Top 10 Movies of 2021
2021 has been a big year for film, despite the ebbs and flows of access to and release dates for major cinemas.
To celebrate the year that was, we’ve assembled our Top 10 films of the year. Read on to find out more, and let us know if you agree!
10. PIG
Scraping into our Top 10 for the year is the Nicolas Cage starrer, PIG. The great thing about PIG is how calming and placid it is, which by extension makes it very unexpected. Cage also delivers an incredible performance, which needs to be seen. Check out our full review here.
9. Zola
Zola is based off a twitter thread, and this short but sweet film feels like a tweet; it may be rapid, but it has staying power. It shocks, engrosses, engages and makes you want to share it with your friends. Our review of the A24 film here.
8. Ron’s Gone Wrong
An unexpected choice, this has got to be our pick for kids film of the year. While it might be a little snarky and cynical, it benefitted by other cynical releases this year being so on the nose (Don’t Look Up anyone?). On top of that, this movie gave us the biggest belly laughs of the year. As shocking as that is, find out more about our feelings on the film here.
7. In The Heights
The Lin Manuel-Miranda musical was an absolute blast; a visually spectacular, innovative and astounding big-screen musical that put every other musical production from the year to shame. You can see our full review here.
6. Judas and the Black Messiah
An early release in 2021, and duly celebrated at the Oscars last year, this film is powerful and utterly engrossing. Kaluuya is so good, and the ‘I am a revolutionary’ speech scene is unforgettable. Check out our original review here.
5. The Father
The Father is an emotionally crushing, disorienting film. It also holds one of the most incredible performances from Anthony Hopkins, one that was rightly rewarded by the Academy at the 2021 Oscars. If you haven’t had a chance to catch this film, the performances make it worth it in its entirety.
4. Nine Days
Nine Days was a little hidden gem this year. A truly beautiful film that talks to the potential of human life, the beauty of the soul, and the meaning of it all, Nine Days was tough to find at the cinema; nevertheless, it’s a worthy prize if you can find it in your search, as it will leave you in tears. Check out our review here.
3. Dune
The most mammoth film we have ever seen, Dune is an incredible achievement. Dune is gigantic, extravagant, pure sci-fi, delivered with stunning audio work. It is a masterful experience, and feels like the cinematic experience of a generation. Our full review is here.
2. Licorice Pizza
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is a beautiful, soulful romance set in California in the 70’s. It is shot with a hazy visceral nature that makes you feel like these are real people; a feeling aided by the two lead performances. This movie makes you love movies again - it will have you laughing, crying and keen to watch it again. Our full review can be found here.
1. French Exit
Our favourite movie of the year, and perhaps a controversial choice, was French Exit. The film is weird, niche and unfailingly independent. But it’s also gorgeously decorated and shot, full of zipping dialogue and constantly hilarious. More than that, it’s anchored by one of the great performances of the year from Michelle Pfeiffer. Check this one out if you get a chance, because it will have you smiling throughout, but also wondering if there was a small mental (or spiritual) breakthrough in there for you too. Full review here.