1. Parasite
This flick dropped a truth bomb on class struggle that hit harder than a kimchi slap. It's a masterclass in tension, showing how economic disparity isn't just about money, but about dignity, space, and literal smell. Bong Joon-ho flexed on the global stage, proving subtitles ain't no barrier to genius. And yeah, the peach fuzz scene? Iconic. The ending still lives rent-free in my head.
2. Get Out
Jordan Peele didn't just make a horror movie; he dropped a cultural reset. It flipped the script on racial anxieties, turning white liberal 'niceness' into the ultimate jump scare. The 'sunken place' became shorthand for systemic oppression, and the tea cup? A whole mood. It's smart, unsettling, and still wildly relevant, proving horror can be deeply intellectual and still scare the pants off you.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
This movie is pure, unadulterated chaotic brilliance. It's a multiverse of madness, but instead of just cool visuals, it's about immigrant family trauma, queer love, and finding meaning in a world that feels too much. Michelle Yeoh absolutely crushed it, and hot dog fingers? A bold choice that somehow just *works*. It's a tear-jerker, a laugh-riot, and an existential crisis all rolled into one beautiful, bagel-shaped package.
4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Okay, so an animated superhero flick *understood the assignment* on representation, style, and storytelling. Miles Morales finally got his shine, and the animation style? Revolutionary. It felt like a comic book came to life, but with more heart and better music. Plus, seeing multiple Spider-people, including Gwen and Penny, just felt right. It totally leveled up what we expect from superhero movies.
5. CODA
This one hit different. It's a coming-of-age story, but seen through the unique lens of a hearing child in a deaf family. It beautifully showcases ASL as a language, not just an impairment, and highlights the sacrifices and joys of family. Ruby's journey to find her voice, both literally and figuratively, is super touching without being overly sentimental. It's a gentle reminder that representation matters, and sometimes the quiet stories are the loudest.
6. Barbie
Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie weren't just making a toy commercial; they dropped a feminist manifesto in neon pink. It's hilarious, surprisingly deep, and dissects patriarchy with surgical precision, all while looking fabulous. Ken's journey to self-discovery (and back again) was a highlight. This film sparked conversations, ruffled feathers, and proved that sometimes the most 'basic' concepts can hold the most profound truths. It was everything.
