2020 has undoubtedly been the dumpster fire to end all dumpster fires, but its cinema was as strong as ever. With almost everyone stuck inside, we consumed more media, content, and streaming entertainment than ever before. But even with theaters on the brink, it didn’t mean that we suffered from a lack of new movies; in fact, with a dearth big-budget blockbusters, 2020 was the year for arthouse films and indies to shine. This year was also a milestone for Strange Harbors, as I was able to (virtually) attend three film festivals as accredited press - an immense opportunity that allowed me to see a large number of the films listed below. We’re all eager to move on to 2021, but before we do, let’s take one last look at the best movies that shaped the last 365 days. Minor spoilers ahead…

Writer and filmmaker Lee Isaac-Chung’s semi-autobiographical drama Minari, which follows a Korean American family adjusting to rural life in Arkansas, is the best film of the year. With equal parts melancholy, optimism, and tenderness. the film finds poetic balm within the chase for the American dream. Minor spoilers ahead…