There's no doubt that 2021 was a weird year for movies. Theaters across the country reopened fully but struggled to draw in audiences even close to pre-2020 levels, and film studios grappled with the new status quo of hybrid theater and streaming releases. In fact, they're still working out the kinks. Despite all of that, though, a lot of really interesting and entertaining films were released this year. And to be honest, movie lovers benefited from being able to see new titles in the comfort of their own homes, often more affordably than at the movie theater.
Not only that, but lots of indie films generated bigger buzz thanks to the number of major studio releases still being somewhat limited. One thing is for sure, the world of movies is changing — and we think we like it. Don't get us wrong, we'll always love going out to the movies, but we appreciate that we're now able to catch so many new films as soon as they come out, rather than waiting to rent them or see them on cable (which a lot of us don't even have anymore).
We got to watch a ton of new releases this year, and we're recommending some of our favorites. And because we're always open minded when it comes to our entertainment choices, we're sharing excellent films from just about every genre, not just those that make for good Oscars material. From superhero titles and animated films to horror flicks and quirky dramas, here are our picks for the best movies of 2021, in no particular order.
'Summer of Soul'
A groundbreaking documentary by the musician Questlove (who is a regular on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon), Summer of Soul chronicles the story of the 1969 Harlem Culture Festival, which was a celebration of Black music and culture that was held in New York City the same year as the infamous Woodstock Music Festival. The film is a statement on the power of music to heal and unite, and features never-before-seen performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, B.B. King, and more.
'Encanto'
In 2021, Disney introduced its very first Latinx heroine in an animated feature film with Encanto. About an enchanted family from Colombia, it's an empowering movie for just about anyone who struggles with self-esteem and with feeling like they belong. But perhaps most importantly, the beautifully conceived movie is a true celebration of Latinx — and specifically Colombian — culture and spirituality.
'The Harder They Fall'
A Netflix original that came out in October 2021, The Harder They Fall is a Western produced by Jay-Z that features a nearly all-Black cast that includes the likes of Regina King, Idris Elba, and Jonathan Majors. It's a unique movie that has a classic storyline with a twist and was filmed using incredibly modern techniques that make it particularly visually interesting.
'Nomadland'
Starring Frances McDormand, Nomadland came out in early 2021. The film is about an older woman who lost everything during the Great Depression and sets about living as a nomad in the American West, with essentially just her van to her name. The film scooped up three Oscars (including the Best Picture award).
'Raya and the Last Dragon'
Another spectacular Disney film, Raya and the Last Dragon takes place in the fictional realm of Kumandra, where humans and dragons once coexisted. The story follows a girl named Raya who is determined to find the last dragon alive after monsters nearly wiped them all out.
'In the Heights'
More than a year after it was originally scheduled to release, the film adaptation of playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights was released in June 2021. And although there was some drama surrounding colorism related to the casting, the film itself was met with much acclaim. A vibrant musical that depicts the largely Puerto Rican and Dominican Latinx community of Washington Heights, New York, it speaks to the real-life experiences of generations of people.
'The Power of the Dog'
The Power of the Dog is another Netflix original film starring big names including Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons. It's based on the 1967 novel of the same name, and tells the story of a cruel and powerful man who begins emotionally abusing his brother when he shows up with a wife and child. The story is moving, but the actors' performances are what make this one so special.
'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'
Starring Simu Liu, who is best known for his role in the Canadian sitcom Kim's Convenience, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is Marvel's latest film, and has quickly become one of its most acclaimed. It's about the martial arts master Shang-Chi and his involvement in the Ten Rings organization. It's suspenseful and visually interesting, has a powerful plot, and is a great example of positive Asian representation in Hollywood.
'Zola'
Zola is an absolutely wild movie that is based on the true story of a woman who took a road trip to Florida with a stranger in the hopes of making big money as a stripper, ended up in a web of sex, lies, and crime, and then came back and told her story on Twitter. It is so intriguing — you have to see it for yourself.
'Nobody'
Nobody, starring Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk, is a fantastic 2021 film that hasn't gotten a lot of hype, but is totally worth watching. It's particularly a must-see for action lovers. The film is about a joe-schmo type who is triggered when his house is robbed, and on his quest for revenge, he becomes mixed up with a Russian crime boss. There's more, but we don't want to spoil the story.
'Titane'
Titane is a pretty disturbing movie about a female serial killer who develops a bizarre relationship with a car. To evade the police, she pretends to be a boy who has been missing for years, and even more strangely, the boy's troubled father actually believes she's his son. This one will keep you guessing until the end.
'King Richard'
Will Smith's King Richard is essentially a biopic about Richard Williams, the father and coach of legendary tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. It chronicles the early part of their lives and careers, and the passion and dedication Richard had for his children. Will's performance is already getting lots of Oscars buzz, but beyond that, the direction and writing are also excellent.
'Saint Maud'
Saint Maud is one of the most talked-about horror films of the entire year. It's a deeply disturbing story that offers a fresh twist on the religious horror theme. The main character is an ultra-pious young nurse who loses her mind and becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her dying cancer patient, who is a non-Christian former dancer. It is intense, suspenseful, and absolutely bone-chilling.
'My Octopus Teacher'
My Octopus Teacher is an incredible documentary that the whole family can enjoy. Sea-loving children will be especially appreciative of this film, which follows an explorer suffering from depression who sets out on a journey of self-discovery by moving to an area off the coast of a kelp forest in Africa. He ends up forming an unlikely and inspiring bond with an octopus.
'Coda'
An Apple original film, Coda is a really interesting story about Ruby, a child of deaf parents who is faced with a potentially life-changing, future-altering decision when her family's fishing business begins to fail. The film encapsulates the mixed emotions of a young person torn between their own hopes and dreams and their duty to their parents.
'Shiva Baby'
Shiva Baby, a funny dramedy written and directed by Emily Seligman, is about a young Jewish college student who encounters her sugar daddy while at a funeral service with her parents. Between managing the lies she's spun about her education and the stress of her sugar daddy's presence, Emma's anxiety continues to mount.
'Dune'
The sci-fi title Dune was surprisingly good. It's the film adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel, and with its big budget and pervasive ads, it easily could have been totally overdone and fallen flat, but thanks to the stellar acting skills of a cast that includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and Rebecca Ferguson, it is hugely entertaining.
'The Last Duel'
Besties Matt Damon and Ben Affleck teamed up once again in the Ridley Scott-directed film The Last Duel. Though it floundered in theaters, it's been well-reviewed by critics and audiences alike. Matt and Ben both wrote the screenplay and act in the film, which is about a duel that King Charles VI of France orchestrates between knight Jean de Carrouges and his squire, Jacques le Gris.
'The French Dispatch'
Directed by Wes Anderson, The French Dispatch features an ensemble cast that includes Benicio Del Toro, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, and many others. A nod to the old days of journalism, it's about the staff of an American newspaper operating in a fictional French city.
'The Mitchells vs. the Machines'
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is an incredibly endearing animated film about a family who embarks on a road trip to drop off the oldest daughter at college, but everything goes haywire when they realize they are in the middle of a robot apocalypse. They must band together to ensure survival, and in doing so, they realize just how much they mean to each other.
'No Sudden Move'
Starring Don Cheadle and Benicio Del Toro, No Sudden Move is a crime drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, which was released exclusively on HBO Max. It takes place in the 1950s and is about a group of criminals who are assembled together for a job, but they soon realize that things aren't as they seem. Despite grievances among them, they must figure out what's really afoot.
'Pig'
Once a Hollywood A-lister, Nicolas Cage sticks mostly to independent films these days, and Pig is definitely one of his best offerings of late. It's an offbeat drama about a truffle hunter with a shady past, who is living a quiet life in Oregon, but is forced to return to Portland to find his foraging pig after she's kidnapped.
