The 2020s have been a time of major evolution for the film industry. Between the rise of streaming, the pandemic, franchise fatigue and the plethora of other factors affecting which movies have found widespread success, modern cinema has experienced some notable shifts. This is especially evident in the defining movies of each year of the decade so far.
Even if the industry as a whole is still recovering from various setbacks, audiences have been treated to some truly impactful movies. This decade is moving away from the franchises that dominated the 2010s and toward more original and technologically innovative titles. From Nomadland to Ne Zha 2, these are the movies that have defined the 2020s so far.
6
Nomadland Spread Compassion in 2020
Like many other movies from 2020, this film’s box office performance was hindered by the pandemic, but Nomadland still broke through in a big way. Set in 2011, Chloé Zhao’s film centers on a widow named Fern who adopts a nomadic lifestyle after losing her husband and her job. It received numerous awards, including the Oscars for Best Actress, Best Director and Best Picture.
Nomadland garnered acclaim for its quiet character study, which paired well with Zhao’s documentary-like style. Many appreciated its respectful and empathetic depiction of modern nomads, as well as its nontraditional story structure. In a year when most people were stuck inside, this introspective story about the human condition hit home for many viewers and is considered one of the best movies of the 21st century so far.
5
Spider-Man: No Way Home Brought Audiences Back to Theaters in 2021
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga has been hit-or-miss, but 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home was a much-needed win for the franchise. The third Tom Holland-led superhero movie saw Peter Parker clash with villains from other universes in an epic crossover event. Despite many of its biggest twists being leaked early, fans were still impressed by its well-balanced story and tribute to past iterations of Spider-Man.
In the wake of the pandemic, No Way Home was integral in keeping theaters open. Audiences were hesitant to return to in-person viewing, but the MCU film proved to be a can’t-miss big-screen experience that kept fans coming back for more. It also proved that Hollywood movies could still join the billion-dollar club without being released in China.
4
2022’s Top Gun: Maverick Made the Best Argument for Long Theatrical Runs
Over three decades after the first film’s release, Top Gun: Maverick brought viewers back to the world of pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. The long-awaited sequel followed Maverick’s return to the titular school to help train the next generation of pilots, including his late friend Goose’s son, Rooster. It played in theaters for several weeks and is now considered one of the best legacy sequels ever made.
Top Gun: Maverick was lauded for its emotional story and exhilarating flight sequences, which demanded to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Many agree that it surpassed the original in most ways while still staying true to its spirit. With the rise of streaming, audiences had grown used to shorter theatrical windows in 2022, but this sequel showed that long theatrical runs could still be highly successful.
3
2023’s Barbenheimer Was a Cultural Phenomenon
No one could’ve predicted the social media frenzy that would arise from releasing Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie on the same weekend in 2023. Rather than driving competition, audiences were so intrigued by the tonal differences between the two that many made it a double feature. Although Barbie conquered the box office, and Oppenheimer cleaned up during award season, the phenomenon wouldn’t have happened without both releases.
After franchise films dominated the 2010s, Barbenheimer became crucial evidence of audiences’ hunger for more original movies. Without the underlying drive to capitalize via sequels, both films focused more on telling great stories that connected with viewers. Barbie and Oppenheimer might be vastly different movies, but both became instant classics because of their artistry and rich themes.
2
2024’s Dune: Part Two Redefined Modern Sci-Fi
Following the first movie’s day-and-date release, Dune: Part Two finally gave the series a proper big-screen debut. The sequel detailed Paul Atreides’ rise to power, becoming a messianic figure to the Fremen of Arrakis. With a sharp story and expertly crafted spectacle, the Denis Villeneuve film has been hailed as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time.
Dune: Part Two is a perfect blend of epic storytelling and technical brilliance. Even with some notable differences from the original book, many have deemed it a worthy adaptation that finally did justice to its “unfilmable” source material. At the same time, the film dazzled audiences and earned numerous awards with its thrilling sandworm-riding sequences and striking black-and-white scenes.
1
Ne Zha 2 Broke Major Records in 2025
Live-action American movies usually dominate the global box office, but Ne Zha 2 took the world by storm in 2025. Based on Chinese mythology, the animated sequel followed the continued adventures of Ne Zha and Ao Bing as they sought to extend their lives after their initial demise. It became the highest-grossing animated movie and non-English language film of all time.
With stunning animation and a surprisingly deep story, Ne Zha 2 is a feast for the eyes and the mind. Like the best sequels, it surpassed the original on every level and found universal themes in its culturally specific narrative that helped it resonate with international audiences. The extent of its impact remains to be seen, but the movie has already cemented 2025 as a year of major upheaval at the box office.