drama
Director: Florian Zeller
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss
🏆 Award for Powerful Acting and the Courage to Portray the Fragility of the Human Mind
The Father offers a heartbreaking yet masterful look at dementia from the inside out. Anthony Hopkins delivers one of the most astonishing performances of his career, and Florian Zeller brilliantly manipulates the audience’s perception. Seen through the eyes of an aging man losing his grip on reality, the film distorts time, faces, and spaces in a way that feels like a psychological thriller. Hopkins rightfully won his second Oscar for this role — an absolutely deserved triumph.
Palm Springs
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Sci-Fi
Director: Max Barbakow
Starring: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons
🏆 Award for Effortlessly Turning Absurdity into a Story About Love and Self-Acceptance
A fresh and witty take on the time-loop concept, with perfect chemistry between Samberg and Milioti. Smart, hilarious, and unexpectedly touching, Palm Springs is like a modern-day Groundhog Day — but with a surreal and romantic twist. Two wedding guests find themselves trapped in an endless time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over again. Quirky, heartfelt, and surprisingly deep — one of the best romantic comedies of the decade.
