1. Parasite
This one hit different, showcasing class struggle with a dark comedic twist that had everyone talking. It's a masterclass in tension and social commentary, making you question who the real “parasites” are. Bong Joon-ho really understood the assignment, crafting a narrative that's both deeply specific to Korea and universally relatable. No wonder it cleaned up at the Oscars.
2. Nomadland
Chloé Zhao just dropped us into a world many don't see, following Fern as she navigates life on the road after the 2008 recession. It’s raw, real, and captures the quiet dignity of people finding community and purpose outside the traditional grind. The cinematography is breathtaking, making you feel the vastness and loneliness, but also the freedom, of the American West.
3. Get Out
Jordan Peele absolutely flipped the horror genre on its head, using it as a sharp, incisive tool to unpack racism. The film’s tension is palpable, building to a climax that's both terrifying and deeply thought-provoking. It's more than jump scares; it's a conversation starter, making you confront uncomfortable truths while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
4. Promising Young Woman
This movie was a whole mood. Emerald Fennell took the revenge thriller and gave it a neon-soaked, candy-colored makeover, all while tackling really heavy themes of sexual assault and societal complicity. Carey Mulligan's performance is legendary, embodying a character who is both fragile and fierce. It's a provocative watch that stays with you long after the credits roll.
5. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Seriously, what even was this movie? It was a chaotic, beautiful, mind-bending ride through the multiverse, packed with wild action, deep family drama, and existential dread. Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan absolutely shone, bringing so much heart to the craziness. It's a maximalist masterpiece that somehow makes sense of everything and nothing at the same time.
6. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma delivered pure cinematic poetry with this one. The unspoken glances, the intense gazes, the way the light catches everything – it’s just stunning. It’s a love story told with such delicate artistry, exploring desire, female gaze, and the power of memory. Every frame feels like a painting, and the ending? Absolutely devastatingly beautiful.
7. Moonlight
Barry Jenkins crafted a truly unforgettable story about identity, sexuality, and finding yourself across different stages of life. The film is visually exquisite, with a tender, empathetic approach to its characters. It's a powerful exploration of Black masculinity and vulnerability, showing how love, pain, and acceptance shape who we become. This one hits you right in the feels.
8. Arrival
This isn't your average alien invasion flick. Denis Villeneuve gave us a sci-fi experience that’s more about communication, grief, and humanity's shared future. Amy Adams’ performance is just *chef’s kiss*, carrying the emotional weight of trying to understand an alien language while grappling with personal loss. It’s a smart, beautiful film that makes you think big thoughts.
9. Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki is just built different, and this film is proof. It’s a magical, sometimes spooky, journey through a spirit world, where a young girl finds her courage. The animation is timeless, creating a rich, imaginative universe that feels both fantastical and deeply human. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in incredible visuals and unforgettable characters. Pure vibes.
10. Burning
Lee Chang-dong's psychological thriller is a slow burn (pun intended) that absolutely gets under your skin. It’s a masterclass in ambiguity, exploring class tension, obsession, and the unsettling feeling of not knowing what’s real. The performances are incredible, especially Steven Yeun, who embodies a chilling nonchalance. This film will leave you questioning everything.
11. Minari
This film is such a tender, honest look at the immigrant experience and the American dream, or what it means to chase it. It’s about family, resilience, and finding your roots in new soil, with incredible performances across the board. The struggles feel so real, and the moments of joy are earned. It's a quiet, powerful film that resonates deeply.
