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The 2020s have brought many great films, from popular blockbusters to beloved independent movies. Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the film industry has produced many outstanding works so far.
Each genre has at least one exceptional film this decade, and these films are becoming modern classics. Although it’s tough to pick the best film in each genre, the highlighted films stand out because of their quality and popularity. Even though the decade isn’t over, here are the most perfect movies of every genre in the 2020s so far.
‘The Substance’ (2024)
Horror
The Substance is the story of Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a TV personality whose career worsens as she gets older. She has always depended on her fame, the thing that makes her feel a bit too insecure to lose. After some time, things begin to change when Elisabeth finds a product called “the Substance,” which creates a younger version of herself named Sue (Margaret Qualley). This substance allows Sue to take opportunities that Elisabeth thinks are slipping away.
A wonderful concept, and even so beautifully executed. Both women follow the rules to keep things balanced. However, problems arise when their success strains their relationship. Each woman wants more control over her future, and soon, her situation becomes unmanageable. The story keeps your interest because new problems come from earlier choices, so everything feel connected. This is why this movie stands out among recent horror films.
‘Past Lives’ (2023)
Romance
Past Lives centres on Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), childhood friends in South Korea who are separated when Nora’s family moves away. As time passes, they live separate lives in different countries, and their connection fades. But modern technology eventually allows them to reconnect and talk again. These conversations bring back old feelings and memories that remind them of how much time has passed.
Now, as adults, Nora and Hae Sung plan to meet again to see what their connection means. By this point, Nora is married to Arthur (John Magaro) and has built a life based on her choices. The film is successful because it does not force conflict where it isn’t needed. Instead, it focuses on realistic feelings and hard questions about timing, fate, and personal choices. So you’d better tie your seatbelts because it is going to be a hard-hitting, emotional ride watching this one. Past Lives is the strongest and most realistic romantic drama of the decade.
‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)
Family
The Wild Robot follows Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), a robot designed to help humans, but she ends up abandoned on an island after an accident. Surrounded by animals and an unfamiliar environment, she struggles to understand how to function when her programming is rendered useless. Her early attempts to communicate with the island’s animals are awkward and fail. Over time, she starts to observe and learn how the ecosystem works there.
Everything changes when Roz has to care for a young gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor). Taking care of him forces her to change and form relationships with other animals. The film truly stands out as it shows Roz’s lessons learned through her experiences, which force her to change and leave parts of herself behind. That’s the reason her journey feels even more impactful. It has got to be the decade’s best animated film, which blends a clear, straightforward story with characters that feel real and relatable.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)
Action
In Top Gun: Maverick, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is still one of the Navy’s most skilled pilots, even decades after the original film. While many of his friends have moved into leadership roles, Maverick continues to fly because it’s the only place he truly feels at home. His abilities are tested when he is assigned to train a group of younger pilots for a dangerous mission. This time, instead of relying only on himself, he must step into the role of mentor.
Among the trainees is Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late friend Goose, who becomes a key trainee. Their complicated past creates tension and gives the film its edge. The action scenes are exciting, the story is well thought out, and the thrill is there. All in all, it is a complete package. You can easily say it is modern action filmmaking at its best.
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
Sci-fi
Dune: Part Two begins with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he continues his journey on Arrakis after House Atreides has fallen. While living among the Fremen, he learns to adapt to their different culture. As he gains their trust, he realizes that many expect him to be a leader and possibly fulfill ancient prophecies about the planet’s future.
At the same time, House Harkonnen seeks to control Arrakis and its valuable resources. Each decision Paul makes raises the conflict. His choices impact not only him but also the future of Arrakis, the Fremen, and the wider Imperium. The best part about the film is that its world-building never overshadows the story. You get the best of both worlds. The political struggles, thrilling action, and character development work together seamlessly.
‘Anora’ (2024)
Comedy
The movie Anora tells the story of Anora “Ani” Mikheeva (Mikey Madison), a woman who works as a stripper in New York and spends most of her time trying to earn a living and build a stable future for herself. Things change when she meets Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a wealthy Russian family. Their relationship grows quickly and eventually leads to a marriage that neither of them fully thought about.
Their marriage begins excitingly, but soon the situation shifts when Ivan’s family gets in the middle, discovers their relationship, and steps in to undo their mistake. The story stays engaging because Ani is constantly forced to adapt. She proves to be resourceful, determined, and often more capable than those trying to control her. The movie works well as a comedy-drama as it balances humor and tension, while Ani’s resilience makes the film extremely funny and gripping. It is a perfect light-hearted watch.
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)
War
In All Quiet on the Western Front, the movie follows Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer), who joins the German army during World War I with high passion. His hopes vanish as soon as he reaches the battlefield. Where the harsh realities of war quickly replace his expectations, and each experience changes how he sees reality.
Over time, surviving in battle field becomes an important task. The film shows how war breaks down ordinary soldiers and how hard it is to keep hope. The fights are intense, but the story also looks at the deep emotional and mental pain caused by long battles. It is a highly overwhelming and emotional film that will make you go through the struggles of soldiers with you.
‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (2023)
Thriller/ Crime
In Anatomy of a Fall, the story starts with Sandra Voyter (Sandra Hüller), who becomes the center of a criminal case after her husband is found dead outside their home. The details of his death are unclear, due to which investigators struggle to figure out what really happened. When the case goes to court, Sandra must defend herself while facing growing public attention. The evidence is often open to different interpretations, which makes it hard to reach a final result.
Her son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner) has a key role, as his observation is critical during the trial. Each witness, recording, and testimony shifts the story, and you are on the edge of your seat almost all the time. I think this movie is the strongest courtroom drama of the decade, and its strength is in revealing how fragile and uncertain justice can be when different lives and perspectives collide.
‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)
Animation
The Boy and the Heron centres on a young boy, Mahito Maki (Soma Santoki), who struggles with grief after losing his mother in the war. Moving to the countryside with his father changes his life, which makes it hard for him to adjust. During this time, he meets a mysterious heron that seems tied to strange events around him. His curiosity leads him into a hidden world that no one has ever seen before.
Inside this world, Mahito faces unusual creatures, dangers, and people that are connected to his past. Each step helps him learn more about himself and the loss he carries. The fantasy elements he sees are creative, but it always leads back to Mahito’s emotions. This is why the film stands out so well, because the adventure shown feels meaningful, as it perfectly reflects his struggles. As a fantasy film, it shows how imagination can strengthen a story.
‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022)
Drama/ Dramedy
The Banshees of Inisherin is a film about Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell), who lives quietly on a small Irish island while spending most of his time with his friend Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson). Everything changes when Colm suddenly decides he simply doesn’t like his friend anymore, pushing Pádraic into a devastating tailspin as he desperately tries to understand the sudden silence of Colm.
As their conflict grows, it spreads across the island, involving family, neighbors, and friends. When Pádraic refuses to leave him alone, Colm delivers an extreme ultimatum that he will mutilate his own fingers every time Pádraic tries to talk to him. This petty yet devastating personal war spirals out of control, acting as a dark, tragicomic parallel to the brutal Irish Civil War. This movie is hands down the best dark comedy of the decade as it takes a simple situation and turns it into something rich, thoughtful, and memorable.
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https://collider.com/most-perfect-movies-2020s-every-genre/
Safwan Azeem
Almontather Rassoul
