It’s no surprise that 2020 was a hard year on the film industry. Unlike many bands who had to option to rearrange touring plans in order to hurry up a new release during the lockdown, movies (like concert venues) came to a complete standstill. Everyone from the film studios themselves to the people running the concession stands at movie theaters felt the effects of COVID.
So, in the worst year for movies since, possibly during WWII (just a guess), this year’s end of year list is going to be different.
Instead of naming my favorite films released this year, here is my list of my favorite films that I saw for the first time this year. Over the lockdown, I had more time than ever before in my love to sit around and watch movies. I got the chance to watch many movies I had been wanting to see for a long time. And because of it, the amount of great movies I saw this year is an impressive list in of itself. Here are a list of my favorites:
Honorable Mentions:
Host (2020)
One of the few entries on this list actually from 2020 wastes no time getting to the point, and is legitimately full of well thought out and timely scares. The perfect horror movie while the lockdown was still new to us.
His House (2020)
A rare Netflix horror movie that was smart and meaningful. This horror movie doubles as a metaphor for political refugees, and hit home in a year of much turmoil involving racism. An easy but memorable watch.
Ready or Not (2019)
A fun game of cat-and-mouse with a unique twist and one of the most surprising endings on this list. A nice surprise from a pair of directors that are more well-known for their work in the horror genre.
The Top 50:
50. Night and Fog (1956)
Starting this off with the sole documentary on this list. Usually I wouldn’t include them, but this is a must. A 30 minute look at the concentration camps 10 years after the grisly events took place. A look at the unspeakable horrors that humans can inflict and a desperate reminder to never let by it happen again.
49. Watership Down (1978)
An animated film based on a book of the same name. Featuring classic British actors providing voices, an allegorical look at the hostile life of rabbits, and also humans for that matter, and even a song by Art Garfunkel, it has remained a popular film in British cinema for families.
48. Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)
A slow burn with a style and pacing all its own. This film from the director of Mandy may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying it’s visuals and soundtrack that harken back to the time of Tangerine Dream and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
47. Fantastic Planet (1973)
One of the most well-known animated films of all time. This allegorical film depicts a race of aliens that treat humans how humans treat animals. Stylish, moralistic, and unforgettable.
46. Demolition Man (1993)
This futuristic action film might be as cheesy as you remember it, but it’s also way funnier than you remember it to be. Filled with cameos, references, and quotable moments, it’s worth a revisit, or a first watch.
45. A Monster Calls (2016)
This adaption of the novel of the same name by the director of The Orphanage is as beautiful as you’re imagining it to be. Unfortunately it under performed at the theaters, but it is touching in all the right ways.
44. Blue Valentine (2010)
An emotional journey through the early happy days of a couple to the sad reality where they are now. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams give some of the best performances of their careers.
43. The Uninvited (1944)
This film is considered the turning point for when ghosts became something to be feared in Hollywood cinema, rather than for comedic effect. The plot can be a bit tough to follow but the special effects are great for their time!
42. Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989)
Considered the Japanese Eraserhead, this surrealistic film combines cyberpunk and body horror. The lack of dialogue is carried by the abundance of unique imagery.
41. Baskin (2015)
This Turkish horror film is a master class in patience. The deceptive slow build leaves you unprepared for its dark and brutal decent. Some of the imagery is like Jacob’s Ladder on steroids. Brilliant film.
40. Black KKKlansman (2018)
My favorite Spike Lee film in quite some time. Fueled by the racial tensions in the country during the Trump administration, it was only appropriate to have seen it during the George Floyd protests of 2020. Fun, well acted, and inspiring when we needed it most.
39. The Devil’s Advocate (1997)
Heard about this movie my whole life, so I was aware of many aspects of it. That being said, this is still an exciting movie with great performances by Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. Like a time machine to the 90s.
38. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
I knew the name but not the plot. And the fact that this is so low on the list is only a testament to how good these movies are. This was a pleasant surprise. Interesting and full of surprises. I was on the edge of my bed the whole time! “Attica! Attica!”
37. Japón (2002)
Watched on a whim, and impossible to forget. Works at its own pace, it follows a man who journeys to the spot he has chosen to commit suicide. A spiritual and emotional film that questions purpose and mortality.
36. The Treatment (2014)
Shoutout to Shudder for introducing me to this one. This film from Belgian is based on a best selling novel and feels similar to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Dark, intense, and so good that I had to watch it twice in two days.
35. Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)
I’m a simple man. I see Guillermo Del Toro praises a movie, I watch that movie. Combining fantasy elements and ghostly figures with the real world horrors of cities affected by the cartel and other assorted drug gangs, this is a heartbreaking look, drawing attention to those that suffer the most (the children).
34. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1978)
I put off watching this movie for years, expecting just a bad horror movie. I never expected it to contain so much Airplane-style humor. The second half does drag on but it contains some of the best comedic gags I’ve seen in a long time.
33. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
This movie became the stuff of legends for 10 years of delays before it finally got its wide spread release. In 2007, it would have been perfectly in time with the “found-footage” boom. Still, 13 years later, it is a dark, uncomfortable, and well-made horror film that feels very real. Like watching “true crime”.
32. The Phantom Carriage (1921)
One of Ingmar Bergman’s favorite films and name to a local brewery, this early Swedish silent film is similar in idea to AChristmas Carol. It was advanced at its time for narrative structure and special effects, and is still a delight almost 100 years later!
31. Eyes Without a Face (1960)
A classic French horror film that has inspired everything from the look of Michael Myers to Billy Idol songs. Ambient, subtle, and haunting. It should have never taken me this long to see it, but doing so made me go out and get the Criterion version so I could see it again right away!
30. The Foul King (2000)
The second film by South Korean director Kim Ji-won is also an early leading role for superstar Song Kang-Ho. A hilarious film reminiscent of Fight Club and Office Space, with hints of Dodgeball and Ready 2 Rumble.
29. La Llorona (2020)
After the abysmal depiction of a such an iconic person of Latin American folklore in the “Conjuring Universe” Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante created what is arguably La Llorona’s best depiction so far. Capturing the sadness with a backdrop of the crimes of war, this movie is a step in the right direction for horror in general.
28. Possession (1981)
A movie about a marriage in ruins, which would be enough for other directors. But this one constantly keeps you guessing about potentially sinister forces at work until the final reveal. Dramatic, intense, and memorable. Great performances and great effects.
27. Insomnia (1997)
Before it became a 2002 film directed by Christopher Nolan starring Robin Williams and Al Pacino, it was a Swedish film with the always incredible Stellan Skarsgård. While both versions have merit, this one feels colder and bleaker. A unique murder mystery in constant daylight.
26. The Club (2015)
A Chilean film about a group of “disgraced priests” living quiet lives so the Church can go on with their secrets. Took me a bit to get into but it is an unflinching look at the lengths organized religions will go to in order to keep their power. A must watch.
25. Border (2018)
This Swedish film from 2018 is a modern day adaptation of a dark fantasy. A woman, who looks different and has always felt different meets a mysterious stranger who might have the answers she’s been looking for. The name implies the borders between people, as well as a metaphor for countries and immigrants.
24. Tenet (2020)
The big release of 2020, but don’t be surprised to see it so far down. It’s not fair to compare it to so many classics from all these other years. With delays working against it, and an intricate plot/storyline, many were disappointed. But this movie will be a puzzle to dissect for years to come, and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it more and more each and every time.
23. A Taxi Driver (2017)
Based on the amazing true story of a taxi driver and a journalist during time of political turmoil, Song Kang-Ho utilizes all his emotional talents to make you laugh, cry, fearful, and hopeful. Equal parts action and comedy, and an unforgettable ending.
Part 2 (with movies 1 -22) will be posted soon. In the meantime, let me know what you think of the list so far in the comments.
View of the Sunrise 