Movies from 2021 have concluded as another impressive year for films. Streaming platforms made the most of a raging pandemic to see high-profile names like ‘Don’t Look Up’ and ‘Red Notice’ released on them. Hardly any films are released in theaters for most of the year. But it ended on a strong note with ‘No Way Home’ and ‘The Last Duel.’
Many filmmakers, considered doyens of the art form, took to the screen this year. Ridley Scott, the Coen brothers, and Steven Speilberg highlighted an adventurous foray into different genres. The films collectively catered to audiences of all tastes. Superhero movies, body horror, musicals, nothing missed out.
Top Must-Watch Movies From 2021 This Year
We decided to come up with the best 60 films of the year 2021 to remind you of some excellent ones that you might have missed out on. We will be releasing the movie list in three parts, starting with this one. So put on your seat belts for a marathon run of the best movies from 2021! Happy reading.
NOTE: The films do not follow a ranking order in any parts.
The Green Knight
IMDB – 6.6/10, Reviews
David Lowery returned to the silver screen in 2021 with ‘The Green Knight.’ The film, produced by A24, starred Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, who foolishly accepts a death sentence from the mysterious Green Knight. The terms of the proposal were that the blow that Gawain would land on the Knight would be returned with equal force to him by the Knight next Christmas. So instead, Gawain strikes the Knight’s head off and sees him carry it in his arms and laugh away.
The story follows Gawain on his journey towards judgment day. The inevitability of the situation evokes anxiety and tension in the viewer’s mind. Patel is up to the task of playing a character unsure of himself, slowly realizing his hubris has destroyed him. Visually, ‘The Green Knight’ checks all boxes. It is no surprise that Lowery’s team has recreated the magic of his previous films. His depiction of medieval England is mesmerizing and a transformative experience.
The film is even more endearing because its morality is relatable to our own. Depending on how one thinks, one can see Gawain’s character and the events in the movie accordingly. Lowery does not push upon the viewer a perspective. The one you take is entirely dependent upon your virtues. That is what makes ‘The Green Knight’ is one of the great movies from 2021.
Sardar Udham
IMDB – 8.7/10, Reviews
It was refreshing to see Bollywood produce a biopic of this level after a long time. Usually, most films like these are either bogged down by the grandeur of the person on whose life the film is based or the star appeal of the actor playing them. In ‘Sardar Udham,’ that is never the case. The film is quietly observant of and respectful of the historical relevance of its positioning in time. The story never loses stead of the events it dramatizes, and most importantly, the cause behind the actions. There are no flashy songs, giant sets, or compensatory comedy. It is what it is.
Another brilliant thing that ‘Sardar Udham’ navigates well is nationalism. We have seen several films that deal with subjects like this lose concentration. The urge to make the project come across as patriotic often leads to an overbearing sense of jingoism. The distinction between the two is lost. Here, director Shoojit Sircar walks the line perfectly. His balancing act is pure inspiration and definitely worth your time! ‘Sardar Udham’ is one of the best movies from 2021 to check out.
Tick, Tick…Boom!
IMDB – 7.6/10, Reviews
Andrew Garfield deserves something for his electrifying and poignant performance in the film. Playing Jonathan Larson, a real-life Broadway musician, and playwright, Garfield leaves no stone unturned in recreating Larson’s artistic magic and putting his own signature in the performance. Manuel Lin Miranda directs the musical in his debut. The actor is already renowned for his performances in productions of ‘Hamlet’ and cinematic blockbusters like ‘Mary Poppins Returns.’
Larson ran a Broadway show of the film’s name that became a huge success. Not only did it change the way people viewed musicals, but it also inspired other artists to follow suit. The film dramatizes through the musical Larson’s songs and struggles to emerge as the acclaimed artist from years of waiting tables and experiencing tragedies in his personal life.
It shows his close friendship with Michael, his obsession with art, his innate and rare talent of coming up with pieces of music in seconds, and his relationship with girlfriend Susie. ‘Tick, Tick…Boom’ is a peek into the prodigal mind of Larson and his crazy world that few of us would understand. We will relate to the insecurities around life about things like careers, relationships, and existence making it one of the must-watch movies from 2021.
Finch
IMDB – 6.9/10, Reviews
A Tom Hanks film can never disappoint. The actor’s talent for spotting moving stories involving human emotions is second to none. With ‘Finch,’ he brings to life the story of a survivor sick but determined to ensure his dog is taken care of. He makes a robot and, through trust and companionship, teaches him what it is to be human and fallible. ‘Finch’ is a definite tear-jerker. The road-apocalypse drama never gives up its core relationship between man and machine. But, unlike many other movies today, it portrays the bond positively.
Hope and unconditional love bind the three protagonists of ‘Finch.’ Sensible creative choices elevate the film’s status as one of the best of the year. It remains focused and values what it creates by respecting the amigos’ remarkable journey. Watch ‘Finch’ with plenty of napkins beside you!
The Last Duel
IMDB – 7.4/10, Reviews
The great Japanese filmmaker made a revolutionary film in 1950, ‘Rashomon.’ Since then, films centered around the inconsistencies of truth have been deemed to follow the “Rashomon effect.” Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel’ works on the same formula. The significance and integrity of the truth itself become a subject of debate. Scott’s didactic approach divides the story into three parts. First, the three accounts of the three protagonists – Jean de Carrouges, Jacques de Gris, and Lady Marguerite – in that order about the events that happened at Carrouges’ castle in his absence.
The narrative touches upon various themes through the characters, such as the position of women, jealousy, and the hollowness of the royalty, among others. The multifaceted nature of the film makes it widely accessible to all kinds of audiences. ‘The Last Duel’ is even great to look at. The big-budget makes the production take place on an epic scale, like most Scott films. Adam Driver, Matt Damon, and Jodi Comer provide the charms and star power to one of the best movies from 2021!
Old Henry
IMDB – 7.3/10, Reviews
‘Old Henry’ is a solidly acted, neat, indie western. The simplicity in its execution is even more shocking, given the impact the story generates. The film is shot on a Kansas farm, where a father-son duo lives a quiet life. A riderless horse catches their attention, leading to the discovery of a man shot and wounded. Henry brings him back home. Along with him, a party of dangerous robbers who ferociously hunt for their bounty.
Tim Blake Nelson, who shot to fame with his turn in ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ as the titular character, fires on all cylinders. At the outset, his character is a no-nonsense, plain-looking simpleton, concerned only with his son’s safety. But, his solemn disposition packs the spirit of a fiery young outlaw part of urban legend. Credit must also go to the director who does not glorify or overdramatize the reveal in the end.
For lovers of old western films starring Clint Eastwood and John Ford, ‘Old Henry’ is one of the perfect spectacle movies from 2021!
The Humans
‘The Humans,’ admittedly, is a difficult film to watch. Even more so, to like. Because of director Stephen Karam’s creative choices and the involvement of A24 in the process, the film is reserved for a fine strand of viewers. The languid pace, the claustrophobic setup, and the hauntingly natural writing about a family spending Thanksgiving together diffuse any theatricalism. Those looking for a light watch whose application is limited will be disappointed. But if you do give the film and yourself time to get to know each other, ‘The Humans’ is the most “human” story of the year.
Jayne Houdyshell gives one of the best performances movies from 2021. The actress reprises her role from Karam’s drama in theaters for several years. Every pause, wince, chuckle that she reeks of talent and a remarkable integration with the character. Along with established names like Richard Jenkins, Steven Yeun, and Amy Schumer, ‘The Humans’ has the best ensemble performance of the year.
Dune
IMDB – 8.1/10, Reviews
Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ was one of the most anticipated movies from 2021. Not only for the fans of the books but also cinema aficionados. He is one of the modern greats, and his unique skill set for centering sci-fi films about the world’s tomorrow makes them highly relevant. As it turns out, ‘Dune’ instantly reflects our current political outline. The divided world, exploitation of the marginalized, capitalism fueled by greed, and betrayal. These themes are an integral part of ‘Dune’s social fabric.
The first part is set around Arrakis in the cinematic universe of Dune. A takeover of a fiefdom which is a sabotage plan makes the story’s core. A messiah-like ruler understanding his destiny through history and spatial cues and dreams form part of Villeneuve’s exposition. There’s no denying that ‘Dune’ checks several boxes. Visually stunning, artistically flawless, and politically relevant. The epic film ranks in our list as one of 2021’s crown jewels.
Nobody
IMDB – 7.4/10, Reviews
Bob Odenkirk stars as somebody disguised as a nobody who embraces his true identity after a robbery attempt at his house. ‘Nobody’ is an out-and-out entertainer that does not compromise a quality story. Hutch is an average guy, living an idyllic life in the American suburbs. He feels he does not have their respect despite a loving family while also losing intimacy with his wife despite a loving family. The drama unfurls in ‘Nobody’ when the robbers steal Hutch’s daughter’s kitty cat bracelet. This sparks his violent spree of cleaning out men with the ease a toddler cleans out the milk in his bottle.
If you are a big fan of the John Wick franchise, ‘Nobody’ is right up your alley. The film speaks to me as a lover of hardcore action that balances the forces of good and evil. Odenkirk’s star presence is an absolute marvel in this movie making it one of the must-watch movies from 2021.
Free Guy
IMDB – 7.2/10, Reviews
The Ryan Reynolds starring movie was a refreshing entry into the virtual/gaming genre slowly gaining traction. Not only is ‘Free Guy’ full of laughs, but it also provides a unique story in a new setup for viewers. The plot follows Guy, a non-playable character in a video game, who suddenly gains consciousness. Unbeknownst to him, the original creator of the game, Millie, patches into the game to prove her claim to the game’s rights, unfairly taken from her. He meets her and, against his supposed programming, falls in love with her.
Guy’s realization and his romance with Mille give ‘Free Guy’ a shade of a rom-com. Reynolds and Comer share great chemistry on screen and individually produce great comic timing to fit the bill. The film is a light entertainer that everyone can enjoy. You can stream it on Disney+Hotstar.
No Time to Die
IMDB – 7.4/10, Reviews
Daniel Craig’s final Bond film ends with a shocking climax. The farewell of the English actor is emotional and enthralling. ‘No Time to Die’ concludes Bond’s saga with Spectre, Blofeld, and a new kind of enemy that he might not be best equipped to face. The film sees the return of Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) as Bond’s love interest and possibly, the mother of their child. The central conceit is positioned around Swann, whose childhood trauma comes back to haunt her in the face of Safin, who wants to destroy the world using biological warfare.
The characteristic action hero moments pervade Craig’s last film. He is as charming and authentic as in the previous films. It is a pleasure to see Ana de Armas in a cameo role as Paloma. That is something to look forward to. Overall, the flow of things seems inclined towards Bond’s character arc, understandably so, but lacks attention for Safir, the villain, the usual norm. This new dynamic provides emotional depth to the film, hitherto unfound in the franchise. The era of Bond in a heartbreaking but spectacular way making it one of the best movies from 2021.
King Richard
IMDB – 7.6/10, Reviews
Audiences mostly lap up biographical films because of their love for their subjects. So when the subjects are the Williams sisters, who changed the face of women’s tennis, the love is bound to pour in. Will Smith stars as Richard Williams, the hard taskmaster father of Serena and Venus. Ably supported by his wife, he “plans” to make his two daughters the most significant players the world has ever seen. The cultural and racial hurdles prove to be nothing against the warrior-like spirit and hard work the Williams family shows and puts in.
‘King Richard’ is one of the best movies from 2021 not because of the celebration of its sporting superstars but for its quaint observations of the times of their lives. Serena and Venus’ achievements seem even more remarkable given the golden class in financial and social support for women of color and white women. Yet, they defied all odds to fulfill their destinies. Their mother, in the post-credits, says that “my girls were born to play tennis.”
But, without Richard and Brandy’s sacrifice, the sisters would have been just prodigal talents. The finished products that we see today are because of the parent’s foresight to firstly give their kids a childhood, prioritize life, and then look at their careers. ‘King Richard’ is respectful in highlighting how the sisters were not cash cows for their parents, unlike many sad realities today. The journey towards perfection is a never-ending one. Enjoy the moments that go unnoticed and make it worth going through the pain and sufferings!
CODA
IMDB – 8.1/10, Reviews
One of the best family dramas comes in the form of CODA, a film about a family of four in which just one, Ruby, can hear. She is the pillar of the lives of her family. Still in school, she joins the choir and crushes on Miles. Soon enough, she realizes that her ambitions will take her away from her family and home, leaving her and the family in a moral dilemma. This dilemma is beautifully woven into the film’s fabric. The subtle and organic shift towards a more solemn tone comes after one expects the film to build on its lighter comic veins. ‘CODA’s change comes as a pleasant surprise, making it a more meaningful experience about family and sacrifice.
Last Night in Soho
IMDB – 7.1/10, Reviews
Anya Taylor Joy and Thomasin McKenzie highlight Edgar Wright’s passion project, ‘Last Night in Soho.’ As the title suggests, the film is set in New York around a fashion student from England, Eloise (McKenzie), and her dream to become a successful designer. She finds her dorm uncomfortable and rents out a place in the city. Unfortunately, she does not know that she is walking into a room with a chequered and violent history that will embroil her in a murder investigation. Wright’s creative talents make sure that the presentation of the narrative is not in a straight line. The guessing game is embellished in films by knocking off conventional wisdom about dreams.
The surrealist features of the film do not overshadow the poetic, emotional core of Eloise’s state of mind. Both actresses do a brilliant job playing their respective roles, although never actively participating on screen.
The Power of the Dog
IMDB – 6.9/10, Reviews
Benedict Cumberbatch gives one of 2021’s best performances in arguably 2021’s best film. Jane Campion helms the film adaptation of Thomas Savage’s creative genius that has flown under the radar for quite some time. The film is set in Montana in the 1920s, around a ranch belonging to two brothers, Phil and George. Their grasping synergy is disrupted, according to the former, by the marriage of the latter. The wife’s (Kirsten Dunst) homosexual son adds further misery for Phil, whose abusive past never lets him go. The gamut of ideas that flow in Campion’s world is handled like a champ by her. The director is a doyen of the art form and seldom misses the mark with her films. ‘The Power of the Dog’ on Netflix is a slow burn and requires patience and keenness on your part. Without the two, it might not be as enjoyable.
Pig
IMDB – 7.0/10, Reviews
Nicolas Cage is a champion actor who never gets his due. His unconventional film choices have pushed him to some extent to the background of award seasons and mainstream media attention. But thankfully, some of his recent works have caught on with a broad base of viewers. First ‘Mandy’ and now ‘Pig’ prove that Cage’s tacit and resilient persona is enjoyable in the right setup. ‘Pig’ is set around a truffle pig stolen from Robin, a renowned chef now retired in the woods. He vows to get her back but re-engage with his troubled past and life in the city.
‘Pig’ is unbelievably mature and unimaginative with the revenge undertones. It subverts expectations with the way the film starts and Robin’s mysterious reputation. It tends to be an observant and timely distraction from the violence of revenge to the overwhelming grief that often is excluded. Robin’s vulnerable state of mind is helped by director Michael Sarnoski’s attempts to make it the film’s central theme.
List to be Continued…
This list of films should be on your watchlist. The diversity in genre makes it a perfect potpourri of cinematic magic for your viewing. This is part one of our series of the 60 best films of 2021. Be sure to check out the other parts when they are out! Here are a few more lists for you from us to browse in the meanwhile:
- 8 Things to Know About Army of Dead before Watching
- Harry Potter Reunion: A Trip Down Memory Lane
- 24 Must-Watch Courtroom Drama If You Love It
- Red Notice Vs Free Guy: Decoding Ryan Reynolds’ Comical Genius
- 60 Best Movies of 2021 You Must Check Out (Part 2)
- 60 Best Movies of 2021 You Must Check Out (Part 3)