The past six years have been a rollercoaster for the world, but one constant has been the quality of cinema. While there have been plenty of duds, the 2020s have also gifted us with masterpieces that push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and leave a lasting mark on our culture. These films may not all have been box office smashes, but they are destined to be remembered as classics. Here are the eight most perfect movies of the last six years, ranked.
8. 'Asteroid City' (2023)
Wes Anderson's signature style shines in this sci-fi comedy-drama set in a 1955 desert town during a Junior Stargazer Convention. When a military quarantine disrupts the gathering, a colorful ensemble cast—including Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, and Tom Hanks—navigates themes of grief, art, and human connection. Anderson's meta-narrative and vibrant visuals make this one of his best works since The Grand Budapest Hotel. For more sci-fi gems, check out our list of top sci-fi movies of the decade.
7. 'Babylon' (2022)
Damien Chazelle's epic black comedy chronicles Hollywood's transition from silent films to talkies, focusing on a brash starlet (Margot Robbie) and a resourceful immigrant (Diego Calva). The film is a wild ride of decadence and depravity, celebrating cinema's magic while critiquing its excesses. Though divisive on release, it has become a cult classic, with Justin Hurwitz's score earning particular praise.
6. 'Nosferatu' (2024)
Robert Eggers' Gothic horror reimagines the 1922 classic, with Lily-Rose Depp as a woman who accidentally summons a terrifying vampire (Bill Skarsgård). Shot in stunning black-and-white, the film blends German Expressionism with psychological horror and supernatural gore. It's Eggers' highest-grossing and most acclaimed film, hailed as one of the best of 2024. For more terrifying tales, see our ranking of horror movies based on books.
5. 'Poor Things' (2023)
Yorgos Lanthimos delivers a delightfully weird feminist take on Frankenstein, following Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman brought back to life with an infant's mind in an adult body. Her journey of self-discovery, sexual awakening, and adventure is a visual feast of surreal style and dark humor. Stone's performance elevates this already brilliant film.
4. 'One Battle After Another' (2024)
This war drama from director Paul Greengrass is a visceral, unflinching look at the futility of conflict. Following a squad of soldiers through a series of harrowing missions, the film uses handheld camerawork and intense performances to create an immersive experience. It's a powerful anti-war statement that resonates deeply in today's world.
3. 'Sinners' (2024)
Ryan Coogler's horror-thriller explores guilt and redemption through the story of a family haunted by their past sins. With stunning cinematography and a gripping narrative, the film blends supernatural elements with social commentary. It's a bold, thought-provoking entry that cements Coogler as a master of genre filmmaking.
2. 'The Fabelmans' (2022)
Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical drama is a love letter to cinema and family. Following young Sammy Fabelman as he discovers his passion for filmmaking, the movie explores the magic of movies and the pain of growing up. With heartfelt performances and Spielberg's masterful direction, it's a deeply personal and universally relatable story.
1. 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022)
The Daniels' multiverse-hopping masterpiece is a genre-defying blend of sci-fi, comedy, drama, and martial arts. Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner who must connect with alternate versions of herself to save the multiverse. The film is a joyous, chaotic, and deeply emotional exploration of family, identity, and meaning. It won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and remains a cultural touchstone. For more epic cinema, check out our list of the greatest films of all time.
These eight films represent the pinnacle of filmmaking over the past six years, each offering something unique and unforgettable. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, horror, or drama, there's a perfect movie here for you.
