Top 10 films of 2021

The year 2021 saw the largest return to cinemas since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many films delayed in 2020, there was an explosion of releases both in cinemas and on streaming platforms. Here’s the list of my favourite films of 2021.

1. Dune

For its sheer technical prowess alone, Dune deserves the many accolades it is sure to receive in the coming months. It’s a bold and unapologetic adaptation that grabs hold of the viewers’ attention and rewards it ad infinitum. It looks and sounds incredible, with the only caveat being that the film is of such quality, it makes other films look amateur by comparison.

2. The Mitchells vs the Machines

Taking the comedic sensibilities of The Lego Movie with a style similar to Into The Spider-Verse makes for a delicious blend. The funniest film of the year with some genuinely amazing shots. The year 2021 was one of the strongest on record for animation, but this film stands out above the rest.

3. The Harder They Fall

This fast-talking western has a huge cast and manages to create a meaningful connection with each of them. To see its all-black cast be given such fun material, not to mention shots that will stand the test of time as iconic, The Harder They Fall is a treat from beginning to end.

4. A Quiet Place Part II

I can’t undersell how nervous I was to see A Quiet Place Part II. The original film was so incredibly satisfying with its unique display of chilling silence. Thankfully, the sequel gave me what I wanted with a gratifying sensory experience that serves the characters that were so well established.

5. Spider-Man No Way Home

Spider-Man has never had luck with third films. The worst of the initial trilogy is Spider-Man 3, and the series that followed never made it past The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Finally, No Way Home delivers a Spider-Man movie that may very well be the best of the franchise thus far.

6. The Last Duel

With The House of Gucci and The Last Duel both being released, Ridley Scott had quite a year in 2021. While both boast a flashy cast, The Last Duel delivers with a focused and intimidating story that explores the nuance of sexual assault through medieval lens. Jodie Comer gets a role she can sink her teeth into, stealing the show in every scene she’s in.

7. Don’t Look Up

Turning on the news can be a frightening experience. There seems to be an increasing number of existential threats on the near horizon. Don’t Look Up finds humour in the horror. By turning the focus on the human response that’s at times familiar to the point of discomfort, the movie scratches the dystopian itch left in Black Mirror’s two-year absence.

8. Malcolm & Marie

With so many couples trapped in isolation in the last two years, I’m sure there are several people who can relate to the verbal sparring in Malcolm & Marie. This two-person show features some of the most intricate argumentation I’ve ever seen, and captures the subtle things that make the one you love quickly morph into the one you can’t stand. Releasing this film on Valentine’s Day was nothing short of a stroke of sadistic genius.

9. The Suicide Squad

The comeback story of the year comes from the most unlikely of places. The original is one of the worst comic book movies ever made, but the sequel has some of the best visual effects of the year, a gore and, this cannot be stressed enough, Rocky Balboa as a talking shark.

10. No Time To Die

James Bond films are an event for a reason. The series with over 50 years of history manages to still be relevant. With the best in class in vehicular stunts, pushing the boundaries of large-scale action. Daniel Craig’s final bout is gripping and a fitting send-off to the blond Bond.

Special Mention: Encanto

Special mention is to go to the film that has been stuck in my head since I saw it. Encanto is a rich and vibrant film with yet another classic Disney soundtrack. Its story is touching and its characters make you wish you could spend more time with the amazing Madrigals.