Winner of the best sci-fi or fantasy film of 2020: Tenet
After a career devoted to exploring the notion of time, director Christopher Nolan finally tackles the subject head-on in Tenet; a film that is not only interested in timelines, but focuses directly on them. It’s a classic Nolan movie in almost every way – stuffed with lofty ideas, crisp sets, and fast-paced storylines – to the point where it’s practically a comfort watch rather than a new one. exciting terrain. But in a world where blockbuster cinema is dominated by franchises and sequels, the film serves as an accomplished demonstration of the pleasures of the original unconnected, unserialized storytelling. And in 2020, with cinema going through arguably its most difficult time in all of its history, Principe functions as a fantastic reminder of what blockbuster cinema can aspire to and why it’s best to live it in a huge dark room. .
For more information, see our full review of Tenet!
Check out all of our nominations below.
Click on the gallery above or scroll down for the full list!
Midnight sky
George Clooney’s latest directorial effort manages to be both meditative and thrilling, balancing two very different survival stories: one anchored in a dying Earth and the other in the dizzying expanse of space. While the two disparate plot threads make strange bedfellows, Clooney’s astute direction, laconic central performance, and truly stunning cinematography make The Midnight Sun a thoughtful but cold rumination about l’s need for connection. humanity and its desire to leave a lasting legacy.
Forward
With Pixar’s Onward, filmmaker Dan Scanlon has crafted an adventure that flies happily high with its fantastical elements, but never loses touch with its ingrained family history. In that regard, it sounds like ’80s Amblin, but without being a heavy tribute. It has charm from its playful production design to its exuberant voice to deeply silly visual gags (like the one involving a galloping courier in the form of a broken down van.) Plus, it has a sensational pace that keeps things going. adventure in motion and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats through a parade of daring action sequences that include high-speed chases, insane battles, and dungeon exploration through a series of traps. It’s a terribly entertaining tale filled with humor, heart, and allusions that is sure to thrill fantasy fans.
For more information, see our full review of Onward!
Principle
After a career devoted to exploring the notion of time, director Christopher Nolan finally tackles the subject head-on in Tenet; a film that is not only interested in timelines, but focuses directly on them. It’s a classic Nolan movie in almost every way – stuffed with lofty ideas, crisp sets, and fast-paced storylines – to the point where it’s practically a comfort watch rather than a new one. exciting terrain. But in a world where blockbuster cinema is dominated by franchises and sequels, the film serves as an accomplished demonstration of the pleasures of the original unconnected, unserialized storytelling. And in 2020, with cinema going through arguably its most difficult time in all of its history, Principe functions as a fantastic reminder of what blockbuster cinema can aspire to and why it’s best to live it in a huge dark room. .
For more information, see our full review of Tenet!
The immensity of the night
Modestly framed as one episode of a 1950s Twilight Zone-style series called Paradox Theater, The Vast of Night, from first-time director Andrew Patterson, is a clever and astonishing slice of comeback sci-fi. The film’s small reach and the tight insurance coverage of the story make it a captivating watch as a local DJ and teenage switchboard operator in a small town in New Mexico begins to precariously peel off a few layers of a UFO plot. , all in one night. A humble but striking outing for Patterson, who is able to create a nervous and jarring mood with very little, this is a uniquely stripped-down story that sparks fear and anticipation with not much more than that. a cunning script, stirring the performances of its young stars and the dim darkness of the dark sky above them.
For more information, see our full review of The Vast of Night!
Wonder Woman 1984
This colorful and heartfelt second chapter in Diana Prince’s story effortlessly establishes itself as DC’s most enjoyable modern film, successfully trading a grain of sand for Golden Age superheroes. As Wonder Woman first jumps into action with a montage of bailouts that seemingly seemingly low-fidelity, it becomes clear that director Patty Jenkins is emulating the Christopher Reeve era of superhero cinema. As this style of directing eventually transforms into something more contemporary, the tribute to this period – especially Superman II – continues throughout, permeating many of his ideas and cementing it as a joyous celebration. from DC’s cinematic roots.
For more information, see our full Wonder Woman 1984 review!
These are our picks for the best sci-fi or fantasy movie of 2020 – let us know in the comments what’s on your list that didn’t make ours!
There are plenty of other rewards! Check out all of our nominees for movies, TV and comics below!
Best Movies of 2020
Best TV of 2020
Best comics of 2020
Be sure to check out all of our other nominees for Movies, TV Series, and Comics of the Year, as well as our pick of the best games of 2020!
