The 2020s might have started off a bit slow on the movie front because of covid. But, we’ve started to finally see some great movies hit the big screen. Let’s list my top 10 best movies of the decade so far!
Honorable Mentions:
- All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
- Talk to Me
- Alien Romulus
- The Menu
- Longlegs
- Nope
- Nosferatu
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Warfare
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
10. Babylon (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.1
Yes, this might be the most controversial pick of the list. Damien Chazelle is likely my favorite director of all time, so while I’m not surprised to find this film here, I know it was a divisive one. First off, the film is a movie about movies again, which is a subject many audience members have completely written off. And I don’t blame them.
Plus, it’s extremely vulgar and crass, in a way that is definitely offputting to general audiences. However, it has an electric pace and energy to it. Numerous memorable set pieces, a world-class score, and swings for the fences with every single scene.
It felt like a last hurrah for classic movie stars making a movie this peculiar and original. The budget is massive, and if you’re in for a chaotic ride full of the love of creativity, this one is for you.
9. Sinners (2025)
IMDb rating: 7.6
Another wild ride, Sinners was truly a spectacle to behold. It was the first movie I’ve ever seen in Imax, and the moment the screen stretched vertically for the fight scene, I was hooked.
In fact, I was hooked from the first shot. It’s a beautifully shot movie that blends some of my favorite genres and styles together. The soundtrack, for me though, carries the entire experience. It sets an unmatched tone of chaos as horror, action, and drama take the front stage. It has literal irish stepdancing scenes. I’m not joking.
I’m sure you’re all aware of this one, but if you’re not, check it out! It is a lot, though…
8. Oppenheimer (2023)
IMDb rating: 8.3
Originally when I watched Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, I wasn’t too sure about the last act. All the politicking and bickering felt so insignificant after such a world changing event.
But the more I thought of it, the more it felt fitting. Nolan was emphasizing how pedantic we are as a species, and how our politics will get in the way of our humanity. Are these the types of beings that deserve such a destructive force?
It has a magnetic energy and frenetic pace. At times it can almost feel like we’re montaging through the movie. But it makes the 3 hours fly by. This was such a cinematic treat, and I only wish I could have seen it in Imax.
7. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.8
Puss in Boots is the first 10/10 on this list, of which there are not many for the decade. And I have been this movies staunchest supporter for quite some time.
Every time I get the chance I encourage people to give it a chance. A movie coming as a sequel to a spinoff of Shrek has no business being this good, but it simply is. It has the most magical animation I’ve seen, pulling from the leaps of the Spiderverse movies. It has a truly menacing villain, classic themes, and is perhaps the best family movie I’ve seen in years.
If you haven’t yet, please give this film a chance, and you’ll be blown away.
6. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
IMDb rating: 7.6
While this is listed as a Family/Comedy on google, I can absolutely certify that it is so much more. This is a very adult movie, packaged in a very friendly, documentary style. It’s a movie about a shell who has lost his family, and a pretty sad individual is documenting his loneliness.
There are definitely some laugh out loud moments in this one, but it’s about loss, purpose, and so much more than I expected.
It makes you reflect on your place in the world, how your perspective on your situation might change the way you act, and how terrible it can be to feel alone. But it has so much heart that it will leave you with a quivering lip as you hit pause. This is a movie that makes you simply happy to be alive.
5. Bring Her Back (2025)
IMDb rating: 7.2
Bring her back is one of the most demented and disturbing horror movies I’ve seen in quite some time. While it didn’t quite haunt me in the way that some in the honorable mentions section did, such as Longlegs, it left visuals in my brain that I will never erase.
It’s especially cruel seeing all of these terrible things happening to children. But I think that’s also partially what made the movie stick with me. And, it really did feel like all of the horror had a purpose. We’re not seeing this for no reason – there’s a point to all of it.
And I didn’t expect myself to feel so emotionally distraught by the end of this film, but I did. A true testament to the writing, the characters, and the acting.
4. Strange Darling (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.0
Strange Darling is a low budget, cat-and-mouse, murder mystery, Tarantino-esque movie. It is focused mostly on creating striking visuals, twists and turns, and powerful statements. It treads outside of familiar Hollywood territory by making claims you wouldn’t expect to see coming from the industry
It has multiple powerhouse acting performances, and an unforgettable visual pallete. I can’t emphasize enough how underrated I think this movie is, so if anything I’ve said has intrigued you, I implore you to give it a try.
3. Tár (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.4
Tár might be the most perfectly executed film on this entire list. Every single element is directed, acted, and visualized to perfection. From Cate Blanchett’s legendary performance to the frame perfect editing, this movie is a cinematic masterpiece from start to finish.
There is nuanced commentary on topical social issues, and gripping, layered dialogue from start to finish. If I had one “complaint” of which there are none, I would say the movie feels cold. This is absolutely intentional, but it does leave you thinking after it ends more than it does leave you feeling. And I personally fall deeply in love with movies that make me feel emotions more than films that make me ponder.
Nevertheless, this is one that you won’t want to miss.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.8
This movie helped me reimagine what I thought was possible in cinema. In moment after moment, I’m reminded of the magic of movies. It’s emotional, it’s over the top, it’s chaotic. But at the core, it’s a story about purpose. Purpose in a world in which everything has just become too much.
Every day, the feeling this movie captures becomes more and more relevant. And I love that it’s unlike any other creation we’ve seen, or likely will see for quite some time. I’m genuinely surprised it won so many oscars, as this really doesn’t seem like the kind of movie to break through to the mainstream. But I am so so happy that it did.
1. The Batman (2022)
IMDb rating: 7.8
I know I’m on an island with this one, but this might just be my favorite movie of all time. Every single component is perfectly catered to my exact taste. From the slinky and booming sound design and score, to the stunning cinematography. The dark and disturbing subject matter. And, the message of hope in such a dark world. This movie and its message hit at I time I absolutely needed to hear it.
While it could easily be argued there are better films of the 2020s, this is absolutely my favorite because it connected with me in a way that no other film has. I think about this movie when I’m in the depths of despair. But it’s also more than that. It’s also a true return to form for superhero movies. Reminding you how emotional these stories can be, especially when you see yourself in the heroes you’re cheering for.
Nightwalk 
Leave a comment