MoviesReviewsST Exclusives

Top 10 Movies of 2021

2021 was a slightly better year for movies as several films that were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic were released this year. However, apart from superhero movies and big-budget films, most other kinds of films have taken a hit, at least on the big screen. 

While the notion of cinema has been blurred by streaming experiments from big-budget studios, 2021 had something for everyone. From superhero films to sci-fi epics to pulse pounding thrillers. We have compiled a list of best or must-watch films in 2021 that you should definitely check out!

10. The Suicide Squad

The Suicide Squad is a fast-paced non-linear story that masterfully blends the film’s violent and comic themes. Despite the fact that this is a superhero film, don’t expect it to be your typical family-friendly fare. It’s a visually stunning picture that’s also a lot of fun and will keep you on your toes the entire time. 

Without the restraints of Disney’s family-friendly shackles, director James Gunn unleashes a whole new level of brutality in superhero movies. While this movie might not be ‘fun’ for everyone, it stuck with us quite well and that’s why it’s on this list.

9. Nobody

Bob Odenkirk, who is best known for his role in Better Call Saul delivers a John Wick-like performance that leaves the audience baffled. The plot is simple but it’s the character and action sequences that ensure that you stick glued to the screen. The music is good, the ambience is great and it’s a ton of fun to watch this action fiesta.

8. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a phenomenal animation film that brings the characters to life with its jaw-dropping and ceaselessly inventive animation. The film is created by the same team behind the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse who continue their hot streak of amazing movies. 

Director Mike Rianda’s feature debut is relatable with themes of love and understanding despite the sci-fi element of the film. The impressive voice cast and a script that effectively utilizes one-liners is a cherry on top for filmgoers.

7. Coda

Coda is a heartwarming story that speaks to the audience on a very human level. This isn’t a big-budget action film, but sometimes a good narrative is all you need. Emilia Jones plays Ruby, the only member of a deaf family who can hear. The film revolves around her leaving home to study at a special musical school or staying at home to help her family relatives. The unique perspective of the film and its moving soundtrack will have you laughing and crying in equal measure with the ending leaving you content. 

6. No Time to Die

The fifth and finalv film 007 film starring Daniel Craig ended on an impressive note and managed to surprise audiences by doing the unthinkable. As expected, Craig is the centre of this Bond epic that features spectacular camera action sequences that leaves the audience completely mesmerized. Despite being the 25th entry in the James Bond franchise, the adventure of Bond this time is much more interesting with layered character development that builds from the previous films. 

5. Dune

Dune is considered as the new age epic cinematic saga similar to Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. It creates a full developed lived-in world that builds the foundation of something much bigger in the future. The film covers essential elements of the narrative and focuses on telling a visually interesting story that hooks viewers. Hans Zimmer’s captivating and sensational soundtrack for the film makes it even better. 

Director Denis Villeneuve was given complete control over the franchise, which feels like an incredibly thoughout decision. Based on the Frank Herbert series of the same name, the first book is divided into two movies with a spin-off show in development at HBO Max. With Dune 2 confirmed, the film is a must-watch for sci-fi fans. 

4. The Green Knight

Director David Lowery’s The Green Knight is a medieval tale of magic, murder, heroism and storytelling. The wild interpretation of the 14th-century focuses on medial knights, particularly King Arthurs nephew Gawain (Dev Patel) who stands to inherit Arthur’s kingdom. The cinematics of the film is a visual treat to viewers which makes the surreal and spooky adventure much more intense. 

3. tick, tick…BOOM!

Andrew Garfield plays Broadway playwright Jonathan Larson that shares the narrative about a desperate artist who chooses suffering over security. The actor portrays the world of a theatrical writer beautifully and manages to channel Larson from the dead to deliver a career-high performance. Director Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers a story that is honest, original and incredibly thought-provoking. 

2. The Power of the Dog

Director Jane Champions first feature in almost 12 years is a haunting adaptation of Thomas Savage’s novel – a tale brothers without any form of brotherly love. The film pits the roughneck cowboy Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) at odds with his amicable brother George (Jesse Plemons), a widow Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her sensitive son (Kodi Smit-McPhee). 

The slow burn western film exposes patriarchy and its implications that are brewed with cruelty, jealousy, manipulation and mockery of anything feminine. The performance by the actors is one the best we have seen this year and it will stick with you long after you have watched it. 

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home

The crowd-pleasing and fan servicing Spider-Man film cash in on all the nostalgia from long time fans and manages to exceed the already high expectations from the film. No Way Home brings together three realms that were never meant to be connected, but ultimately does so and gives all of the characters a feeling of closure. 

The box office collection for the film as of this writing stands at $1.39 billion, which makes it the first film to cross the billion-dollar mark since 2019. Spide-Man: No Way Home cleverly uses various elements that honour the character’s legacy in Hollywood to deliver the most satisfying and complete Spider-Man film, ever.