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| Meta Title | 10 Best Movies Released During the Pandemic, Ranked | |||||||||
| Meta Description | From musicals like West Side Story to Westerns like The Power of the Dog, these are the best movies released during the pandemic years. | |||||||||
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| Boilerpipe Text | The worldwide pandemic humanity experienced starting in 2019 was horrific and impacted so many, leaving emotional and physical scars that many are still trying to recover from. While it was less important than the personal lives of those who lost so much, the Hollywood film industry was also impacted. Movies were released during the pandemic, but most were significantly affected. However, this doesn't mean that good movies didn't come out. In fact, some great movies were rather underappreciated because of it. Whether it be from a massively talented director like Christopher Nolan , the newest entertaining Marvel flick , or a smaller-budget project, great movies still came out throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022. Some absolutely phenomenal films were released during the pandemic and deserve to be recognized; a few could even be considered some of the best movies of the last ten years. This list will rank the best pandemic releases based on their overall quality and how big a splash they made during one of the toughest years in modern history. 10
'Tenet' (2020)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
There's no question that Christopher Nolan is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of the modern age. Whether it be because of his original films like Interstellar and Inception or his DC films with The Dark Knight trilogy, people truly look forward to whatever he has in store, to the point where his name is enough to attract large crowds to the theater, regardless of who's starring in the movie. In 2020, his latest project, Tenet , was released. While it wasn't as good as his other projects, and some even consider it his weakest effort to date, Tenet was still positively received by both critics and fans alike. Much like 2010's Inception , the science behind the concept was a tad too hard for casual moviegoers to understand. However, Tenet deserves praise for being so daring and attempting to do something unique with its premise . 9
'No Time to Die' (2021)
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga
Daniel Craig 's James Bond is a fan favorite among the many actors who have played the agent over the years. So, when it came time to wrap up his tenure as the character, people flocked to the theaters (as much as they could during the pandemic) to see No Time to Die . Although far from the best Bond movie, the flick was action-packed and entertaining, a good send-off for Craig'sv. No Time to Die did a great job at wrapping up the ongoing plot threads from previous movies and Craig's Bond's character arc. The ending did something unique for the character and went in a way that had never really been done in the franchise before. The actor also came in with a great performance, meshing well with Oscar-winner Rami Malek , who played the film's villain. 8
'Nomadland' (2020)
Directed by Chloé Zhao
Thanks to Chloé Zhao , the decade of the 2020s kicked off on a high note. Nomadland is pretty dang good as it is, but even with its incredible quality, Frances McDorman d lifts it on her shoulders and carries it all the way through. The screenplay offers an excellent commentary on the modern-day economy and the effects it has on the citizens living under it. These two women came together to make one giant powerhouse of a movie that shakes the ground beneath the cinematic landscape. Due to its more introspective and quiet approach, Nomadland did not get as much attention from audiences as it deserved, but the industry embraced it and crowned it the Best Picture of 2020. Nomadland is something truly special that truly delivers an incredible message to viewers everywhere. It's a minimalist film that executes its heartfelt and emotional story perfectly. 7
'A Quiet Place Part II' (2021)
Directed by John Krasinski
After the massive success that was the first A Quiet Place movie, it was bound to get a sequel and the follow-up film hit screens during the pandemic in 2021. A Quiet Place Part II suffered from a lot of delays due to its original release date being at the height of the pandemic. When it finally came to screens on May 28th, 2021, it became one of Paramount's many films to have a same-day streaming release. Much like the first entry in the franchise, A Quiet Place Part II received wide praise. Actor-turned-director John Krasinski showed that his directing skills are not to be trifled with. The film was a borderline perfect continuation of the first A Quiet Place and did everything needed to make it so much more than just a sequel. Bigger, bolder, and scarier, A Quiet Place Part II is definitely one of the best horror flicks of the last 5 years . 6
'West Side Story' (2021)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
West Side Story is one of the most famous musicals ever. When the talented Steven Spielberg announced he'd make it for the modern era, people were pretty excited but also understandably hesitant. The casting of the extremely gifted and skilled Rachel Zegler as Maria improved the film's chances, ultimately resulting in one of the best movie musicals of the 21st century . Funny enough, even despite its reputation as a story, the 2021 remake of West Side Story was criminally underseen. It was beautifully shot, vibrant, and full of old-school charm, while the choreography and musical performances were top-notch. Undoubtedly, West Side Story is one of the best modern-day musicals ever made , and the fact that it wasn't seen as much as it should have been is a major disservice to the quality of the project. 5
'Drive My Car' (2021)
Directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Cinephiles know all too well that when it comes to amazing films, some of the best come from overseas. Drive My Car is a Japanese dramatic film that may have a slower pace than most, but worth the wait every time. Ryûsuke Hamaguchi utilizes long shots that hold their frame, allowing audiences to sit with the content before them, helping the experience feel more effective and genuine. Projects like this, which let viewers live in the world with the characters, make people connect with them even more than they could in another filmmaking style. This approach to storytelling makes the narrative stakes so much more impactful and authentic . Drive My Car is 100% worth stepping over the language barrier for English audiences. 4
'The Power of the Dog' (2021)
Directed by Jane Campion
Before the era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and superhero films in general, Westerns used to dominate the film landscape. While they don't come around as often anymore, The Power of the Dog is proof that it hasn't been overdone, and filmmakers can return to the Western era and make some amazing content. Starring the ever-talented Benedict Cumberbatch , Kirsten Dunst , Jesse Plemons , and a revelatory Kodi Smit-McPhee , the cast and crew help bring audiences back to this era and keep it feeling unique. Jane Campion does a stellar job exploring themes of gender, sexuality, masculinity, desire, and repression . Addressing such delicate issues in such an old, "manly" type of genre was a perfect way to bring a story like this to life, crafting a modern revisionist Western that demystifies and recontextualizes the idea of the cowboy and the American West . 3
'Minari' (2020)
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung The world loves Steven Yeun , and it shows. He can go from a show like Invincible to a film like Minari like it's nothing. His profoundly moving and electric performance in the latter does wonders not only for showing off his range but for making the movie ten times better. The script is a powerful look at family and legacy, further powered by an impressive cast, including an Oscar-winning Youn Yuh-Jung . The screenplay isn't the only charming thing about Minari , because director Lee Isaac Chung and cinematographer Lachlan Milne know how to film gorgeous imagery. The photography of the movie makes it such a joy to watch. It also finds a way to elevate the plot tenfold. Not only is it one of the best films of the pandemic, but one of the best in the 2020s as a whole. It's a wonderful dissection of immigration and the complexities behind it . 2
'Judas and the Black Messiah' (2021)
Directed by Shaka King
If there was an astoundingly moving and important film that was released during the pandemic, it was Judas and the Black Messiah . Brought to audiences by Shaka King and a stellar cast that includes an Oscar-winning Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield , the movie is more than just a "good flick." The plot was truly impactful and sent an incredible message. Judas and the Black Messiah won people over not only with its story and performances but also through its technical achievements. The cinematography by Oscar-nominee Sean Bobbitt is beautiful and the overall direction by Shaka King brings this project together in a way that no other movie did during this era. Judas and the Black Messiah is a brilliant depiction of timely themes enhanced by a trio of powerful performances that rank among the best of the 2020s. 1
'Dune' (2021)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Dune is known as one of the original and foundational sci-fi stories . Frank Herbert wrote the iconic novel in 1963 and set so many tropes and precedents that have come to be synonymous with the genre. In fact, many can see the overt influence of Herbert's work in some of the greatest sci-fi works in modern cinema, most notably George Lucas with Star Wars . When the film hit theaters, it was huge, pandemic be damned. Despite a day-and-date release on Max, people still went to see this gigantic movie on an equally gigantic screen. It grossed $407.7 million worldwide, which was super impressive for pandemic times. It had a titanic cast and visuals that were stunning in service of an emotionally resonant story that did justice to the notoriously daunting novel . It also managed to win six Oscars, although Denis Villeneuve 's snub for best director remains controversial. NEXT: The 10 Best Family and Kids Movies of 2024, Ranked | |||||||||
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# 10 Best Movies Released During the Pandemic, Ranked
Custom Image by Federico Napoli
[](https://collider.com/author/edward-possehl/)
By [Eddie Possehl](https://collider.com/author/edward-possehl/)
Published Jan 16, 2025
Eddie Possehl is a dynamic and driven writer/director with a passion for the written word and all things film, television, comics, and games. His passion for storytelling led him to establish his own production company in hopes of achieving his dreams.
His dedication to his craft has attracted renowned talent like Yuri Lowenthal to collaborate with him on his projects. As he grows and improves, Eddie is a shining example of a self-starter.
[Sign in to your Collider account]()
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Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like Iâm 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
The worldwide pandemic humanity experienced starting in 2019 was horrific and impacted so many, leaving emotional and physical scars that many are still trying to recover from. While it was less important than the personal lives of those who lost so much, the Hollywood film industry was also impacted. Movies were released during the pandemic, but most were significantly affected. However, this doesn't mean that good movies didn't come out. In fact, some great movies were rather underappreciated because of it.
Whether it be from a massively talented director like **Christopher** **Nolan**, [the newest entertaining Marvel flick](https://collider.com/mcu-movies-entertaining-ranked/), or a smaller-budget project, great movies still came out throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022. Some absolutely phenomenal films were released during the pandemic and deserve to be recognized; a few could even be considered some of the best movies of the last ten years. **This list will rank the best pandemic releases** based on their overall quality and how big a splash they made during one of the toughest years in modern history.
## 10 'Tenet' (2020)
### Directed by Christopher Nolan
John David Washington's The Protagonist at a military base in Tenet
Image via Warner Bros.
There's no question that [Christopher Nolan is one of the most acclaimed](https://collider.com/christopher-nolan-best-quote-every-movie-ranked/) filmmakers of the modern age. Whether it be because of his original films like [***Interstellar***](https://collider.com/tag/interstellar/) and [***Inception***](https://collider.com/tag/inception/) or his DC films with [***The Dark Knight***](https://collider.com/tag/the-dark-knight/) trilogy, people truly look forward to whatever he has in store, to the point where his name is enough to attract large crowds to the theater, regardless of who's starring in the movie.
In 2020, his latest project, [***Tenet***](https://collider.com/tag/tenet/), was released. While it wasn't as good as his other projects, and some even consider it his weakest effort to date, *Tenet* was still positively received by both critics and fans alike. Much like 2010's *Inception*, the science behind the concept was a tad too hard for casual moviegoers to understand. However, *Tenet* deserves praise for being so **daring and attempting to do something unique with its premise**.
##### [Tenet](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/tenet/ "Tenet")
PG-13
[Action](https://collider.com/tag/action/)
[Thriller](https://collider.com/tag/thriller/)
[Science Fiction](https://collider.com/tag/science-fiction/)
9 10
9\.1*/10*
**Release Date**
August 22, 2020
**Cast**
[John David Washington](https://collider.com/tag/john-david-washington/), [Robert Pattinson](https://collider.com/tag/robert-pattinson/), [Elizabeth Debicki](https://collider.com/tag/elizabeth-debicki/), [Kenneth Branagh](https://collider.com/tag/kenneth-branagh/), Dimple Kapadia, [Michael Caine](https://collider.com/tag/michael-caine/), [Martin Donovan](https://collider.com/tag/martin-donovan/), [Fiona Dourif](https://collider.com/tag/fiona-dourif/), Yuri Kolokolnikov, [Himesh Patel](https://collider.com/tag/himesh-patel/), [Clemence Poesy](https://collider.com/tag/clemence-poesy/), [Aaron Taylor-Johnson](https://collider.com/tag/aaron-taylor-johnson/), Laurie Shepherd, Anthony Molinari, Juhan Ulfsak, Jefferson Hall, Ivo Uukkivi, [Andrew Howard](https://collider.com/tag/andrew-howard/), Rich Ceraulo Ko, Jonathan Camp, Wes Chatham, Sander Rebane, [Josh Stewart](https://collider.com/tag/josh-stewart/), Denzil Smith, Jeremy Theobald
**Runtime**
150 minutes
**Writers**
[Christopher Nolan](https://collider.com/tag/christopher-nolan/)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/tenet/)
Expand Collapse
## 9 'No Time to Die' (2021)
### Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga
James Bond stands in a tuxedo in a busy party, looking around suspiciously as a spotlight picks him out.
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
[**Daniel Craig**'s James Bond is a fan favorite](https://collider.com/daniel-craig-james-bond-themes-ranked/) among the many actors who have played the agent over the years. So, when it came time to wrap up his tenure as the character, people flocked to the theaters (as much as they could during the pandemic) to see [***No Time to Die***](https://collider.com/tag/no-time-to-die/). Although far from the best Bond movie, the flick was action-packed and entertaining, a good send-off for Craig'sv.
*No Time to Die* did a great job at wrapping up the ongoing plot threads from previous movies and Craig's Bond's character arc. **The ending did something unique for the character** and went in a way that had never really been done in the franchise before. The actor also came in with a great performance, meshing well with Oscar-winner **Rami Malek**, who played the film's villain.
##### [No Time to Die](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/no-time-to-die/ "No Time to Die")
PG-13
[Action](https://collider.com/tag/action/)
[Thriller](https://collider.com/tag/thriller/)
[Adventure](https://collider.com/tag/adventure/)
7\.9*/10*
**Release Date**
October 8, 2021
**Cast**
[Daniel Craig](https://collider.com/tag/daniel-craig/), [Lea Seydoux](https://collider.com/tag/lea-seydoux/), [Rami Malek](https://collider.com/tag/rami-malek/), [Lashana Lynch](https://collider.com/tag/lashana-lynch/), [Ralph Fiennes](https://collider.com/tag/ralph-fiennes/), [Ben Whishaw](https://collider.com/tag/ben-whishaw/), [Naomie Harris](https://collider.com/tag/naomie-harris/), [Rory Kinnear](https://collider.com/tag/rory-kinnear/), [Jeffrey Wright](https://collider.com/tag/jeffrey-wright/), [Billy Magnussen](https://collider.com/tag/billy-magnussen/), [Christoph Waltz](https://collider.com/tag/christoph-waltz/), [David Dencik](https://collider.com/tag/david-dencik/), [Ana De Armas](https://collider.com/tag/ana-de-armas/), Dali Benssalah, Lisa-Dorah Sonnet, Coline Defaud, Mathilde Bourbin, Hugh Dennis, Priyanga Burford, Joe Grossi, Nicola Olivieri, Pio Amato, Javone Prince, Davina Moon, Amy Morgan
**Runtime**
163 Minutes
**Writers**
Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga, [Phoebe Waller-Bridge](https://collider.com/tag/phoebe-waller-bridge/)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/no-time-to-die/)
Expand Collapse
## 8 'Nomadland' (2020)
### Directed by Chloé Zhao
Fern standing in an open rural field in Nomadland (2020)
Image via Searchlight Pictures
Thanks to **Chloé Zhao**, the decade of the 2020s kicked off on a high note. [***Nomadland***](https://collider.com/tag/nomadland/) is pretty dang good as it is, but even with its incredible quality, **Frances McDorman****d** lifts it on her shoulders and carries it all the way through. The screenplay offers **an excellent commentary on the modern-day economy** and the effects it has on the citizens living under it.
These two women came together to make **one giant powerhouse of a movie** that shakes the ground beneath the cinematic landscape. Due to its more introspective and quiet approach, *Nomadland* did not get as much attention from audiences as it deserved, but the industry embraced it and crowned it the Best Picture of 2020. *Nomadland* is something truly special that truly delivers an incredible message to viewers everywhere. [It's a minimalist film](https://collider.com/minimalist-movies-best-ranked/) that executes its heartfelt and emotional story perfectly.
##### [Nomadland](https://collider.com/tag/nomadland/ "Nomadland")
R
[Drama](https://collider.com/tag/drama/)
8\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
February 19, 2021
**Cast**
Bob Wells, Swankie, [Frances McDormand](https://collider.com/tag/frances-mcdormand/), Linda May, Derek Endres, David Straitham
**Runtime**
107 minutes
**Writers**
[Chloé Zhao](https://collider.com/tag/chloe-zhao/)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/nomadland/)
Expand Collapse
## 7 'A Quiet Place Part II' (2021)
### Directed by John Krasinski
Emily Blunt in A Quiet Place Part 2
Image via Paramount Pictures
After the massive success that was the first [***A Quiet Place***](https://collider.com/tag/a-quiet-place/) movie, it was bound to get a sequel and the follow-up film hit screens during the pandemic in 2021. [***A Quiet Place Part II***](https://collider.com/tag/a-quiet-place-2/) suffered from a lot of delays due to its original release date being at the height of the pandemic. When it finally came to screens on May 28th, 2021, it became one of Paramount's many films to have a same-day streaming release.
Much like the first entry in the franchise, *A Quiet Place Part II* received wide praise. Actor-turned-director **John Krasinski** showed that his directing skills are not to be trifled with. The film was **a borderline perfect continuation** of the first *A Quiet Place* and did everything needed to make it so much more than just a sequel. Bigger, bolder, and scarier, *A Quiet Place Part II* is definitely one of the [best horror flicks of the last 5 years](https://collider.com/horror-movies-last-5-years-scariest-ranked/).
##### [A Quiet Place Part II](https://collider.com/tag/a-quiet-place-part-ii/ "A Quiet Place Part II")
PG-13
[Science Fiction](https://collider.com/tag/science-fiction/)
[Thriller](https://collider.com/tag/thriller/)
[Horror](https://collider.com/tag/horror/)
9\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
May 21, 2021
**Cast**
[John Krasinski](https://collider.com/tag/john-krasinski/), [Emily Blunt](https://collider.com/tag/emily-blunt/), Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, [Cillian Murphy](https://collider.com/tag/cillian-murphy/), [Djimon Hounsou](https://collider.com/tag/djimon-hounsou/), Okieriete Onaodowan, [Scoot McNairy](https://collider.com/tag/scoot-mcnairy/), Zachary Golinger, Blake DeLong, Silas Pereira-Olson, Alice Sophie Malyukova, Ashley Dyke, Barbara Singer, David Lundy, Wayne Duvall, Lauren-Ashley Cristiano, Robert A. Coldicott, Sheri Fairchild, Kyle Licht, Scott Matheny, Gary Sundown, Bill Smith
**Runtime**
96 minutes
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/a-quiet-place-part-ii-1794760/)
Expand Collapse
## 6 'West Side Story' (2021)
### Directed by Steven Spielberg
Ariana Debose and David Alvarez dancing during the song "America" in West Side Story
Image via 20th Century Studios
[***West Side Story***](https://collider.com/tag/west-side-story/)is one of the most famous musicals ever. When the talented **Steven Spielberg** announced he'd make it for the modern era, people were pretty excited but also understandably hesitant. The casting of the extremely gifted and skilled **Rachel Zegler** as Maria improved the film's chances, ultimately resulting in one of the [best movie musicals of the 21st century](https://collider.com/best-movie-musicals-of-the-21st-century/).
Funny enough, even despite its reputation as a story, the 2021 remake of *West Side Story* was criminally underseen.It was beautifully shot, vibrant, and full of old-school charm, while the choreography and musical performances were top-notch. Undoubtedly, *West Side Story* is **one of the best modern-day musicals ever made**, and the fact that it wasn't seen as much as it should have been is a major disservice to the quality of the project.
##### [West Side Story](https://collider.com/tag/west-side-story/ "West Side Story")
PG-13
[Drama](https://collider.com/tag/drama/)
Crime
[Musical](https://collider.com/tag/musical/)
9\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
December 10, 2021
**Cast**
Mike Iveson, [Ansel Elgort](https://collider.com/tag/ansel-elgort/), Ariana DeBose, Yassmin Alers, Iris Menas, [Rachel Zegler](https://collider.com/tag/rachel-zegler/), Annelise Cepero, [Corey Stoll](https://collider.com/tag/corey-stoll/), Josh Andrés, Josh Andrés Rivera, [Rita Moreno](https://collider.com/tag/rita-moreno/), Jamila Velazquez, Brian D'Arcy James, David Alvarez, Rory Curtiss Cook, Jamie Harris
**Runtime**
156 minutes
**Writers**
Tony Kushner
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/west-side-story/)
Expand Collapse
## 5 'Drive My Car' (2021)
### Directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Image via Bitters End
Cinephiles know all too well that when it comes to amazing films, some of the best come from overseas. [***Drive My Car***](https://collider.com/tag/drive-my-car/) is [a Japanese dramatic film](https://collider.com/japanese-movies-2020s-ranked/) that may have a slower pace than most, but worth the wait every time. **Ryûsuke Hamaguchi** utilizes long shots that hold their frame, allowing audiences to sit with the content before them, helping the experience feel more effective and genuine.
Projects like this, which let viewers live in the world with the characters, make people connect with them even more than they could in another filmmaking style. This approach to storytelling **makes the narrative stakes so much more impactful and authentic**. *Drive My Car* is 100% worth stepping over the language barrier for English audiences.
##### [Drive My Car](https://collider.com/tag/drive-my-car/ "Drive My Car")
tv-14
[Drama](https://collider.com/tag/drama/)
9\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
November 24, 2021
**Cast**
Toko Miura, Park Yurim, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Reika Kirishima, Masaki Okada, Jin Daeyeon
**Runtime**
179 minutes
**Writers**
Takamasa Oe, Ryusuke Hamaguchi
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/drive-my-car/)
Expand Collapse
## 4 'The Power of the Dog' (2021)
### Directed by Jane Campion
Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank on an empty field in The Power of the Dog
Image via Netflix
Before the era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and superhero films in general, Westerns used to dominate the film landscape. While they don't come around as often anymore, [***The Power of the Dog***](https://collider.com/tag/the-power-of-the-dog/) is proof that it hasn't been overdone, and filmmakers can return to the Western era and make some amazing content.
Starring [the ever-talented **Benedict Cumberbatch**](https://collider.com/benedict-cumberbatch-movies-ranked/), **Kirsten Dunst**, **Jesse Plemons**, and a revelatory **Kodi Smit-McPhee**, the cast and crew help bring audiences back to this era and keep it feeling unique. **Jane Campion** does a stellar job **exploring themes of gender, sexuality, masculinity, desire, and repression**. Addressing such delicate issues in such an old, "manly" type of genre was a perfect way to bring a story like this to life, crafting a modern revisionist Western that **demystifies and recontextualizes the idea of the cowboy and the American West**.
##### [The Power of the Dog](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/the-power-of-the-dog/ "The Power of the Dog")
R
Western
[Drama](https://collider.com/tag/drama/)
7\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
November 17, 2021
**Cast**
[Frances Conroy](https://collider.com/tag/frances-conroy/), [Jesse Plemons](https://collider.com/tag/jesse-plemons/), [Kirsten Dunst](https://collider.com/tag/kirsten-dunst/), [Thomasin McKenzie](https://collider.com/tag/thomasin-mckenzie/), Peter Carroll, [Adam Beach](https://collider.com/tag/adam-beach/), [Kodi Smit-McPhee](https://collider.com/tag/kodi-smit-mcphee/), Keith Carradine, [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://collider.com/tag/benedict-cumberbatch/)
**Runtime**
126 minutes
**Writers**
[Jane Campion](https://collider.com/tag/jane-campion/)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/the-power-of-the-dog/)
Expand Collapse
## 3 'Minari' (2020)
### Directed by Lee Isaac Chung
The cast of Minari
Image via A24
The world loves **Steven Yeun**, and it shows. He can go from a show like [***Invincible***](https://collider.com/tag/invincible/) to a film like [***Minari***](https://collider.com/tag/minari/) like it's nothing. His profoundly moving and electric performance in the latter does wonders not only for showing off his range but for making the movie ten times better. The script is a powerful look at family and legacy, further powered by an impressive cast, including an Oscar-winning **Youn Yuh-Jung**.
The screenplay isn't the only charming thing about *Minari*, because director **Lee Isaac Chung** and cinematographer **Lachlan Milne** know how to film gorgeous imagery. The photography of the movie makes it such a joy to watch. It also finds a way to elevate the plot tenfold. Not only is it one of the best films of the pandemic, but one of the best in the 2020s as a whole. It's [a wonderful dissection of immigration](https://collider.com/immigration-movies-ranked/) **and the complexities behind it**.
##### [Minari](https://collider.com/tag/minari/ "Minari")
PG-13
[Drama](https://collider.com/tag/drama/)
9\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
December 11, 2020
**Cast**
[Will Patton](https://collider.com/tag/will-patton/), [Steven Yeun](https://collider.com/tag/steven-yeun/), Noel Kate Cho, Scott Haze, Alan Kim, Yeri Han, Yuh-Jung Youn
**Runtime**
115 minutes
**Writers**
[Lee Isaac Chung](https://collider.com/tag/lee-isaac-chung/)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/minari/)
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## 2 'Judas and the Black Messiah' (2021)
### Directed by Shaka King
Image via Warner Bros.
If there was an astoundingly moving and important film that was released during the pandemic, it was [***Judas and the Black Messiah***](https://collider.com/tag/judas-and-the-black-messiah/). Brought to audiences by **Shaka King** and a stellar cast that includes an Oscar-winning **Daniel Kaluuya** and **LaKeith Stanfield**,the movie is more than just a "good flick." The plot was truly impactful and sent an incredible message.
*Judas and the Black Messiah* won people over not only with its story and performances but also through its technical achievements. The cinematography by Oscar-nominee **Sean Bobbitt** is beautiful and the overall direction by Shaka King brings this project together in a way that no other movie did during this era. *Judas and the Black Messiah* is **a brilliant depiction of timely themes** enhanced by a trio of powerful performances that rank among the best of the 2020s.
##### [Judas and the Black Messiah](https://collider.com/tag/judas-and-the-black-messiah/ "Judas and the Black Messiah")
R
Biography
[Drama](https://collider.com/tag/drama/)
[History](https://collider.com/tag/history/)
**Release Date**
February 12, 2021
**Runtime**
126minutes
**Director**
Shaka King
**Cast**
[Algee Smith](https://collider.com/tag/algee-smith/), [LaKeith Stanfield](https://collider.com/tag/lakeith-stanfield/), [Lil Rel Howery](https://collider.com/tag/lil-rel-howery/), [Dominique Thorne](https://collider.com/tag/person/dominique-thorne/), [Jesse Plemons](https://collider.com/tag/jesse-plemons/), [Jermaine Fowler](https://collider.com/tag/jermaine-fowler/), Ashton Sanders, [Dominique Fishback](https://collider.com/tag/dominique-fishback/), Terayle Hill, [Martin Sheen](https://collider.com/tag/martin-sheen/), [Daniel Kaluuya](https://collider.com/tag/daniel-kaluuya/)
**Writers**
Shaka King, Will Berson
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/judas-and-the-black-messiah/)
Expand Collapse
## 1 'Dune' (2021)
### Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Lady Jessica Altreides (Rebecca Ferguson) walking alongside Paul Altreides Dune (2021)
Image via Warner Bros.
[***Dune***](https://collider.com/tag/dune/) is known as one of the [original and foundational sci-fi stories](https://collider.com/best-sci-fi-movies-since-pandemic-ranked/). **Frank Herbert** wrote the iconic novel in 1963 and set so many tropes and precedents that have come to be synonymous with the genre. In fact, many can see the overt influence of Herbert's work in some of the greatest sci-fi works in modern cinema, most notably **George Lucas** with [***Star Wars***](https://collider.com/tag/star-wars/).
When the film hit theaters, it was huge, pandemic be damned. Despite a day-and-date release on Max, people still went to see this gigantic movie on an equally gigantic screen. It grossed [\$407.7 million](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1160419/) worldwide, which was super impressive for pandemic times. It had a titanic cast and visuals that were stunning in service of an **emotionally resonant story that did justice to the notoriously daunting novel**. It also managed to win six Oscars, although **Denis Villeneuve**'s snub for best director remains controversial.
##### [Dune](https://collider.com/tag/dune/ "Dune")
PG-13
[Adventure](https://collider.com/tag/adventure/)
Sci-Fi
[Fantasy](https://collider.com/tag/fantasy/)
9\.3*/10*
**Release Date**
September 15, 2021
**Cast**
[Timothée Chalamet](https://collider.com/tag/timothee-chalamet/), [Rebecca Ferguson](https://collider.com/tag/rebecca-ferguson/), [Oscar Isaac](https://collider.com/tag/oscar-isaac/), [Jason Momoa](https://collider.com/tag/jason-momoa/), [Stellan SkarsgÄrd](https://collider.com/tag/stellan-skarsgard/), Stephen McKinley Henderson, [Josh Brolin](https://collider.com/tag/josh-brolin/), [Javier Bardem](https://collider.com/tag/javier-bardem/), [Sharon Duncan-Brewster](https://collider.com/tag/sharon-duncan-brewster/), Chang Chen, [Dave Bautista](https://collider.com/tag/dave-bautista/), [David Dastmalchian](https://collider.com/tag/david-dastmalchian/), Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Babs Olusanmokun, Benjamin Clémentine, Souad Faress, Golda Rosheuvel, Roger Yuan, Seun Shote, Neil Bell, Oliver Ryan, Stephen Collins, Charlie Rawes, Richard Carter
**Runtime**
155 minutes
**Writers**
Denis Villeneuve, Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts, Frank Herbert
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/movie/dune/)
Expand Collapse
NEXT: [The 10 Best Family and Kids Movies of 2024, Ranked](https://collider.com/best-family-kids-movies-2024-ranked/)
- [ Dune](https://collider.com/tag/dune/ "Dune")
- [ Minari](https://collider.com/tag/minari/ "Minari")
- [ A Quiet Place: Part II](https://collider.com/tag/a-quiet-place-part-ii/ "A Quiet Place: Part II")
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### [The 15 Best Family and Kids Movies of 2024, Ranked](https://collider.com/best-family-kids-movies-2024-ranked/ "The 15 Best Family and Kids Movies of 2024, Ranked")
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