The 2020s have been a journey thus far. Prior to 2020, very few of us could have imagined how a global event could have such a drastic impact on the world of entertainment, let alone just movies. With the COVID-19 global pandemic shaping the decade thus far, how and where we consume our films has changed. Because of that, timing was everything. Some films suffered from being released when the world was shut down, while others flourished, riding the wave of getting butts back into the seats.
No matter how or when they arrived, the 10 films on this list are universally beloved. From big-budget blockbusters of historical figures to instant animated classics, genre-blending masterpieces to films that boosted a franchise, these 10 films are extraordinary works that have already impacted cinema history. Though some films came just shy of being included— Challengers, Luca, we’re talking about you — we all love the 10 that are here.
1
‘Barbie’ (2023)
Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, smiles in Barbie.Image via Warner Bros.
Lifting iconic IP into a feature-length film is risky, but Barbie mastered the game from inception to marketing to execution. As a main factor in bringing audiences back to the theaters, Barbie brought instant joy to everyone who watched. Brought to life by Greta Gerwig, Barbie took the iconic toy and gave her the big screen treatment. A satirical fantasy-comedy, the film follows Barbie (Margot Robbie) as she leaves the perfect, female-led “Barbieland” to enter the real world upon an existential crisis. Along with Ken (Ryan Gosling), she faces the challenges of human reality on the search for her “owner,” which doubles as a journey of self-discovery. Exploring themes of feminism, societal pressures, gender roles, and individuality, Barbie is beloved for being a humorous, bright, and self-aware romp.
As one half of one of the greatest double features in Hollywood history, Barbie was more than just a pop culture moment; it was a movement. Behind the campy facade was a profoundly intimate and personal story that resonated with every viewer in some manner. Barbie may have been the entry point, but the focus was on the beauty of being human, which involves accepting imperfection, mortality, and the freedom to define one’s own purpose rather than being a perfect, unchanging idea. Barbie is an example of effortlessly tapping into nostalgia, infusing the right amount of modernity, and employing fun as the prime ingredient. Let’s face it, we can’t help but sing along when “I’m Just Ken” comes on! Barbie broke the glass ceiling in many ways, but most importantly, it reminded us to have fun while we ponder life.
2
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
Rebecca Ferguson with script on her face as Lady Jessica in Dune: Part TwoImage via Warner Bros. Pictures
If Dune: Part One was the appetizer and the upcoming Dune: Part Three is the cherry on top of a delicious dessert, then Dune: Part Two was the incomparable entrée that we couldn’t consume fast enough. The first part of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune arrived as a mixed release, so it didn’t have a fair footing, but with a clean blockbuster release, Dune: Part Two gave audiences everything they wanted and more. The second of a three-part journey, Dune: Part Two continues the story as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen. Learning the Fremen ways on the road of revenge, Paul must grapple with a prophesied messianic role and visions of a devastating future holy war he might unleash. Through power, love, religious manipulation, and the inevitable rise to become a dark anti-hero, Dune: Part Two built upon its predecessor’s success, becoming something even more epic.
Dune: Part Two masterfully took the complex source material of Frank Herbert’s novel and found the balance between staying faithful and being a visually spectacular blockbuster. From the sand-filled landscape of Arrakis to the striking black-and-white arena scene on Giedi Prime, the world-building was richly detailed, giving the film a truly immersive theatrical experience. The film also provided further enlightenment for its central character while expanding the roles of many other crucial characters, including Chani (Zendaya), Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), and newcomer Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). A boldly stunning masterpiece, Dune: Part Two enhanced the sequel tropes without falling into a trap. If the trajectory is going, Dune: Part Three will be extraordinary.
3
‘Encanto’ (2021)
Mirabel in Disney’s EncantoImage via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Since the moment Encanto was released, there wasn’t a moment in which you didn’t hear the soundtrack or drop a reference. We may have been told “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” but now, we simply can’t stop talking about Encanto. An instant Disney classic, the colorful musical tells the story of the Madrigals, a multigenerational Colombian family living in a magical, sentient house where every child receives a unique magical gift. The story follows Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), the only family member without powers, who must save her family and home when their magic begins to fade. Encanto is a masterclass in visual vibrancy, with an infectious sound about a family that resonates with everyone.
Brought to life as a story of healing, understanding individual worth, and finding the true gifts in life, Encanto had every ingredient that makes a Disney classic while simultaneously subverting those standards. Firstly, there was no traditional villain; instead, it used familial misunderstanding as the central conflict. Second, the hero’s journey was typical for Disney, as Mirabel’s quest was rooted in emotional reality. And yet, it still captured hearts because of the character-driven score and colorful sequences. There’s not a single flop on the soundtrack. Perhaps the most important element of the film is telling a culturally authentic story. From music to food, attire to history, the detailing was so sublime that it gave the film an immersive feel. Encanto is a story about family for families. Kids may love it, and adults will adore it.
4
‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)
Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan stand together looking scared in Everything Everywhere All at OnceImage via A24
Visibility and representation have become increasingly important over the years, especially in spaces where diversity is less common. Then Everything Everywhere All at Once arrived, and the argument became more profound. Defying Hollywood’s ageist, sexist, and racist stereotypes by centering a sci-fi blockbuster on a middle-aged Asian immigrant worker alongside a predominantly Asian cast, Everything Everywhere All At Once was what we needed at the time. And it was welcomed with open arms. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s mindblowing epic tells the story of Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), a stressed Chinese-American laundromat owner whose life unravels as she’s pulled into a multiversal adventure, where she must connect with versions of herself from other realities to save existence from a nihilistic threat, all while dealing with family issues, a tax audit, and an existential crisis. Tackling themes of generational trauma, love, nihilism, finding meaning in chaos, and accepting loved ones, the genre conglomerate became an instant game-changer in Hollywood.
The film challenged Hollywood and societal norms, and an eye was barely battered. It emerged as a beloved classic for its strong storytelling, extraordinary performances, and its ability to simultaneously merge and subvert genre tropes. Through an empowering science-fiction narrative that brought hot dog fingers into its multiverse, the absurdity and heartfelt moments were unified into a spectacular action flick. There was literally something for everyone inside the film. Featuring brilliant performances from Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film was in capable hands. Wondrously creative and largely accessible, Everything Everywhere All At Once honored the power of kindness.
5
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ (2025)
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, (aka KPOP: DEMON HUNTERS), from left: Zoey (voice: Ji-Young Yoo), Rumi (voice: Arden Cho), Mira (voice: May Hong), 2025. © Netflix / Courtesy Everett CollectionImage via Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection
It’s almost been a year since its release, and KPop Demon Hunters is still going “up, up, up!” Since then, it’s smashed Netflix records, dominated the Billboard charts, snatched award show trophies, and earned itself a highly anticipated sequel. Why? The world simply cannot get enough of its sheer brilliance. The instant animated classic follows HUNTR/X, a popular K-pop girl group that secretly uses its music to fight demons and protect humanity. With their power stemming from their fans’ adoration, they use it to maintain Honmoon, a magical barrier against the demons. When Saja boys, a rival demon group in the form of a boy band, emerge to steal their fans to weaken the barrier, it’s soon revealed that one of HUNTR/X’s own has a secret that could crumble it all down. Though the metaphors may not be hidden too deeply, the film is a triumphant story about friendship, loyalty, and embracing your self-identity.
Reminding Disney that they’re not the only animated powerhouse in town, KPop Demon Hunters found its initial niche, which then helped it move into the mainstream. From there, it was easy to embrace the film with open arms. It was a strikingly animated film with a sharp visual style. The music was addictive. The high-octane action led to world-building adventures, all while blending K-pop, Korean mythology, and accessible themes. KPop Demon Hunters was relatable content that was also extraordinary. Very few films deserve the moniker of global sensation quite like this one. The trouble now is, how will it top itself? Surely you can’t get better than “Golden,” right?
6
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)
Cillian Murphy looking pensive at the end of ‘Oppenheimer’Image via Universal Pictures
While it may have served as the other half of the most iconic unrelated double feature in Hollywood history, Oppenheimer stands out on its own as a legendary film of epic proportions. Directed by the titan that is Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer dramatizes J. Robert Oppenheimer’s (Cillian Murphy) life, focusing on his leadership of the Manhattan Project to develop the first atomic bomb during WWII. The biopic about the father of the atomic bomb goes through his life in a non-linear format, honing in on his crisis of morality. A masterpiece-level production, Oppenheimer is a richly crafted, character-driven study of a monumental moment in world history that goes beyond the rules of biopics to offer a haunting depiction of the man who changed the world.
Beyond the all-around stellar performances, including those from Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Josh Harnett, and more, Oppenheimer is lauded for its stunning craftsmanship. From the extraordinary ability to replicate the Trinity Test to the mind-blowing immersive sound design, Oppenheimer went all-in to ensure a perfect product. Layer in the keen cinematography, jumping from color to black-and-white to distinguish different perspectives, and you get a film as you’ve never witnessed before. A technical achievement with extraordinary performances, there was something for everyone in this thought-provoking blockbuster.
7
‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)
Sandra Huller in a cream turtleneck jumper in ‘Project Hail Mary’Image via Amazon MGM Studios
The calendar year has yet to reach the halfway point, and while many of the blockbusters haven’t been released yet, an early year entry has already captured our hearts: Project Hail Mary. Based on the novel by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary tells the story of Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship with amnesia. He learns that he is on a last-chance mission to save humanity from a solar-dimming microorganism called Astrophage and ultimately teams up with an alien called Rocky (James Ortiz) to save their respective planets. A sci-fi film with heart, humor, and hope, Project Hail Mary is the cozy comfort movie we never knew we needed.
What makes Project Hail Mary an instantly beloved film is its accessibility. Rooted in hard sci-fi, the complexity of the science concepts is not overbearing like a high school biology class. Instead, it’s presented in an engaging manner that allows the audience into the conversation, tapping into their intelligence. Gosling delivers another top-notch performance, even if he’s outshone by a puppet that’s giving Grogu a run for his money. The Phil Lord and Christopher Miller-directed film continues to warm hearts, having both the spirit of the past and the allure of the present.
8
‘Sinners’ (2025)
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Horror movies were officially given a seat at the table once again, thanks to the extraordinary masterpiece Sinners. Produced, written, and directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners was a subversive vampire that reshaped the genre. The smooth and sultry, sensational and sensual thriller set in 1932 Mississippi Delta follows criminal twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan), who return to their hometown to open a juke joint, only to confront a supernatural vampiric evil, Hoodoo, and deep-seated trauma. The toe-tapping thriller’s ingenuity lies in its ability to infuse a horror-first premise without compromising the culturally and racially significant story at its soul.
Sinners wasn’t just a typical vampire film. With a nuanced, bloody narrative, Sinners is a rare original blockbuster that evokes nostalgia through its modern approach to a period drama. More importantly, Sinners was a powerful love letter to Black culture and resilience that resonated with a widespread audience. Through its unique genre-blending, pushing beyond a standard vampire flick through a mix of horror, action, drama, and musicals with 1930s Southern Gothic elements and Delta Blues, Sinners captured immense emotional depth with a captivating narrative. Technically masterful and musically tactful, Sinners will be the film that we’ll be talking about until the sun rises again and again.
9
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)
Peter Parker looking bittersweet at the end of Spider-Man: No Way HomeImage via Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Marvel Cinematic Universe had a bit of a low point post-Avengers: Endgame, save for one major entry: Spider-Man: No Way Home. In the third chapter of the Spider-Man saga within the MCU, the film follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as his identity is exposed, destroying his private life. Seeking help, he asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to cast a spell, making the world forget he is Spider-Man. When the spell malfunctions, it tears open the multiverse and brings in villains Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), Electro (Jamie Foxx), Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), and Lizard (Rhys Ifans), who know Peter Parker from other universes. When Peter attempts to redeem the villains, it causes a rift, and Spider-Men (Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield) arrive to help prevent the multiverse from breaking entirely. Spider-Man: No Way Home was complete and utter fan service, and we couldn’t be happier.
There has yet to be an MCU film more nostalgic than Spider-Man: No Way Home. Rich with deep character development, the film was an emotional love letter to 20 years of Spider-Man cinema. It not only invited back some of the iconic characters of the past, but it also gave a chance to many characters to earn a redemption arc, namely, Garfield’s Peter Parker to find closure regarding Gwen Stacy’s death. While we may have believed at the time that it was the conclusion of a beloved trilogy, there’s more in store to continue the story. That said, it will only enhance the impact of what felt like finality. Easily Holland’s best performance thus far, Spider-Man: No Way Home reminded fans that high-stakes emotional stories are equally as impactful as the action sequences.
10
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)
Miles Teller in Top Gun: MaverickImage via Paramount Pictures
It only took three decades before a Top Gun sequel came to life! Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick follows Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise), on the orders of Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer), as he returns to the Top Gun naval flight school over 30 years later to train an elite group of graduates for a dangerous mission to destroy an unsanctioned uranium enrichment facility. Maverick must confront his past, including training Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of his deceased best friend, Goose. Filled to the brim with sensational flight sequences, the heartfelt sequel took audiences’ breath away once more.
A story of redemption, legacy, and the transition from human pilots to automated warfare, Top Gun: Maverick was fan service to the original fans while serving as a standalone entry point for the next generation. Though it did feel very much like a formulaic sequel, it didn’t matter. The purpose of the film was to give audiences something to look forward to. In a post-lockdown world, Top Gun: Maverick brought audiences back to the cinema, earning it the title of the ultimate movie-theater blockbuster. A wonderful popcorn film, there have been very few movies that define escapism at its finest. Nostalgic yet mature, Top Gun: Maverick paved the way for the characters and audiences who seek more amazing, sky-high aerial sequences.