Whenever you see a roundup of the best films and shows of the summer, that means summer is sadly coming to an end. But on the bright side, we can agree that we’ve had an amazing 3 month run of quality films and shows to watch. It was the summer of re-openings, movie theaters opened there doors to the public again and there was a great line-up to choose from. Nothing beats being nestled up on the leathered or clothed flip seat with a bucket of popcorn on your lap. 

2020 was a weird year for the film and tv show industry, from delayed movie premieres, to theaters being closed for over a year, with many of them never reopening, to watching our favorite movie actors transition from the big screen to our smaller (yet still big) screens at home. But with that being said, the summer of 2021 was a major comeback for the film and show industry. Here’s the roundup of all roundups: Best film and shows of summer 2021. 

Best Movies:

Summer of Soul – Watch now on Hulu 

Directed by Quest Love, over the course of six weeks during the summer of 1969, thousands of people attend the Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music and fashion. Yet no one knew about it until now. Watch and be transported back to 1969 where the likes of B.B. King and Stevie Wonder performed right in the heart of Harlem to a sea of 300,000 people. 

A Quiet Place II – In theaters, Streaming on Paramount+ 

After more than a year delay due to obvious circumstances, the follow-up to John Krasinski’s 2018 crowd pleaser (and screamer) is finally here. This time, Krasinski brought in more A-list actors alongside his wife Emily Blunt. Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe join the thrill seeking ride.

Cruella – In theaters, Streaming on Disney+

Disney’s Cruella follows the early days of one of cinema’s most notorious and notoriously fashionable villains. During the 1970s London punk rock revolution, a young grifter, played by Emma Stone, transforms herself into the rebellious Cruella de Vil that we know of today.

The Kissing Booth 3 – Watch on Netflix

Picking up where “The Kissing Booth 2” left off, Vince Marcello’s second sequel answers a few lingering questions on the minds of Elle Evans (Joey King) and her fans. It’s the summer before Evans starts college and she has a pretty big decision to make. Will she follow her boyfriend Noah, played by Jacob Elordi, to Harvard or keep her promise to her best friend (and Noah’s brother) Lee, played by Joel Courtney, and go with him to UC Berkeley? Taylor Zakhar Perez is back again playing Marco, he’s been a fan favorite since the first movie. If you want to get to know Perez on a deeper level, check out Perez’s feature on VMAN.

In the Heights – In theaters, Streaming on HBO Max

A 2021 American musical drama film directed by Jon M. Chu. Similar to the musical, it tells the story of a corner in the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City, where every member of the community pursues their dreams of a better life. 

Respect – In theaters

Starring Jennifer Hudson as the iconic Aretha Franklin, it follows her career from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom. It’s the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice. Critics say that no one other than Hudson could have played Franklin. 

Naomi Osaka – Watch on Netflix

Director Garrett Bradley impresses viewers by giving the public a side of Naomi Osaka that we’ve never seen before. Taking you on Osaka’s journey in tennis from childhood to becoming a champion at the 2019 US Open. It’s a moving portrait of a young athlete learning how to navigate life on and off the court; dealing with success, fame, and her mental well-being. 

Best Shows: 

Outer Banks – Watch on Netflix

Based in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, the island is made up of the wealthy and the people who work for the wealthy. A group of teenagers from the wrong side of the tracks are determined to help the group’s leader, John B., find out what actually happened to his missing father who got lost at sea. Along the way, they stumble upon a treasure map that reveals a long buried secret that is tied to John B.’s father.

Gossip Girl – Streaming on HBO Max

Gossip Girl Here, Your One And Only Source Into The Scandalous Lives Of Manhattan’s Elite. Privileged teens living on the Upper East Side of New York can’t hide any secrets from the ruthless blogger who is always watching. The famous reboot is here with fresh new faces, but the endless drama between the characters still remains. Even though critics aren’t thrilled about the show, the fans of the original series are coming back for more juicy gossip.

The White Lotus – Watch on HBO

Filled with quirkiness, dark humor, and oddball characters finding hard solutions to their easy problems, was a major hit this summer. The star studded cast included Jake Lacy, Sydney Sweeney, Steve Zahn, and everyone’s favorite, Jennifer Coolidge. Set in a luxurious resort in Hawaii, it follows the stories of various guests and employees over the span of a week. And you would never expect how it ends. 

Nine Perfect Strangers – Watch on Hulu

Based on The New York Times best-selling book by author Liane Moriarty, “Nine Perfect Strangers” takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation as nine stressed city dwellers try to get on a path to a better way of living. Nicole Kidman plays Masha the resort’s director, a business woman turned life guru, after dying from a gunshot wound and coming back to life. These nine strangers have no idea what will be coming their way.

McCartney 3,2,1 – Watch on Hulu

Sir Paul McCartney and producer Rick Rubin come together for a six-episode music series. McCartney shares stories from the early days and Rubin serves as both a producer and a fan as he asks McCartney questions about everything from what it was like being in the world’s most famous band to the creative partnership he had with John Lennon. A must see for Beatles fans and music lovers. 

Lupin – Watch on Netflix 

Starring one of France’s rising stars, Omar Sy, as gentleman thief Assane Diop. Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, Sy’s character sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. Critics say that it’s sexy, smart, and stylish, plus it’s in French so it’s a great way to learn the language.