Top 15 Gripping Movies from 2020 to 2023

The past few years have been quite a rollercoaster for the film industry, but that hasn’t stopped some absolute gems from hitting our screens.

From thought-provoking dramas to action-packed blockbusters, there’s something for every taste.

15 Unforgettable Movies Made Recently

Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding action, mind-bending sci-fi, or tear-jerking dramas, this list has got you covered. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let’s list the top 15 movies from 2020 to 2023 that you absolutely need to watch

Trust me, these are the ones you don’t want to miss!

1. Dune (2021)

Wow, where do I even start with Dune? This movie is a total feast for the eyes. Denis Villeneuve took Frank Herbert’s crazy-complex sci-fi book and turned it into something jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s all about this guy Paul Atreides (played by the always-awesome Timothée Chalamet) who ends up on this desert planet called Arrakis. Things get wild from there!

The special effects? Out of this world. The story? Epic. It’s got politics, religion, and even some environmental stuff thrown in. If you’re into big, bold sci-fi that makes you think, Dune is your jam. Plus, the cast is stacked with talent. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time, I promise.

2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Okay, buckle up because this movie is one heck of a ride! Michelle Yeoh plays this ordinary mom who suddenly finds out she can jump between different versions of herself in parallel universes. Sounds crazy, right? It totally is, but in the best way possible.

This film is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’ll blow your mind with its creativity. The directors, known as “the Daniels,” really went all out. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying, and then you’re just sitting there with your jaw on the floor. It’s a wild journey through love, family, and finding yourself. Don’t miss this one!

3. Parasite (2019/2020)

I know, I know, Parasite came out in 2019, but it hit a lot of theaters in 2020, so we’re counting it! This South Korean movie directed by Bong Joon-ho is seriously something else. It’s about this poor family who worms their way into working for a rich family, and things get… complicated.

What’s cool about Parasite is how it keeps you guessing. Just when you think you know where it’s going, it takes a sharp turn. It’s funny, it’s tense, and it’s got a lot to say about social class. Plus, it made history by winning Best Picture at the Oscars. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for?

4. The Power of the Dog (2021)

Now for something completely different! The Power of the Dog is this slow-burn Western that’ll get under your skin. Benedict Cumberbatch plays this mean cowboy who’s not too happy when his brother brings home a new wife. It’s set in 1920s Montana, and man, does it look gorgeous.

Jane Campion directed this one, and she does an amazing job building tension. It’s not action-packed, but it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s all about the characters and their relationships. If you like movies that make you think and keep you guessing, give this one a shot.

5. Licorice Pizza (2021)

Let’s lighten things up a bit with Licorice Pizza! This movie is like taking a time machine back to 1970s Los Angeles. It follows this teenage boy with a crush on an older girl, and all the crazy adventures they get into.

Paul Thomas Anderson directed this one, and you can tell he had a blast. The movie feels so free and fun, like you’re just hanging out with these characters. The two leads, Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim, are fantastic, especially considering they’d never acted in a movie before! It’s quirky, it’s sweet, and it’ll leave you with a big smile on your face.

6. The Father (2020)

Alright, time to get real for a minute. The Father is not an easy watch, but it’s an important one. Anthony Hopkins plays a man dealing with dementia, and it’s heartbreaking to see. What’s unique about this movie is how it puts you in his shoes, making you feel just as confused and scared as he is.

Hopkins absolutely knocks it out of the park with his performance. It’s no wonder he won an Oscar for it. If you’ve ever known someone with dementia, this movie will hit close to home. It’s tough, but it’s also beautiful in its own way. Keep the tissues handy for this one.

7. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Who says sequels can’t be awesome? Top Gun: Maverick proves that sometimes, the second time’s the charm. Tom Cruise is back as Maverick, and he’s still got it. This time, he’s teaching a new bunch of hotshot pilots, including the son of his old buddy Goose.

The flying scenes in this movie are insane. Like, literally jaw-dropping. And the best part? A lot of it is real, not CGI. Tom Cruise and the other actors actually went up in those planes! It’s got action, drama, and even a bit of romance. Whether you loved the original or you’re new to Top Gun, this movie is a total blast.

8. Minari (2020)

Minari is one of those quiet movies that stays with you long after it’s over. It’s about a Korean family who moves to Arkansas to start a farm in the 1980s. Sounds simple, right? But there’s so much heart in this story.

The little boy in the movie, Alan Kim, is adorable and will totally steal your heart. And Youn Yuh-jung, who plays the grandma, is hilarious. It’s a movie about chasing the American dream, but it’s also about family and what it means to belong. It’s sweet, funny, and might make you tear up a bit.

9. Promising Young Woman (2020)

Hold onto your hats, because Promising Young Woman is one wild ride! Carey Mulligan plays this woman who pretends to be drunk at bars to teach guys a lesson. It’s part thriller, part dark comedy, and it’s got a lot to say about how we treat women in society.

Fair warning: this movie deals with some heavy stuff. But it does it in a way that’s bold, colorful, and sometimes even funny. Mulligan is amazing in it, and the ending… well, I won’t spoil it, but it’ll definitely get people talking!

10. The Batman (2022)

Batman’s back, baby! But not like you’ve seen him before. Robert Pattinson puts on the cape and cowl this time, and he brings a whole new vibe to the character. This Batman is younger, angrier, and still figuring things out.

The movie feels more like a detective story than a typical superhero flick. It’s dark (like, really dark) and gritty, with some serious Seven vibes. Zoë Kravitz makes an awesome Catwoman, and Paul Dano as the Riddler is straight-up creepy. If you like your superheroes with a side of noir, this one’s for you.

11. Everything Went Fine (2021)

Okay, this one’s a bit heavy, but stick with me. Everything Went Fine is a French movie about a woman helping her sick father end his life. I know, not exactly light viewing, but it’s handled really well.

Sophie Marceau plays the daughter, and she’s fantastic. The movie doesn’t judge; it just shows this family dealing with a really tough situation. It’s sad, sure, but it’s also got moments of humor and warmth. It’ll definitely make you think about some big questions.

12. Pig (2021)

Nicolas Cage alert! But before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Pig is not what you’d expect from a Nic Cage movie. He plays this quiet, sad truffle hunter whose pig gets stolen. And he wants it back.

Now, you might be thinking this sounds like John Wick with a pig. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a slow, thoughtful movie about loss and passion. Cage gives one of his best performances in years. It’s weird and wonderful and unlike anything else you’ll see.

13. RRR (2022)

Alright, time to crank up the energy! RRR is this Indian action movie that’s completely bonkers in the best possible way. It’s set in the 1920s and follows two Indian revolutionaries fighting against the British.

But forget history for a second. This movie has some of the craziest action scenes you’ll ever see. We’re talking people catching bullets with their eyes, fighting tigers, and dancing numbers that’ll make your jaw drop. It’s over-the-top in every way, and that’s what makes it so fun. If you want a movie that’ll make you go “Did that really just happen?” every five minutes, RRR is for you.

14. The Worst Person in the World (2021)

Despite its title, The Worst Person in the World is actually pretty great! It’s a Norwegian movie about this woman named Julie who’s trying to figure out her life and relationships in her early 30s.

What’s cool about this movie is how real it feels. Julie makes mistakes, changes her mind, and sometimes acts selfishly – you know, like a real person! It’s funny and sad and romantic all at once. If you’ve ever felt lost or unsure about your life, you’ll probably see a bit of yourself in Julie.

15. After Yang (2022)

Let’s wrap things up with a bit of sci-fi. After Yang is about a family trying to fix their robot “son” after he breaks down. It sounds weird, but trust me, it works.

Colin Farrell plays the dad, and he’s great as always. The movie uses this sci-fi setup to explore some really deep questions about what it means to be human, to love, and to grieve. It’s quiet and beautiful and might just make you look at your phone or laptop a little differently.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Fifteen awesome movies from the last few years that are totally worth your time. From mind-bending sci-fi to heartfelt dramas, there’s something here for everyone. These films show just how diverse and exciting movies can be.

What I love about this list is how it mixes big blockbusters with smaller, more personal films. You’ve got your big-budget spectacles like Dune and Top Gun: Maverick right alongside intimate dramas like The Father and Minari. It just goes to show that great movies come in all shapes and sizes.

One thing that stands out is how many of these films tackle big, important themes. Whether it’s class struggle in Parasite, gender politics in Promising Young Woman, or grief and memory in After Yang, these movies aren’t afraid to dive into the deep end. But they do it in ways that are entertaining and engaging, not preachy.

It’s also cool to see how diverse this list is. We’ve got movies from the US, South Korea, Norway, India, and more. It just shows how cinema is truly a global art form, with great stories coming from all over the world.