Stephanie Rosas’ Top 10 Films of 2020

Stephanie Rosas’ Top Ten Films of 2020

2020 was a very unexpected and challenging year for us all. Every industry took a hit, especially the film industry, which caused many films to get delayed in release, production, etc. We didn’t get as many films as we expected throughout the year, especially the highly anticipated ones, but there were a few films that were released during quarantine that stuck out the most to me. The films I have listed below are films that held powerful messages, was entertaining, had convincing acting, and a good script. I don’t have a favorite genre really so the films might seem very farfetched from one another, but they all made the list for a reason!

Stephanie Rosas’ Top Ten Films of 2020

10. Clouds

Clouds follows the life of young musician Zach Sobiech who while going through his senior year of high school discovers that he only has a few months left to live due to his rare bone cancer, osteosarcoma. He follows his dream to become a musician and before his death in May 2013, his music unexpectedly went viral and helped spread awareness to the cancerous bone tumor that develops in children. The film pays tribute to Zach’s life and journey. Prior to the film, I wasn’t aware of Zach and his story, but I’m grateful that I am now. The film pulls at your heart strings because you can’t help but get attached to the him as you watch him in his final days and around the people he loves. It’s also an uplifting and inspirational story about loss and how much you can truly impact the world and those around you no matter how long you’re on this earth.

9. Holidate

It’s definitely not your usual romantic comedy but it does put an interesting spin on holiday films, mostly because it covers all of the holidays and puts a fun twist on the unnecessary stress of having to have a plus one on said days. I’m not usually one for Emma Roberts films but this one had me entertained throughout the entire thing. The chemistry between the two leads is great and yes, there’s a few cheesy parts but overall, the film was enjoyable and quite relatable.

8. The Broken Hearts Gallery

The Broken Hearts Gallery was a fun quirky romantic comedy written and directed by Natalie Krinsky. It was her directorial debut and I found the film really refreshing to watch. The script was sassy and fun. The film was well casted, diverse and the lead character is extremely engaging. The story was a little predictable at times, but the charm, humor, and delivery made by the cast throughout the film made up for it.

7. Onward

Due to the pandemic and closures of movie theatres days after its theatrical release, Onward was one of the first films that had to be digitally released shortly after its theatre debut. It was one of the first films I watched in quarantine and being a huge Disney Pixar fan, I was really excited for it, especially because of its two male leads, Tom Holland and Chris Pratt. The film was definitely for an older audience rather than your usual Disney Pixar films, but nonetheless it was adventurous, different, enjoyable and the cast was fantastic. The ups and downs of the relationship between the two brothers are relatable, entertaining, and shows a different and emotional perspective to an unfortunate situation.  The film isn’t predictable and truly takes the audience on an adventurous ride to its beautiful emotional ending.

6. Tenet

I’m not normally too into action movies, but I love psychological thriller films, especially ones involving time enigmas. This is definitely a film that got robbed of a theatrical experience for its viewers which could have made the film even more enjoyable. However, in the comfort of my own home, it was still a great watch. It reels you in from the very beginning of the film and takes you on one psychological roller coaster. Very intense build up throughout the film and John David Washington’s performance gets you even more involved in what’s going on. It’s a film that you have to stay in your seat and pay close attention to so you don’t miss anything, but the twist at the end pays off well.