The 10 Best Movies of 2021

Grab a bag of popcorn for these top-rated movies. 

Start clearing time in your schedule because these films are worth making room for. Although this year has been filled with many lows, we’ve also seen many highs. Thanks to the entertainment industry, most of our favorite moments from this year come from movie premieres and releases. (Think of all of Zendaya’s iconic red carpet looks from Dune.) All of these moments have been the epitome of what 2021 was about, and what we should look for in the New Year: empathy, glee and laughter.

Whether you’re into heart-warming comedies or unpredictable adrenaline rushes, here are this year’s top films you don’t want to miss out on. 

King Richard

Courtesy of IMDb

Will Smith plays Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus Williams, in this inspirational and tear-jerking film. King Richard tells the story of how Williams helped his daughters achieve their dreams of becoming tennis players, and the challenges that came with it. 

Dune

Courtesy of IMDb

This sci-fi film takes adventure on a whole other level by focusing on one hero’s journey of ensuring the safety and future of his family. Timothée Chalamet is the face of Dune, along with some other A-list stars: Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac and more. 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

The perfect film for every Marvel fan. Shang-Chi is a martial-arts master who is confronted with the past when he decides to join the Ten Rings organization. The film features Simi Liu, who is Shang-Chi, as well as Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen and many others. 

Tick, Tick…Boom!

Courtesy of IMDb

Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tick, Tick…Boom! is a autobiographical musical about a young composer trying to navigate all of the complications of life. Andrew Garfield, Jordan Fisher and Vanessa Hudgens use their singing voices to carry the film and tell its story. 

Spencer

Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

Possibly one of the most anticipated films of the year, Spencer presents a new take on the life of the late Princess Diana, played by Kristen Stewart, by focusing on her marriage to Prince Charles. 

Last Night In SoHo

Courtesy of IMDb

Last Night In SoHo centers on an aspiring fashion designer’s life and his entry into art school. This impressively shot film is filled with drama, horror and recognizable faces in the entertainment such as Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith. 

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

Just released in theaters last week, Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third installment of the Spider-Man film series featuring Tom Holland. This action-packed film picks up from Spider-Man: Far From Home when Peter Parker is exposed as the superhero. 

The Power of the Dog

Courtesy of IMDb

The Power of the Dog puts focus on rancher Phil Burbank, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, and his struggles of removing himself from his land and former affairs. It brings in sexuality, hardship, drama and everything in between. 

Judas and the Black Messiah 

Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

Based on historical events around the Black Panther party, Judas and the Black Messiah powerfully discusses racial injustice, as well as the mission of FBI informant William O’Neal, who is portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield. Not only is it relevant to today’s ongoing issues, but it also provides an eye-opening look at American history. 

Free Guy

Courtesy of IMDb

This comedic and adventure-filled movie is everything you’d expect from Ryan Reynolds. It is sent in both the real and video game world, as Guy tries to go outside his programmed norms and become the hero of the story.

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