Everything Everywhere All at Once is the safest starting recommendation here if you want a maximalist genre mashup that actually has something meaningful to say about family and meaning. The rest of the page helps you decide when a lower-ranked option fits your situation better.
#1 on this list
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best for a maximalist genre mashup that actually has something meaningful to say about family and meaning
#2 on this list
Parasite
Best for a perfectly constructed thriller that dissects class inequality with escalating tension
#3 on this list
The Power of the Dog
Best for a slow-burn western that deconstructs masculinity through stunning landscapes and restrained performances
#4 on this list
Dune: Part One
Best for a visually overwhelming adaptation that proves epic sci-fi can work with artistic integrity
Use this view if you want the shortlist compressed into fit, rating, and standout tags.
| Rank | Pick | Best for | Standout tags | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Everything Everywhere All at Once | A maximalist genre mashup that actually has something meaningful to say about family and meaning | multiversegenre-bending | 4.8 |
| #2 | Parasite | A perfectly constructed thriller that dissects class inequality with escalating tension | thrillersocial commentary | 4.9 |
| #3 | The Power of the Dog | A slow-burn western that deconstructs masculinity through stunning landscapes and restrained performances | westernJane Campion | 4.5 |
| #4 | Dune: Part One | A visually overwhelming adaptation that proves epic sci-fi can work with artistic integrity | sci-fiVilleneuve | 4.6 |
| #5 | Past Lives | A quietly devastating romance about the paths not taken and the weight of unspoken feelings | romanceindie | 4.7 |
Everything Everywhere All at Once
editorialEverything Everywhere All at Once is especially useful for a maximalist genre mashup that actually has something meaningful to say about family and meaning.
Why it stands out: It is especially strong if you care about a maximalist genre mashup that actually has something meaningful to say about family and meaning and want a pick that still feels aligned with Ranked by lasting cultural and artistic impact, not just box office performance or awards tally..
Parasite
editorialParasite is especially useful for a perfectly constructed thriller that dissects class inequality with escalating tension.
Why it stands out: It is especially strong if you care about a perfectly constructed thriller that dissects class inequality with escalating tension and want a pick that still feels aligned with Ranked by lasting cultural and artistic impact, not just box office performance or awards tally..
The Power of the Dog
editorialThe Power of the Dog is especially useful for a slow-burn western that deconstructs masculinity through stunning landscapes and restrained performances.
Why it stands out: It is especially strong if you care about a slow-burn western that deconstructs masculinity through stunning landscapes and restrained performances and want a pick that still feels aligned with Ranked by lasting cultural and artistic impact, not just box office performance or awards tally..
Dune: Part One
editorialDune: Part One is especially useful for a visually overwhelming adaptation that proves epic sci-fi can work with artistic integrity.
Why it stands out: It is especially strong if you care about a visually overwhelming adaptation that proves epic sci-fi can work with artistic integrity and want a pick that still feels aligned with Ranked by lasting cultural and artistic impact, not just box office performance or awards tally..
Past Lives
editorialPast Lives is especially useful for a quietly devastating romance about the paths not taken and the weight of unspoken feelings.
Why it stands out: It is especially strong if you care about a quietly devastating romance about the paths not taken and the weight of unspoken feelings and want a pick that still feels aligned with Ranked by lasting cultural and artistic impact, not just box office performance or awards tally..
What is the best movie of the 2020s so far?
Parasite remains the decade's defining achievement, winning Best Picture while demonstrating that subtitled cinema can achieve universal cultural impact.
Why is Parasite included when it released in 2019?
Parasite's cultural impact and awards run were entirely 2020, and it shaped the decade's cinema conversation from the start.
Are there notable exclusions from this list?
Films like Oppenheimer, The Batman, and Banshees of Inisherin were strong contenders. This list prioritizes artistic innovation over genre competence.
Will these movies hold up over time?
Films like Past Lives and Parasite deal with universal human themes that age well. More trend-dependent films may fade as cultural contexts shift.
