Every year, former president Barack Obama publishes a list of his favorite movies from the past year. While 2020 was a tough year in the world, some very good films were released, which Mr. Obama's list highlights. Obama lists many critically acclaimed narrative films as well as some stellar and prescient documentaries.
Something viewers can glean from his list is that all the films have a certain political, social, or contemplative aspect to them, with each having a powerful message to get across in their own way. Here are ten of Barack Obama's favorite 2020 movies, including one that his production company Higher Ground Productions actually produced.
Let Him Go - 82%
Based on the 2013 neo-western novel by Larry Watson, Kevin Costner, and Diane Lane play grandparents who attempt to rescue their grandson and daughter-in-law from the clutches of her new husband and his despicable family. However, the grandparents discover they won't give them up without a fight.
Critics hailed Let Him Go as a skillfully executed thriller that is suspenseful as well as emotional. The performances by Costner and Lane have also been praised, however, some have criticized the film's slow pace.
Mank - 83%
Originally written by director David Fincher's late father, Fincher has tried to produce Mank for over twenty years, having initially planned to make it in the late '90s. The film came to fruition with Netflix's help and the story of Citizen Kane screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz was finally brought to life with Oscar Winner Gary Oldman in the title role.
Mank chronicles the scripting of what many argue is the greatest film of all time, Citizen Kane. Told in flashback, the movie details studio politics and Hollywood's role in that particular time in history. Critics praised its cinematography and performances but criticized its deliberate pace.
Boys State - 94%
Boys State is a documentary that follows a thousand boys attending "Boys State," a summer leadership program for high schoolers where they can participate in a mock government in order to learn how American government and politics work.
The film won the U.S Documentary Competition Grand Jury Prize at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Critics have applauded it for being absorbing, and a startling look at the American political divide.
Soul - 95%
Soul is Pixar's latest and it's an existential adventure with the company's trademark heart and creativity. It tells the story of jazz musician Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) who attempts to reunite with his soul, which has become separated from his body, before he's taken to "The Great Beyond."
Critics and audiences marked Soul as another triumph for Pixar. Like Inside Out, the movie takes viewers on an unexpected existential yet captivating journey. Critics praised the film's soundtrack by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor along with Jon Baptiste, as well as for having the first Black protagonist in a Pixar film. However, some questioned if the ideas the film poses might be more for suitable adults than children.
Nomadland - 96%
Nomadland tells the story of Fern (Francis McDormand) who, after losing her job and her husband passing away, sells her belongings and travels around the American West. The film depicts the nomadic lifestyle and many real nomads play versions of themselves.
The film won the Golden Lion at the 2020 Venice Film Festival, as well as the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Critics hailed it for its use of more contemplative and impressionistic storytelling over a traditional narrative.
Time - 98%
Time is a documentary that follows Sibil Fox Richardson as she fights for the release of her husband, Rob, who committed a $5,000 robbery in an act of desperation. Though Rob was initially set to serve 10 to 18 years, he was ultimately unjustly sentenced to serve 61.
The director, Garrett Bradley, won the 2020 Sundance Film Festival Directing Award for a U.S documentary, making her the first African-American woman to do so. Critics praised the film as a gripping and powerful indictment of the American justice system.
Lovers Rock - 98%
Lovers Rock is the new film by Steve McQueen, director of Shame and 12 Years A Slave. The film actually was released as part of Small Axe, a BBC anthology series. The story takes place all in one evening at a West London house party in the 1980s where two people have a romantic encounter.
Critics proclaimed it as another great film from McQueen, and in particular, praising its effectiveness at capturing a moment in time and describing it as a "musical fever dream with wit and sexiness."
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 98%
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is based on the play by acclaimed playwright August Wilson, unfortunately, the film has the distinction of being actor Chadwick Boseman's final performance following his passing in 2020. The film details a tumultuous recording session in 1927 Chicago where actress Viola Davis portrays real-life blues singer, Ma Rainey.
Critics praised the film's emotional resonances, and for being a great adaptation of the play. Also, critics and audiences applauded both Davis and Boseman's performances with the latter's passing noted as an especially tragic loss since the movie is a sign of more great work that would have come from him.
Collective - 99%
Collective is a Romanian documentary that revolves around a group of investigative journalists after a tragic nightclub fire exposes negligence and healthcare fraud. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and since has received widespread acclaim, finding its way to the Toronto International Film Festival as well as Sundance.
Critics have called it "a gripping, despairing expose of institutional injustice," and is currently the official Romanian entry for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards.
Crip Camp - 100%
In the past few years, Obama has added movie producer to his list of accomplishments. On his 2020 list, Obama put an asterisk on Crip Camp since it was a product of his and the former first lady, Michelle's, new production company, and didn't want an accusation of favoritism. However, he's not the only one who likes it because it has received widespread acclaim. The film depicts a summer camp in the 1970s that's exclusively for the disabled and handicapped. While the characters documented start off as campers, they end up becoming disability rights activists who take on Washington and fight for new accessibility legislation.
The film won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award and have critics have hailed the film entertaining, inspiring, and the Rotten Tomatoes critic consensus calls it a "remarkable story to highlight hope for the future and the power of community." After winning an Academy Award in 2020 for their first production, American Factory, the Obamas continue their successful streak with Crip Camp in their new life venture as movie producers.