I know this probably seems crazy, 2020, has been an interesting year to say the least but new movies did still release. We had a run from January to the start of March but thankfully at home streaming along with a slight return to the cinemas depending on the place you live still produced some movies and it’s time for the end of the year breakdown of my 10 favorite movies from the year.
Before we dive into the list I want to mention some honorable mentions.
Sonic the Hedgehog
PORNO (seriously the hardest movie to search of 2020 but wild fun gory horror film)
Soul
10: Personal History of David Copperfield
If you told me 1.) I would see this movie in 2020 and 2.) I would enjoy it! I would have told you I want whatever you are smoking. Truth though is I did see this movie & I fully enjoyed it. This version of the classic Dickens’ story puts a fresh, funny, and charming spin on it. Just an optimistic film that spends its time celebrating art and eccentricity with a wonderful lead from Dev Patel who carries this ensemble cast and ends up proving why some stories are timeless.
9: Bad Boys for Life
Here is another one of those if you told me heading into 2020 that the third Bad Boys movie, not directed by Michael Bay would be one of my favorites I would have laughed at you. Fact is though this movie clicks and works on a lot of different ways. Will Smith brings more to his character than deserves and we are reminded just how talented Martin Lawrence is while upping the ante & providing a solid return to form while cleaning up those Michael Bay things we have grown to expect.
8: Freaky
What happens when you take the “Freaky Friday” concept and add “The Happy Death Day” creator? You get a gem like “Freaky” which leans heavy into its 80’s feel. That means it embraces the camp when it is appropriate, keeps the formula while playing with it, has a heart underneath but is not afraid to gross you out with gore & practical effects.
7: Wonder Woman 1984:
Visually astonishing, fun throwback comic book movie that had the feels of the first two Superman movies. Lighthearted DC Comics film that I know has become a lightning rod of division among fans. But for two hours plus I was able to unwind & follow the story that feels timely (Fake Rich TV guy promising things being better but can’t actually fulfill the desires & is only focused on more power for himself as if that will make people love him.) Also in cliché at this point it was a film we needed in 2020.
6: Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
This one deserved a better box office run especially since the return of Harley Quinn was hit out of the park. This fresh perspective on the comic book genre, adding in some new friends and loads of fast-paced action. Margot Robbie is Harley Quinn & this film captured the anarchy she brings while adding a cast that introduced those “Birds of Prey” as well as Ewan McGregor going full maniac.
5: Hamilton
The first big release switched to streaming & pushed Disney+ into the stratosphere of big-league streaming options. This theatrical version of the Broadway smash hit was wonderfully delivered. Having the entire original cast return to film this experience over three different performances deserves all the accolades it has received this year. I do wonder how well this would have played in theaters & the box office missed but what a gift from Disney & making sure their streaming service did not become just a home for uncertain films like other streamers.
4: The Color Out of Space
Another Shudder exclusive film sees Nic Cage being allowed to go full Nic Cage in the best ways possible. Richard Stanley is back & it is good to see him back with this adapted story from HP Lovecraft that is on par with another Nic Cage film I liked a few years back called “Mandy”. Colorful, wild, intense, alluring and one gruesome Lovecraftian horror ride in this slow burner that maybe takes its time getting into the action but once things start to take off you will not be able to hold on.
3: Host
One of the sleeper hits of the year. HOST arrived on Shudder (they truly crushed 2020) and was billed as a horror film over zoom that was filmed during the lockdowns. It is only 55 minutes but utilizes every second it has. Very simple concept of doing a séance over a zoom call when six friends accidentally conjure something they are not expecting. I cannot remember the last time I screamed & jumped as loud as this film got me. The use of practical effects & amount of stunt work that goes into this low budget film will blow you away while the cast creates the terror simply over a thing, we all came to know in 2020…a Zoom call.
2: Bill & Ted Face the Music
I will admit this one gets a high ranking due to my love for Bill & Ted. This was still a great film & in ways became the film we needed in 2020. The duo we saw take an Excellent Adventure, then a Bogus Journey, return and still have not written that song. Now the future is mad at them & everything hangs in the balance not just for Bill & Ted but all of space & time. A goofy adventure film that like the first two movies is filled with so much love that you cannot help but enjoy every second of this new adventure.
1: The Invisible Man
It has been a horror themed year as the genre truly delivered some gems & The Invisible Man was the best of them. Revitalizing one of the classic Universal Monsters was going to be challenging which is why Leigh Whannell was handed the keys & did he deliver a modern take on this character. Elisabeth Moss carries this movie and can along with Whannell create a feeling of dread that lingers in every shot and moment. Not to mention this film delivers one of the best shock moments I have witnessed in not letting up the tension.
That’s my top 10 list and with the weird year of 2020, I think this year top 10 list is a good combination of films from the short run theatrical window we saw as well as opening the door for streamers (Shudder big time) to step in with content & get eyes on their movies. I do wish I got a chance to see some movies before compiling this list but 2020 has been a content overload so narrowing this list down was hard. It stared at just under 30 movies (couldn’t believe I saw that many new films) & was dwindled down to 15 before the final 10.
What do you think? Did you see any of these films? Did I miss a movie you think was better? Let me know in the comments or tweet @Wonderful_Radio.
