While the 2020s got off to a rough start—due to, well… reasons—and many movies were delayed, rescheduled, or even scrapped, the decade has still delivered plenty of fantastic cinematic experiences. From thought-provoking dramas to groundbreaking blockbusters and innovative indie gems, the 2020s have already given us unforgettable films. And with it being the halfway point of this decade we at SAW decided to present an addition to our usual “Best of” series we do each year. Several writers here at SAW turned in a list of what they thought were the best films since the beginning of the decade, the entries on the list were tallied, and then ranked to give you SAW’s 50 Best Movies of the 2020s So Far!
*Every entry was mentioned on someone’s list at least once and the more times an entry was listed, the higher that movie was ranked. However, some 2024 movies may not appear because they have not been seen by our writers yet, or it could just be they weren’t good enough to make this list. Anywho, please let us know what you think of the rankings and which films you believe should be on the list that didn’t make the cut. Enjoy the list, check out more of our Best of 2024 series, and comment down below!*
40. The Whale (2022)
What stands out most to me in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale are its performances. Aside from executing one of the best comeback performances in cinema, Brendan Fraser makes every moment in this film, big or small, showy or intimate, feel urgent. He expertly conveys the frustrating and endearing qualities of Charlie’s naivety, who sees endless reserves of goodness in other people and hope for their future, yet treats his own life as a foregone conclusion. After finding Charlie’s daughter Ellie to be little more than a ball of fury on my first watch, on a recent rewatch I noticed that she is constantly trying to hold back her mental torment and bat down her instinctive empathy. Sadie Sink is fantastic at portraying this character’s silent desperation for affection.
As Liz, Charlie’s friend, Hong Chau embodies similar characteristics, knowing full well how to make herself look threatening to others, but who is really just in a state of constant anguish and empathy for her dying friend. The women in this movie are tough and battle-hardened, but their true emotions are always accessible beneath the surface, while the male characters, like Charlie and young missionary Thomas (portrayed excellently and endearingly by Ty Simpkins), seem too naive for this world. What unites them all is their self-loathing and desperation for affection. The conversations in this film are always intense, occasionally to the film’s detriment at points. But what is most remarkable about The Whale is that, for all of these urgent, heartfelt, sometimes furious conversations, the depth of feeling that runs underneath them — and within these characters — is infinitely more intense.
–Cian McGrath
39. Longlegs (2024)
FBI agent Lee Harker has been assigned to her first big case: a serial killer with a unique MO. Each case involves a father who kills the entire family and then himself. The true mastermind behind these deaths is a mysterious figure who always leaves a note signed “Longlegs.” I can’t give away much more about this movie than that, because it gets weird fast. Reviews on this movie have been divisive, to say the least, with some people comparing it to The Silence of the Lambs and others calling it slow and mundane. I will say this: it’s not an action thriller, and it is slow-moving. If you’ve seen any of Osgood Perkins’ other movies, you know what you’re in for here (particularly The Blackcoat’s Daughter). It’s strange, paranormal, and masterfully acted. If you can set your expectations accordingly, it’s a great time.
–Valerie Morreale
38. Strange Darling (2024)
J.T. Mollner delivers a simple cat-and-mouse thriller but the beauty of it lies in his playful non-linear narrative that is broken up into 6 chapters. What seemingly begins as a typical serial killer movie subverts expectations in fun, thrilling, and sexy ways. Kyle Gallner who is seemingly becoming the new genre king and Willa Fitsgerald deliver two of the year’s best performances in this wicked wild ride. A stylish and violent film that keeps you guessing until the very end. I think the most impressive aspect of this whole thing is done in 90 minutes. A lost art of filmmaking.
–Vincent Kane
37. Sing Sing (2024)
Not only is Sing Sing an uplifting story about how the redemptive power of theatre through a unique program at Sing Sing prison, it features a cast almost entirely comprised of former inmates who participated in the program playing themselves. Best of the bunch is Clarence Maclin in a star-making turn as himself at the time, a troubled inmate who finds a new path forward thanks to the transformative power of performance. Colman Domingo further establishes his prowess in the lead role as “Divine G,” giving one of the best performances of 2024 and earning himself his second straight Best Actor nomination at the Oscars.
–Jacob Holmes
36. Dune (2021)
I’m usually cautious when it comes to books I love being brought to the big screen. I’ve been left disappointed more often than not in the past. Dune felt different. In the hands of Denis Villeneuve, I didn’t have any of the usual apprehension. And to no one’s surprise, he managed to successfully pull off a big-screen adaptation of one of the most beloved science fiction books of all time. He portrayed the complex desert world of Arrakis perfectly and really gave you a feel for the dry, dangerous planet that it is. The whole film was a treat for the eyes, with the colossal spectacle of the set pieces being absolutely awe-inspiring. It’s a treat for the ears too with Hans Zimmer at his best. Most importantly, being only the second film I’ve seen on the big screen in the past few years, it really reminded me why I love visiting the cinema.
–Lee McCutcheon
35. Encanto (2021)
Encanto is a vibrant celebration of family, identity, and self-discovery, brought to life through Disney’s stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling. The magical world of the Madrigal family dazzles with its lush Colombian setting, colorful visuals, and dynamic characters. At its core, the film delivers a touching message about embracing individuality and finding your worth, beautifully conveyed through Mirabel’s relatable journey as an underdog in a family of extraordinary gifts.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s incredible soundtrack elevates the experience with unforgettable songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure,” blending catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics. Packed with humor, emotion, and cultural authenticity, Encanto is a joyful reminder of the strength we find in love and family, making it a must-watch for all ages.
–Vincent Kane
34. Talk to Me (2023)
This one came out of nowhere and was absolutely one of my favorites of the 2020s. The story follows Mia and a group of teenagers as they play a new party game titled Talk to Me. The game involves holding on to an embalmed hand for 90 seconds (and no more), while they are possessed and let entities speak through them. The movie draws a strong allegory for drugs and the role of social media in destructive habits, but more than that the story is just so damn compelling. Sophia Wilde is captivating as Mia, carrying the film’s emotional center with such force that it’s kind of unbelievable that she’s relatively new to acting. The horror in this is genuinely haunting too, with a possession scene that is shot so well it had me covering my eyes in sheer panic. It’s a fantastic movie that leaves lots of room for its upcoming sequel, and I’ll certainly be in theaters opening day to see what comes next.
–Valerie Morreale
33. Shiva Baby (2020)
Shiva Baby is one of the most uncomfortable movies to watch. That may confuse people who have never watched the movie because there’s no subject matter that might be considered “uncomfortable” to some viewers, like murder or heavy violence. Yet, watching Rachel Sennott’s Danielle try and get through a shiva (a Jewish funeral service) is so awkward. I mean there are levels of cringe on display here that I hope I never actually experience in real life. When her family and friends are not scrutinizing her about her future goals, she’s trying hard not to reveal to everyone at the shiva that her sugar daddy, who she didn’t realize was married and had just become a father, is in the same room. Shiva Baby gives you anxiety, that’s what it does. Beautifully directed by Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby is one of those movies that you need to routinely shove down your friends’ throats for fear that it otherwise might get lost in the sea of terrible Netflix originals and sequel schlop.
–Marmaduke Karlston
32. Nope (2022)
OJ and Emerald run The Haywood Ranch, the oldest horse ranch for film production in California, and despite their prestige, business isn’t going well. Things are about to get much worse though, when metal objects start falling from the sky, and … you know where this is going. I remember this one getting some flack when it came out since people were obviously comparing it to Get Out and Us, both of which had much more of a horror vibe. This movie is good on its own merits though, it’s just very different thematically. While the concept and the creature are horrifying in the universe, this is much more of an action sci-fi than a true horror, but it still has something to say. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer have great energy as the leading duo, and Peele’s signature humor is still very present. It’s a fun movie, and I think it still has something to offer.
–Valerie Morreale
31. The Iron Claw (2023)
Wrestling fan or not, if you grew up in Texas around the 80s, you knew of the Von Erichs. They were Texas and wrestling royalty that were as popular as the Beatles and The Iron Claw covered their heartbreaking rise and fall. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film is not just about the glitz of professional wrestling but highlights the tragic familial dynamics that drove the Von Erichs to stardom and despair. The film balances the wrestling world with a deeply personal family story, offering viewers both intense in-ring action and intimate moments of vulnerability. Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich and delivers his best acting performance to date bringing a mix of emotional depth and physical prowess to the role. Along with Holt McCallany’s portrayal of the strict and flawed patriarch Fritz, The Iron Claw is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
–Vincent Kane
50-41 | 30-21
What do you think of the entries so far?