The Best New Movies of 2020
The Best New Movies of 2020
Grab the popcorn—it's going to be a great year for films.
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It looks like 2020 is going to bring the movies, and I'm going to be first in line at the theater for more than a few. Among the most anticipated flicks in the coming year are some remakes/reboots, of course, as well as a couple superhero movies (a Hollywood staple). But there are also some original ideas and big gambles, so hopefully it'll be a nice balance of the nostalgic and the new. We'll update this list as the year goes on and as these movies start to come out—either in theaters or via streaming service—so you'll know which films are worth your time and money. These are the flicks we just can't wait to see.
A Quiet Place Part II
Release date: March 20, 2020
Starring: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Noah Jupe
Why it's a big deal: The first film was such a success, thanks in part to its compelling concept that made for a unique watching experience. Seriously, movie theaters would fall completely silent, and the merest onscreen sound would become outlandishly terrifying. This one is also directed by Blunt's husband John Krasinski (is there anything he can't do?). Since the last film ended on a cliffhanger, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's an extension of the original that doesn't get boring.
Mulan
Release date: March 27, 2020
Starring: Yifei Liu, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Li Gong, Jason Scott Lee
Why it's a big deal: If you grew up with the original, like me, you're already locked and loaded into this new live-action version. I love that they've cast talented Chinese actors who, by the looks of it, are absolutely crushing the material. The fact that some of the classic Disney music plays softly in the background of the trailer hits my nostalgia button, hard. This is the first of the live-action Disney films I'm actually excited about.
The Lovebirds
Release date: April 3, 2020
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Anna Camp
Why it's a big deal: The murder mystery is back, and I could not be more delighted. (I am an Agatha Christie and Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling obsessive, people, and I watched Knives Out the second it was released.) This one has two of my favorite actors, Nanjiani and Rae, whom I'd watch in anything. The Big Sick director Michael Showalter is back directing Nanjiani, so, yea. I'm in.
No Time to Die
Release date: April 8, 2020
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Jeffrey Wright, Lashana Lynch
Why it's a big deal: If you or your S.O. is a Bond fan, you'll definitely want to watch this—it's the 25th film in the series, it's probably Daniel Craig's final Bond film, it's got True Detective's Cary Fukunaga directing, oh and it's jam-packed with stars, including Lashana Lynch as the first female 007. If you're not really into it, just sit back and enjoy everything exploding and a bunch of gorgeous actors, including my fave up-and-comer Ana de Armas. Even if it doesn't end up making a ton of sense, like Quantum of Solace, it'll be a fun ride.
Black Widow
Release date: May 1, 2020
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz
Why it's a big deal: Please, please, please let this be good. The first Phase 4 Marvel movie is actually a prequel, but it finally gives Scarlett Johansson her time to shine. Over the course of the franchise, she's become the beating heart of a sometimes-overstuffed universe, and I hope the fact that she's technically (spoiler alert) dead post-Endgame won't mean this is the last we'll see of her. I also love Midsommar's Florence Pugh, and I will watch Rachel Weisz and Chief Hopper in anything.
Wonder Woman 1984
Release date: June 5, 2020
Starring: Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, Chris Pine (!) https://www.gong4b.xyz/2020/04/oscb-2020-21-previous-year-question.html
Why it's a big deal: I was worried that bringing back Chris Pine for this sequel felt a bit gimmicky when it was first announced (spoiler alert, he dies in the first film), but I'm digging the way it's being done: Smarmy villain Pedro Pascal (my love) does a "favor" for Diana so that he can do...something evil with crystals. TBD. Kristen Wiig is always a treat, and it's about time she got to play a supervillain. Plus, the movie comes out during my birthday month! I'm taking it as a sign that I should ask for movie tickets as a present.
Top Gun: Maverick
Release date: June 26, 2020
Starring: Tom Cruise (duh), Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Jay Ellis, Monica Barbaro
Why it's a big deal: If you haven't watched the original, stop reading, go watch, come back. Everyone ready? This OTT flick, which is both a classic and a parody of itself, has been honored and satirized for more than 30 years now. So, at least for fans of the original, this is probably the most anticipated movie of the year. But, if you weren't a fan or have no clue what I'm talking about, it's a pretty sure thing that a lot of care will be taken to make this good. It's probably worth a watch, no matter what.
In the Heights
Release date: June 26, 2020
Starring: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos, Dascha Polanco, Marc Anthony, Jimmy Smits, Melissa Barrera
Why it's a big deal: While Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name for Hamilton, it was his musical In the Heights that gained his recognition on the Broadway stage starting back in 2008. (The play, for which he penned the music and lyrics, earned him a Tony nod.) Now Miranda, alongside screenwriter Quiara Alegría Hudes, have adapted the musical to the big screen—and, trust us, you won't want to miss this. Based on Washington Heights in Manhattan, the musical and now film tell the story of a community that comes together to support the Dreamers. Oh yeah, it's also directed by Jon M. Chu who helmed Crazy Rich Asians. The energetic trailer will surely have you tapping your foot along, and the film will absolutely have you dancing in the theater's aisles.
Tenet
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Release date: July 17, 2020
Starring: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Caine, Elizabeth Debicki, Karon Taylor-Johnson, Himesh Patel
Why it's a big deal: Everybody knows Christopher Nolan at this point, and even when his ideas don't toooootally work (Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises), he's never boring. Tenet is about, um, definitely time travel, something about World War III, and...reincarnation? I dunno. Seems about right for Nolan. John David Washington and Robert Pattinson seem like the perfect actors to help me make sense of the weird, surreal subject matter. I still don't know if I fully understood Inception, but it's one of my favorite movies, so I'm hoping this becomes a new Nolan fave.
Eternals
Release date: November 6, 2020 (expected)
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Gemma Chan, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff https://www.gong4b.xyz/2020/04/oscb-2020-21-previous-year-question.html
Why it's a big deal: This is the second Marvel film on my list, but bear with me. I mean, just look at the cast! Kumail Nanjiani (this film is the reason he got so ripped), Angelina Jolie, and Salma Hayek are just a few of the big-name actors attached to the project. Oh, and Robert Madden and Kit Harington—it's a Stark reunion!! (Sorry, non-Game of Thrones fans.) This also promises to be an unusual kind of film for Marvel: The Eternals are an ancient alien race who originated thousands of years ago and live in hiding on Earth. So it's not just a carbon copy of Avengers. I promise.
Dune
Release date: December 18, 2020
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Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista
Why it's a big deal: This epic remake has so, so many stars. Denis Villeneuve (who also directed Blade Runner 2049, which I thought was better than the original) is writer and producer here, too. This movie is seen as famously tough to adapt, and the last go-round was a huge financial flop—even though it's kind of become a cult classic. In the right hands, it could be a cool, deeply strange, CGI take on the 1965 novel. And honestly, even if the plot's long and confusing, it's guaranteed to be stunning. Plus, Chalamet. End of sentence.
West Side Story
Release date: December 18, 2020
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Starring: Ansel Elgort, Rita Moreno, Rachel Zegler, Maddie Ziegler
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Why it's a big deal: Released on the exact same day as Dune (get ready for a box office battle), West Side Story is the rare remake I'm excited about. Stephen Spielberg has wanted to take on the material for years, and the classic musical is both timeless and deserving of an update. Ansel Elgort stars in it, although Spielberg has also cast an impressive number of stars who aren't as well-known yet. Rita Moreno, who captivated in the original, is also a cast member. If you have no idea what the plot is and you've never heard the music before, then I'm REALLY excited for you. All I'll say is it's a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, and you should go watch it.
