1. Get Out
Jordan Peele just dropped a whole new genre on us, didn't he? This movie wasn't just a horror flick; it was a masterclass in social commentary, wrapped in dread. The "Sunken Place" is still a whole mood, and honestly, the way it satirized white liberal performativity while genuinely scaring us was *chef's kiss*. It sparked conversations that were long overdue, and the rewatch value? Insane.
2. Parasite
Okay, so Bong Joon-ho pulled off the impossible: a film that's a black comedy, a thriller, and a searing indictment of class warfare, all at once. The tension, the twists, the visuals – everything was meticulously crafted. It really made you think about who's actually "parasitic" in society. Plus, the peaches thing? Iconic. This movie lives rent-free in my head, and honestly, deserved every single Oscar.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Seriously, who gave A24 permission to make us cry this hard while also watching hot dog fingers? This movie is a multiverse-hopping, intergenerational trauma-healing, laundromat-owning masterpiece. It's chaotic, brilliant, and features some of the best fight choreography we've seen. Plus, Michelle Yeoh finally got her flowers. It’s about family, nihilism, and finding joy in the absurd. An absolute trip.
4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
This wasn't just another superhero movie; it was a game-changer for animation. The visual style is unmatched, blending comic book panels with fluid motion. Miles Morales finally got his big screen moment, and it was glorious, showing us anyone can wear the mask. The soundtrack slapped, the story hit different, and it proved that diverse storytelling can be both groundbreaking and universally loved.
5. CODA
This film just hit you right in the feels, you know? It’s a beautiful, authentic story about a hearing child in a deaf family finding her own voice. Emilia Jones's performance was absolutely captivating, and the way it showcased deaf culture with such respect and warmth was so important. It proved that intimate, character-driven stories can resonate huge, even snagging that Best Picture Oscar. Truly heartwarming stuff.
6. Moonlight
Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" isn't just a movie; it's a poem. It's a deeply personal, stunningly shot exploration of identity, masculinity, and love across three pivotal stages of a Black man's life. The performances are raw and unforgettable, and the quiet power of its storytelling still lingers. It gave us a nuanced, tender look at lives often unseen, and honestly, it felt like a warm embrace.
7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Whew, this film is pure art. Céline Sciamma created a romance that burns slow and bright, telling a queer love story with such elegance and intensity it's almost unbearable. The gaze is mutual, the chemistry undeniable, and every frame is a painting. It challenges how we look at women, art, and desire. Plus, that ending? Absolutely devastatingly perfect. Still thinking about it.
8. Arrival
Denis Villeneuve really made us feel all the feels with this one, didn't he? It’s not just a sci-fi flick about aliens; it's a profound meditation on communication, grief, and the nature of time itself. Amy Adams gives a powerhouse performance, carrying the emotional weight of humanity on her shoulders. It's smart, stunning, and leaves you staring at the ceiling, questioning everything you thought you knew.
9. Sorry to Bother You
Boots Riley went full surrealist satire and we were absolutely here for it. This movie is a wild ride through corporate greed, racial identity, and the absurdity of capitalism. Lakeith Stanfield’s "white voice" is legendary, and the twists are so out there you can't help but be impressed. It’s provocative, hilarious, and definitely makes you think about what you'd do to get ahead. A true original.
10. Booksmart
Olivia Wilde's directorial debut was everything we wanted in a coming-of-age comedy. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and genuinely celebrates female friendship without relying on tired tropes. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever's chemistry is electric, making you root for them through every awkward, wild moment. This movie proved that smart, funny, and inclusive stories about young women are always going to hit different. A total gem.
11. Nomadland
Chloé Zhao gave us such a quiet, beautiful, yet profoundly impactful look at a segment of society often overlooked. Frances McDormand's performance as Fern is just incredible, making you feel her journey, her resilience, and the vastness of the American landscape. It’s a poignant reflection on aging, economic precarity, and finding community in unconventional ways. A powerful, understated masterpiece.
