1. Parasite
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece completely upended expectations, blending dark comedy, thriller, and sharp social critique into something uniquely its own. It’s a stark, often uncomfortable look at class disparity, yet it's undeniably entertaining. The film’s global success, culminating in historic Oscar wins, proved that subtitles are no barrier to universal storytelling, especially when the narrative is this compelling. It was a true moment for international cinema.
2. Nomadland
This film captured a particular American zeitgeist, reflecting on the transient lives of older workers navigating economic precarity. Chloe Zhao’s quiet, observational style, often blurring the lines between fiction and documentary, feels deeply authentic. Frances McDormand grounds the narrative with a performance that’s both stoic and profoundly moving. It’s a contemplative journey through landscapes and solitude, reminding us that home isn't always a fixed address.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
What a ride! This film burst onto the scene with an audacious blend of martial arts, multiverse madness, and profound emotional depth. It’s a wildly inventive exploration of immigrant family dynamics, regret, and finding meaning in chaos. Michelle Yeoh's phenomenal performance anchors the absurdity, making you laugh, cry, and question everything. A genuine cultural phenomenon, proving that originality and heartfelt storytelling can still smash box office records.
4. Minari
A beautifully understated film, *Minari* offers a tender, authentic portrayal of a Korean American family chasing their version of the American Dream in rural Arkansas. It’s a story about resilience, cultural identity, and the quiet struggles of building a life from scratch. The performances, particularly from Youn Yuh-jung, are incredibly poignant, grounding a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. It’s a gentle, yet powerful, examination of family bonds.
5. Past Lives
This film hit a nerve, exploring profound themes of destiny, choice, and the echoes of past connections with remarkable subtlety. It's a gorgeous, melancholic meditation on "what ifs" and the lingering impact of relationships across time and continents. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo deliver performances that are so understated, yet brimming with unspoken emotion. It’s a testament to how quiet storytelling, when done perfectly, can feel absolutely monumental.
6. CODA
CODA captured hearts with its warm, authentic portrayal of a hearing child in a deaf family navigating her own dreams. It’s a genuinely uplifting story about communication, sacrifice, and the unique challenges and triumphs within the deaf community. The film’s emotional core, powered by powerful performances and a resonant soundtrack, showcased how a well-told, intimate story could find massive success, especially on a streaming platform, culminating in a Best Picture win.
7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma's film is a masterclass in visual storytelling and unbridled female gaze. This exquisite period piece explores forbidden love between an artist and her subject with breathtaking intimacy and intensity. Every frame is painterly, every glance loaded with meaning. It's a powerful, sensual, and ultimately heartbreaking examination of creative process, memory, and desire, proving that profound emotional narratives don't need excessive dialogue to resonate deeply.
8. C'mon C'mon
Mike Mills crafts a tender, introspective black-and-white road movie about an uncle and his nephew forming an unexpected bond. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a beautifully restrained performance, contrasting with the vibrant energy of young Woody Norman. It's a thoughtful, often charming exploration of parenting, communication, and the complex inner lives of children, all while contemplating the future through their eyes. A surprisingly heartwarming and quietly profound experience.
