Movies of 2021 came and went. Now that you are done with the first “wave” (and hopefully the third too, soon :)), let us move on to the second part of the best movies of 2021. This list of films is primarily independent, small-scale, bootstrapped projects from filmmakers that have done it before. Features from Sean Baker, Steven Soderbergh, Wes Anderson, and Aaron Sorkin find a place on this list. The representation of the dwindling American suburbs and emerging trends of gig work culture is prominent in some of these.
There are a few other selections that are big studio films. Additionally, a Marvel film (no, not ‘Eternals’) too finds a place here. Some beautifully made and powerful regional cinema from India also feature. So, there is a lot for you to watch and enjoy!
Must-Watch Movies of 2021 This Year
This second install has 20 great films that you can easily stream across OTT platforms. You might have already heard how good some of the picks here are this award season. But we intended to keep a balance of both, covered well by the media and a few of them that make the hearts of purists like ‘you and me’ pump! Happy reading.
The Harder They Fall
IMDB – 6.6/10, Reviews
The Western genre has taken too many faux turns. Over the years, anything with mountains and gaudy accents qualifies as western. Although they are the typical elements, the accurate measurements should be the films of John Ford and John Huston. ‘The Harder They Fall’ is purely that. With all its heart, the imitation is wild. As an adage, mixing style and substance seems cliche considering how common it is. It is unfortunately difficult for audiences and filmmakers to find that balance and understand it. Watching ‘The Harder They Fall,’ the definition of what balance should look like is moderately clearer.
Jeymes Samuel chooses style over anything else. His uber, cool-looking Western has revisionist tendencies, but a harder look beckons nothing too differentiated. Visually, the film looks gorgeous. The soundtrack to ‘Harder’ is a great addition to the experience. And with such a talented cast firing on all cylinders, you probably won’t even notice the shortcomings. ‘The Harder They Fall’ is one of the best movies of 2021 to stream on Netflix. Watch it for the action; stay for the characters.
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
IMDB – 6.9/10, Reviews
Benedict Cumberbatch’s other winning turn comes as Louis Wain in his biographical film. Wain was a prodigal illustrator and artist whose work centered around anthropomorphized cats. He gradually slipped into the viciousness of schizophrenia, but that seemed to embellish the impact of his work. The film presents his life’s work through his perceptive gaze. His deteriorating state of mind is an unpleasant sight but a part of him that the mention of his name still carries with.
Unlike most biographies, ‘The Electrical Life’ manages to create an outstanding balance of pushing into its subject’s life and exploring what drove the work. The beauty, love, and energy that Wain saw around him prompted him to create those figures, making the film special. Also, look out for Arthur Sharpe’s musical score that has hardly got its due.
In the Same Breath
IMDB – 7.6/10, Reviews
The COVID pandemic has forever changed our lives. The virus came as a shock and has stayed beyond an unwelcome duration. Hopes of it subsiding soon have aroused with the vaccine and emboldened the healthcare system. But it is essential not to forget how it all started. The best documentary of 2021 narrates the convoluted origins of the virus in China. The government’s non-transparent dealings with the virus and stubbornness to let the world know about it proved fatal, as we now see it. The Chinese administration threw words like shame and humiliation to let the world suffer.
The documentary is critical in depicting how it was too little and too late for the world to protect itself against the invisible enemy. Watching some of the existing accounts of initial patients in China will move you to tears and fill you with resentment.
Mandela
IMDB – 8.5/10, Reviews
Of late, regional films have taken the cake in the Indian industry. Low-budget, minimalist movies at the center lie simple people, and their problems tend to be significantly more endearing for audiences. ‘Mandela’ makes a solid case to be one of these films. In an obscure town, the tremendous festival-like elections fall to a tie. Leaders use an unregistered barber as a pawn in their political game. The writing is incredibly self-aware of the context in which the story occurs.
Thus, complex concepts like caste, social status, and rural economy are effectively communicated without overdone. Yogi Babu delivers a resounding performance, hiding so well behind the skin of his character that it becomes difficult not to see him as Mandela afterward. The years of theater training have rebuffed every instinct Mandela has to make him an authentic character. Netflix has built an impressive catalog of regional films, making it one of the best movies to stream from 2021 on it. ‘Mandela’ is genuinely one of the best-hidden gem movies of 2021.
Zola
IMDB – 6.5/10, Reviews
A24 films always have something extra that normal films don’t. As a result, their movies always stand out in a crowd. An aspiring stripper’s maniacal tweets about her trip to Florida inspired ‘Zola.’ The crazy roller-coaster ride hardly seems plausible, but it is all to see. Riley Keough and Taylour Paige star as the two strippers’ “acquaintances,” who travel together under the premise of exciting work ahead of them. While ‘Zola’ is truly uninhibited in spirit like the protagonists, there is seriousness in terms of characterization of nightlife. Without too much at stake, experiencing the film for what it is might be a good one for you.
Red Rocket
IMDB – 7.3/10, Reviews
‘Red Rocket’ is one of Sean Baker’s most resentful tales about human nature. Ordinarily, his subjects embrace lifestyles seldom reproduced on screen. But, even in the media, his protagonists receive little attention. Mikey, his wife, and her mother fall into this category. After his stint as a male pornstar, the former’s return to his house in Texas saw a dismal end. He starts dealing drugs, makes his way back into the family, and happens upon a 17-year old whom he dreams of making his adult film partner.
There is hardly any room for sympathy or empathy for Mikey. The scamming tendencies he so profoundly shows often result in trouble for people around him. Selfish does not even begin to describe his acts. His perspective about life is the most loathsome form you will find. It is a miracle he makes it beyond the opening half-hour in the film. Baker’s typical framing and bootstrapped production give ‘Red Rocket’ the complete indie feel that viewers have come to cherish so much. The film is tragic and humorous in different moments, often ironically simultaneously. It falls into the bracket of modern cinema that is bold, unassuming, and unfazed to make you uncomfortable.
Belfast
IMDB – 7.4/10, Reviews
Kenneth Branagh’s autobiographical account of a tumultuous Belfast in the ‘60s made for one of the best movies of 2021. A Protestant and Catholic colony is the setting for this story, as its title implies. Violent breakouts hinder harmony in the community, with particular resentment against those from the former faith protecting the latter. Branagh’s world unfurls through the eyes of Buddy, a small boy trying to make sense of things around him.
The film dramatizes the effect this turmoil has on his family and personality. The keenly represented condition of the working class also deserves praise. However, there is a noticeable warmth and sweetness to the story despite the subject matter. Buddy’s eyes and perception make us fall in love with a world of hatred and coarse judgment. The soulful heart of the films makes ‘Belfast’ one of the best movies to watch from 2021.
The Dig
IMDB – 7.1/10, Reviews
Films released at the beginning of the year mostly miss out on mass radar. Ralph Fiennes starred in ‘The Dig’ should certainly not. If it was The Lost City of Z a few years back, this historical adventure flirts with the idea of human yearning for exploration. It proves that our intrigue can set us on paths so unsurmountable our determination pays no heed. Basil Brown’s (Fiennes) remarkable self-taught archeological and digging skills successfully unearthed one of the most significant historical jewels of the British Museum. The film pays homage to the mystery man, even though pivotal to the discovery but lacking credit till recent times.
Fiennes and Carey Mulligan share a heartfelt bond on-screen. Not many non-platonic relationships can conjure up this level of intimacy. While maintaining the boundaries of respect and virtue, they share beautiful moments of introspection that also uncover how well-read Brown was, despite leaving formal education at the age of 12. ‘The Dig’ reinforces confidence in the ability of the human spirit to endure the test of time and systemic handicaps that the world can throw at them.
Malcolm & Marie
IMDB – 6.7/10, Reviews
This black and white film is impressive for its story structure. If you take out the ‘marriage’ part from ‘Marriage Story’ (2018), this is what you get. Insults hurled by the partners at each other are edgier than a steak knife. They cut deep and strong. And these wounds do not heal quickly. John Washington and Zendaya portray the only two characters in the film. Built-in a conversation style that ebbs and flows, ‘Malcolm & Marie’ is all about getting the fit right. Once they ensure that the tone for the story and the characters is correct, it is all about the magic of Washington and Zendaya that makes it worth the watch. Their electric chemistry makes it one of the best movies of 2021 to watch this year.
The Fallout
IMDB – 7.1/10, Reviews
There aren’t many coming-of-age films that can say what they want without working on steroids. There has been a tendency to rely on some strange and singular element to tell the story in recent years. ‘The Fallout’ uses raw, brute honesty to scratch under the surface. School shootings, which have undeniably become a part of the American culture of late, affect their victims in an unsymmetrical fashion. Many internalize and try to deal with the trauma by numbing it. Others confront it head-on, following a path that is more readily palpable. ‘The Fallout’ builds admirable consistency in the depiction of trauma.
Jenna Ortega’s performance reminds us how this generation of actors can elevate films by doing so little. Her turn is disturbing, disruptive, and engaging without straying away too much from reality. Her character grounds the film. With its solemn tone, ‘The Fallout’ is a relevant movie but might not be the most enjoyable one.
No Sudden Move
IMDB – 6.5/10, Reviews
Most stakeholders have forgotten Steven Soderbergh’s film. Soderbergh is a regular at awards for his uncompromising and deeply affectionate works. His skill in building tension and making the journey of his discoveries accessible is unparalleled. But there is something about ‘No SUdden Move’ that screams exclusiveness. If you are familiar with his style, you are going in for a treat. The movie reproduces the look of the 1950s in a heist film format. Therein lies the deception. Soderbergh writes more of a whodunnit-style narrative than the “how” he is so famous for.
Additionally, a star cast provides ample support to his premise that it takes an eternity to get going. After it does, though, there is no turning back from finishing the movie.
Shiva Baby
IMDB – 7.2/10, Reviews
Claustrophobia, suffocation, and tension that you can cut with a knife define ‘Shiva Baby.’ Erica Seligman creates an impressive first impression with her tightly wound one-setting narrative in her directorial debut. The underlying catalyst driving the tension is a discovery by a confused college student about her sugar daddy’s identity and family life at a shiva (funeral). Danielle’s character is reminiscent of Hoffman’s in ‘The Graduate.’ Although Seligman takes an entirely different turn from the 1967 classic, slight undertones remain.
Despite the short runtime and minimal backdrop, a gamut of themes is covered in the cinematic universe of the film. The focus is more on an individual level instead of a universal examination. Today’s youth’s insecurities about the future, intimacy, and relationships are hard to ignore. Additionally, the constant chatter about an individual is bound to disturb the equilibrium of the state of mind. ‘Shiva Baby’ is available on MUBI, making it one of the best movies of 2021 to stream!
‘Shiva Baby’ shows how a star cast, production, or budget no longer bound indie filmmakers from doing what they love in their style.
Riders of Justice
IMDB – 7.6/10, Reviews
‘Riders of Justice’ is a film about reconnecting, grieving, and family presented in an attractive action-comedy package. Mads Mikkelsen plays Markus; a soldier forced to return home after his wife dies in a tragic accident. Otto and Lennart, two unsuccessful scientists, approach him to explain that the accident was no coincidence but planned. A grieving Markus unwillingly joins hands with them to explore their theory.
The depth in the film’s writing presents an exciting mix of various observant themes. Therefore, there is little doubt about the quality in that department.
Overall, the film is hugely grounded in sculpting its emotional core. There are many laughs along the way due to Mikkelsen’s great chemistry with the “gang of boys” and plenty of action to keep you on edge. The entire effort to get attached to the characters is almost seamless, making ‘Riders of Justice’ an engaging entertainer.
I’m Your Man
IMDB – 7.1/10, Reviews
What woman could resist hearing “My algorithm is designed to make you happy”? Probably none. Except for Maria Schrader’s peculiar protagonist, Alma. ‘I’m Your Man’ is one of the most imaginative films of the year. It is probably the first film that explores the intricacies of a relationship through a humanoid. No, not a robot. A humanoid. Machine learning and AI are two concepts that will define our lives in the coming decades.
Schrader uses these concepts to get at one of today’s generation’s most damning shortcomings: the feeling that we don’t deserve love. Choosing to be “the fool who plays it cool,” as that Paul McCartney song goes, often separates us from the warmth of people we care about. The film romanticizes the idea that the imperfections of humans are what make living life worth it. Predictability makes affairs melancholy and the joy of discovering new moments a drag.
‘I’m Your Man’ is a timely reminder of why we must not strive for perfection but live in the moment to see another day.
Stillwater
IMDB – 6.6/10, Reviews
Matt Damon’s heartfelt and genuine performance in ‘Stillwater’ went as one of the underappreciated movies of 2021. So was ‘Stillwater,’ which I felt made for some of the best movie viewings in the year. At its heart, the film is about the feeling of losing one’s belief system to the realities of the world. The idea that we generally have of something, someone, or someplace is twisted and perverted by our involvement with them. It might sound a bit confusing, but seeing something that you strongly believe in turning out to be a farce feels more defeating than any physical bruise.
This is one film that will win you with its ending. The depth matches the gravitas in storytelling in writing. The collective translation on-screen through Damon and company is truly an exhilarating and timely coincidence.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
IMDB – 8.7/10, Reviews
The newest Spider-Man film is a treat to watch. Not only has it become one of the highest-grossing movies of 2021, but it is also touted as the best in the franchise. And that is saying something. Marvel’s innovative formula of mixing the heroes with conventional film wisdom about technology has worked wonders for them. In addition, seeing Tom Holland as the young overwhelmed Spider-Man has rewritten the comic character who was once discarded as finished. Without any spoilers, I will let you find them out as and when you watch it in the theaters.
The Lost Daughter
IMDB – 6.7/10, Reviews
Every time an Olivia Colman performance seems like the best she could do, she proves me wrong. ‘The Lost Daughter’ is probably the most humane and realistic film of the year that does not deal with a flashy subject. Neither is the story told elegantly. Maggie Gyllenhaal adds to the best movies of the year, most of whom are directed by women. Her gaze benefits the experiences of a young Leda dealing with her small kids and juggling a blooming career as a literary translator. The contrast she draws with the older Leda, now looking back, is the film’s central conflict.
Because of how the story is fashioned, ‘The Lost Daughter’ is deliberative in demeanor. There is not much to discover in terms of facts but an urge to understand Leda’s choices and frustrations. Leda even comes off as really unlikeable, but Gyllenhaal drives towards our compassion to relate to her. The heartbreak in the film is hardly matched by anything put together on screen in 2021. Another ‘best of 2021’ Netflix movie that you can stream at one go!
The French Dispatch
IMDB – 7.3/10, Reviews
Wes Anderson’s newest feature is a colorful funfest in his typical style. Although the film matrix is relatively more complicated here, it still carries the Anderson stamp of authority. ‘The French Dispatch’ is charming and tragic, without too much drama. Enjoyable moments are fleeting and meant to provide a respite from the solemn deconstruction of a magazine proprietor’s life, both personal and professional.
The mammoth cast has all sorts of names you usually find in a Wes Anderson film. Younger stars like Timothee Chalamet are added to the mix. ‘The French Dispatch’ is a film you will love if you are a Wes Anderson fan. It is one of those that you either love or don’t. Although it is not out to stream yet, you can watch it in theaters as it is one of the best movies of 2021!
The Great Indian Kitchen
IMDB – 8.3/10, Reviews
One of the best films in 2021 to come out of India was ‘The Great Indian Kitchen.’ Not only is it well made, but it also deals with a severe issue in Indian society. While addressing it, the director ensures that the film’s mass appeal is not extinguished. The conventional contours of an Indian wife after marriage are deliberately challenged and overlapped by the changing image of a modern woman. Today’s women’s ambitions and dreams are beyond equal terms with men.
Yet, they are relegated to traditional family chores. It is viewed as an obligation upon them to please and complete. Without ever putting individuals on the sword, ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ dismantles the patriarchal system that has so long ailed Indian women.
Being the Ricardos
IMDB – 6.6/10, Reviews
Aaron Sorkin’s films always function as rhythmic banter between him and the audience. The tone and cadence of his movies often give the impression that the story is forever moving forward. Even in its slowest moments, ‘Being the Ricardos’ is breathtaking. Nicole Kidman stars as Lucille Ball, the megastar of the hit tv show “I Love Lucy,” and Javier Bardem stars as Desi Arnaz, her husband, and producer. The film is set during a tumultuous week that changes their lives after a media outlet calls Lucy a communist.
‘Being the Ricardos’ is told in the fashion of a retelling of sorts. Real-life players in the drama that unfolded are part of what made the week monumental. Almost all elements of the Ricardos’ life at the time are brought to life. There is no doubt that a Sorkin film is rarely unwatchable, but ‘Being the Ricardos’ certainly provides substance to that notion.
Conclusion
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 two of our series of the 60 best films of 2021. Be sure to check out the other parts when they are out! Also, here’s a list of other reviews you might be interested in: