My Top 10 Movies of 2021
I know that there are more than 10 movies on this list, but Top 10 just sounds nicer than saying Top 18.
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22 titles
- DirectorJoachim TrierStarsRenate ReinsveAnders Danielsen LieHerbert NordrumThe chronicles of four years in the life of Julie, a young woman who navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find her career path, leading her to take a realistic look at who she really is.I’m so happy that this movie got the attention it deserved! (even though I think it deserves more, of course)
- DirectorPenny LaneStarsClive DavisCraig FergusonKenny GAn examination of the most popular instrumentalist of all time, Kenny G, and why he is polarizing to so many.
- DirectorSean BakerStarsSimon RexBree ElrodSuzanna SonMikey Saber is a washed-up porn star who returns to his small Texas hometown, not that anyone really wants him back.One of the most despicable and lovable main characters in cinematic history! Enough said!
- DirectorBo BurnhamStarsBo BurnhamA musical comedy special shot and performed by Bo Burnham, alone, over the course of a very unusual year.I know that some people consider this to be a comedy special, rather than a film; but I don’t care! This will forever hold a very special place in my heart! See it, if you haven’t already!
- DirectorJuho KuosmanenStarsSeidi HaarlaYura BorisovDinara DrukarovaAs a train weaves its way up to the arctic circle, two strangers share a journey that will change their perspective on life.This film is hardly ever talked about by anybody! Easily the most overlooked movie on this list!
- DirectorTheo AnthonyStarsTheo AnthonyKeaver BrenaiRobert CunniffA far-ranging look at the biases in how we see things, focusing on the use of police body cameras.One of the most underrated documentaries, ever! See it!
- DirectorStephen KaramStarsRichard JenkinsJayne HoudyshellAmy SchumerDuring one evening, the Blake family gathers to celebrate thanksgiving in a broken-down flat newly rented by the daughter and her new man. As the darkness falls, we find that all have less to be thankful about.This is easily the most underrated movie on this list! An absolute must see for anyone craving for a film about a family get together!
- DirectorShaka KingStarsLaKeith StanfieldDaniel KaluuyaJesse PlemonsOffered a plea deal by the FBI, William O'Neal infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton.This is definitely going to be considered a classic, in a few years! I just know it!
- DirectorPablo LarraínStarsKristen StewartTimothy SpallSally HawkinsDiana Spencer, struggling with mental-health problems during her Christmas holidays with the Royal Family at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles.This film really gives you a perspective on Princess Diana’s life, that most other pieces of media about her, wishes they could do; and it is beautiful!
- DirectorJulia DucournauStarsVincent LindonAgathe RousselleGarance MarillierFollowing a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for ten years.Who would’ve thought that a movie about a woman getting impregnated by a car, would be this emotionally engaging for me?! No, I’m not going to explain what I just said! Deal with it!
- DirectorAlexandre MorattoStarsChristian MalheirosRodrigo SantoroLucas OranmianTo provide a better life for his family in the country, 18-year-old Mateus accepts a job in a junkyard in São Paulo for his new boss, Luca, but becomes trapped in the dangerous world of human trafficking.This is a super well executed Brazilian thriller, that unfortunately got swept under the rug in terms of attention! It’s on Netflix, right now! See it!
- DirectorNanfu WangStarsAlex AzarBill de BlasioAnthony FauciHow did the Chinese government turn pandemic cover-ups in Wuhan into a triumph for the Communist party?
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsBradley CooperCate BlanchettToni ColletteA grifter working his way up from low-ranking carnival worker to lauded psychic medium matches wits with a psychologist bent on exposing him.The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking in this movie; and the two and a half hour runtime just flys by for me!
- DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsAlana HaimCooper HoffmanSean PennThe story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.This movie is just a real vibe all the way through; and there ain’t nothing wrong with vibes!
- DirectorFran KranzStarsJason IsaacsMartha PlimptonAnn DowdThe parents of both the shooter and one of the victims of a school shooting tragedy agree to meet and talk in an attempt to move forward.
- DirectorJane CampionStarsBenedict CumberbatchKirsten DunstJesse PlemonsCharismatic rancher Phil Burbank inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love.The storytelling for this movie really stuck with me!
- DirectorJim CummingsPJ McCabeStarsJim CummingsVirginia NewcombPJ McCabeA married Hollywood agent receives a mysterious letter for an anonymous sexual encounter and becomes ensnared in a sinister world of lying, murder and infidelity.This isn’t perfect, but the engaging story, hilarious satire, and fantastic lead performance from Jim Cummings, more than make up for its very small shortcomings!
- DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandZendayaBenedict CumberbatchWith Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.Easily my favorite movie from the Marvel cinematic universe!
- DirectorWes AndersonStarsBenicio Del ToroAdrien BrodyTilda SwintonA love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in "The French Dispatch Magazine".Wes Anderson really goes off the wall with this one; and I love it!
- DirectorJames GunnStarsMargot RobbieIdris ElbaJohn CenaSupervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.If we’re getting more of this from the DC cinematic universe, then I’m super excited!
- DirectorMichael SarnoskiStarsNicolas CageAlex WolffAdam ArkinA truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregon wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped.One of the best Nicholas Cage movies in years! Also, surprisingly enough, one of the most emotional!
- DirectorIlya NaishullerStarsBob OdenkirkAleksey SerebryakovConnie NielsenA docile family man slowly reveals his true character after his house gets burgled by two petty thieves, which, coincidentally, leads him into a bloody war with a Russian crime boss.It’s crazy how Bob Odenkirk did the vast majority of his own stunts for this movie!