Welcome back to my 2020 Top 7! Next up: movies. While some of these films were not made in 2020, I watched all of them for the first time this year. I hope I can help you find some new things to enjoy! 🙂
#7—La La Land (2016)
This film was of course a major talking point back in 2017 when it won six Oscars, not including Best Picture (if you don’t know the story behind that one, you should definitely look it up). However, I didn’t watch the film until this year, and when I finally did I fell in love. The musical’s stunning visuals, vibrant costumes, and poignant storyline had me head over heels. I will say the film was slow at times, and I wish Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling had a smidge more chemistry, but otherwise I really enjoyed La La Land and I highly recommend it.
#6—The Impossible (2012)
When clips from The Impossible first appeared on Netflix, I was instantly captured by its terrifying visuals, which depict a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated Thailand. This film follows a tourist family of five as they become separate amidst the terror and chaos of this natural disaster. The gruesome film is hard to watch at times, but overall it is heartwarming and has you desperately rooting for this family to be reunited. I do, however, find it unfortunate that a blockbuster movie about this tragedy focused on the white tourists and their struggles rather than the millions of people living in Thailand who suffered as a result of the disaster.
#5—Knives Out (2019)
Another excellent and critically acclaimed film, Knives Out is a fun murder mystery just brimming with witty banter and clever storytelling. This movie unravels the truth behind a crime novelist’s untimely death through the eyes of a detective, who attempts to analyze the conflicting stories of the novelist’s family members and young caretaker. With a plethora of exciting twists and small, ingenious details that made my jaw drop, Knives Out was a fantastic watch from start to finish. And don’t even get me started on Chris Evans and his cable-knit sweater.
#4—Knock Down the House (2019)
This political drama from Netflix made my heart quadruple in size. Following the groundbreaking 2018 congressional campaigns of four women—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Paula Jean Swearengin, and Amy Vilela. The most well-known of these inspiring women is of course AOC, whose win in the 2018 primary was revolutionary to say the least. Although the end of this film is a bit depressing due to the fact that three out of the four candidates lost, it is also one of the most powerful documentaries I have ever seen. In fact, the moment that AOC realizes she just won her primary election had me bawling with pride and joy.
#3—Safety (2020)
This hilarious and heartfelt film from Disney has to be my favorite cheesy football movie of all time. Based on a true story, this film follows a freshman at Clemson as he navigates football, classes, and dating—all whilst attempting to hide the fact that his younger brother is living in his dorm. Despite the heartbreaking conflict that burdens this goofy sibling duo, the film’s real characters and wonderful relationship dynamics had me grinning through my tears.
#2—Inception (2010)
Immediately after I watched Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Inception, it became one of my favorite films of all time. This movie is convoluted and nearly impossible to wrap your head around, but it is also a true cinematic masterpiece. With a plot based on entering and manipulating people’s dreams, I knew from the get-go I would be enraptured by the story. What I didn’t know was that the film’s mind-bending visuals are stunning and that Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance would shake me to my core. My only complaint is how confusing the story is at times—which, of course, is part of what makes the movie so intriguing.
#1—Hamilton (2020)
Let’s be totally honest—the release of Hamilton on Disney+ over a year earlier than originally planned saved 2020. I’ve loved this musical since I saw it onstage with the original Broadway cast, but I have to say that the cast is even more impressive on the big screen. The musical’s vibrant colors and exciting angles made me giggle with delight one song after the next. Not only am I constantly in awe of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrical genius, but the vocal talents and perfect comedic timing in this ensemble make Hamilton the absolute best watch of 2020.
Honorable Mentions: Enola Holmes (2020), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid (2015), Hillbilly Elegy (2020), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)