Best Films of 2021

1/17/2022

2021 capped off another fantastic year of film. Yet, cinema is still trying to overcome a pandemic that's still raging. Delayed 2020 movies finally made it to the big screen, and movie theaters are trying to make a comeback. Continuing to go and support movie theaters will keep cinema alive and well. The magic and joy of movies brings an audience together. We cannot let this die. Theaters are a crucial bedrock of movies. Here are my picks of the 30 Best Films from 2021. We'll see you at the theaters. — Arnold At The Movies

Glynis' 30 Favorite Films from 2021:

01. West Side Story
02. Shang-Chi
03. Annette
04. Licorice Pizza
05. House of Gucci
06. The Harder They Fall
07. Belfast
08. Encanto
09. Tick, Tick... BOOM!
10. Eternals
11. Raya and the Last Dragon
12. A Quiet Place Part II
13. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
14. Shiva Baby
15. CODA

16. Bo Burnham: Inside
17. The French Dispatch
18. The Green Knight
19. No Time To Die
20. Last Night In Soho
21. The Eyes of Tammy Faye
22. The Dig
23. Nightmare Alley
24. C'mon C'mon
25. Spencer
26. Being the Riccardos
27. Ghostbusters: Afterlife
28. In the Heights
29. Cruella
30. The Night House

The Countdown

#30 CODA

CODA is a wonder. A beautiful film led by a splendid cast and strong representation. A coming-of-age story that avoids the clichés, capturing what it means to be family. Emilia Jones gives a superb performance that’s combined with an important sense of inclusion.

#29 Luca

Luca is a beautiful film, full of the vivid, imaginative freedoms of being a kid. One of Pixar’s sweetest films to date. Luca’s infectious joy will fill your heart with wonder. Pixar's Luca is a breath of fresh air. “Silenzio, Bruno!”

#28 Bergman Island

Bergman Island is a fascinating and patient movie. While using the legendary director (Ingmar Bergman) as a backdrop for the film’s premise, we see a charming and creative story transform. One that is well-acted (Vicky Krieps and Tim Roth) and gentle, it's also one of the best films of the year. Bergman Island is a movie cinephiles will gobble up.

#27 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Yes, it's true, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is top-tier Marvel. An excellent cast (Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung), well-developed characters, amazing choreography throughout, a worthy story with heart, and strong representation of Asian culture.

#26 Nightmare Alley

Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley is a slow-burning noir that builds up the thrills. The payoff is worth it, but the runtime needed to be trimmed. However, the visual style, musical score, costume, and production designs are gorgeous throughout. Plus, Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett are always superb and radiant.

#25 Belfast

Belfast is simply marvelous. I was completely captivated from beginning to end. Director Kenneth Branagh's black-and-white crowd-pleaser will tug away at your heartstrings. What a wonder.

#24 The Matrix Resurrections

Lana Wachowski's The Matrix Resurrections is one of the boldest, most ambitious blockbusters I’ve ever seen. Action packed, wickedly entertaining, and full of heart. It celebrates on new ideas through emotion, spectacle, and meta-commentary. It’s also one of the best love stories of 2021.

#23 Lamb (Dýrið)

Lamb is a strange, sad, and profoundly moving picture. Through gorgeous cinematography and patient storytelling, Valdimar Jóhannsson's directorial debut offers comfort to those who have had to endure loss. I felt Noomi Rapace's pain. As someone who desperately wants to become a parent, I would have also taken an Ada in a heartbeat.

#22 Annette

They weren’t lying, Annette is a bizarre rock opera. It was definitely a film that grew on me weeks after I saw it. Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, and Simon Helberg are all wonderful. Leos Carax’s dreamy fantasia is ambitious and experimental. Annette won’t be for everyone, but it’s still worth seeing.

#21 Together Together

Together Together is a sweet film exploring love and parenthood from a platonic lens. After experiencing loss ourselves, this was a healing movie to see. After a year of being unable to go to the theaters, it felt great going to the movies again. Welcome back.

#20 The Last Duel

Woah, The Last Duel is very good! Jodie Comer’s heartbreaking performance is a powerhouse throughout. Likewise, Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck are all superb. Director Ridley Scott’s medieval epic is both raw and poignant. One of the best films of 2021.

#19 Encanto

Delightful and colorful: Disney’s Encanto shines brightly. With gorgeous animation and a beautiful message from the heart, Encanto will sweep you off your feet. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs are vibrant, and its representation is important. In the end, Disney’s Encanto is simply magical.

#18 Dune

Dune is a lot to take in. The sheer scope and size of this film are epic. Denis Villeneuve's cinematic sandcastle is a meticulous and astonishing work of art. From the acting to the visuals; to that roaring score by Hans Zimmer, Dune will sweep you off your feet. Bring on Part Two!

#17 The French Dispatch

The French Dispatch is a wild charade of Wes Anderson's wacky world that will fully consume you. It was an absolute delight to finally see this movie in the theaters. The French Dispatch is colorful, artistic, and layered with the craftsmanship of Anderson himself. This production allowed the director to let loose, spilling his bizarre aesthetic throughout the screen.

#16 The Green Knight

Haunting, mesmerizing, and poetic: writer-director David Lowery’s Arthurian tale is a masterwork. Led by a commanding Dev Patel: The Green Knight's artful vision of thought-provoking themes will be discussed for years to come. Bold, dark, and always captivating, this medieval fantasy will have your head spinning by the end.

#15 Shiva Baby

This high-anxiety, get under your skin, dark comedy feature is a brilliant film debut from writer-director Emma Seligman. Shiva Baby is an indie gem, while actor Rachel Sennott is a marvel throughout. Through personal growth and passive-aggressive vibes, Seligman's Shiva Baby is a stroke of genius.

#14 The Mitchells vs the Machines

The Mitchells vs the Machines is a great film — beautiful animation that’s blended well with witty humor and a feel-good story. A colorful, heartwarming, and energetic ride for the whole family. The Mitchells vs the Machines is full of laughter and charisma from the beginning until the end. "Behold! The Twilight of Man!"

#13 Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Summer of Soul is an extraordinary documentary. Make sure you watch it, one of 2021's best films. Questlove's Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is an exhilarating experience of freedom, pain, hope and love. An ode to Black pride and music.

#12 No Time To Die

No Time To Die: An action-packed, ambitious, and satisfying swan song for Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007. Craig is arguably our greatest Bond ever. An epic (overstuffed) spy adventure with heart. Craig’s conclusion gives us an emotional goodbye. Mr. Craig, I bid you farewell. Thank you.

#11 West Side Story

From the singing to the dancing, from the cinematography to the production design, director Steven Spielberg's West Side Story shines brightly through the night. Spielberg's WSS reminds us why we fell in love with musical theatre in the first place. One of 2021's best films.

#10 The Power of the Dog

The Power of the Dog: a slow-burning Western and character study. Writer-director Jane Campion's direction is breathtaking, always in control of her craft. While Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Kodi Smit-McPhee deliver superb performances. A striking drama about toxic masculinity. Emotional and bruising: that ending hits you.

#09 Drive My Car (ドライブ・マイ・カー)

Oh wow, this was an incredible film. Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car is a powerful, engaging, and deeply moving picture. What a beautiful film from beginning to end. So much to think about, so much to unpack here. 3-hours of pure cinema. Watch it.

#08 TITANE

How does one explain a movie like TITANE? Writer-director Julia Ducournau’s newest French picture transcends you to another dimension. TITANE is a film that one has to see to believe. It's wild, organic, and riveting, from the first to the final frame. Ducournau’s transgressive horror will seep into your bones; you won't know what hit you.

#07 Pig

Pig was a wonderful surprise — dark, poignant, and powerfully acted by Nicolas Cage. A strange odyssey of love and loss. I had lots of feelings after watching this film. Pig is a beautiful and, at times, heartbreaking film about life. Pig's emotional core is anchored by the great Nic Cage. A must-watch.

#06 Licorice Pizza

Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza is a film chock-full of dream-like wonder. PTA's most pure and lighthearted work as a director. Actors Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim are born stars. We travel aimlessly through San Fernando Valley, almost like a fantasy of growing up. A joyous and romantic touch to cinema.

#05 The Tragedy of Macbeth

“Behold! Cinema.” The Tragedy of Macbeth is so good I’m still trying to find the right words to describe this Shakespearean film. Director Joel Coen’s gorgeous black-and-white picture is a work of art. Through the minimalist production design, gorgeous cinematography, striking visuals, and superb performances (Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand): The Tragedy of Macbeth takes a very theatrical approach to the sourced material. One that you could lose your head for.

#04 Spencer

Spencer plays like a Greek tragedy. Writer-director Pablo Larraín’s film is meticulously crafted from beginning to end. Actress Kristen Stewart is a marvel as Princess Diana: she wows in every frame. Stewart gives us THE best performance of the year, bar none. With beautiful cinematography and a somber score, it’s a film full of symbolism. A masterclass.

#03 Petite Maman

Céline Sciamma’s Petite Maman is a beautiful portrait of childhood. She crafts an exquisite movie full of love, loss, and hope. Petite Maman is a deep meditation on grief that is both richly rewarding and emotionally resonant. Clocking in at only 72-minutes: Sciamma’s film is a perfect picture.

#02 C'mon C'mon

Writer-director Mike Mills has made one of the best films of the year. Seriously, C'mon C'mon is inspirational. This black-and-white beauty will leave you in awe. Joaquin Phoenix and Woody Norman shine from beginning to end. Personal, empathetic, and completely human. C'mon C'mon deserves to be seen, and it also deserves to be awarded.

#01 Bo Burnham: Inside

Bo Burnham: Inside is a masterwork — funny, claustrophobic, and experimental. This one-man comedy-drama special is an immersive experience full of strong humor, dense commentary, and technical splendor. Inside is the must-watch Netflix special of the pandemic era. Burnham's special might be one of the most beautiful, scary, and fascinating pieces of work I have watched in a long time. Inside is my pick for No. 1 because it's the best thing I watched last year, hands down.

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