Since the successful stream of movies in 2019, Netflix has continued to release some of the best original movie content on its streaming platform. With several movies resorting to streaming platforms this year, Netflix became one of the biggest companies to exclusively distribute some of the best movies so far in 2020.
Some of Netflix's highest-rated movies per Rotten Tomatoes scores have been teen comedies, family animations, and action-thrillers. There are also a few highly rated Netflix original movies that may become potential contenders at the upcoming Academy Awards.
The Old Guard - 84%
A group of immortal mercenaries is on the run when they realize that their lives are at risk. However, their primary mission is complicated when they discover a new member who also possesses immortality. The mercenaries now question the purpose of all the latest events and what it entails about their future.
The Old Guard became one of the most-talked-about action movies of the year. Based on the comic books, the movie was noted for the strong performances by the cast and the immaculate action scenes. Also, director Gina Prince-Bythewood gives a unique and sophisticated approach to the superhero genre that further makes the movie compelling.
Work It - 85%
As a high school senior is close to fulfilling her dreams to gain admission to an Ivy League college, she realizes her best chance of college admission is to win a dance competition. Having formed a dancing team with her best friend, she now has to learn how to dance since she lacks the experience.
Starring Sabrina Carpenter and Jordan Fisher, Work It is a refreshing take on a dance-comedy movie. With an uplifting story, several viewers will enjoy the journey of the new dance group in their hopes of winning the competition.
Vampires Vs. The Bronx - 89%
A group of friends learns that a herd of vampires arrived in the Bronx. When little is done to take them down, the friends take matters into their hands and prepare themselves to fight the vampires to save the people in their city.
To add to the Halloween spirit, Netflix released a unique comedy-horror flick, Vampires vs. the Bronx. Many critics found the movie to be creepy yet funny and charming. Most importantly, it was the cast led by young actors who steal the show.
The Willoughbys - 90%
Living with selfish and uncaring parents, the Willoughbys siblings secretly plan a vacation for their parents in hopes of living a better and more hospitable life in their home. However, they never anticipated a nanny to come into the equation, who not only takes care of them but also shows what it is like to have a real and loving family.
In this animated comedy, The Willoughbys is a fun movie that focuses on the themes of family and love. This animated movie will also have the viewer's feelings a mix of emotions from laughter to feeling touched. The Willoughbys is an enjoyable movie for families to watch together and is considered one of the best-animated movies released by Netflix this year.
The Trial Of The Chicago 7 - 90%
This courtroom drama focuses on the infamous court case surrounding the Chicago Seven after the federal government charged them with conspiracy for starting the riot in Chicago. However, this federal case is nothing like any person has ever imagined as the seven defendants face the unfair justice system set upon by the prosecutors and judge. Whether they are declared innocent or guilty, their legacy and story will live to see the day in the 2020s movie, The Trial of the Chicago 7.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is described as one of the best movies of 2020 and that too by Netflix. The film was praised for its compelling screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and outstanding performances by the ensemble cast. The movie is already a shoo-in for the upcoming Academy Awards, particularly for its writing, direction, and acting categories.
Uncorked - 91%
With a family business, Elijah's father wants him to take over the BBQ restaurant to continue the family legacy. However, Elijah has other plans to become a sommelier and build a wine business. He now clashes with his father to fight for what is right and strive for his dreams.
Uncorked stars Courtney B. Vance, Mamoudou Athie, and Niecy Nash. Both Athie and Vance were praised for their performance as the son and father as they grab the audience's attention on the screen. Furthermore, the realistic and relatable story adds a personal touch to the movie's overall message that will even leave several viewers inspired.
Enola Holmes - 91%
While expanding the Sherlock Holmes universe, viewers were introduced to a new young, female Holmes, Enola Holmes. Like her brother Sherlock, Enola has the talent for solving mysteries. She finally puts her skills to test when her mother goes missing while also battling against her brothers from being sent to a finishing school.
While taking a break from the Stranger Things universe, Millie Bobby Brown expands her acting talents into the movie sphere with Enola Holmes. The young actress once again proved herself to be one of the upcoming stars of the future generation. Particularly, critics raved her performance as the young and skillful detective during a period of women's suffrage. Enola Holmes also became one of the most successful movies for Netflix, with talks of a possible sequel in development.
Da 5 Bloods - 92%
Having been several decades since the Vietnam War, four African American veterans return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen leader and the hidden gold. Unfortunately, they come across dangers within the area, which once again puts their lives at risk.
Following the success of BlacKkKlansman, Spike Lee delivers an emotional and motivating movie with Da 5 Bloods. Since the release of the war movie, Da 5 Bloods became one of the most critically acclaimed movies of the summer due to the brilliant direction by Lee, great cinematography, and powerful screenplay. Also, the outstanding performance by Delroy Lindo has already called for a potential Oscar nomination in the acting category. Da 5 Bloods is also one of the final films starring Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away in August from colon cancer.
The Half Of It - 97%
When an introvert named Ellie Chu helps a school jock to write a series of love letters to his crush, she discovers that she also likes the same person. Now, Ellie has to deal with a love triangle between her, her new friend, and her crush.
At the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, The Half of It won the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature. Along with a marvelous direction by Alice Wu, the movie also delivers an amazing performance by the young cast, consisting of Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, and Alexxis Lemire.
The Forty-Year-Old Version - 98%
As Radha does not meet the expectation set by her critics, she adopts a different career in New York. Using her experience as a playwriter, she becomes a rapper under the name of RadhaMUSPrime to change the course of her undervalued career.
Most viewers will find that the movie is an inspiring story created by the movie's lead star, Radha Blank. The events of the film reflect on Blank's real-life experience as a playwriter in New York. Blank also wrote, directed, and produced her critically acclaimed movie. After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, The Forty-Year-Old Version won the U.S. Dramatic Competition Directing Award.