1. Parasite
This movie still lives rent-free in my head, honestly. Bong Joon-ho just dropped a masterclass in class struggle that’s somehow even more relevant now. The way it weaves humor with absolute dread, exposing the rot beneath the surface of wealth, is just *chef's kiss*. And that ending? Yeah, it's not going anywhere. It’s a whole mood about who gets to thrive, and who's just barely surviving, hitting harder every time. It's truly iconic.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Okay, so this film is basically what happens when your brain tries to process TikTok trends, existential dread, and family trauma all at once, but in the best way. It's chaotic, it's hilarious, and it makes you ugly cry about rocks. The multiverse isn't just a gimmick here; it's a vehicle for showing how every choice, every path, every version of yourself, matters. Also, hot dog fingers. Seriously, it's a whole journey.
3. Get Out
Jordan Peele really said, "Let's make a horror movie about microaggressions and systemic racism that's also genuinely terrifying." And he delivered. This film didn't just redefine horror; it forced uncomfortable conversations into the mainstream, using genre tropes to highlight real-world fears. The sunken place is a metaphor that’s unfortunately still super potent. Every rewatch peels back another layer of brilliance, reminding you that some monsters are very, very real.
4. Barbie
Remember when everyone thought this was just a pink, sparkly toy ad? LOL. Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie pulled a fast one and delivered a surprisingly sharp, funny, and deeply nuanced critique of patriarchy, societal expectations, and what it means to be a woman. The Kenergy alone was a cultural reset. It’s got layers, girl, and it proved that a "silly" movie could absolutely smash expectations and start serious conversations.
5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
This isn’t just an animated movie; it’s a whole vibe. The visual style alone was revolutionary, looking like a comic book exploded onto the screen, but then the story about imposter syndrome, found family, and finding your own path just hits different. Miles Morales stepping up to be Spider-Man isn't just a superhero origin; it's an affirmation for anyone who feels like they don't quite fit the mold. Plus, the soundtrack slaps.
6. Nope
Another Jordan Peele masterpiece that just keeps giving. It's a sci-fi thriller about spectacle, exploitation, and trying to capture the uncapturable, but also about sibling bonds and legacy. The way it plays with our obsession with visual media and what we'll do for "the shot" feels incredibly timely. Plus, that creature design? Absolutely iconic and terrifying. It makes you think about what you're really looking at, and why.
7. Lady Bird
This movie is like a warm hug and a sharp jab to the gut all at once. Greta Gerwig perfectly captures that messy, awkward, intense period of late adolescence and the complicated love-hate relationship with your hometown and your mom. It's so specific to Sacramento, but the feelings are universal. Watching it now, it’s a bittersweet reminder of trying to figure out who you are while simultaneously trying to escape where you came from. So real.
8. Minari
This film feels like a quiet, powerful whisper that builds into a roar. It’s such an honest look at the American Dream through the eyes of an immigrant family, the sacrifices, the struggles, and the enduring hope. The performances are incredible, especially Youn Yuh-jung, who is just a national treasure. It reminds you that "family" and "home" aren't always easy, but they're everything, even when things literally go up in smoke.
9. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Okay, so if you haven't seen this, stop what you're doing. This film is pure cinematic poetry, exploring the female gaze, unspoken desire, and memory with such breathtaking beauty. The way it slowly unfurls the connection between the artist and her subject is just mesmerizing. It’s a romance that transcends typical tropes, making you feel the longing and the revolutionary nature of their bond. And that final shot? Will haunt you forever.
10. Arrival
This sci-fi movie isn't about explosions; it's about language, communication, and the power of understanding. Amy Adams gives a masterclass in quiet resilience as she tries to figure out how to talk to aliens, and in doing so, unlocks a deeper understanding of time and connection. It’s mind-bending without being confusing, and it leaves you thinking about fate, choice, and humanity's ability to unite. Hits you right in the feels, every time.
