31 of the most popular movies of the year, ranked from worst to best

Meghan CookNov 23, 2020, 23:28 IST

"Mulan," "Tenet," and "Emma." were released in 2020.Disney / Warner Bros. / Universal

Released in theaters and online, the most talked-about films of the year include horror flicks, action blockbusters, and intimate dramas.
Popular films like "Miss Juneteenth," "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," and "Da 5 Bloods" earned overwhelming critical praise.
Other big films like "Fantasy Island," "Dolittle," and "Like a Boss" had a harder time impressing critics.

2020 has been a unique year for Hollywood — many films have found a second life on streaming platforms as movie lovers watch from home. But not every film this year has wowed critics.

Read on for the most popular movies of the year, ranked by critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes.

Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change.

Most critics were disenchanted by "Fantasy Island."

Lucy Hale in "Fantasy Island." Columbia Pictures

Reviewers found little praise to offer "Dolittle."

Robert Downey Jr. in "Dolittle." Universal Pictures

"Like a Boss" had a great cast, but a lukewarm reception.

Salma Hayek in "Like a Boss." Paramount Pictures

Janelle Monáe shined in "Antebellum," but critics weren't fans of the film itself.

Janelle Monáe in "Antebellum." Lionsgate

Critics said "The War With Grandpa" paired a talented cast with predictable plotting.

Robert De Niro and Oakes Fegley in "The War With Grandpa." Ben Rothstein

Reviewers noted that "The New Mutants" felt uneven and unfinished.

Maisie Williams in "The New Mutants." Fox

Despite its potential, "Holidate" didn't follow through.

Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey in "Holidate." Steve Dietl/NETFLIX

Critics said "Scoob!" would please kids more than parents.

The Mystery Gang reunited in "Scoob!" Warner Bros.

With big laughs but a lazy plot, "Hubie Halloween" earned mixed reviews.

Julie Bowen and Adam Sandler in "Hubie Halloween." Scott Yamano/Netflix

Distracting CGI held "The Call of the Wild" back from being a fully enthralling drama.

Harrison Ford in "The Call of the Wild." 20th Century Studios

Critics said it felt formulaic, but "Sonic the Hedgehog" was sure to please young fans.

James Marsden and Jim Carrey both starred in "Sonic the Hedgehog." Paramount Pictures

"Trolls World Tour" was praised as a light, family-friendly adventure.

Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake voiced characters in "Trolls World Tour." Universal

"Tenet" garnered praise and confusion in equal measure.

John David Washington in "Tenet." Warner Bros.

For most critics, "Mulan" was an intriguing take on a Disney classic.

Liu Yifei in "Mulan." Disney

Critics said "Bad Boys for Life" added emotional layers to a familiar story.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in "Bad Boys for Life." Sony

"Birds of Prey" kept critics on the edge of their seats.

Margot Robbie in "Birds of Prey." Warner Bros.

Critics called "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" a haunting drama.

Jessie Buckley starred in "I'm Thinking of Ending Things." Netflix

The stars of "Bill and Ted Face the Music" were welcomed back like old friends.

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in "Bill and Ted Face the Music." Orion Pictures

"Just Mercy" was elevated by powerful performances and strong messages.

Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx in "Just Mercy." Photo: Jake Giles Netter

Critics showered Ben Affleck in praise for his turn in "The Way Back."

Ben Affleck in "The Way Back." Warner Bros.

"Emma." moved swiftly along with sweeping visuals and charming wit.

Mia Goth and Anya Taylor-Joy in "Emma." Universal

Imperfect, but charming, "Onward" moved most critics to tears.

"Onward" was a 2020 Pixar hit. Pixar

Critics said "Words on Bathroom Walls" handled a delicate subject matter with aplomb.

"Words on Bathroom Walls" was based on Julia Walton's best-selling novel. Roadside Attractions

"Unpregnant" was praised for balancing heart with comedy.

Barbie Ferreira and Haley Lu Richardson in "Unpregnant." HBO

Critics singled out Elisabeth Moss' performance in "The Invisible Man."

Elisabeth Moss in "The Invisible Man." Universal

Critics enjoyed unlocking and unpacking the mysteries in "Enola Holmes."

Millie Bobby Brown in "Enola Holmes." Netflix

"Da 5 Bloods" was praised as one of the best dramas of 2020.

"Da 5 Bloods" had a stellar cast. Netflix

Humor and creative storytelling helped "Palm Springs" stand out.

Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg in "Palm Springs." Neon

Critics marveled at the passionate performances in "Portrait of a Lady on Fire."

Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant in "Portrait of a Lady on Fire." Neon

Positive praise poured in for "Never Rarely Sometimes Always."

Sidney Flanigan in "Never Rarely Sometimes Always." Focus Features

The drama "Miss Juneteenth" captivated critics.

Nicole Beharie and Alexis Chikaeze in "Miss Juneteenth." Vertical Entertainment

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