As we wind down 2021 and look to the promise that 2022 brings, let’s take a look back at the 21 best films of 2021.
2021 was a stronger year overall compared to 2020. Due to the pandemic, many films were moved from the 2020 release calendar. The year was a strong one for comic book films, biopics and musicals.
Theatrical experiences returned this year. Luckily, HBO Max, Netflix and Amazon Prime continued their streak of featuring strong independent films.
The best films of 2021 list will only rank the top 10 films of the year with the remaining 11 being listed as honorable mentions. Before diving into the top 21 films, here are a few films that I wasn’t able to see in 2021:
- Belfast
- Licorice Pizza
- The Tragedy of Macbeth
- National Champions
- Spencer
10 Best Films of 2021
No 10: The Suicide Squad
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is a hilarious, blood-soaked romp with plenty of heart.
The chemistry between Task Force X is fantastic from start to finish. Margot Robbie delivers her best performance as Harley Quinn. John Cena and Idris Elba are terrific foils for one another as Peacemaker and Bloodsport. Ratcatcher 2 and Polka Dot Man are the surprising heart and soul of the film. Polka Dot Man’s recurring gag involving seeing his mom everywhere is as creepy as it’s funny. Ratcatcher 2 is essentially Ant-Man with rats. Sylvester Stallone is hilarious as King Shark. Rounding out the crew is the moral leader of the group, Rick Flagg, played once again by Joel Kinnaman.
Gunn’s bold approach with this incarnation of The Suicide Squad works. Whether Task Force X is squabbling or working together, the performances come together to form a mad, bloody and in its own way, gorgeous tapestry.
No. 9: The Last Duel
There’s plenty of action in Ridley Scott‘s latest epic in The Last Duel. However, it’s the dialogue concocted by screenwriters Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and a truly sublime performance by Jodie Comer (Free Guy) that makes The Last Duel one of 2021’s best films.
The use of the Rashomon storytelling device allows Comer, Damon and Adam Driver to showcase subtle changes in their differentiating version of events. Comer is magnetic as Marguerite de Carrouges. Marguerite is more sophisticated and intelligent than Sir Jean de Carrouges played by Damon. She also sees through the intelligent and handsome veneer of Jacques Le Gris. Her intelligence and magnetism are unquestionable no matter which character’s version of the story is unfolding on screen.
With The Last Duel, Scott has made his best film since 2015’s The Martian. From production to writing to performance, The Last Duel is a great film set in the 14th century that feels timeless due to its handling of #MeToo.
No. 8: Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder’s Justice League‘s epic depiction of DC heroes, clear character arcs for each member of the Justice League, heart and the right usage of humor throughout the 4-hour runtime allows Zack Snyder’s operatic superhero team-up film to stand alongside Man of Steel, Shazam! and Wonder Woman as the best in the DCEU.
Alongside Superman & Lois, Zack Snyder’s Justice League revitalizes Superman in more ways than one. Barry Allen aka The Flash and Victor Stone aka Cyborg are completely different characters from the theatrical cut. Steppenwolf’s quest and the film’s plot are essentially the same as the theatrical cut. However, Steppenwolf’s motivation is different and the inclusion of Darkseid (nonexistent in the theatrical) helps us understand why Steppenwolf is the right villain for this film.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is far better than the theatrical cut. There are multiple character arcs, impressive action and a truly evocative score from Junkie XL for those willing to devote 4 hours of their day to this epic director’s cast.
No. 7: King Richard
Will Smith is fantastic in King Richard, one of the best sports films in years. Smith’s performance should easily earn him another Academy Award nomination.
Smith excels at showing the full portrait of Richard Williams. He shows us the good and bad. Richard’s tenacity, attention to sportsmanship and love for his girls shines. Unfortunately, Richard is egotistical, a bully, philanderer and struggles with letting go of the spotlight. Even with the good attributes, Richard has a tendency to overdo it. Matching Smith volley-for-volley is Aunjanue Ellis as Venus and Serena’s mother, Oracene ‘Brandy’ Williams. She’s willing to let Richard take the reins up to a point. If his actions hurt their daughter, she’ll let Richard know for sure and more often than not, Richard wilts under her authority.
Smith’s performance is the best in a sports film since Tom Hardy‘s in 2011’s Warrior. The strong cinematography by Robert Elswit and impressive directing from Green helps King Richard stand out in the pantheon of sports and biopic films.
No. 6: Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings is the best origin film in all of the MCU.
Simu Liu shines in the title role. Shang starts from a morally questionable beginning, but the development throughout the film to a full-blown hero is a blast to watch. Awkwafina is solid as Shang-Chi’s best friend Katy. Meng’er Zhang is amazing as Shang-Chi’s sister, Xialing. Zhang channels Xialing’s much-deserved anger towards her brother. Tony Leung provides the right amount of quiet menace, grief and yes love for his children as Shang-Chi and Xialing’s father, Xu Wenwu.
Shang-Chi’s entrance into the MCU is a wonderful step up from the solid, yet unspectacular Black Widow film. The film begins by showing us a character we can relate to before delivering into this unique corner of Marvel canon. Once you establish the trope of a son running away from a ruthless father and a life he doesn’t want, then you can start going to weird places. Strong character development, a formidable, yet sympathetic villain and genre-bending action make Shang-Chi one of the 10 best MCU films.
No. 5: Dune
Denis Villeneuve‘s interpretation of Dune is a visual and sonic masterpiece with a terrific cast that does justice to the source material.
The performances are great across the board. Timothée Chalamet gives a strong leading man performance as Paul Atreides. Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides strikes the right balance of regality and roguish charm. Josh Brolin and Jason Mamoa have the most colorful roles to play. Make no mistake Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides is the standout performance and role in this film. She has the difficult task of pushing her son in certain instances and having to step back to let him chart his path forward. Her resolve is tested repeatedly, but she never wilts.
Dune is a unique blockbuster film that should be seen on the biggest screens possible. In a similar manner to The Fellowship of The Ring, the slower pace allows you to understand the characters better and integrates you into this surreal sci-fi setting. Add in another sensational score from Hans Zimmer and you have the most engrossing sci-fi epic since Christopher Nolan‘s Inception.
No. 4: Encanto
The 60th film from Disney Animation, Encanto, is the best Disney or Pixar animated film in the last 5 years.
Every member of the Madrigal family is blessed with a magical gift with the exception of Mirabel. For unknown reasons, she doesn’t receive her gift. Mirabel is a wonderful protagonist in a similar vein to Moana. She’s the family outcast who will stop at nothing to protect what her family has, even if it hurts her deep down. Stephanie Beatriz is outstanding as the voice of Mirabel. John Leguizamo provides ample comedic relief and heart as another family outcast.
Rounding out the best-animated film of the year is Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s fantastic songwriting prowess. These songs are fantastic and do an excellent job of propelling the story forward.
The only animated film in the last few years that matches the music, animation and performance is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Encanto should be the runaway winner for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
No. 3: Being The Ricardos
Aaron Sorkin‘s latest film, Being The Ricardos is his best film since The Social Network. Being the Ricardos has the best dialogue of any film this year.
Sorkin’s gift for propulsive dialogue allows scenes to shine, especially when paired with actors as good as Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem. Kidman’s performance as Lucille Ball should earn Kidman her 2nd Oscar. Bardem also shines as the brilliant, charming and philandering Desi Arnaz. The supporting cast featuring Clark Gregg, J.K. Simmons and Alia Shawkat also have their moments as well.
Bardem and Kidman allow us to see the charms, intelligence and talent of these two television icons while delving into the darker aspects of these characters. In public, they fervently fight for each other. Privately, not so much. The pendulum swing between liking one of these characters and not the other is fascinating.
The film’s choice to present all of the event as happening in one week is a bold choice that pays off. Most of these events didn’t happen in the same week and they certainly didn’t all collide during this particular episode of I Love Lucy. However, Sorkin’s decision allows the tension to reach a boiling point that comes to a thrilling conclusion.
No. 2: Tick Tick…Boom!
Tick, Tick… Boom! is the best musical of the year.
Andrew Garfield is sensational as Larson and should be the odds-on favorite for best actor at the Academy Awards. He’s able to capture Larson’s anxiety over turning thirty and feeling like he has nothing to show for it. His obstinance can be grating but Garfield’s innate likeability helps maintain the right balance for such a difficult character. Robin de Jesús is also fantastic and should be in consideration for a best-supporting actor nomination as Michael, Larson’s best friend since childhood. Michael constantly tries to help Jonathan get out of his own way. Jonathan has reason to fret. Not only have his idols accomplished goals before he did, but he’s seen many friends die before the age of 30 due to the Aids epidemic.
Tick, Tick… Boom! is a better overall film than In The Heights due to sustained character development and conflicts between characters that aren’t easily resolved.
I actually enjoyed the complex storytelling and the rock-infused songs in Tick, Tick… Boom! “Sunday” is an absolute showstopper featuring a number of broadway legends. The opening song, “30/90,” does a great job setting up Jonathan’s emotional state as well as setting the kinetic energy and musical tone of the film. The final song, “Louder than Words” is a powerful, thought-provoking song to close the film out.
Garfield’s performance, Miranda’s energetic direction, Levenson’s impressive story and the real-life Larson’s lyrics make Tick, Tick… Boom! the 2nd best film of the year.
No. 1. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Since 2002, there have been eight Spider-Man films and three different actors taking on the web-slinger mantle. Spider-Man: No Way Home is a fitting culmination of all three eras, the best Spider-Man film yet and the best film of the year.
Tom Holland gives one of the best performances in any film this year. Zendaya is wonderful as MJ. When Peter screws up, she accepts his apology and does what she can to help her boyfriend. Jacob Batalon continues to be reliable as Peter’s best friend Ned. However, the best supporting character is easily Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Tomei as Aunt May is given far more to do in this film than any other Aunt May in a Spider-Man film. She gives an Academy Award-caliber performance in every scene she’s in. Tomei’s not in enough of the film to actually warrant a nomination, but her performance is sensational.
Director Jon Watts has done a great job of handling the Holland Spider-Man films. He shines at balancing the tonal shifts throughout the film. No Way Home is full of great humor but is also the darkest Spider-Man film. The action and visual effects in Homecoming and Far From Home fit the story told but didn’t break new ground. No Way Home’s action scenes are far better than anything in the MCU with the exception of Endgame.
The ending of No Way Home is the best out of any MCU film. Equal part sad and oddly hopeful, the ending is a fitting conclusion to the three Holland films and sets the course for the next phase of Spider-Man films.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is a remarkable accomplishment. Combining nearly 20 years of on-screen Spider-Man lore into one film shouldn’t work. However, with Holland as the film’s star and Watts at the helm, No Way Home never loses sight of the Peter Parker story.
Best films of 2021 Honorable Mentions
2021 was a stacked year for film. The 11 honorable mentions listed here are all worth going out of your way to see. Here are some of the other best films of 2021.
No Time to Die
Daniel Craig has been a fantastic Bond over the course of the last 16 years and arguably the best Bond. Regardless of the film around him, he has always delivered in this role. As good as he’s been in each previous film, this is Craig’s best performance as Bond.
The Tender Bar
George Clooney‘s latest directorial effort centers around an aspiring writer, played by Tye Sheridan, who seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle’s Long Island bar. Ben Affleck gives the best performance of his career as Uncle Charlie and should be in contention for a best supporting Oscar.
In The Heights
Quiara Alegría Hudes script, John M. Chu‘s energetic direction, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songwriting prowess and this unbelievable cast makes In The Heights one of the best films of the year. Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, Leslie Grace as Nina Rosario, Melissa Barrera as Vanessa and Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia are sensational. Each of these characters represents different ends of the dream spectrum.
Judas and The Black Messiah
The Academy Award-winning performance by Daniel Kaluuya still stands as the best performance of 2021 for his portrayal of Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton. There are some script issues in the film, but Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield‘s performances overcome most of the story issues.
A Quiet Place Part II
A Quiet Place Part II is one of the best horror-thriller sequels in a long time. John Krasinski returns as writer-director and delivers a film equal to if not better than 2018’s A Quiet Place. He opens up the world without sacrificing any of the family dynamics that made the first film such a harrowing experience. Millicent Simmonds takes over the lead role and shines as Regan Abbott.
Pig
Michael Sarnoski‘s feature directorial debut, Pig, is a surreal and frequently brilliant anti-revenge film. Nicolas Cage turns in a moving, introspective performance as Rob that should end with him earning an Academy Award nomination.
Werewolves Within
Leave it to a modest VR game to finally deliver a stellar video game film. Werewolves Within is a comedy-horror whodunnit that’s really all about being a good and bad neighbor. Sam Richardson and Milana Vayntrub are fantastic in the lead roles. Richardson does a great job playing Ranger Finn Wheeler. A man who very well might be the nicest guy in the world. In what should be a breakout performance, Vayntrub excels as Cecily Moore, a quippy mail carrier and a perfect match for Wheeler.
West Side Story
Steven Spielberg‘s adaptation of West Side Story is fantastic. The performances by Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno are stellar. Ansel Elgort is the weak link of the cast, which is unfortunate as it’s the romance between Maria and Tony that’s the crux of the story. However, the cinematography by Janusz Kamiński and the story update by Tony Kushner rise above the one sour note.
The Harder They Fall
Jeymes Samuel‘s feature directorial debut with The Harder They Fall is a violent, cool western full of terrific actors. Jonathan Major’s performance in The Harder They Fall as Nat Love should solidify him as a leading man from this point forward. As great as this ensemble is, this is his film. He carries each emotional beat, looks great in the action scenes and his easy, sexy chemistry with Zazie Beetz nearly burns the saloon down.
Wrath of Man
Reteaming with Guy Ritchie for the first time since 2005’s Revolver results in one of the best performances from Jason Statham as H. Calm, cool and collected is a suit that Statham wears just fine. There’s an added tinge of darkness surrounding his character. With a single look, Statham makes you want to run out of the room in fear, but there’s no escape. Statham’s lack of dialogue is a great contrast to a talkative supporting cast.
Free Guy
The feel-good movie of 2021 was Free Guy. Shawn Levy‘s world-building and the best performance by Ryan Reynolds since the first Deadpool film allows Free Guy to pop. The story of an NPC suddenly being able to control his destiny is a great fit for Reynolds. Jodie Comer and Joe Keery shine in supporting roles as well.
