Tom's Film Hub

As we close out the last month of the first half of the 2020s, I found myself inspired to reflect on the past five years of filmmaking. It has been a tumultuous time, shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent strikes in 2023. Yet, despite these challenges, many filmmakers have risen above the odds to deliver truly remarkable art. Over the next month, I hope to celebrate what I believe are the best films of this period. So, let’s dive into the start of My Top 50 Best Movies of the 2020s.

Before delving into the list, I think it’s important to explain the framework I used to evaluate and rank these films. Ranking movies is always a challenging exercise—how do you compare a romantic comedy to a serious drama? For me, the number one criterion is this: I evaluate each film based on what it is trying to achieve, what it is communicating to its audience, and how successfully it fulfills that vision.

In addition to this overarching standard, here are the other key factors I considered:

• Craftsmanship and Performances: Did the film demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in its direction, cinematography, editing, or other technical aspects? Were the performances compelling and memorable?
• Execution of Ideas: How well did the filmmaker translate their vision and ideas onto the screen?
• Originality and Vision: Was the film unique, offering something fresh that I hadn’t seen before?
• Engagement and Storytelling: Did the film hold the audience’s attention through strong storytelling or well-developed characters?

Ultimately, my goal was to celebrate films that moved, challenged, or captivated me in unique ways. With that in mind, let’s get started with some honorable mentions. The following films are my 75-51. Great films that I can’t recommend enough.