In 2017, the US movie industry alone was worth $43 billion. That’s pretty crazy, right?
It’s safe to say that we’re a nation – or even world – of movie lovers. So for most of us, the fact that we can’t get to the cinema right now is killing us! But we’ve got a way to help all lovers of the big screen get through these tough times.
We’ve put together just some of the must see movies of this year. From the Marvel universe to one-offs from notable directors, we’ve got every story that’s worth seeing.
So stay inside, stay safe, and start planning what to watch when the world gets back to normal.
1) Wonder Woman 1984
The first Wonder Woman, released in 2017, was a roaring success. In fact, the movie became the highest-grossing superhero origin story ever. So it’s no surprise that Wonder Woman 1984 makes our list of the top movies of 2020.
Now pushed back for release for August 14th, Gal Gadot returns to play the starring role, with Patty Jenkins directing again. The movie features Wonder Woman facing two new foes; The Cheetah (Kristen Wiig) and Max Lord (Pedro Pascal).
2) The French Dispatch
Wes Anderson is back with a new, live-action movie. Whilst we adored Isle of Dogs, it’s been a long time since Anderson has directed the iconic faces that often feature in his films.
This year, he brings us The French Dispatch – a story set in the 20th century as modern journalism rose to prominence. The movie brings to life 3 different fictional stories as well as the tales of the people who wrote them.
With Anderson’s classic style of colorful, surreal directing, and a long-list of incredible actors (including Timothee Chalamet and Cristoph Waltz – two Wes Anderson first-timers), we aren’t expecting anything less than spectacular.
3) Last Night in Soho
From the director of Baby Driver comes a new physiological, horror thriller film, Last Night in Soho. Set in London in the 1960s, a modern-day woman travels back in time to meet her idol. With no trailer released yet, we don’t know much more – but it’s said to have influences from Don’t Look Now and Repulsion.
The cast features Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, and Thomasin McKenzie.
4) Soul
Disney Pixar’s back again – and we suspect they’ll be tugging on our heartstrings. From Pete Docter who worked on Inside Out and Up, comes Soul and this movie is set to be an emotional hit.
It follows an aspiring jazz musician who gets his break in the music business before abruptly dying. He wakes up in an afterlife, where souls are taken, recycled, and put back onto the earth in newborns. The trailer seems to show a focus on the meaning of life, and what we want to be remembered for when we die – it’s pretty deep.
Docter often takes his animated movies to a new, existential level. Emotions and life/death ponderings intertwine with the iconic Pixar animation to create a film that both kids and adults will enjoy.
When it comes to the must see movies of 2020, this should be on everybody’s list.
5) In the Heights
Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) comes In the Heights. Based on the broadway musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s an all-singing, all-dancing film that’s ready to hit us in the feels.
Musicals are always a risk, but we’d say this is worth seeing anyway. After all, we need a bit of singing after this year!
6) Tenet
Christopher Nolan is back with a new film and the cast is enough to get us excited. John David Washington, Elizabeth Debicki, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Caine, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Brannagh; the list goes on.
Combining these actors with Nolan’s world-class directing is a recipe for instant success.
Though we don’t know much about the movie, the trailer shows it’s high-paced, with plenty of action, and perhaps a sci-fi twist set in an apocalyptic world. We recommend buckling up for this one!
7) No Time to Die
One of the most hotly anticipated films of the year has to be James Bond. We don’t even have to say much about this. Daniel Craig; epic action; smooth-talking; stunning visuals.
If you haven’t seen the trailer already, where have you been? Check it out and get ready to continue the legacy. It’s set to be one of the best movies of 2020.
9) Mulan
The release date of Mulan is still to be announced after the Coronavirus disruptions, but we can’t wait for it.
This real-life adaption of the animated classic looks epic beyond belief. The visuals are stunning and the story is as beautiful as ever. Although it does stray from the musical animation; the movie cuts out all songs and stays closer to the Chinese legend of Mulan.
Already Release Movies in 2020 You Must See
To finish off our list, we’re giving two honorable mentions to movies that have already come out this year. If you haven’t seen them, you need to!
10) The Assistant – With inspiration coming from the acts of Harvey Weinstein, this movie explores the cruelty of an abuser through the eyes of his assistant.
11) Never Rarely Sometimes Always – Follow the quiet journey of a teen traveling to get an abortion, where humanity is seen at its most raw and vulnerable.
Bonus: The Morning Show – If you’re more of a TV person than a movie person, you cannot miss The Morning Show on Apple TV. It stars Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, and Reese Witherspoon.
Watch and Read About Must See Movies This Year
For now, it’s best for everyone to stay indoors where we can and avoid big gatherings. That means no cinema.
Whilst you wait for the big screen to be open again, check out a series like The Morning Show, educate with Patriot Act on Netflix, and binge all of your favorite movies.
Luckily for us, we live in a world where thousands of must see movies and TV shows are available to us 24/7. For more movie tips and recommendations, don’t forget to check out the rest of our website!