In a year that upended how we watch movies, compiling a list of the Best Films of 2020 highlights both resilience and creativity in cinema. After the historic success of Parasite—an internationally released film that won Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Director and Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars—2020 began with real momentum. Then the pandemic closed movie theaters worldwide, pushed many major releases into 2021, and changed distribution models. When cinemas reopened in August, titles like Tenet tried to revive the theatrical experience with mixed results.
Despite the disruption, several outstanding films released in 2020 deserve recognition. Below are Annice White’s picks for the Best Films of 2020, listed according to UK release dates.
Follow the author of this article, Annice White, on Twitter @annicewhite_.
10. The Climb
The Climb opens with a striking long take of two best friends, Mike (writer-director-star Michael Angelo) and Kyle (Kyle Marvin), cycling a stage of the Tour de France. That leisurely beginning sets the tone for a film that studies friendship, betrayal and awkward intimacy. Kyle prepares to marry the woman he loves—unaware that Mike has been having an affair with her. Mike is an ugly, flawed protagonist and the film consciously subverts traditional bromance tropes.
Shot with slow, controlled compositions, The Climb’s strength lies in observation rather than plot mechanics. Some critics dismissed it for “not much happening,” but the film’s quiet honesty and understated humor reward viewers who appreciate character-driven indie storytelling.
9. The Boys in the Band
This Netflix adaptation of Mart Crowley’s play—featuring the cast of the 2018 Broadway revival—arrives as a respectful contemporary take on a landmark work. Although some considered the film an unnecessary remake, the performances here, led by Jim Parsons, demonstrate the power of a committed ensemble. Parsons, often typecast for comedic television roles, shows range and depth as Michael.
The story explores how LGBTQ+ people often mask or edit themselves for the outside world. On a birthday evening in Manhattan, Michael’s friends confront internalized homophobia, expectations and the pressure of hiding identity. The film’s cast, comprised largely of openly gay actors, makes the material feel authentic and essential.
8. Rocks
Rocks Review
Rocks is realism captured with empathy. The film follows Olushola “Rocks” Omotoso as she is suddenly forced to care for herself and her younger brother after their mother leaves. Director Sarah Gavron approaches the story with quiet purpose—eschewing melodrama to show the daily grind of a teenager balancing school, friendship and sudden responsibility.
Gavron’s direction is subtle, and the performances—especially from the young leads—feel lived-in. Rocks avoids demonizing anyone involved, instead portraying the complex social and economic pressures that shape the characters’ choices. The film is a fresh, affecting coming-of-age portrait that addresses friendship, mental health and poverty without sentimentality.
7. 1917
1917 Review
Released early in the year, 1917 was widely praised as a monumental cinematic achievement. Its seemingly simple premise—two soldiers racing to deliver a message—unfolds as an intense, immersive experience. The film’s continuous-shot aesthetic and expertly crafted cinematography keep viewers tense and invested throughout.
George MacKay delivers a powerful central performance, and the film’s production design and technical bravura make it best experienced on the largest possible screen. 1917 is a reminder of cinema’s ability to create palpable, theatrical tension.
6. Uncut Gems
Uncut Gems Review
The Safdie Brothers return with a nerve-jangling portrait of addiction and desperation. Uncut Gems confirms Adam Sandler’s dramatic talents in a role that deserves award recognition. Sandler plays Howard, a jeweler and compulsive gambler who chases risky bets through Manhattan’s loud, claustrophobic world.
The film’s sound design and editing ratchet up anxiety so effectively that viewers feel each pulse and misstep. Uncut Gems is relentless, bracing and unforgettable for its ability to make you root for a character you know is self-destructive.
5. Bill & Ted Face the Music
In a difficult year, Bill & Ted Face the Music delivers joy and nostalgia. The third installment in the Bill and Ted trilogy finds the now-middle-aged duo still trying to write the song that will save the world. Their daughters—strong, funny characters in their own right—help take over the quest in a heartfelt, feminist-friendly continuation that honors the originals.
Brigette Lundy-Paine stands out as Billie, Ted’s daughter, channeling a youthful spirit while bringing fresh energy that complements Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. The film balances sweet, earnest sentiment with goofy time-travel antics, making it a feel-good highlight of 2020.
4. A Secret Love
A Secret Love Review
A Secret Love profiles Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, former players in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, as they confront the decision of where to spend their later years—and whether to finally tell family the truth about their relationship. The film opens with a poignant moment: Terry fears that coming out will alter how her family loves her.
The documentary is powerful and essential for its portrayal of a lifetime spent hiding a love that endured for decades. While the director’s family connection to the subjects limits some examination of conflicting perspectives, the film’s emotional honesty and focus on resilience make it one of the year’s most affecting documentaries.
Honourable Mentions: Onward, The Lovebirds, Dark Waters, Disclosure.
3. The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse Review
On paper, The Lighthouse might seem unlikely to work: a black-and-white, tightly framed film about two lighthouse keepers living in isolation. Yet Robert Eggers crafts one of the most intense psychological thrillers of recent years. The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere, unsettling soundscape and extraordinary performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson pull viewers into a slow-burning descent into madness.
Best experienced in a dark theater with immersive sound, The Lighthouse is formally daring and viscerally unnerving—an artful, unforgettable cinematic experience.
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Portrait of a Lady on Fire Review
Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a luminous exploration of love, art and the female gaze. The film’s pace allows relationships to deepen naturally, and virtually every frame reads like a meticulously composed painting. Its visual beauty is matched by emotional precision: the film sidesteps melodrama while offering a potent critique of how women are viewed and represented.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire is both a tender love story and a thoughtful meditation on desire and artistic creation—stunning to look at and rich to feel.
1. Parasite
Parasite Review
It’s no surprise that Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite tops this list—its international acclaim and multiple Oscars reflect a film that is as sharp as it is entertaining. Parasite blends dark humor, social critique and sharp plotting to examine class divisions in contemporary society.
If you haven’t seen Parasite yet, set aside the time: it rewards repeat viewings and close attention. Watch it in its original color and, if you’re curious, try the black-and-white edition to appreciate the cinematography and tonal shifts.
Celebrate the best of cinema in 2020 by sharing your favorite films and reactions in the comments. For more film coverage, follow The Film Magazine on social platforms and keep exploring the year’s most notable releases.