The 20 best movies of 2020 that you have to see, so far

Jason Guerrasio,Kirsten AcunaSep 27, 2020, 17:25 IST

(L-R) If you need something light, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will bring you some hearty laughs in "Bad Boys for Life."Sony

2020 has been awful for Hollywood new releases, but it's not all bad.
We highlight the best movies of the year.
Included (so far): "Mulan," "Da 5 Bloods," "Bad Boys for Life," and "The Trial of the Chicago 7."

Let's face it, 2020 has been bad. Really bad.

But at least we still have movies. Whether it's through streaming, premium video on demand, or at the movie theater (if it's safe), we have been treated with a great range of stories. They have come from masters like Spike Lee ("Da 5 Bloods") and Christopher Nolan ("Tenet") while others have come from budding talents like Regina King (her directorial debut "One Night in Miami") and Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah ("Bad Boys for Life").

We'll continue to add to this list as the year progresses, but for now, here are the best movies of 2020 we've watched so far.

"The Assistant" shows an office environment pre #MeToo.

Julia Garner in "The Assistant." Bleecker Street

"Bad Boys for Life" surprised everyone as the first big popcorn movie of the year.

With no "Fast" fam in 2020, we now all ride or die with the "Bad Boys." Sony

"Da 5 Bloods" is Spike Lee's best work in years.

Delroy Lindo in Spike Lee's "Da 5 Bloods." Netflix

"Feels Good Man" will make you wonder if a meme helped influence the 2016 election.

If you're not familiar with the Pepe the Frog internet meme, buckle in for your mind to get blown. Giorgio Angelini, "Feels Good Man"

"The Invisible Man" will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Elisabeth Moss in "The Invisible Man." Universal

"The King of Staten Island" shows off Pete Davidson's talents and Judd Apatow's growth as a storyteller.

Pete Davidson (center) in "The King of Staten Island." Universal

"Mulan" is Disney's best live-action remake to date that really deserved to be seen on the big screen.

Liu Yifei brings a new strength to the character of Mulan that's worth rooting for. Walt Disney Studios

"Nomadland" may give Frances McDormand her next Oscar.

Frances McDormand in "Nomadland." Searchlight Pictures

"The Old Guard" is fueled by thrilling action sequences that we can't get enough of.

Charlize Theron in "The Old Guard." Netflix

"One Night in Miami" is Regina King's directorial debut, and she is as big of a talent behind the camera as she is in front of it.

Regina King's "One Night in Miami." Amazon Studios

"Sound of Metal" is a beautiful movie about coming to terms with an abrupt, life-altering change in your life.

We need to be more accepting of others' differences. "Sounds of Metal" opens a door into the deaf community. Amazon Prime

"Palm Springs" has cemented stars Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg in the category of all-time best rom-com couples.

Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg in "Palm Springs." Lonely Island Classics

"Pieces of a Woman" features a must-see performance by Vanessa Kirby.

Shia LaBeouf and Vanessa Kirby in "Pieces of a Woman." Netflix

"Project Power" is a refreshing addition to the superhero franchise.

"Project Power" is a thrill ride. Netflix

"The Rental" is an impressive thriller from Dave Franco.

Dan Stevens and Alison Brie in "The Rental." IFC Films

"The Social Dilemma" may make you want to delete a few apps from your phone.

Bottom line: If you're on social media or have kids who are addicted to it, you need to watch this documentary. Netflix

"Swallow" star Haley Bennet delivers one of the best performances of the year.

Haley Bennet in "Swallow." IFC Films

"The Trial of the Chicago 7" at times feels like it's addressing things going on right now in today's world.

(L-R) Sasha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong on "The Trial of the Chicago 7." Netflix

"Tenet" is a movie that will not be fully appreciated until years from now.

John David Washington in "Tenet." Warner Bros.

Grownups could even learn a thing or two right now from the "Trolls" sequel which has a strong message about unity and acceptance.

This surprised us as one of the strongest animated movies of the year so far. It's definitely worth a watch with the whole family. DreamWorks Animation

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