45. RRR (Dir. S.S. Rajamouli)
On paper, RRR seems like an impossible balancing act, a three-hour film that combines high-octane action, musical numbers, comedy, and a serious drama about colonial resistance. Yet, under the direction of S.S. Rajamouli, this epic comes together seamlessly, delivering a cinematic experience that truly feels unique.
Set during British colonial rule, the film follows a fictionalized tale of two revolutionaries, Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan). Beneath the action and music lies a deeply human story of defiance. RRR is not just a groundbreaking achievement in Indian cinema but a celebration of storytelling that resonates globally.
44. Wolfwalkers (Dir. Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart)
Cartoon Saloon delivered its finest work in 2020 with Wolfwalkers. Boasting a lush, storybook aesthetic that is unlike anything else in modern cinema. Every frame bursts with life, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, offering a breathtaking take on the world around us.
At its heart, Wolfwalkers tells the story of Robyn, a young English girl who moves to Ireland with her father, a hunter tasked with eradicating wolves in the nearby forest. When Robyn befriends Mebh, a spirited wolfwalker, a mystical being who can shift between human and wolf, her world is turned upside down. The film beautifully explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the tension between nature and control. While many animated films provide a visually satisfying experience, Wolfwalkers goes further, pairing its stunning visuals with an emotionally resonant narrative.
43. Shiva Baby (Dir. Emma Seligman)
Marking one of the most exciting directorial debuts of the 2020s, Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby is a masterclass in tension and dark humor, making audiences squirm in their chairs as often as they laugh out loud. Set almost entirely at a single shiva, the film follows Danielle, a soon-to-be college graduate, as she navigates a suffocating web of awkward encounters with her family and old friends. Seligman captivates by crafting a story that feels both claustrophobic and relentless. Seligman cuts and frames the film like a horror story, with the crushing weight of expectations and insecurities pressing down as much on the audience as on Danielle.
At the heart of the film is Rachel Sennott’s breakout performance, showcasing all the qualities that have made her one of the most exciting young stars today. Effortlessly funny and relatable, Sennott imbues Danielle with a vulnerability that keeps viewers rooting for her and eager to see how her story unfolds.
42. Spencer (Dir. Pablo Larraín)
With Spencer, Pablo Larraín crafts a haunting reimagining of Princess Diana’s life, centering on a fateful Christmas weekend. The film feels more like a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan than a traditional biopic, a creative choice that polarized critics and audiences in 2021 but has only helped the film continue to stand out in a market filled with traditional biopics.
At the heart of the film is Kristen Stewart’s career-defining performance, which holds the narrative together. She masterfully embodies Diana’s fragility, capturing the pressure and paranoia that haunted the latter part of her life. Stewart’s portrayal is heartbreaking yet layered with subtle strength, delivered with precision. At its core, Spencer is a story of resilience. This sense emerges not from an overt triumph but from Diana’s quiet defiance and her determination to reclaim her agency.
Visually, Spencer is beautiful and unsettling. The cinematography bathes the story in an ethereal glow, evoking the disorienting atmosphere of a fever dream. Jonny Greenwood’s masterful score further heightens the tension, making Spencer an unforgettable cinematic experience.
41. Barbie (Dir. Greta Gerwig)
Few films this decade have felt as instantly iconic as Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. What makes the film so remarkable is Gerwig’s ability to deliver a hilarious blockbuster while infusing it with her distinct vision and directorial style. The result is a profound exploration of identity, gender roles, and societal expectations.
Margot Robbie shines as the titular Barbie, balancing comedy with the film’s emotional weight. Opposite her, Ryan Gosling delivers a show-stealing performance as Ken, blending humor with surprising vulnerability.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes, with meticulously designed sets and costumes that bring Barbie Land to life in surreal detail. Gerwig’s direction, paired with a clever and self-aware script, ensures that Barbie is more than just an entertaining blockbuster; it’s a bold cultural statement deserving of this list.
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