The postponement of major studio releases like No Time to Die, Dune, Black Widow and entries in the Fast and Furious franchise into 2021 left a noticeable gap in our cinematic lives. With movie theaters largely closed, streaming services lacking many anticipated premieres, and only a handful of ardent cinephiles tracking awards-season contenders and select independent Premium VOD launches, 2020 felt thin on widespread film excitement.
While the long-term consequences of this shift away from the theatrical experience remain uncertain—and many worry for the future of multiplexes and independent cinemas—there are bright spots that highlight filmmakers’ creativity around the world. Even amid the most dramatic upheaval cinema has seen in decades, several outstanding films still managed to inspire and astonish.
At The Film Magazine we reviewed more than 100 films released in 2020 and awarded 15 of them a five-star (Hall of Fame) designation. Of those, seven stood out with our top honors—scores of 23 or 24 out of 24. These films were released broadly in the UK during 2020 either theatrically or via streaming, they come from four different countries and span five genres. Below are those seven best-reviewed films of the year.
Some notable titles received slightly lower scores yet still earned strong praise—examples include Parasite (22/24), Mank (21/24) and Da 5 Bloods (21/24)—but the list below highlights the very highest-rated films from our coverage.
7. Wolfwalkers – 23/24
Wolfwalkers fashions a distinct visual identity while drawing on the long tradition of hand-drawn animation. From the pioneering work of early Disney to the emotionally driven films of Don Bluth, it honors those influences yet stands confidently alongside them. Its storytelling and imagery combine to create a world that feels timeless and immediately original.” – Charlie Gardiner
Wolfwalkers Review
6. Uncut Gems – 23/24
Uncut Gems centers on a man driven by a relentless will to keep fighting against long odds. The film captures the highs of small victories and the depths of crushing defeats in a way that feels visceral and universal. Howard Ratner’s pursuit of fleeting success reveals both the joy and cost of obsession.” – Jacob Davis
Uncut Gems Review
5. The Assistant – 24/24
Kitty Green’s The Assistant is a rare film that examines the business side of the film industry and the everyday labor that keeps it running. It offers a quiet but powerful look at workplace abuse, inequality and the systemic problems behind the glamour. Its restrained approach makes its themes hit that much harder.” – Sam Sewell-Peterson
The Assistant Review
4. The Lighthouse – 24/24
The Lighthouse exploits cinema’s unique power to create an unsettling, immersive experience. Its blend of classic visual style and modern sensibility produces a singular, claustrophobic horror that remains mysterious and compelling from start to finish.” – Jacob Davis
The Lighthouse Review
3. One Night in Miami – 24/24
One Night in Miami embraces its theatrical roots, using the intimacy of a small hotel room to heighten the tension of its weighty conversations. Director Regina King and cinematographer Tami Reiker keep the drama kinetic by varying vantage points and moving characters beyond the room—onto the roof, into a car park and into the streets—so each scene breathes and shifts in cadence.” – Leoni Horton
One Night in Miami Review
2. Babyteeth – 24/24
Babyteeth finds beauty in life’s small, everyday moments. As Milla’s illness comes into focus, the film celebrates youthful joy and the ways music and dance can express deep feeling. Its portrayal of first love and family moments—whether in a karaoke bar or around a piano—brings warmth and authenticity to a difficult story.” – Leoni Horton
Babyteeth Review
1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire – 24/24
Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire is an immersive, emotionally resonant work that has quickly become one of this century’s most remarkable films. From its opening frame the film displays a careful, luminous sensibility; it grows in power and subtlety until it becomes a modern masterpiece—timeless, incomparable and unforgettable.” – Joseph Wade
Portrait of a Lady on Fire Review
Which of these highest-rated films from 2020 is your favorite? Share your pick in the comments, and follow The Film Magazine on social media for more recommendations and in-depth film coverage.