The 50 Best Movies of 2020

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – January 6, 2021

Here is Metacritic's final list of the 50 best-reviewed movies of 2020, ranked by Metascore. This list only includes films receiving at least 7 reviews from professional critics.

All films released between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 in at least one U.S. theater or directly to streaming or VOD/digital services were eligible for inclusion. Titles are ranked by Metascore (a weighted average of scores from top professional critics) prior to rounding based on scores as of January 3, 2021.

10 of 25 photo by David Lee

88 Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

(#14) For a while, it looked like David Fincher's Mank would be Netflix's best chance at collecting a best picture Oscar this year. Instead, it is this adaptation of August Wilson's play of the same name that is the streaming service's most-acclaimed 2020 film. Retaining a stage-y feel in its vocal deliveries and confined setting yet visually arresting, Rainey follows a day in the life of the titular blues singer (an impressive Viola Davis) and her band in 1920s Chicago. Director George C. Wolfe's film also stars the late Chadwick Boseman in his final performance—and one that could very well earn him a posthumous Oscar.

Watch it at Netflix

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is the year’s best movie thus far, and a fitting tribute to Chadwick Boseman. His loss is still stunning, but oh, what a legacy to leave behind.” —Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal

Where To Buy