2020

1. First Cow

Kelly Reichardt's quirky story of friendship on the frontier hides a dark example of American savagery.

2. Nomadland

Frances McDormand's career resurgence continues, accompanied by director Chloe Zhao's astonishing imagery.

3. Lovers Rock

British director Steve McQueen somehow makes a movie about a party a thesis on finding a haven from racism.

4. Minari

Lee Isaac Chung's semi-autobiography is a touching ode to family's importance in the midst of realizing the American Dream.

5. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee's Vietnam war movie is a brutal indictment of racism and colonialism in America.

6. Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Eliza Hittman's raw and punishingly realistic story of a girl seeking an abortion is a merciless recounting of how hard it is to be a woman in moden America.

7. I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Expert mind-fucker Charlie Kaufman returns with a film that starts normal only to descend further and further into surreality.

8. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed is an open wound is this drama that's so well done it's hard to watch, but is nevertheless rewarding and inspiring.

9. Promising Young Woman

Actress Emerald Fennell's already classic debut is a darkly comic revenge film that delves into how society can so easily turn its back on female victims of assault.

10. Judas and the Black Messiah

Shaka King comes out of nowhere to direct this story of Black Panther Fred Hampton, in an instantly legendary performance by Daniel Kaluuya.