1. Barbie
This movie wasn't just pink, it was a whole cultural reset. It took a doll, something so often dismissed, and turned it into a Trojan horse for deep feminist commentary and existential dread, all wrapped in peak aesthetic. From the outfits to the meta humor, it understood the assignment of being both a blockbuster event and a conversation starter. Plus, the Kenergy was palpable. It's giving "girlboss" energy but make it critical theory.
2. Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan really said, "Let's make a three-hour historical drama about physics and moral quandaries a summer blockbuster." And it worked. The non-linear storytelling, the intense performances, the sheer weight of the subject matter – it felt like a visceral experience, not just a movie. It captured the anxiety of a pivotal moment in history, making you feel the immense pressure and the devastating consequences. Talk about high stakes, literally.
3. Past Lives
This film is a masterclass in quiet, aching romance and the "what ifs" of life. It’s not about grand gestures but the subtle glances, the unspoken words, and the profound connection that lingers across decades and continents. It really taps into that universal feeling of wondering about paths not taken and the people who shape you. The vibe is just *chef's kiss* for anyone who's ever felt a deep, unspoken bond.
4. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Seriously, this movie is a multiverse of emotions and action. It mashed up family drama, martial arts, sci-fi, and existential philosophy into something wild, hilarious, and genuinely moving. It showed us that immigrant stories can be epic and universally relatable, proving that maximalist storytelling can still hit you right in the feels. Googly eyes never felt so profound. A true A24 gem that changed the game.
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The animation alone was a flex, but the storytelling? Next level. It expanded the Spider-Verse in ways that felt both innovative and deeply personal, tackling identity and destiny with incredible visual flair and heart. The sheer artistry and commitment to diverse aesthetics for each universe was a masterclass in visual storytelling. It truly understood what it means to be Spider-Man, no matter who you are. Period.
6. CODA
This film just hits different. It's a beautiful, authentic story about a hearing child in a deaf family, navigating her own dreams while still being their bridge to the world. It brought ASL to the mainstream in such a powerful, heartfelt way, showcasing the richness of deaf culture without tokenism. The performances were raw and genuine, making you feel every laugh and every tear. It absolutely earned that Oscar.
7. Parasite
Bong Joon-ho really pulled off a cinematic mic drop with this one. It's a thrilling, darkly comedic ride that dissects class inequality with surgical precision, leaving you utterly speechless by the end. The way it twists genres and expectations while delivering a scathing social commentary is brilliant. It showed how global cinema can resonate so deeply, crossing cultural barriers with a story that's both specific and universal.
8. Get Out
Jordan Peele flipped the horror genre on its head, using it as a vehicle for biting social commentary on race in America. It was genuinely terrifying, thought-provoking, and introduced us to the Sunken Place, which is now part of the cultural lexicon. It proved that intelligent, impactful horror isn't just possible, it's essential. This movie wasn't just scary; it was a whole conversation starter that still resonates.
9. Minari
This film is a tender, honest portrayal of the immigrant experience in America, focusing on a Korean-American family chasing their version of the American Dream in rural Arkansas. It’s about resilience, family, and finding roots in unexpected places. The quiet strength of the characters and the beautiful cinematography just draw you in. It’s a gentle but powerful narrative that really sticks with you. So good.
10. Nomadland
Chloé Zhao gave us a poignant, almost documentary-style look into the lives of modern-day nomads, those who live on the fringes after economic collapse. It’s a quiet meditation on grief, freedom, and community, with Frances McDormand delivering an understated, powerhouse performance. It captured a specific, often overlooked, slice of American life with profound empathy and stunning visuals. A real slow burn, but in the best way.
11. Dune
Denis Villeneuve took a notoriously difficult-to-adapt sci-fi epic and made it visually stunning, epic in scale, and surprisingly intimate. It's world-building done right, immersing you in Arrakis and its complex politics and ecology. The ambition, the sound design, the sheer *vibe* of it all was immaculate. It understood the assignment of bringing a beloved, dense universe to life with respect and a fresh perspective. We love to see it.
