1. Black Panther
This film wasn't just a superhero movie; it was a global phenomenon that proved representation truly matters on an epic scale. Wakanda became a cultural touchstone, a vision of Afrofuturism that transcended the screen. It sparked conversations about heritage, power, and what a technologically advanced, sovereign African nation could look like. It showed Hollywood that diverse narratives are not niche, they are blockbuster events that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
2. Parasite
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece absolutely shattered expectations, becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It's a biting, brilliant critique of class inequality, disguised as a thriller, then a dark comedy, then something else entirely. The film's precision and narrative twists kept everyone talking, forcing a global conversation about wealth disparity and the invisible lines that separate us, all while delivering utterly unforgettable cinema.
3. CODA
Streaming really changed the game here, didn't it? This small, heartfelt film found a massive audience on Apple TV+, then went on to win Best Picture. It gave a powerful voice to the deaf community, portraying their experiences with nuance and warmth, not as a disability but as a different way of living and connecting. It was a beautiful reminder that universal stories about family and finding your voice can come from any background, and find recognition everywhere.
4. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Talk about a wild ride. This movie wasn't just a multiverse adventure; it was an existential crisis wrapped in martial arts, hot dog fingers, and profound familial love. It pushed cinematic boundaries, showing that originality and heart can still break through the noise. It resonated particularly with younger audiences, grappling with overwhelming choices and identity, offering both chaotic joy and genuine emotional depth. Absolutely mind-bending in the best way.
5. Roma
Alfonso Cuarón delivered a quiet, stunningly intimate portrait of a domestic worker in 1970s Mexico City. What made it a game-changer was its distribution – a Netflix film winning major awards, challenging the traditional theatrical release model. Beyond that, it brought a deeply personal, visually magnificent story to a global audience, highlighting often-overlooked lives with immense dignity and artistry. It proved streaming platforms could house art house cinema with widespread impact.
6. Get Out
Jordan Peele didn't just make a horror film; he created a cultural phenomenon that redefined the genre and sparked vital conversations about race in America. It was unsettling, smart, and layered with social commentary that felt terrifyingly real. The "sunken place" became instant shorthand for systemic oppression, and Peele proved that genre filmmaking could be incredibly profound, thought-provoking, and still deliver genuine scares and suspense.
7. Nomadland
This film quietly captured the spirit of a specific American experience, focusing on those living a nomadic life after the recession. It won Best Picture while simultaneously premiering on Hulu, further solidifying the streaming impact on prestige cinema. Chloé Zhao's intimate, almost documentary-style approach gave dignity and visibility to a marginalized community, exploring themes of grief, freedom, and community outside traditional structures. It felt incredibly timely and deeply human.
