1. Parasite
This one absolutely shattered expectations, right? It's a masterclass in tension, social commentary, and showing how messed up class structures can get. Like, the way it flips genres from dark comedy to psychological thriller? Chef's kiss. Bong Joon-ho really said, "Let's expose some uncomfortable truths," and did it with style. Plus, the acting? Flawless. It's a whole mood, honestly.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once
This movie is a whole trip, and honestly, a cultural reset. It takes the multiverse concept and grounds it in a deeply emotional story about an immigrant family, intergenerational trauma, and finding joy in the chaos. The visuals are wild, the action is bonkers, but at its heart, it’s about a mom trying to connect with her daughter. It really said, "Everything, everywhere, all at once is just...family."
3. Moonlight
This film hits different, you know? It's a gorgeous, poetic look at identity, Black masculinity, and sexuality across three pivotal stages of a man's life. The storytelling is so intimate and raw, really letting you sit with the characters' experiences. It doesn't shy away from vulnerability, showing the quiet strength in self-discovery and the powerful impact of connection. A true masterpiece that stays with you.
4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Okay, so this wasn't just a superhero movie; it was a revolution in animation. The style is mind-blowing, blending comic book aesthetics with groundbreaking visuals. It brought Miles Morales to the forefront, giving us diverse representation and a fresh take on the Spider-Man legacy. Plus, the soundtrack bangs! It proved that animation isn't just for kids and that different forms of storytelling can totally redefine a genre.
5. Get Out
Jordan Peele just dropped this and instantly became a horror legend. It's not just scary; it's smart. The movie uses horror tropes to dissect systemic racism and microaggressions in a way that's both chilling and darkly funny. Every scene is meticulously crafted, building tension and revealing layers of uncomfortable truth. It's a conversation starter, making you think long after the credits roll.
6. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
This film is pure poetry on screen. It’s a breathtaking queer romance told almost entirely through the female gaze, exploring desire, art, and the quiet intensity of connection. The cinematography is stunning, each frame a painting in itself. It captures the fleeting nature of love and the power of memory, proving that a look can say more than a thousand words. Just gorgeous.
7. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
This documentary is essential viewing, period. It tells the incredible, largely untold story of a summer camp that sparked a disability rights movement. It shows the power of community, activism, and fighting for your rights, even against huge odds. The raw footage and personal accounts are so powerful, highlighting the importance of representation and self-advocacy. It's inspiring and a crucial piece of history.
8. Nomadland
This movie feels like a quiet whisper that hits you hard. It explores the lives of older Americans living as modern-day nomads after the economic collapse, finding community and resilience on the road. The blend of fiction with real-life nomads gives it such an authentic, almost documentary-like feel. It's a poignant look at overlooked lives and the search for meaning in uncertain times.
