2020 is a year that most people will be ready to forget once the new year arrives. One element that has gotten me through stressful times is the art of cinema. These top 10 films are a model of excellence that should be seen by many in the years to come and enjoyed for their craft and memorable moments.

10. Wolfwakers

Straight from the magical bottle created from director Tomm Moore comes a hand-drawn spectacle of grandiose animation. Strong social messages, earworm score, and one fire voice acting cast makes this a must-see for the year. Worth an Apple TV Plus subscription easily. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1vQ9dp

9. Tenet

Christopher Nolan's new mind-bending thrill ride will divide many but can't be denied in its reformatting of the high concept action film. One watch won't be enough so get ready for rewatches galore and for the dizzying time travel concept and themes to be discussed for years to come just like Memento and Inception are. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1vWX61

8. Charm City Kings

An African American coming of age style that dazzles with its portrayal of the dirt bike scene in Baltimore, Maryland. The narrative follows a kid as he learns some hard lessons and also looks to find out who he is while fighting the temptations of street life. Remember the name Angel Manuel Soto, a breakthrough young actor who will eventually find his way into more prominence in Hollywood over the next decades. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1nQ9Nv

7. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee releasing a new film should be treated as a holiday for cinephiles, and this robust drama centered on a group of African American Vietnam War veterans is equal parts beautiful and melancholic. Delroy Lindo is the early frontrunner for Best Actor with a truly impeccable performance. The runtime may be long, but it never loses sight of its urgency and gets deep into the soul of men broken and weathered by the gauntlet of warfare. Netflix has struck gold with this original. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1chEhr

6. Sound of Metal

An enlightening expedition into one man’s journey who loses the ability to enjoy his lifelong purpose but finds beauty and serenity in finding a new avenue to express joy and gratitude. Riz Ahmed is a magnetism of force establishing his flag as a soon to be in demand leading man. Sadly with theaters still closed in most areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most will not be able to be amazed by the incredible sound design in its full element. Darius Marder’s directorial debut is a triumph. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1sKWcV

5. Soul

Another day, another Pixar animation treasure that will dazzle the forming imaginations of children across the world. A beautiful depiction of African American culture including hairstyles, musical soundtrack, and the amazing voice acting cast featuring the likes of Jamie Foxx, Daveed Diggs, Angela Bassett, and Phylicia Rashad. Grandiose animation with a heart and lessons that permeate through the human heart. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1tub3J

4. Mangrove

Steve Mcqueen’s Small Axe has given me some of the best moments in cinema and the best film out of the series comes in the form of a true-life story centered around a case that would determine the existence of a black-owned restaurant in the Notting Hill section of London in 1968. The “Mangrove Nine” didn’t allow for their voices and want for their civil rights to be diminished by an oppressive system. West Indian culture on glorious display and a phenomenal musical soundtrack await curious viewers. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1vhuY7

3. Promising Young woman

Provocative, stunning, brilliant, and unashamed in its dismantling of toxic masculinity, rape culture, and mansplaining. Carey Mulligan is my Dark Horse for an Oscar nomination with a performance that is fun and engrossing to watch. Mouths will be left dangling to the floor, moments that are worthy of crowd-pleasing applause, and a climax that explodes right off the screen. Plainly speaking, a comet that leaves streaks of fire as one the best films of the year. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1uI8LZ

2. Nomadland

For as troubling as it is to see strong division amongst the American populations, it is remarkable to see a film that shows how caring and compassionate human beings can be to one another. Chloe Zhao’s highly anticipated new film has a towering scale but close intimacy with the audience in showing people who live outside of the margins of society but enjoy freedom and new experiences that enrich the journey of life. Frances McDormand is an easy candidate to be the darling of awards season in a career-best triumph. An experience that will be talked about for years to come.  Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1tGdsP

1. Boys State

An inside look into American politics in the form of a one week camp featuring young boys learning about the game and discourse inherent in government and democracy. A powerful documentary that is a must-watch no matter which side someone chooses to align their beliefs with. Letterboxd review: https://boxd.it/1wUGSn

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Wolfwakers is property of Apple. We do not own nor claim any rights. Mangrove & Boys State are both property of Amazon Prime Video .We do not own nor claim any rights. Da 5 Bloods is property of Netflix. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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