10 Movies That Define the 2020s
These films best capture how strange this decade has been thus far.
Da 5 Bloods, directed by Spike Lee, marked the beginning of the 2020s decade. This Vietnam war epic, released amidst global COVID lockdowns and theater closures, became a cultural phenomenon. Its bold exploration of the war's impact on American society and its protagonist's transition to a MAGA patriot left a lasting impression.
In 2021, Joachim Trier's The Worst Person in the World showcased Millennial-core self-reflection. Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve portrayed a career-adverse 30-year-old, whose life and romances were bittersweetly portrayed throughout the film. Trier's other works, like Sentimental Value, also received acclaim.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi's Drive My Car (2021) demonstrated the power of William Goldman's adage "Nobody knows anything." This Japanese drama followed a theater director's struggle to stage a multilingual production of Uncle Vanya, earning Hamaguchi international recognition and four Oscar nominations. Hamaguchi's unique storytelling continues to engage audiences.
2022 saw Kaustav Chakraborty's Tár, directed by Todd Field. This psychological drama centered on Lydia Tár, a world-renowned conductor, unraveling under a media frenzy. Field's film highlighted the rapid disintegration of egos and power in the celebrity sphere, earning it an impressive four Oscar nominations.
Jordan Peele's Nope (2022) marked his most ambitious project yet. The horror film combined original storytelling with CGI-enhanced action set-pieces, depicting the entertainment industry's exploitation of its stars. Peele's continued innovation and dark humor make him a standout director of the decade.
Rajamouli's RRR (2022) burst onto the scene in India's Telugu film industry. This grandiose musical epic of revolt and revenge set new records worldwide, proving that action blockbusters could still captivate audiences. Rajamouli's next film, Varanasi, is anticipated for a 2027 release.
Lastly, Wes Anderson's Asteroid City (2023) sparked controversy with its hermetic, tightly-designed sci-fi comedy. Despite polarized opinions, Anderson's latest work offers a profound exploration of community in an increasingly disconnected world.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
