It’s that time of year, something I look forward to more than any holiday. It’s almost Oscar Sunday! Wow, this was so much harder than I could’ve imagined. I decided to make a top movie list like I do every year. However, I ran into an issue; I liked far too many movies this year. I also had the honor of screening so many films that I usually would never have gotten to see. Technically speaking, some of these didn’t release this past year, but they are all ones that I got to see within that time frame. So, I decided to do a top ten; those are the ten films that exceeded all expectations and delivered an experience I won’t forget.

1. Last Night in Soho - This seems to be a love it or hate it pick for many. It helps this was one of the first films I saw in theaters after they started to reopen. It’s so much more than that, though! This was the type of film I needed to bring back my love of theaters. 

Last Night in Soho

2. Shiva Baby - Flying under most people’s radar, it is easily one of the most anxiety-driven films I’ve ever seen, and I love it. It’s so hard to cause a viewer anxiety without just throwing stuff at the wall.

Shiva Baby

3. tick, tick... Boom - I love being shocked, and this caught me by surprise. It was on my radar but pretty low on it. I’m a sucker for music-related films, and this was no exception; Andrew Garfield had a pretty big year, and I think this was the best of it without question.

tick, tick... Boom

4. They/Them/Us - The first film on the list that I would assume most of you haven’t seen. You should remedy that; this was one of the first screeners I received and was such a breath of fresh air, an adult comedy that had me smiling and laughing throughout.

They/Them/Us

5. CODA - Another of those below the radar releases for me. I hadn’t heard of it until I saw it come up on my queue of things I need to watch for the early Oscar Death Race films. If you haven’t seen it or don’t know what it’s about, keep it that way and watch it.

CODA

6. Worst Person in the World - Each year, there are international films nominated that end up being a letdown for me; this year was no exception. However, two nominees made my top ten, and I don't know if that’s ever happened!

Worst Person in the World

7. You Will Remember Me - This was released right before COVID in Canada but just released here in the US via VOD. One of the most influential films I’ve seen in recent years. Very reminiscent of THE FATHER in some ways, I won’t forget this one anytime soon.

8. Drive My Car - A slow burn, and I enjoyed every minute; very little happens but ultimately, so much. If that sounds confusing, it’s because it’s a life story—the things that happen and how people handle day-to-day events. The most straightforward stories are often the best.

Drive My Car

9. Millie Lies Low - I wasn’t expecting this one at all, a random screener that I received for a film premiering at the SXSW film festival. I recently reviewed it, and it is another film that will miss a large audience, but I most definitely recommend checking it out when available.

10. The French Dispatch - It’s hard to go wrong with Wes Anderson, he’s not for everyone, but if you appreciate his films, you will likely love this one. This is the most “Wes Anderson” film I’ve ever seen. It is a story that is all over the place, but the beauty in each frame speaks for itself.

The French Dispatch

These are the remaining 17 to fill out my top 27 (you know, since the Oscars are on the 27th.) These are just in alpha order; they are all incredible films that stuck with me for one reason or another. I questioned several in this batch if I genuinely enjoyed them, but they all had something about them that I couldn’t place my finger on.

After Yang
Belfast
Dunk or Die
Encanto
Four Good Days
House of Gucci
Nightmare Alley
No Time to Die
Parallel Mothers
Playground
Shang-Chi
Spencer
Spiderman: No Way Home
Summer of Soul
The Cursed
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Turning Red

These are my honorable mention; they round out the best films I saw. It’s not that these aren’t worthy of the top, but they just didn’t impact me the same way the top sections did. Remember that I watch hundreds of films a year, so being in the top 30ish is still pretty impressive!

Honorable Mention:
Black Widow
Fauci
I'm the Heights
King Richard
Passing
President
The Green Knight
The Race to Save the World
West Side Story
Why Is We Americans?