As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a particularly weird year for movies. Theaters across the world shut down early into the year and, in many places, have remained closed. In turn, these closures caused film distributors and production companies to delay their biggest projects several times over or opt to forgo a theatrical release. Despite those closures and delays, though, 2020 still played host to a number of fantastic movies that released either prior to the theatrical shut down or on streaming.
The following ten movies, which were selected by CBR's TV/Movies Features editorial team, are among those we enjoyed most this year, as they thrilled us by making us laugh, cry and think, all while keeping us on the edges of our seats.
10. Enola Holmes
Based on Nancy Springer's book series of the same name, Netflix's Enola Holmes follows the titular little sister of Sherlock Holmes as she searches for her missing mother. The Harry Bradbeer-directed film stars Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes alongside Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes and Helena Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes, among others.
One of Netflix's most-viewed films of the year, Enola Holmes is at every turn a fun, entertaining romp that tackles themes of family and feminism. Brown's performance as Enola is particularly noteworthy, as she brings a fun energy to the role that makes the movie incredibly watchable. As Enola Holmes proved a hit with critics and audiences alike, there's a good chance this is just the first entry in an upcoming franchise of some sort. -- Liam Nolan
9. Run
Released on Hulu, Run proves that a well-made thriller doesn’t need a theatrical release to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Chloe (Kiera Allen) is a homeschooled teenager who’s getting ready to leave for college. She has a number of health issues, so her mother (Sarah Paulson) has been her primary caretaker, and while they appear close, Chloe realizes something is off with her mom.
Director and writer Aneesh Chaganty continues to turn out tight thrillers, as he did with Searching. In a refreshingly short 1 hour and 29 minutes, Run jumps straight into things, and the pacing never lags thanks to its simple but high-stakes story. While it has a similar conflict to movies like Misery and shows like The Act, Run makes something familiar still engaging thanks to its concise story, well-executed twists and leading character. Instead of telling audiences Chloe is smart, the movie takes the time to show how brilliant she is, which makes it easy for fans to root for her. Watching her piece together what’s going on has viewers feel like they’re in the room with her, making Run one of the better active viewing experiences. -- Caitlin Chappell
8. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Although it initially seemed as if the last thing 2020 needed was a sequel to Borat, the Sacha Baron Cohen mockumentary turned out to be the perfect tonic to a dreadful year.
Directed by Jason Woliner, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan picks up with Baron Cohen's journalist newly released from 14 years' hard labor, and determined to redeem himself, and his country's reputation. That, eventually, involves the delivery of his teenage daughter Tutar Sagdiyev (played by breakout star Maria Bakalova) to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. As with so many things, it's not the destination but the journey, and Borat's takes a circuitous route that both exposes and celebrates America.
Although the hotel-room scene involving Bakalova and President Trump's attorney, Rudy Giuliani, received the most media attention, Borat 2 is at its best when it offers a snapshot of American life, blemishes and all. Beneath the over-the-top antics, there are heartwarming moments, such as the group of Holocaust survivors that welcomes Borat with open arms, and the concerned babysitter who assures Tutar that life isn't as cruel and restrictive as she's been taught. -- Kevin Melrose
7. Bill & Ted Face the Music
After almost three decades of waiting, Bill (Alex Winters) and Ted’s (Keanu Reeves) third adventure, Bill & Ted Face the Music, was finally released in August, and the timing could not have been more perfect. In the threequel, the duo face down nothing less than the collapse of space and time, an apparently foregone conclusion unless they finally come up with the song to unite humanity they were tasked with composing in the previous films. This leads to a time-hopping adventure in which Bill and Ted visit increasingly ludicrous versions of their future selves. Meanwhile, the pair’s 24-year-old daughters, Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Thea (Samara Weaving), travel back in time to help their dads in their quest by assembling an all-star band.
Bill & Ted Face the Music was perfectly calibrated to 2020, given while Bill and Ted never tackle the impending apocalypse with anything less than their signature dimwitted optimism, the movie takes the problem seriously. That leads to a righteous film that shows we can still stay positive in the face of overwhelming odds and that when we forget our differences and unite for a common cause, we can take on anything. Perhaps there was no better nugget of wisdom this year than Ted’s pronouncement, “Be excellent to each other.” -- Cynthia Vinney
6. The Invisible Man
While the Dark Universe fizzled out, Universal’s monsters can still turn out memorable, standalone films, which is the case for The Invisible Man. In this iteration of the story, Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) has escaped her abusive ex; however, after his death, she’s left with his fortune. She already sees red flags with this, so when a series of strange events happen around her, she’s convinced he’s tormenting her, despite no one being able to see him.
With only a $7 million budget, The Invisible Man was a hit with critics and audiences, earning $143 million worldwide. Despite the small budget, the film delivers a masterclass on how terrifying the unseen can be. This means The Invisible Man relies more so on strong performances than it does effects and set pieces, and Moss sells how unhinged and tormented her character is because of the abuse she’s suffered. Having a survivor as the protagonist, as opposed to the titular “monster,” is a smart move. Audiences are instantly put in Cecilia’s shoes, and they understand where her suspicions come from, despite the other characters brushing off her concerns. As The Invisible Man progresses, viewers want nothing more than to see Cecilia come out on top. -- Caitlin Chappell
5. Tenet
Christopher Nolan never ceases to deliver brilliant films, as further evidenced by Tenet. The action science-fiction movie follows the Protagonist (John David Washington), a highly skilled secret agent who embarks on a treacherous mission to stop World War III. Given only a single word as his weapon, he must alter time and reality to succeed.
Nolan has a knack for enrapturing audiences in with mind-bending plots, and Tenet is no different. The film presents an end-of-the-world scenario without leaning too hard into the trope, and offers a different take on time-bending than the usual, straightforward time-travel. What puts Tenet over the top are the fight scenes. Intricately and effortlessly choreographed, they’re a highlight of this fantastic film. -- Annaliese Yip
4. Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee's latest joint, Da 5 Bloods, follows five Black veterans who return to Vietnam in hopes of finding gold they buried during the war. When the men arrive in a place they thought they'd left behind, they start dealing with the demons of their past and the things they brought back home. Then, after realizing they can't acquire the treasure by themselves, the group enlists the help of some suspicious characters, only to be double-crossed when push came to shove. In the end, not as many of the Bloods return home as ventured out to Vietnam, but those who survived come back different people.
Led by an award worthy performance from Delroy Lindo, Da 5 Bloods is set up to do quite well come Oscar season. Adding to the aura of this film is the fact that it houses one of the final performances of Chadwick Boseman's career. The late actor's character, Stormin' Norman, acts as the heart and soul of a movie that has a lot to say about the Black experience both today and in the past. -- Jackson Hayes
3. The Trial of the Chicago 7
In any other year, The Trial of the Chicago 7 may not have had the same resonance. Yet, in a year when the smallest issue seemed to evoke shockingly different responses from the left and the right, Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom drama spoke to the political polarization currently afflicting the United States. The film dramatizes the 1969 trial of the leaders of the student protests against the Vietnam War at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The premise provides a showcase for the movie’s stacked cast, which includes Eddie Redmayne, Sasha Baron-Cohen, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Rylance and Michael Keaton, who dig into the script’s incisive dialogue with gusto. Meanwhile, Sorkin knows exactly when to throw in a moving moment or a scene of heartbreaking injustice. As a result, The Trial of the Chicago 7 makes taking a principled stand, even against impossible odds, feel wildly patriotic.
It’s those inspirational trappings that make The Trial of the Chicago 7 feel so relevant to today. Even as those on trial face down a bigoted judge who already sees them as guilty, they never lose sight of the larger cause they’re fighting for, or the lives lost in Vietnam as a miscarriage of justice takes place back home. Ultimately, the movie offers a stirring reminder that even when the battle is lost, a just cause is always worth fighting for. -- Cynthia Vinney
2. Palm Springs
Palm Springs follows two wedding guests, Sarah (Cristin Milioti) and Nyles (Andy Samberg), who end up stuck in a time loop together, having to relive the wedding day over and over again. The film follows their blossoming romantic relationship as they endure hilarious antics and try to escape the unending wedding day.
Director Max Barbakow gives audiences a refreshing and original take on the wedding rom-com and family ensemble trope through Palm Springs. With strong performances from the cast, the film expertly balances comedy and wacky scenarios with heartfelt moments and thought-provoking themes. -- Annaliese Yip
1. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Directed by Cathy Yan, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) sees Margot Robbie reprise her role as the titular Clown Princess of Crime following her standout performance in 2016's Suicide Squad. The film -- which is part of the DC Extended Universe -- follows Harley Quinn as she eventually teams up with Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Dinah Lance/Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) to protect Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), who has stolen a valuable diamond from crime lord Roman Sionis/Black Mask (Ewan McGregor).
One of the few superhero films to come out in 2020, the female-led Birds of Prey may not have the best title, but the movie is a fantastically unique entry in the superhero genre, boasting a distinct, bright visual style unlike anything else. There's a manic energy to everything that happens in Birds of Prey, and while the movie isn't always perfect, it's got a ton of heart, and the various new characters make wonderful additions to the DCEU. -- Liam Nolan