2021 gave audiences no shortage of fantastic content. Movies of a variety of genres made their way to screens, allowing fans of all film preferences to find something to enjoy. Ranker s have given their picks for the best movies of 2021, so if eager film lovers are looking for the next title to appreciate, these are great options to explore.
From new projects by esteemed directors to highly-anticipated superhero titles, the best movies of 2021 never stopped providing audiences with compelling entertainment, and some of them are sure to become classics.
8-Bit Christmas
8-Bit Christmas was one of the best new holiday movies to watch in 2021. The story, which is told mainly through flashbacks to the 1980s, centers on a young boy in pursuit of the new Nintendo Entertainment System.
The film is a charming and heartfelt trip to the past with which many are likely to identify, especially if they were around during the immense popularity of the NES. With Neil Patrick Harris as the adult version of the main character, watching 8-Bit Christmas may end up becoming a holiday tradition for many.
Cruella
When Disney's live-action Cruella was first announced, it was met with a divided response. However, upon its release, the film proved many detractors wrong and gave audiences a captivating movie experience.
Cruella is a fresh take on the iconic villain, played by Emma Stone, as she tries to climb her way up to becoming a prominent fashion designer. With phenomenal costume design, settings, and performances, the movie has rightfully gained a loyal fanbase that loves the new direction for the character.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings
When best MCU movies to watch on Disney+.
The film follows the titular character, who must confront people from his past and stop a dangerous force from entering the world. The superhero quickly became a favorite in the franchise, with Simu Liu doing an excellent job portraying the character, and fans are eager to see the actor appear in future projects.
The Courier
Though it appeared at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020, The Courier did not receive a wider theatrical release until 2021. It is a film about the real-life figure of Greville Wynne, a businessman from Britain who helps MI6 to gather information on Soviet nuclear activities. The movie offers a thrilling of a volatile time in relatively recent history, and its depiction of the true events keeps audiences invested.
With a grounded performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, The Courier continuously provides an engrossing experience for those familiar with the situation and those unfamiliar alike.
Last Night In Soho
Full of style and with incredible performances from Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy, Last Night in Soho is a mysterious and gripping title that takes its audience along for the ride.
It centers on a girl named Eloise, who finds herself vividly experiencing the 1960s and encounters Sandie, an aspiring singer. Eloise soon discovers that elements are more sinister than they initially appeared. Some believe that there are many ways it is Edgar Wright's best film, and Last Night in Soho will surely have audience eagerly awaiting his next project.
The Last Duel
Ridley Scott's most recent historical epic, The Last Duel, focuses on the real-life figure of Marguerite de Carrouges and her bravery in coming forward and speaking out about a horrible crime Jacques Le Gris committed against her. Her husband, Jean, then challenges Jacques to a duel to the death, which, if Jean were to lose, would also result in Marguerite's death.
Jodie Comer gives a riveting portrayal of the courageous figure, excellently displaying various emotions and complexities. Additionally, the attention to detail regarding the time period is something that history fans will likely appreciate. The rest of the cast, including Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck, all add extensively to the film as well.
No Time To Die
Daniel Craig's fifth and final film appearance as 007 has garnered him deserved recognition for his portrayal of the iconic James Bond. In No Time to Die, Bond must track down a kidnapped scientist and stop dangerous nanotechnology from wreaking havoc on the world.
Craig's last outing as the character is an emotional one, and with an exceptional cast that includes Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, and Rami Malek, it is an entry in the James Bond series that will not soon be forgotten.
Free Guy
The Ryan Reynolds-led action-comedy Free Guy gave audiences a premise that many thoroughly enjoyed. It centers on the character of Guy, a non-player character in an online video game who learns about the circumstances surrounding his existence.
Ryan Reynolds has become one of the most beloved comedic actors working today, and he gives another lovable performance in this film. Outlandish and fascinating, Free Guy puts a twist on the action and comedy genres and provides a unique experience that can appeal to a wide variety of fanbases.
Dune
As an adaptation of one of the most influential science fiction novels of all time, Dune was one of the most anticipated movies of fall 2021. It is only the first of a two-part film series, but it provides a compelling look at the universe of the story and many of the characters who live in it.
Dune centers on of House Atreides, who are tasked with controlling spice harvesting on the planet Arrakis, and thus manage the most valuable resource in existence. The film features gorgeous cinematography and leaves audiences ready for the next installation with a captivating cliffhanger.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Arguably one of the most exciting movie events of the year was Spider-Man: No Way Home, which featured Peter Parker dealing with the aftermath of his secret identity being revealed to the public. He works with Doctor Strange to try to make everyone forget his secret, but they accidentally bring figures from other universes into theirs.
The return of favorites like Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin and Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus guaranteed that those who love the MCU were left with an immense number of memorable moments. With action, emotion, and comedy, Spider-Man: No Way Home is enjoyable from start to finish.
