The best films of 2021

This year flooded theaters and streaming sites with a wealth of riches. Audiences hungry for escape were rewarded with adventures that boasted evil AI, high fantasy, and sprawling superhero showdowns. Those craving the cerebral were gifted art house films with a perturbed princess, an unnerving nurse, and a serial killer who took her love of muscle cars to a wild extreme. It was a year where musicals sang of the best and worst of New York City, where dramas made infectiously thrilling turns and comedies took culotte-coated leaps that had us in stitches.

Here are our picks for the 15 best films of 2021.

Take your typical family road trip comedy, toss in a robot apocalypse, and top it all off with a heavy smattering of meme-worthy filters, doodles, and GIFs, and you might end up with something like The Mitchells vs. The Machines: a truly fun-for-the-whole-family feature that hinges on whether an artsy teen (voiced by Abbi Jacobson) and her Luddite dad (voiced by Danny McBride) can set aside their differences long enough to save all of humanity from being launched into space by Siri Pal.

Come for the jokes about our impending AI-led dystopia, stay for the heart-tugging moments of Mitchell family bonding. Director Michael Rianda crushed it. Seriously, we might never hear T.I. and Rihanna’s “Live Your Life” without tearing up ever again.* —Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. The Machines is streaming on Netflix.

This one had a lot riding on it. It was the first Marvel movie released exclusively in theatres since 2019, the first to feature an Asian-American hero, and bore the unique responsibility of introducing the world to a potential new Avenger after the devastating events of Endgame. Luckily for those who had anything riding on the success of Shang-Chi — like co-writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton — the movie delivered on every level. 

Simu Liu’s performance as Shang-Chi instantly minted him as a relatable, badass street-level hero, who nonetheless can travel the multiverse. Shang-Chi’s presence, and the movie’s intimate focus on his broken family dynamics, made for a refreshing departure from big-budget superhero films that bank all of their appeal on flashy CGI. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings also introduced an all-time great Marvel villain in Wenwu, played to dazzling perfection by Hong Kong screen legend Tony Leung. Plus, the movie went on to become the highest-grossing theatrical release of the year. 2021 may have been the year of nonstop Marvel projects, but Shang-Chi stands out as the best new franchise to emerge from the sea of comic book content. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is streaming on Disney+.

Dev Patel  thrills as Gawain in “The Green Knight.”
Credit: A24

It’s the extravagant fantasy adventure that had film lovers throwing around the term “Arthurian legend” all summer long. A24’s The Green Knight took audiences on an otherworldly journey of exquisite visuals and skin-tingling atmosphere, making it among the most talked-about cinematic experiences of 2021.

Writer-director-producer David Lowery delivers a shadowy feast for the eyes in this high art reimagining of the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. An effortlessly spectacular Dev Patel stars as a knight who must fulfill a cryptic promise. Along his journey, he meets characters played by a sparkling cast, including Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, and Sarita Choudhury. 

You can spend hours talking about what this telling of this particular story means and never fall out from under its spell. The result is another feather in the cap of the much-loved indie film company, and an epic excuse to get back to the films. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Green Knight is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.

A long list of biopics hit this year, ranging from the fawning (King Richard) to the profane (Benedetta) and the unapologetically outrageous (House of Gucci). But none is so haunting as Pablo Larraín’s surreal look at the life of Princess Diana.

Set over a rough Christmas holiday with her royal (pain in the ass) in-laws, Spencer follows Diana (a sophisticated sharp Kristen Stewart) not only through the austere halls and suffocating suites of the Windsor’s country estate, but also into her nightmarish state of mind. There, she is mocked by a putrid pea soup, advised by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, and gobbles down pearls as a glossy revolt. Out of context, this sounds absurd (maybe even as absurd as the musical Diana). But within Steven Knight’s inventive script, such strangeness plays like a fantastic fable with a gothic horror flare that’s fueled by feelings over fact. The result is a biopic that’s bold, beautiful and a deeply touching tribute to the People’s Princess. — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Spencer is available for purchase on Apple TV+.

The first feature film from writer-director Rose Glass, Saint Maud is a religious horror film set in the world of late-stage hospice care. When a pious nurse named Maud (Morfydd Clark) is assigned to care for the boldly blasphemous Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), a battle to save Amanda’s soul before she dies of cancer ensues. It’s a staggeringly scary reflection on interiority and philosophy, with a searing assessment of the sometimes predatory messiah complex to boot. 

In addition to its exquisite acting performances and sublime cinematography, Saint Maud works because of its relentless meticulousness. Keeping with the grand tradition of A24 horror, Glass builds her film around an intricate latticework of symbolism and hidden details that will both unnerve and intrigue you. There’s enough to merit watching the movie twice, and, with a runtime of just one hour and 24 minutes, you can do that pretty easily. Just make sure to take some kind of break between viewings; this is one intense movie experience, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.* — A.F.

How to watch: Saint Maud is streaming on Hulu.

Andrew Garfield swings into song and dance in “Tick, Tick…Boom!”
Credit: MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature directorial debut packs a potent musical theater punch from every angle. He brings to life the selective reality and theatrical phantasmagoria of Rent writer Jonathan Larson’s life and career, based on an autobiographical show from 1992.

Miranda, whose In the Heights was spectacularly adapted for film by Jon M. Chu, proves as adept at moving from stage to screen as he does sucking the marrow of his medium. Andrew Garfield fully inhabits Larson, from voice to body to towering, buzzing hair and a frenetic urgency to create — to write, to sing, to matter, as Larson so clearly did to legions of dreamers who followed. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: tick, tick…Boom! is streaming on Netflix.

Has there been a more joyous cinematic experience this year than In the Heights? Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Quiara Alegría Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical soars on the charm of its cast, the catchiness of its tunes, the dazzle of its dance numbers, and maybe most of all, the energy of its setting.

It’s a portrait of a community — specifically the close-knit, predominantly Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights in Manhattan — woven from the dreams of the people in it, and brought to life in musical moments both awesomely epic (like the Busby Berkeley-inspired pool number “96,000”) and devastatingly personal (like the showstopping solo “Paciencia y Fe”). The timing of the In the Heights‘ release meant it was one of the first films, or maybe even the first film, back in theaters after over a year at home — and it’s hard to think of a better welcome back than this sunny celebration of togetherness.* —A.H.

How to watch: In the Heights is in theaters and streaming on HBO Ma

Maya Hawke in a brief but cutting role in “Fear Street: Part One 1994.”
Credit: Netflix

Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy, based on the works of R.L. Stine, didn’t have to go so hard… but it did, and for that we are grateful. Co-written and directed by Leigh Janiak, the saga immersed us in the world of Shadyside, a town haunted by grisly murders ever since its founding in the 17th century.

Deena (Kiana Madeira) and Sam (Olivia Scott Welch) find themselves at the center of 1994’s bloody episode, determined to not only survive but find and reverse the Shadyside curse. The cast returns and reorders itself in Part Two: 1978 and Part Three: 1666, pulling irresistible performances from its young actors and weaving together a thrilling mystery. The first two chapters pull from the best slasher films, while the third leans into the supernatural. Best of all, it sticks the landing, which just makes us want to keep coming back.— P.K.

How to watch: Fear Street: Part One:1994 is streaming on Netflix.

How to watch: Fear Street: Part Two:1978 is streaming on Netflix.

How to watch: Fear Street: Part Three:1666 is streaming on Netflix.

7. Shiva Baby

Worlds collide in this cringe comedy that’s been widely hailed by critics. When a Jewish college student (Rachel Sennott) dutifully attends a shiva alongside her parents, she’s prepared to field questions about her unimpressive job prospects and lack of a boyfriend. However, she’s not ready for her secret sugar daddy (Danny Deferrari) to show up, much less with his beautiful blonde wife (Dianna Agron) and their rosy-cheeked baby. Making matters even more fraught, her former best friend is slinging her serious side-eye. Something has got to give.

In her remarkable debut feature, writer/director Emma Seligman creates laughs and suspense with an electrifying tapestry of observational humor, social awkwardness, jolting humiliation, and sexual tension. You’ve heard of feel-good comedies? Well, this is a feel-anxious-as-hell comedy, dragging us through each embarrassment with our harried heroine. And yet, we can’t recommend the experience highly enough. *—K.P.

How to watch: Shiva Baby is streaming on HBO Max.

If you thought this historical drama was going to be some stern championing of chivalry, then you don’t know Ridley Scott. The ferocious and oft feminist filmmaker brought together three heralded screenwriters (Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon) to tell a true medieval tale with a modern sensibility and cutting satire, creating a keen commentary on contemporary rape culture.

Jodie Comer stars as a lady, who’s life is laid on the line when she comes forward with an accusation of rape against a popular squire (Adam Driver). Fighting a literal battle for her is her (white) knight husband (Matt Damon), but he’s no hero. Often at odds, this triad of incredible talent creates a rich and riveting Rashomon-like narrative that is in turn heart-wrenching, hilarious, and haunting. An unexpected (and deranged delight) is Ben Affleck as a bombastic 14th-century douche-bro, who is as infuriating as he is entertaining. — K.P.

How to watch: The Last Duel is available for purchase on Apple TV+.

5. Swan Song

Udo Kier as the Liberace of Sandusky in “Swan Song.”
Credit: Magnolia pictures

I fell hard for writer/director Todd Stephens’ barbed yet tender comedy because — as a queer grown-up who came of age in a conservative small town — its setting and story felt joltingly familiar.

Inspired by the real-life “Liberace of Sandiusky, [Ohio],” Swan Song stars heralded character actor Udo Kier as a Mr. Pat, a retired and unapologetically flamboyant hairdresser out to secure his legacy with one last hurrah of a hairdo. Striding back into his old haunts to reconcile with his past, this wickedly funny hero finds new friends, old foes, and the glory of a mint-green vintage suit. With a fine wit, bold style, and a big heart, Stephens’s film pays dazzling tribute to a generation of gay men who were decimated by AIDS and societal indifference. Swirling together rage and gratitude into an intoxicating cocktail, Kier gives the best performance of his long and storied career. Just don’t call it his “swan song.”— K.P.

How to watch: Swan Song is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.

4. Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo are “Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar.”
Credit: Lionsgate

It takes maybe five minutes for Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar to elicit its first “WTF?” and to the comedy’s immense credit, it only gets weirder from there.

There are life-saving culottes, and elaborate lies about turtles, and a mythological sea sprite named Trish, and a villain commanding an army of mosquitos, and a musical number that has Jamie Dornan climbing up a palm tree like a cat up a palm tree who’s decided to go up a palm tree, and…look, you’ve just got to watch it to get it. And at the center of all of it is the sincerely sweet, reliably rock-solid bond between Barb (Annie Mumolo) and Star (Kristen Wiig). Hilariously helmed by Josh Greenbaum, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar ended up being to us what Vista Del Mar was to Barb and Star: the breezy little break from reality we needed to get our shimmer back.* — A.H.

How to watch: Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is streaming on Hulu.

Agathe Rousselle lights up the screen in ‘Titane.’
Credit: neon

Where to begin with Titane? I could tell you about its heart-stopping opening, its unimaginable second act, or maybe that staggering genre transformation midway. Anything after that I’m guessing you wouldn’t believe. 

This one-of-a-kind horror offering from Raw director Julia Ducournau begins as a pseudo-sci-fi fever dream and only gets stranger. It won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and has since been named France’s submission for the Best International Film Oscar. Indulge yourself in its creamy blend of weird and unsettling elements and you’ll see why. Slipping from one unfathomable development to the next, you’ll find yourself intoxicated by its inexplicable confidence. You won’t know if you like that approach until the nightmare ends, and even then, you’ll have questions. I know I do. — A.F.

How to watch: Titane is available for rent or purchase at Amazon Prime Video.

Jets versus Sharks!
Credit: 20th Century Studios

West Side Story is perhaps the most popular movie musical adaptation of all time, so Steven Spielberg had some big shoes to fill when it came time for this new adaptation. Luckily, he was more than up to the challenge (big surprise).

This lush retelling with a thoughtfully updated script by Tony Kushner is magical. Huge colorful production numbers and deeper characterizations from a slew of Broadway favorites — including Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist, and David Alvarez — all meld together to showcase a beautiful doomed love story with some of the best songs ever originally written for the stage. A returning Rita Moreno is an especially sweet treat. It’s thrilling to witness something old become new again, and that’s exactly what this sharp, inventive adaptation accomplishes. It’s something good indeed.  —Erin Strecker, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: West Wise Story opens in theaters Dec. 10.

Benedict Cumberbatch awes and intimidates in “The Power of the Dog.”
Credit: Netflix

There are films that hit you like a freight train (looking at you, Titane) and films that wash over you like a wave. Celebrated writer/director Jane Campion’s latest is the latter, pulling us in with the gritty grandeur of a West on the verge of becoming less wild, yet no less dangerous.

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil Burbank, a rugged rancher, who can rope, ride, and run down anyone with his cruel wit. Once his bullied brother (Jesse Plemons) marries, Phil’s favorite target becomes his gentle (and genteel) sister-in-law (Kirstin Dunst), who could well crumble under his cold stare. Toxic tensions burn slow and mean as Campion smoothly unfurls a story unpredictable, unnerving, and outstanding.

With gorgeous cinematography, a nerve-rattling score, and performances that are already winning awards from critics guilds, The Power of the Dog is an early frontrunner for Oscar’s Best Picture. But the reason it tops our list is that it’s a movie that only grows more compelling the more you watch and rewatch it. Give yourself over the sickening swoon and you’ll understand what has critics raving. — K.P.

How to watch: The Power of the Dog is streaming on Netflix.

* Indicates the writeup comes from a previous list this year.