2020 has been a seriously depressing year, bar pretty much none. That said, quarantine has given some fantastic creators ample time and inspiration to pump out some pretty entertaining art. Here are some of 2020’s film and TV highlights.

Drama film: “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”

Runner-up: “Run”

Esteemed avant-garde filmmaker Charlie Kaufman returns with his third directorial feature, this time with a Netflix budget and even more surreal existentialism than any of his previous works, written or directed. Kaufman’s inventive script and further inventive direction prove once again why he’s one of cinema’s greats, and leave an impact that viewers aren’t likely to forget. 

Rating: 9/10

Comic book film: “Birds of Prey”

Runner-up: “New Mutants”

After a long slew of critical and financial failures, from the Hot Topic trainwreck “Suicide Squad” to the over-produced and under-written “Justice League,” the DC Universe threw a few hail-marys, the latest of which, “Birds of Prey” is by far the most worthwhile. In this energetic celebration of violence and individuality, director Cathy Yan and star Margot Robbie (in her career-best performance) make a valiant effort to save the crumbling DC universe and land with flying colors, literally. 

Rating: 8/10

Comedy film: “Palm Springs”

Runner-up: “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”

Anyone who’s ever wanted some quality time with Andy Samberg can find some much-needed solace in this refreshingly endearing retooling of the “Groundhog Day” time loop formula. Where “Happy Death Day” gave us cheap scares and “Edge of Tomorrow” gave us CGI aliens, “Palm Springs” gives this tired formula what it desperately needed: humor, maturity, and heaps upon heaps of unabashedly cheesy heart. 

Rating: 7/10

Drama series: “Lovecraft Country”

Runner-up: “The Boys” Season 2

In a match made in left-field heaven, “Lovecraft Country” intersects the cosmic horror of the series’ namesake with sharp socio-political commentary so seamlessly, it’s a wonder that no one has ever attempted it before. By contrasting and blending horrors both fantastical and all-too-real, Misha Green’s imaginative thriller proves there are far more terrifying evils than Shoggoth and Cthulhu, and that those evils are unsettlingly human. 

Rating: 8/10

Documentary series: “The Last Dance”

Runner-up: “Tiger King”

Chronicling the rise and fall of one of the all-time greatest team dynasties in sports, this highly binge-able ten-part documentary features some of basketball’s greatest icons at their most honest, as they reflect on their cultural impact and legacy on and off the court. Stunning archive footage and all-inclusive interviews with greats like Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Michael Jordan splice together a gorgeous tribute to athleticism, competition, and the human spirit. 

Rating: 9/10