Thomas takes a retrospective look back at the biggest hits of 2021 to share his top 20 movies of the year!
COVID was still very much present in 2021 which lead to some delays again. But overall, we have been able to see a lot of great movies this year in cinemas for the most part. That definitely has me hopeful for next year. So let’s dive into my top 20 movies of 2021:
20 – Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a 4-hour epic movie, it’s the movie we deserved. It has great character development and each of the heroes gets his time to shine on the screen. Such a talented cast! The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. It’s one of the best superhero movies ever, a masterpiece! Zack Snyder is to DC what Peter Jackson is to Lord of the Rings. And Tom Holkenborg has composed an outstanding and incredible score, I’m in awe!
19 – Finch
Right from the start, you can clearly see where Finch is going. Though, it’s still a sweet and elegant road movie about what it’s like to be human. Tom Hanks is as charming as ever, delivering an excellent performance.
18 – In The Heights
In The Heights is an empowering celebration of the Hispanic community with joyful songs that will make you dance and sing all summer long. Anthony Ramos puts so much heart in his singing and acting, he’s a revelation!
17 – Raya and The Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon is another success from Disney. It’s a captivating tale with gorgeous animation and compelling characters skillfully voiced. The action sequences are also quite impressive!
16 – Minamata
Minamata is a powerful and heartfelt movie, which subject matter is still very much relevant today. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s brilliant score adds an even deeper emotional weight to the story. Johnny Depp delivers one of his best performances and Hiroyuki Sanada also delivers a poignant performance.
15 – No Time To Die
No Time To Die is a fitting conclusion to Daniel Craig’s James Bond. It’s an emotional and action-packed movie!
14 Josee, The Tiger, and The Fish
Josee, The Tiger, and The Fish is a heartfelt and sweet movie that is not only a love story but also a powerful story about characters finding themselves. It’s a must-watch.
13 – News Of The World
News of the World is Tom Hanks’ first western and it is one to be remembered. With Hanks, we’re always in safe hands, he delivers an effortlessly powerful performance. Helena Zengel’s performance is also a highlight of the movie. It’s a solid and captivating ride in which two broken characters are trying to find their own way to heal. It has beautiful cinematography with great landscapes. Hanks and director Paul Greengrass is once again a team that works!
12 – Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a wonderful story about two people having trouble communicating. It’s a celebration of love where poetry is all around.
11 – Reminiscence
Reminiscence is a captivating movie with complex characters and an amazing cast!
10 – Black Widow
Black Widow is a captivating action-packed movie with some great plot twists and an amazing all-star cast! It’s a beautiful swansong for Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff while also a fantastic beginning for our new characters! Florence Pugh is delightful and her character is sure to become an instant fan favorite. David Harbour also brings a lot of fun! I’m excited to see what comes next!
9 – Venom Let There Be Carnage
Venom Let There Be Carnage is insanely good and delivers a ton of action and fun. A must-watch!
8 – LUCA
LUCA is a fabulous story about friendship with endearing characters. They’re voiced by an excellent cast. This movie is basically Pixar meets Studi Ghibli. It’s a must-watch!
7 – Tick, Tick … BOOM!
Lin Manuel Miranda makes a triumphal directorial debut with Tick, Tick … BOOM! It’s a poignant and powerful musical celebrating Jonathan Larson’s creative process. Andrew Garfield is absolutely sensational, he delivers an Oscar-worthy performance.
6 – Shang-Chi and The Legend Of The Ten Rings
Shang-Chi is one of the best 3 Marvel movies. It’s an outstanding movie full of surprises that features an excellent cast and wonderful visuals. Simu Liu was perfectly cast as Shang-Chi, and this character has immediately become one of my favorite MCU superheroes ! This movie is also a much-needed Asian representation in the world of superheroes.
5 – A Quiet Place Part II
John Krasinski has crafted a worthy sequel with A Quiet Place 2. It’s highly intense leaving you on the edge of your seat the whole time as it expands the world of the original. The family drama is still the heart of the movie. Cilian Murphy is a great addition to the already talented cast. And Marco Beltrami returns with his powerful score!
4 – DUNE (Part One)
DUNE is a masterpiece and one of this year’s best movies. Denis Villeneuve has crafted a visual wonder. Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson deliver exceptional performances and are the highlight of this star-studded cast.
3 – Eternals
Chloé Zhao has crafted an epic and colossal story with Eternals. It feels so different and unique from what we usually get with the MCU. It’s also visually the most beautiful movie of that franchise. From its phenomenal cast to its beautiful score, Eternals is a masterpiece.
2 – Violet Evergarden The Movie
Violet Evergaden The Movie is an emotional and satisfying ending to the series. Evan Call’s glorious score accompanies the top-tier animation. It’s truly cinematic!
1 – Spider-Man No Way Home
Spider-Man No Way Home is the best Spider-Man movie. It’s action-packed, fun, and emotional. This movie is as big as it can get. I laughed, I cried, I cheered up. Tom Holland delivers a brilliant performance, reminding us why he is the best Spider-Man.
What are your best films of 2021? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you.
Author
Collectables Editor at Future Of The Force.
Star Wars and Marvel specialist, anime expert
