2020 was a rough year for movies, in large part because the COVID-19 pandemic caused movie theaters across the country to lose a significant amount of business for the majority of the year. Thankfully2021has seen a triumphant return ofbig-screen movies, and there have been plenty of amazing films to see both in theatres and via premium streaming services.
RELATED:Underappreciated Horror Movies From 2021
From thehighly-anticipated Sci-Fi epicDuneto small-scale surprise hits likePig, the past year has seen a number of quality films every movie aficionado should see. The best of the best stand out for their ability to captivate the audience, for being unique in a sea of sequels and remakes, and for filmmaking expertise that raises the artistic bar for the next year of movies.
The Green Knight
The Green Knightis a visually stunning movie that adapts the Medieval tale of Sir Gawain. It is a chivalric romance at heart that follows Dev Patel as Sir Gawain in his quest to become a knight and embody the chivalric values of Arthurian legend. As one of thefew high-budget fantasy epicsin recent years,The Green Knightsets a new bar for cinematic excellence.
As an A24 feature,The Green Knightis far from a lighthearted film, putting its own darker spin on the classic story. It’s a film viewers will want (and, perhaps need) to watch over and over again to fully grasp the concepts and themes at play. Plus, it’s on its way to becoming a classic Christmas movie in its own way.
Dune
Denis Villeneuve has made a name for himself as a Sci-Fi director with mind-bending films likeArrivaland the critically-acclaimedBlade Runner 2049. Duneis something of an achievement for Villeneuve forbeing able to adaptthe vast and complex universe ofDuneto the big screen after critical failures from past directors.
Denis Villeneuve’sDuneis a cinematic masterpiece that takes its time in setting up its elaborate set pieces, characters, and interlacing plot. It’s an experience not to be missed that sets a new standard for Sci-Fi epics in the decades to come.
Pig
Pigis a film that took audiences and critics by surprise with a raw story of love and grief led by none other than Nicholas Cage. Cage has made a name for himself in recent years by starring in a number of low-budget indie films, many of which fail to meet audience expectations.Pigis something else entirely.
The movie meanders between melancholic and meditative moments and allows Cage to show off the acting skills many don’t give him credit for.Pigis ultimately a very moving film that portrays life in loss with a masterfully somber tone.
Last Night In Soho
Edgar Wright has put out several cult classic comedies over the years, most notablySean of the Dead,Hot Fuzz,and the action-packedBaby Driver. Known for his sense of rhythm, Wrighttakes on the Horror genremore seriously inLast Night in Soho, though it’s not a movie without his trademark sense of flow and timing.
RELATED:Movies To Watch If You Love Grand Theft Auto
Anya Taylor-Joy ofThe Queen’s Gambitand Thomasin McKenzie ofJoJo Rabbitmake up two halves of a whole in this mind-bending thriller that takes viewers to the height of 20th-century glitz and back, blurring the lines between the eras. If people like Edgar Wright’s other work and want to see him expertly try his hand at something more serious,Last Night in Sohois not to be missed.
The French Dispatch
2021 has seen a number of high-profile directors put out features after years without. Wes Anderson, known forThe Grand Budapest HotelandMoonrise Kingdom, returns to his wholly unique sense of artistic direction on screen withThe French Dispatch.
The French Dispatchhas a fantastic sense of space on-camera, a vibrant pastel color palette, and a multi-branching narrative that’s as compelling as it is verbose. It’s not the best Wes Anderson film, but if viewers like his directing style and creative edge, viewers will love it anyway.
The Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squadis a movienobody knew they wanted. After the critical failures of David Ayer’sSuicide Squad, James Gunn (ofGuardians of the Galaxyfame) went for his own take on the antihero troupe – and it more than paid off.The Suicide Squadturns the comic-book logic up to 11 and offers up plenty of its own colorful flair in its visuals and its assortment of characters.
If people saw the 2016 version ofSuicide Squadfeaturing “Damaged” Joker, they should forget everything they know and give this interpretation a try instead. It exceeds expectations and brings enough brutal violence and comedic ridiculousness to satisfy even the most staunch superhero-movie hater.
Luca
Lucais the latest Disney-Pixar joint film that uses the studios' combinedanimation and storytelling talentto bring mystical life to the Italian Riviera. It follows the titular Luca, a sea monster assuming a human disguise, as he discovers a new friendship in a mythological and folklore-laden adventure.
RELATED:The Best Action Movies on Netflix Right Now (December 2021)
The film was inspired heavily by the aesthetic and legends of the real-life Italian Riviera as well as the director’s childhood experiences in Genoa. It’s a surprisingly captivating children’s movie with themes of acceptance for being different, and adults will find just as much meaning inLucaas kids.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringshad a lot of hype to live up to, especially following the relative failure of Marvel’sBlack Widowearlier in the year. In the wake of the climax ofThe Avengerssaga,Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsproves that Marvel can still put out stunning superhero flicks.
Like many Marvel movies,Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsintersperses its grand action sequences with comedy, though not to quite the degree ofGuardians of the Galaxy. It’s worth checking out whether you’re a Marvel fan or not.
Candyman
The horror movieCandymanis actually the fourth moviein a long-running series of moviesthat hasn’t seen an installment since 1992. It serves as a kind of soft reboot that introduces a new generation to this unique slasher.
Originally slated to release in 2020,Candymanwas pushed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as the hype died down it ultimately didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Horror fans (and fans of the decades-oldCandymanfilms) shouldn’t miss it.
The Last Duel
The Last Duelwas released to critical acclaim but was later regarded as a box office flop. If you can get past Ridley Scott’s tendency to blame millennials for the lack of sales, the film is well worth watching for its dark tone and commitment to realism.
RELATED:Best Action Movies Of 2021
The film depicts the events surrounding France’s last trial by combat through the perspective of three people told in three separate chapters. It’s beautifully shot and masterfully acted, and it’s just a shame it didn’t draw audiences on release.
