My Movies and TV Shows of 2020

Hey everyone !

As promised to no-one, here is a list of the movies and TV I’ve loved this year. Now I’m going to be honest, it was a struggle to remember everything I have watched but I picked some of the things that I really enjoyed this year. Everything on this list I would recommend if it looks like something you would fancy, let’s go…..

Also, my ratings with films are probably more critical and I don’t think I would ever rate anything 10 stars, I don’t know why but I can’t.

MOVIES

The Lovebirds

Overview: On a night out, a couple find themselves caught up in a murder mystery. As they try to clear their names, they get thicker and thicker into the murder but can they- and their relationship- survive the night?

Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Crime, Romance, Action

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★ 6/10

Favourite character: Leilani

I’m personally a big fan of when ‘normal’ people are put into situations that are normally associated with trained specialists. The reactions are always so fun. (like I loved Santa Clarita Diet when ‘normal’ people became the murderers). This has the same energy as this couple end up getting mixed up with a murder mystery. 

Plus, I want to watch/read more things when the couples are already couples as I think there can be such a great, complex dynamic. This movie was a bit out there and the couple are often at each other’s throat, but it did make me smile and it was just a fun, light hearted movie… with murder.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Overview: Lars and Sigrit are small town musicians who are unexpectedly thrust into Eurovision which they see as the opportunity to achieve their dream.

Genre: Musical, Comedy, Romance

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

Favourite character: Sigrit

Obviously, Eurovision is a big thing and to be honest, I pictured this movie being a big joke about it. But I was so surprised as it wasn’t serious about the plot at times and it is a comedy, but the emotions and journey are very real. Therefore, it is a compelling, emotional journey that I got invested in which I didn’t think I would be (this was my sister’s idea to watch). It was a fun musical which captured the extravagance of Eurovision as well as love, community, dreams, goals and family. I really enjoyed it and I think Iceland has loved it too which is great. The Song-Along was so good as it involved the past Eurovision contestants and I, also, loved Husavik, of course.

Always Be My Maybe

Overview: Old friends Sasha and Marcus haven’t spoken in 15 years but when she temporarily moves back to her hometown, they meet again and maybe sparks start to fly. 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Favourite character: Marcus

This movie was really good, and I wish more people would talk about it. It is very much a classic rom com in terms of plot and scenarios that occur, but it feels so fresh and it is just really entertaining. I fell in love with the characters and the romance (this film made me realise friends to lovers is actually superior to enemies to lovers, that is the power of the film). It was also laugh out loud funny, (the double date scene made me laugh so much). Finally, I have to mention the last hug before the credit starts because it was ah-mazing. I’m in love, please watch.

Bad Genius

Overview: A genius student begins a scheme to get money by helping others pass the tests through cheating. As things go on, it becomes even more extreme and dangerous, so, only one question, can she do it?

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Where to find: YouTube

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Favourite character: Lynn

This wasn’t my typical watch as I tend to just watch comedies but after seeing Belle @ Belle Can Read (you should definitely follow her blog and YouTube channel) recommend it, I was eager to try it out. It then exceeded my expectations. I was constantly intrigued to see how they handled new situations as the stakes got higher and they had to push new boundaries (and rules). It was an edge of the seat feel and I loved the details it focused on from the characters, the emotions to the suspense. It was SOOO good and the ending did surprise me. I believe it is inspired by real life events which I think just makes it better.

TV SHOWS

Pose (2018- )

Overview: Set in 1987, we follow a group of characters from the ‘ball culture’ world as they handle the world and try to succeed despite society’s intention.

Genre: Drama, Historical, Dance

Where to find: Netflix, BBC iPlayer

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Favourite character: Elektra

This is my new favourite show. I keep thinking about it. It is very emotional, and it does include a lot of trigger warnings (you can ask me for them and I’ll try my best to remember).  It is a show which captures inequality and community SO well, adding so much emotion and complexities to them.

I loved getting to know the characters as you really route and feel for them. *I swear, this show made me cry more than any other show* My favourite character was definitely Elektra who is more on the morally grey side, but I love her so much. Also, Lil Papi is so sweet. I love all of them though; Blanca, Angel, Pray Tell. I personally enjoyed season 2 more as it felt a lot stronger to me and I’m excited (and emotionally scared) to see where it will go.

Sex Education (2019 – )

Overview: Following a teenager son who uses the knowledge he has reluctantly gained from his sex therapist mum to start an underground sex clinic with the smart ‘bad’ girl of the school. We see the events unfold around them as they deal with their own relationships and problems too.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Teen

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

Favourite character: Maeve or Eric

I watched season one last year and loved it a lot, so I was very excited for season two to come out. It takes a lot of tropes from your typical high school show, but it still feels really fresh and original. I love so many of the characters as they are all so lovable in their own way. I think season two was just as good as the first. As with shows like this you do expect relationship drama so all the romantic relationship this season were a bit ‘all these bad decisions in one go’ type thing but it makes it engaging to watch. This season really was the season of the best friendships and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to carry on with these characters. 

Fleabag (2016-2019)

Overview: We follow a young woman living in London as she deals with a recent tragedy, family, romance and well… life.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Where to find: BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

Favourite character: Fleabag or Claire

I loved Fleabag. I don’t know how to describe it all as it really is just following a dry-witted, frank women as she deals with life from romance, sex, family, job, fear, emotions and just everything. I love the way she uses the camera to give you than something extra and so you can feel like you have a special connection with the main character. It was funny, emotional, slightly odd and more. I really don’t know how to describe everything this show does but I 100% love it. The sister relationship is my one of my favourite things ever.

Never Have I Ever (2020 – )

Overview: Following the life of Devi, a first generation Indian American, through her teenage years as she deals with tragedy, family, community, love and friends. Inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood.

Genre: Comedy, Teen

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

Favourite character: Devi or Kamala

I thought I would watch this after my mum’s dad has sadly passed away as it was a comedy, so it was a positive thing to enjoy whilst we relax. As it turns out that wasn’t the smartest of choices as it is also a really emotional show as well as a comedy. But it still made us both laugh so it wasn’t all a disaster. Anyway, I ended up REALLY loving this show in the end (tears and all). It was a really good high school show and I loved getting to know the characters. I got emotionally attached to them and I could route for the different relationships (whether romantic or platonic).

Chewing Gum (2015-2017)

Overview: Following the life of Tracey and her friends and family. Tracey is impatient to have sex, so we follow her as she tries in her own way to go about this.

Genre: Comedy

Where to find: 4OD, Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★ 6/10

Favourite character: Tracey or Cynthia or Aaron

Like Fleabag, Tracey addresses the camera, so you get that personal connection with the main character and it really does open up comedic doors. I loved Tracey’s personality as she is awkward, positive and funny so she was someone you could really engage with. I really loved her commentary throughout the show. It does focus on sex and can sometimes step into a slightly weird ground, but it was also fun, emotional and focused on being yourself. *Aaron deserved better though, I’m so mad*

The Witcher (2019- )

Overview: The story of a solitary monster hunter, a powerful sorceress and a young princess who all have a destiny in the handling the events through the continent.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★ 6/10

Favourite character: Geralt (he broods so well)

I loved it. The characters, the way it is filmed and the vibe of it. It can be kind of slow, but I really enjoyed it as a whole. It has a lot of strengths and it was really just the beginning so sign me up for season 2. You can see a lot of my in-depth thoughts here.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

Overview: In a war-torn world, a young boy awakens to fulfil his destiny as the avatar and bring peace to the land.

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Family, Adventure

Where to find: Netflix

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10

Favourite character: Uncle Iroh

Aditi @ One In A Million (please make sure you are following her for wonderful content) recommended this show and I’m SO glad she did because I really did enjoy it. You see my full thoughts on ATLA here. But a brief overview is I fell in love with every character and I loved the journey they all took. Uncle Iroh will always be in my heart. 

What We Do In The Shadows (2019- )

Overview: A look into the daily lives of three vampires who have lived together for over 100 years.

Genre: Mockumentary, Horror/Supernatural, Comedy

Where to find: BBC iPlayer

[view trailer]

My Rating: ★★★★★★★ 7/10

Favourite character: Guillermo

Supernatural comedies are my new favourite thing because I’m currently watching Ghosts and loving that too. This basically follows what it would be like for ancient immortal vampires to be living in modern day society. I think this is a great opportunity for comedic moments and this show really does it well.

Guillermo is like my new favourite character EVER. He ends up being two of my favourite tropes together, so it was wonderful to see.

This is going to be my last post before Christmas so if you celebrate it, I wish you a wonderful holiday and if you don’t celebrate it, I hope you have a great weekend as well. 

I will have two posts before the end of the year but my favourite books of 2020 is going to be in January as I just haven’t gotten to it yet, so I’m sorry it’s late but it is coming !! 

Thank you for reading and I’ll speak to you soon. 🎁

What movies and/or TV shows have you watched this year? Did you find any favourites?

Have you seen any of the movies/shows I’ve mentioned? What did you think to them?