Top10: Best Movies of 2021

2021 was heavily impacted by the still ongoing global pandemic, but films stopped being delayed, which contributed to a better cinema year overall. Just like in every year, good movies are everywhere as long as viewers know where to look, as well as give a chance for an unconvincing premise to blow you away. This time, blockbusters and/or franchise-related installments were back in strong fashion, but indie films continued to deliver surprising, thought-provoking, impactful stories, reaching more and more viewers as time goes by.

When it comes to ordering a list of my favorite movies of a particular year, I rarely look at grades to help me out. Instead, I rely on several other criteria: replay value, overall enjoyment, memorability… The answer to "how much do I want to watch this film again?" is, most of the time, the deciding factor when I can't find any other aspect to help me make a final decision. So, don't be surprised if you see a higher-rated movie below a lower-rated one. It's MY list, after all. MY personal preferences concerning genre, entertainment, and quality. My #1 film doesn't necessarily need to be the absolute best movie of the year, period. It can simply be special to me, and that reason alone is enough to warrant a higher spot in my list than other admittedly "better films."

First, I'll share some honorable mentions (films that almost made it), and then, I'll give my Top10. Every movie contains an available review in the clickable image. Enjoy and remember: I love every single film I address here. A movie being a spot higher than others doesn't mean it's better.

(clickable links on each image for its respective spoiler-free review)

Honorable Mentions

10. Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah deserves all the hype it received and some more. Shaka King and Will Berson deliver a film inspired by true events with all the qualities this type of movie needs: enlightening, inspirational, thought-provoking, and tremendously impactful.

Boasting what I'm sure will end up as one of the year's best performances (Daniel Kaluuya), the story of Fred Hampton and William O'Neal is told through an incredibly captivating narrative, filled to the brim with absolutely epic, riveting, chill-inducing speeches and dialogues that will leave no viewer indifferent. Both characters bring timely themes back to the spotlight, hopefully generating a critical discourse regarding freedom, human rights, and equality.

Besides Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield earns massive praise, and I can't forget about the lingering, character-driven cinematography (Sean Bobbitt) that elevates every single scene. Final shoutout to Mark Isham and Craig Harris's unforgettable, addictive score that plays a significant role in the narrative.

9. The Last Duel

The Last Duel became one of my favorite Ridley Scott films, boasting a commanding Jodie Comer who delivers one of the year's most emotionally powerful performances. Adam Driver, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck all offer remarkable interpretations, but the actress fully embodies Marguerite de Carrouges' courage amid so much pain and suffering in a theme-heavy, brutally shocking true story.

The perspective-based narrative structure is interesting and efficient enough to overcome its inevitable repeatability issues. Holding technical attributes that will surely get recognition in the awards season - especially Harry Gregson-Williams' score - the actual duel is one of the most nerve-wracking sequences of the last few years, compensating the audience's patience with a satisfying climax.

Watch it on the big screen, if possible.

8. Mass

Mass is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally challenging viewings I've ever had to face.

Fran Kranz's feature directorial debut tells an unbelievably heavy story through four actors who dive deep into their characters, all delivering career-best performances. Everyone is an incredible standout: Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, Martha Plimpton, and Reed Birney deserve a massive campaign to receive every acting award there is. The cast drains every single ounce of emotion within the viewers, transforming a tiny little room with impactful mise-en-scène that tells its own story into an extremely tense, heart-wrenching, almost unbreathable environment.

Dozens of meaningful matters and burdensome feelings are addressed in the span of little less than two hours, creating a truly devastating film that left me sobbing. It's utterly impossible for someone not to be affected by this movie, even if it's in a negative way.

It's one of those films that I'll recommend to everyone, but I can't deny this might have been my one and only watch of such a brutally demanding, authentic story.

7. Dune

Dune sets the new standard for epic cinema with eyegamic visuals, powerful sound design and score (Hans Zimmer), and a compelling story surrounded by an absolutely massive scale.

Denis Villeneuve adds yet another audiovisual masterpiece to his filmography, despite some narrative-pacing issues due to the heavy exposition and repetitive yet crucial dream sequences. Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson stand out in a stellar cast, where everyone delivers performances no short of impressive. From the remarkable character work to the constantly captivating interactions, without forgetting the spectacle of the riveting action/war scenes, the extremely layered screenplay is beautifully translated to the big screen, where every viewer should definitely go to watch this movie.

Finally, don't forget that epic sci-fi/fantasy films are quite rare, so enjoy them as much as you can when they come out, instead of worrying about the comparisons with other sagas. There's enough space to love them all.

6. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

The Mitchells vs. The Machines might not have the catchiest title, but it's definitely one of the best animated feature films of the last years. With a beautiful blend of two animation styles - that may impact the future of this type of movie - Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe deliver an emotionally resonant story about family, love, and more explicitly, placing ourselves in someone else's shoes.

Featuring incredibly relatable characters, the remarkably written screenplay strikes a perfect balance in every topic it approaches by presenting arguments for both sides without ever defining something as right or wrong. The character arcs might be well-known storylines, but the exceptional writing elevates every personal journey, especially Katie and Rick's, daughter and father. Boasting great voice work from everyone involved, the fast-paced narrative still holds impressive, colorful, screen-popping action sequences filled with energy, excitement, and fantastic song choices.

It's one of those uncommon films where I can't find a single flaw with it. A must-watch, *hilarious* film for both kids and adults.

5. The Father

The Father is an overwhelmingly devastating depiction of the painfully progressive disease that is dementia. Florian Zeller's extremely captivating storytelling places the viewers inside the protagonist's mind, making the audience witness and feel everything through his unclear perspective. Zeller and Christopher Hampton deliver a brilliantly unique screenplay packed with emotional punches that will leave no one indifferent.

From the perfect editing (Yorgos Lamprinos) to the persistent camera work (Ben Smithard), it's Ludovico Einaudi's gorgeous, impactful score that elevates the big moments. Zeller's use of long takes feels both necessary and important to attach the viewers' attention to Anthony Hopkins, who delivers an award-worthy, powerfully compelling performance. One of my favorites of his entire career.

Hopefully, this will be the closest I'll ever be to experience this mental condition. My personal connection to this film justifies why I'll offer it my highest rating since November 2019 (Ford v Ferrari). One of the best movies I've seen in the last couple of years. Do not miss it!

4. tick, tick…BOOM!

tick, tick…BOOM! holds memorable, addictive, first-rate music performed by astonishingly talented actors. Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers one of the best musical films of the century. From the absolute standout, "30/90", to the highly satisfying payoff, "Louder than Words", the vast majority of songs serve a necessary purpose, moving the plot forward in an entertaining manner while also developing the compelling characters.

Andrew Garfield delivers one of the best performances of his career, demonstrating his impressive emotional range and artistic skills, both as an actor and a performer. Technically, no fault to point out whatsoever.

Do NOT miss this work of art!

3. Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home is one of the darkest, saddest, emotionally draining entries in the MCU, surpassing all of my expectations. Despite a messy, convoluted first half with some pacing issues and occasionally frustrating, poorly placed humor, Jon Watts, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers more than compensate these minor issues with some of the best (and brutally violent) Spider-Man action ever witnessed on screen.

In addition to this, the surprisingly coherent narrative packs shocking developments and actually offers enough screentime for the villains to significantly impact Peter Parker's arc. Unbelievably outstanding performances from everyone involved, especially Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Willem Dafoe.

A heartfelt, nostalgic homage to the Spider-Man legacy that fans will rewatch countless times, laughing and crying along for many more years to come. A memorable, passionate, once-in-a-lifetime cinematic experience.

2. King Richard

King Richard is not only one of my favorite movies of the year, but it's also one of the best biopics I've ever witnessed. The subject matter may speak more to me than to the average moviegoer due to my emotional connection to the sport, but it's the captivating story about a dedicated, loving father that ultimately grabs the viewers. Will Smith delivers one of the best performances of his career, as do Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton.

The sport is exceptionally explored, taking the audience through the immense sacrifice a player needs to go through to become one of the very best. Technically, all filmmaking elements work together perfectly to demonstrate the physical and mental effort that tennis requires, dedicating a surprising amount of screentime to practices and matches.

Nevertheless, the thematically rich screenplay surrounding family, self-belief, and parenthood takes the spotlight. I don't have a single bad comment to make about Reinaldo Marcus Green's film.

Deserves all of the awards buzz it's inevitably going to receive. Don't you dare miss it!

1. CODA

CODA was one of my first viewings of the year and my favorite film of the 2021’s edition of the Sundance Film Festival. At the time, I wrote that it would undoubtedly become a must-watch movie as soon as it became available worldwide. Twelve months later, it sits at the top of my list!

Siân Heder offers her impeccable direction and beautifully written screenplay, which is packed with emotionally powerful moments that left me tearing up for the last forty-five minutes. Boasting an educative, meaningful message regarding the deaf community and what our society perceives as a tremendous handicap/disability, the characteristic visual storytelling and the captivating interactions within the deaf family prove to be incredibly investing, deeply elevating the overall piece.

With the help of heartfelt, genuine performances from the supporting cast (mainly Troy Kotsur and Eugenio Derbez), Emilia Jones takes off and lands one of my favorite female performances in a long, long time.

A tear-inducing, thoughtful film that I hope will conquer audiences all around the world.