Top Must-Watch Movies That Redefined Cinema in 2020

Discover the standout films from 2020 that captivated audiences worldwide — including Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking thriller, Guy Ritchie's stylish crime saga, a stunning live-action adaptation of "Mulan," and Keanu Reeves' nostalgic comeback.

1. Bad Boys for Life

Bad Boys for Life

• USA, 2020
• Action, Crime, Comedy
• Release Date: January 23

After 17 years, the iconic franchise returns with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprising their roles as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Though estranged, they reunite to confront a relentless assassin seeking vengeance for his brother's death.

2. 1917

1917

• United Kingdom, USA, 2020
• Drama, War, Historical
• Release Date: January 30

Director Sam Mendes crafts an epic World War I narrative following two young soldiers tasked with delivering a critical message to halt an attack, risking their lives to save a battalion including one soldier’s brother. Featuring a stellar cast including Benedict Cumberbatch and Colin Firth, the film is renowned for its continuous single-shot effect.

3. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

Birds of Prey

• USA, 2020
• Action, Fantasy
• Release Date: February 6

Harley Quinn breaks free from the Joker and aims to rule the criminal underworld herself. She teams up with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to protect Cassandra Cain from the villainous Black Mask. Margot Robbie shines as Harley, with a charismatic performance by Ewan McGregor as the antagonist.

4. The Gentlemen

The Gentlemen

• USA, 2020
• Action, Crime
• Release Date: February 13

An ingenious Oxford graduate runs an illegal empire from an aristocratic estate. When he decides to sell his business, he faces formidable adversaries. Guy Ritchie returns to his roots with this action-packed, witty crime comedy.

5. Color Out of Space

Color Out of Space

• Portugal, USA, 2020
• Horror
• Release Date: February 13

Seeking peace away from city life, Nathan Gardner buys a secluded farm. When a meteorite crashes nearby, it unleashes a terrifying otherworldly force. Nicholas Cage stars in this adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's chilling tale, following his acclaimed role in "Mandy."

6. Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog

• Canada, Japan, USA, 2020
• Science Fiction, Adventure, Comedy
• Release Date: February 20

The super-fast hedgehog escapes his enemies and finds himself in our world, inadvertently causing a massive blackout. The government and the villainous Dr. Robotnik pursue him, but a friendly policeman aids Sonic’s escape. Following backlash over Sonic's original design, the character's appearance was revamped before release.

7. The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle

The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle

• USA, 2020
• Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure
• Release Date: February 20

Set in Victorian England, Dr. John Dolittle, who communicates with animals, embarks on a perilous journey to find a cure for the ailing young queen after his wife’s death. Robert Downey Jr. stars in this fresh take on Hugh Lofting's beloved tales.

8. The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man

• Canada, Australia, USA, 2020
• Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
• Release Date: March 5

Directed by Leigh Whannell, this modern adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel follows Cecilia, who escapes her controlling boyfriend Adrian. After his apparent suicide and inheritance, she uncovers a sinister game he orchestrated.

9. Extraction

Extraction

• USA, 2020
• Action
• Release Date: April 24

Chris Hemsworth stars as a mercenary tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of a powerful drug lord. Facing overwhelming foes, he must navigate a deadly mission filled with intense action.

10. Greyhound

Greyhound

• USA, China, Canada, 2020
• War, Drama
• Release Date: July 10

During World War II, Captain Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks) commands the USS Greyhound on its first mission escorting merchant ships. The convoy faces relentless attacks from German U-boats, forcing the crew into a fierce battle for survival.

11. Peninsula (Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula)

Peninsula

• South Korea, 2020
• Action, Horror
• Release Date: August 20

The sequel to the acclaimed zombie thriller "Train to Busan" shifts focus to a team of mercenaries entering a zombie-infested city to retrieve a truck loaded with cash, turning the original's atmosphere on its head.

12. Bill & Ted Face the Music

Bill & Ted Face the Music

• USA, Canada, Italy, 2020
• Comedy, Science Fiction
• Release Date: August 27

Keanu Reeves returns to the beloved role that made him a star in this nostalgic comedy. Now older and still striving, Bill and Ted embark on a time-traveling quest to compose the greatest rock song to save the universe.

13. Tenet

Tenet

• United Kingdom, Canada, USA, 2020
• Action, Thriller, Drama
• Release Date: September 3

Christopher Nolan presents a mind-bending thriller about secret agents combating a criminal with access to time inversion technology. Renowned for stunning visuals and complex storytelling, "Tenet" challenges perceptions of time and reality.

14. The New Mutants

The New Mutants

• USA, 2020
• Science Fiction, Action, Horror
• Release Date: September 3

Finally released after years in production, this film from the "X-Men" universe follows a group of young mutants held in a secret facility, learning to control their powers while confronting terrifying forces.

15. Mulan

Mulan

• USA, China, Canada, 2020
• Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
• Release Date: September 10

Disney’s live-action remake retells the legendary Chinese tale of a brave young woman who disguises herself as a man to join the army and defend her homeland, blending drama, adventure, and fantasy elements.

16. The Devil All the Time

The Devil All the Time

• USA, 2020
• Thriller, Drama
• Release Date: September 16

Featuring Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Bill Skarsgård, this dark thriller explores the sinister underbelly of the American South, where evil lurks in small towns and few can escape its grasp.

17. Enola Holmes

Enola Holmes

• USA, 2020
• Adventure, Comedy, Detective
• Release Date: September 23

Starring Millie Bobby Brown of "Stranger Things," this film follows Sherlock Holmes' younger sister, Enola, as she embarks on a quest to find her missing mother while encountering a mysterious young man on the run.

Which 2020 films inspired you the most? Share your favorites in the comments!

Content last updated in December 2020.

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