THE 30 BEST
FIILMS OF 2021

Welcome to our curated list of the 30 Best Films of 2021, part of our ongoing series that celebrates the year’s most exceptional cinematic achievements. In 2021, the film industry continued to adapt and innovate amidst the ongoing pandemic, presenting a diverse range of captivating stories that resonated with audiences around the globe.

This year saw the release of Dune, a visually spectacular adaptation that redefined epic sci-fi with its grand scale and intricate world-building. Spider-Man: No Way Home captivated audiences with its exhilarating crossover event, blending nostalgia and new thrills in a way that reinvigorated the superhero genre. Meanwhile, The Worst Person in the World offered a fresh and insightful take on modern life and relationships, blending humor and drama to create a deeply affecting narrative.

Our rankings blend average ratings, critical acclaim, and audience reception to offer a comprehensive overview of the year’s top films. As we count down, you’ll find movies that stand out for their storytelling prowess, technical innovation, and cultural impact. Join us in celebrating the 30 Best Films of 2021, and stay tuned for future editions as we continue to explore the best of each year’s cinematic offerings.

30

The Souvenir

Part II

2021 | 1h 48m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore69.766 / 100

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"Anthony was a junkie."

DIRECTOR: Joanna Hogg

WRITERS: Joanna Hogg

CINEMATOGRAPHY: David Raedeker

STARRING: Honor Swinton Byrne, Tilda Swinton, Richard Ayoade, Jaygann Ayeh

GENRE: Drama

In the aftermath of her tumultuous relationship with a charismatic and manipulative older man, Julie begins to untangle her fraught love for him in making her graduation film, sorting fact from his elaborately constructed fiction.

The Souvenir: Part II deftly extends Hogg’s semi-autobiographical narrative with nuanced grace. It elegantly explores themes of artistic evolution and personal recovery, featuring mesmerizing performances and a keenly observed, evocative atmosphere that resonates deeply.

29

Luca

2021 | 1h 35m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore69.986 / 100

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"Silenzio Bruno."

DIRECTOR: Enrico Casarosa

WRITERS: Jesse Andrews, Mike Jones

CINEMATOGRAPHY: David Juan Bianchi, Kim White

STARRING: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Saverio Raimondo, Maya Rudolph, Marco Barricelli, Jim Gaffigan

GENRE: Computer Animation, Low Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Family, Comedy

Luca and his best friend Alberto experience an unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera. But all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

Luca enchants with its heartfelt portrayal of self-discovery and friendship. Pixar’s vibrant underwater world and charming animation bring to life a story of courage and identity. The film’s warm, whimsical tone and genuine emotion make it a delightful journey for all ages.

28

Red Rocket

2021 | 2h 10m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore70.042 / 100

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"Homeless. Suitcase. Pimp."

DIRECTOR: Sean Baker

WRITERS: Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Drew Daniels

STARRING: Simon Rex, Bree Elrod, Suzanna Son

GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy

Finding himself down and out in Los Angeles, former porn star Mikey Saber decides to crawl back to his hometown of Texas City, Texas, where his estranged wife and mother-in-law are living. Just as this dysfunctional family seems to be making things work, Mikey meets a young woman named Strawberry working the cash register at a local doughnut shop.

Red Rocket is a sharp, satirical dive into the life of a washed-up adult film star, blending humor and pathos with striking precision. Baker’s direction captures a raw, unfiltered look at ambition and redemption, anchored by Rex’s compelling performance and a vivid Texas backdrop.

27

Compartment No. 6

'Hytti nro 6'

2021 | 1h 46m | FIN, GER, EST & RUS | RUS/FIN

Top10nerScore70.107 / 100

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"You think, I'm a bad guy?"

DIRECTOR: Juho Kuosmanen

WRITERS: Lyubov Mulmenko, Juho Kuosmanen, Livia Ulman, Andris Feldmanis

CINEMATOGRAPHY: J-P Passi

STARRING: Seidi Haarla, Yuriy Borisov

GENRE: Road Movie, Drama, Train Movie

A young Finnish woman escapes an enigmatic love affair in Moscow by boarding a train to the arctic port of Murmansk. Forced to share the long ride and a tiny sleeping car with a larger than life Russian miner, the unexpected encounter leads the occupants of Compartment No. 6 to face major truths about human connection.

Compartment No. 6 masterfully intertwines a poignant journey of self-discovery with evocative visuals and nuanced performances. Set against the stark Russian landscape, it delivers a quietly powerful narrative of unlikely connections and personal transformation.

26

Hit the Road

'Jaddeh Khaki'

2021 | 1h 34m | IRAN | PERSIAN

Top10nerScore70.181 / 100

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"If he's crying, he's fine. See if the car is scratched."

DIRECTOR: Panah Panahi

WRITERS: Panah Panahi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Amin Jafari

STARRING: Pantea Panahiha, Hadi Saeidi, Rayan Sarlak, Amin Simiar

GENRE: Road Movie, Family Drama

Driving across wide landscapes, a family navigates a road trip full of conflicting emotions. Dad has a broken leg and a mood to match while Mum fusses over her two children and the dog. As the destination draws closer, the claustrophobia in the car grows alongside the love they have for each other.

Hit the Road offers a refreshing mix of comedy and drama through an Iranian lens. Its engaging road trip narrative explores familial bonds with humor and depth. The nuanced performances enrich this poignant journey, making it a standout in contemporary cinema.

25

Pig

2021 | 1h 31m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore70.625 / 100

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"We don't get a lot of things to really care about."

DIRECTOR: Michael Sarnoski

WRITERS: Michael Sarnoski

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Scola

STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin

GENRE: Drama

A truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregon wilderness must visit Portland to find the mysterious person who stole his beloved foraging pig.

Pig offers a striking blend of raw emotion and culinary artistry, led by a deeply transformative performance from Nicolas Cage. This meditative drama unearths profound themes of loss and redemption, elevating a simple story into a poignant exploration of grief and connection.

24

Happening

'L'événement'

2021 | 1h 40m | FRANCE | FRENCH

Top10nerScore71.093 / 100

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"I'd like a child one day, but not instead of a life."

DIRECTOR: Audrey Diwan

WRITERS: Audrey Diwan, Marcia Romano

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Laurent Tangy

STARRING: Anamaria Vartolomei, Luàna Bajrami, Kacey Mottet Klein, Sandrine Bonnaire, Louise Orry-Diquéro

GENRE: Drama, Coming-of-Age

France, 1963, Anne is a bright student with a promising future. But when she falls pregnant, she sees her chance to finish her studies and escape the constraints of her social background disappearing. With her exams approaching, Anne resolves to act, even if she has to confront shame and pain.

Audrey Diwan’s Happening is a gripping exploration of personal and societal struggle. Anchored by a powerful performance from Vartolomei, it compellingly depicts the harsh realities of reproductive rights. A poignant and timely reflection on autonomy and resilience.

23

tick, tick…BOOM!

2021 | 2h 00m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore71.103 / 100

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"...except for the parts Jonathan made up."

DIRECTOR: Lin-Manuel Miranda

WRITERS: Steven Levenson, Jonathan Larson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alice Brooks

STARRING: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Vanessa Hudgens

GENRE: Musical, Biopic, Music

On the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out.

tick, tick…BOOM! brilliantly captures the urgency of creativity and the fear of time slipping away. Garfield’s electric performance and Miranda’s inspired direction harmonize perfectly, paying tribute to Jonathan Larson’s legacy while resonating with dreamers everywhere.

22

A Hero

'Ghahreman'

2021 | 2h 07m | IRAN | PERSIAN

Top10nerScore71.187 / 100

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"This scumbag means everything to me."

DIRECTOR: Asghar Farhadi

WRITERS: Asghar Farhadi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ali Ghazi, Arash Ramezani

STARRING: Amir Jadidi, Mohsen Tanabandeh, Fereshteh Sadr Orafaee, Sahar Goldust, Maryam Shahdaie

GENRE: Legal Drama

Rahim is in prison because of a debt he was unable to repay. During a two-day leave, he tries to convince his creditor to withdraw his complaint against the payment of part of the sum. But things don’t go as planned.

A Hero is a gripping moral drama that intricately unravels the complexities of honor, deception, and societal pressures. Asghar Farhadi masterfully blurs the line between right and wrong, crafting a story that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-wrenchingly human.

21

The Summit of
the Gods

'Le Sommet des Dieux'

2021 | 1h 35m | FRANCE | FRENCH

Top10nerScore71.300 / 100

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"For some, the mountains aren't a goal, but a path."

DIRECTOR: Patrick Imbert

WRITERS: Magali Pouzol, Patrick Imbert

STARRING: Eric Herson-Macarel, Damien Boisseau, Elisabeth Ventura, Lazare Herson-Macarel, Kylian Rehlinger

GENRE: Animation, Drama, Adventure, Sports

A photojournalist’s obsessive quest for the truth about the first expedition to Mt. Everest leads him to search for an esteemed climber who went missing.

The Summit of the Gods is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation that captures the perilous allure of mountaineering. Its gripping narrative, paired with breathtaking animation, immerses viewers in the relentless pursuit of truth and the majesty of nature.

20

Titane

2021 | 1h 48m | FRANCE & BEL | FRENCH

Top10nerScore71.337 / 100

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"You'll always be my son. Whoever you are."

DIRECTOR: Julia Ducournau

WRITERS: Julia Ducournau

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ruben Impens

STARRING: Agathe Rousselle, Vincent Lindon, Garance Marillier, Lais Salameh

GENRE: Body Horror, New French Extremity, Psychological Drama

Alexia is a dancer who, after being injured in a car accident as a child, has a titanium plate fitted into her head. Amidst a series of brutal and unexplained murders, her path crosses with Vincent, a firefighter desperately searching for his long-missing son, changing their lives forever.

Titane defies conventions with its daring exploration of identity, body horror, and human connection. Ducournau’s bold vision fuses visceral imagery with emotional depth, crafting a shocking yet tender narrative that challenges viewers and pushes the boundaries of modern cinema.

19

Licorice Pizza

2021 | 2h 13m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore71.405 / 100

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"Fuck off, teenagers!"

DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson

WRITERS: Paul Thomas Anderson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Paul Thomas Anderson, Michael Bauman

STARRING: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Benny Safdie

GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Comedy

The story of Gary Valentine and Alana Kane growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.

Licorice Pizza captures the freewheeling spirit of 1970s California, blending youthful exuberance with poignant nostalgia. PTA’s keen eye for period detail and the charming chemistry between Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman craft an engaging and tender coming-of-age tale.

18

CODA

2021 | 1h 52m | USA, FRA & CAN | ASL/ENG

Top10nerScore71.985 / 100

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"Can you sing it for me?"

DIRECTOR: Siân Heder

WRITERS: Siân Heder

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Paula Huidobro

STARRING: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Eugenio Derbez

GENRE: Family Drama, Coming-of-Age

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.

CODA harmonizes heartfelt storytelling with remarkable performances, offering a tender exploration of family, identity, and the power of communication. Emelia Jones shines, but it’s Troy Kotsur’s deeply resonant portrayal that elevates this poignant coming-of-age narrative.

17

Jujutsu Kaisen 0

2021 | 1h 45m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore72.240 / 100

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"...there is no curse more twisted than love."

DIRECTOR: Sunghoo Park

WRITERS: Hiroshi Seko

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Teppei Ito

STARRING: Megumi Ogata, Kana Hanazawa, Yuichi Nakamura, Takahiro Sakurai, Mikako Komatsu, Koki Uchiyama, Tomokazu Seki

GENRE: Anime, Low Fantasy, Martial Arts

Yuta Okkotsu is haunted by the spirit of his childhood friend Rika, who died in a traffic accident. Her spirit no longer appears as the sweet girl he called his beloved. Instead, her spirit has been cursed and she manifests as a monstrous entity who protects him against his will.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 pulses with a kinetic energy, blending emotionally charged storytelling with stunning action. A prequel that deepens the mythology, it skillfully balances dark themes and light-hearted moments, offering both fans and newcomers a thrilling experience.

16

Mass

2021 | 1h 51m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore72.474 / 100

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"The world mourned 10. We mourned 11."

DIRECTOR: Fran Kranz

WRITERS: Fran Kranz

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ryan Jackson-Healy

STARRING: Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Ann Dowd, Reed Birney

GENRE: Drama, Chamber Film

Two couples meet for a painful and raw conversation in the aftermath of a violent tragedy.

Mass is a quietly devastating exploration of grief, guilt, and forgiveness. Anchored by powerful performances, the film dissects the aftermath of tragedy with unflinching honesty, revealing the emotional complexities that bind and divide us. A profound human experience.

15

Vortex

2021 | 2h 22m | FRANCE, BEL & MCO | FRENCH

Top10nerScore72.556 / 100

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"Take me home… Take me home…"

DIRECTOR: Gaspar Noé

WRITERS: Gaspar Noé

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Benoît Debie

STARRING: Dario Argento, Françoise Lebrun, Alex Lutz

GENRE: Psychological Drama

Lui, a struggling author with a heart condition, and his wife Elle, a retired psychiatrist, find their idyllic life shattered when Elle begins to succumb to the effects of dementia.

Vortex confronts the devastating fragility of the human mind with a raw, unflinching lens. Through its dual-screen format, the film captures the relentless passage of time, crafting an intimate, haunting portrayal of dementia that resonates with both emotional depth and brutal honesty.

14

Boiling Point

2021 | 1h 32m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore72.796 / 100

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"I do not get paid enough to deal with this shit."

DIRECTOR: Philip Barantini

WRITERS: Philip Barantini, James Cummings

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matthew Lewis

STARRING: Stephen Graham, Vinette Robinson, Alice May Feetham, Jason Flemyng, Ray Panthaki, Hannah Walters

GENRE: Drama, Food, Chamber Film

On the busiest night of the year at one of the hottest restaurants in London, charismatic and commanding head chef Andy Jones balances along a knife’s edge as multiple personal and professional crises threaten to destroy everything he’s worked for.

Boiling Point is a tense, immersive drama that captures the high-stakes chaos of a restaurant kitchen in a single, unbroken take. Led by a gripping performance from Graham, the film expertly builds pressure and unravels personal and professional tensions with raw authenticity.

13

The Power
of the Dog

2021 | 2h 08m | AUS, UK, NZ & CAN | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore72.861 / 100

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"I just want to say... how nice it is not to be alone."

DIRECTOR: Jane Campion

WRITERS: Jane Campion

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ari Wegner

STARRING: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie

GENRE: Psychological Drama, Period Drama, Neo-Western, Revisionist Western

Charismatic 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 Power of the Dog delivers a haunting exploration of masculinity and hidden desires, anchored by Benedict Cumberbatch’s chilling performance. Jane Campion’s direction turns the rugged landscapes into a reflection of the characters’ inner turmoil, leaving an unsettling impact.

12

C'mon C'mon

2021 | 1h 49m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore73.085 / 100

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"And when the time comes to return to your star…"

DIRECTOR: Mike Mills

WRITERS: Mike Mills

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robbie Ryan

STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix, Woody Norman, Gaby Hoffmann, Scoot McNairy

GENRE: Family Drama

Johnny and his young nephew forge a tenuous but transformational relationship when they embark on a cross-country trip to see life away from Los Angeles.

C’mon C’mon is a tender exploration of human connection, highlighted by Phoenix’s heartfelt performance. Through its intimate black-and-white cinematography and nuanced storytelling, the film quietly resonates, capturing the complexities of relationships and emotional growth.

11

Great Freedom

'Große Freiheit'

2021 | 1h 56m | AUSTRIA & GER | GERMAN

Top10nerScore73.177 / 100

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"And you? Still a pervert?"

DIRECTOR: Sebastian Meise

WRITERS: Sebastian Meise, Thomas Reider

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Crystel Fournier

STARRING: Franz Rogowski, Georg Friedrich, Anton von Lucke

GENRE: Prison Film, LGBTQ+, Period Drama

In post-war Germany, liberation by the Allies does not mean freedom for everyone. Hans Hoffmann is repeatedly imprisoned under Paragraph 175, which criminalizes homosexuality. Nevertheless, over the decades, he continues his quest for freedom and love, even if he finds it in the most unusual places.

Great Freedom is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and resilience in post-WWII Germany. Rogowski’s powerful performance anchors this poignant tale, revealing the silent, enduring struggle against oppression. Its raw intimacy and stark visuals leave an unforgettable impact.

INTRODUCING...

THE TOP 10
BEST FILMS
OF 2021

10

The Mitchells
vs.
The Machines

2021 | 1h 50m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore73.230 / 100

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"I am Linda Mitchell, mother of two. Look upon me in fear!"

DIRECTOR: Michael Rianda

WRITERS: Jeff Rowe, Mike Rianda

STARRING: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Olivia Colman, Mike Rianda, Eric Andre

GENRE: Computer Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Artificial Intelligence

A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines delivers a heartwarming, tech-savvy adventure that’s both inventive and endearing. With its vibrant animation and sharp humor, it cleverly explores family dynamics and our digital age, appealing to all ages with its blend of wit and emotion.

09

Judas and the
Black Messiah

2021 | 2h 06m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore74.945 / 100

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"A badge is scarier than a gun."

DIRECTOR: Shaka King

WRITERS: Will Berson, Shaka King

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sean Bobbitt

STARRING: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith

GENRE: Biopic, Political Drama, Period Drama

Bill O’Neal infiltrates the Black Panthers on the orders of FBI Agent Mitchell and J. Edgar Hoover. As Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton ascends—falling for a fellow revolutionary en route—a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul.

Judas and the Black Messiah delivers a powerful, gripping portrayal of betrayal and resistance. Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield shine in a riveting exploration of political activism and personal conflict. The film masterfully blends historical intensity with raw, emotional depth.

08

Spider-Man

No Way Home

2021 | 2h 28m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.969 / 100

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"I don't wanna brag, but I will… I was in the Avengers."

DIRECTOR: Jon Watts

WRITERS: Erik Sommers, Chris McKenna

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mauro Fiore

STARRING: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Alfred Molina, Willem Dafoe, Jamie Foxx

GENRE: Superhero, Action, Portal Fantasy

Peter Parker is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a super-hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.

No Way Home dazzles with its intricate web of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. Seamlessly blending multiverse madness with heartfelt moments, it delivers thrilling action and emotional depth. A triumphant exploration of identity that reinvigorates the Spider-Man saga.

07

Wheel of Fortune
and Fantasy

'Guzen to sozo'

2021 | 2h 01m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore76.294 / 100

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"Do you remember me?"

DIRECTOR: Ryūsuke Hamaguchi

WRITERS: Ryūsuke Hamaguchi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yukiko Iioka

STARRING: Kotone Furukawa, Ayumu Nakajima, Hyunri, Kiyohiko Shibukawa, Fusako Urabe, Aoba Kawai, Katsuki Mori, Shouma Kai

GENRE: Anthology Film, Drama

An unexpected love triangle, a seduction trap, and a random encounter are the three episodes, told in three movements to depict three female characters and trace the trajectories between their choices and regrets.

Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy offers a riveting triptych of interconnected stories that explore the nuances of human desire and coincidence. Hamaguchi’s delicate storytelling and profound character studies create an intricate tapestry of chance and choice, inviting deep reflection.

06

Evangelion:

3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

'Shin Evangelion Gekijôban'

2021 | 2h 35m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore76.933 / 100

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'BYE-BYE, ALL OF EVANGELION.'

DIRECTOR: Hideaki Anno

WRITERS: Hideaki Anno

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tooru Fukushi

STARRING: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Yuko Miyamura, Akira Ishida, Fumihiko Tachiki, Kotono Mitsuishi, Maaya Sakamoto

GENRE: Anime, Mecha, Post-Apocalyptic, Psychological Drama, Action

In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei search for refuge in the desolate red remains of Tokyo-3. But the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion.

Thrice Upon a Time brilliantly concludes the iconic series with a thought-provoking narrative that delves deep into the human psyche. The exceptional animation, complex character development, and intricate symbolism make it a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.

05

Marcel the Shell
with Shoes On

2021 | 1h 30m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.233 / 100

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"Uh, 'cause it's worth it."

DIRECTOR: Dean Fleischer Camp

WRITERS: Jenny Slate, Elisabeth Holm, Dean Fleischer Camp, Nick Paley

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Eric Adkins, Bianca Cline

STARRING: Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer-Camp, Isabella Rossellini

GENRE: Mockumentary, Stop-Motion, Comedy, Live-Action Animation, Family, Magical Realism

Marcel is an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. But when a documentary filmmaker discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope at finding his long-lost family.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On shines with its endearing charm, demonstrating that even the tiniest and quirkiest characters can stir profound emotions. This delightful film leaves a heartwarming impression, celebrating the extraordinary within the ordinary.

04

Dune

PART ONE

2021 | 2h 35m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore78.648 / 100

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"Fear is the little death that brings obliteration."

DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve

WRITERS: Eric Roth, Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Greig Fraser

STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Zendaya, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem

GENRE: Space Opera, Epic

Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

Dune expertly brings Frank Herbert’s intricate world to life, delivering a visually captivating and intellectually engaging space opera experience. With meticulous attention to detail, exceptional cinematography, and a stellar ensemble cast, it’s a cinematic triumph worth savoring.

03

Petite Maman

2021 | 1h 12m | FRANCE | FRENCH

Top10nerScore78.944 / 100

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"I want to sleep, because I can't wait for tommorrow."

DIRECTOR: Céline Sciamma

WRITERS: Céline Sciamma

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Claire Mathon

STARRING: Joséphine Sanz, Gabrielle Sanz

GENRE: Family Drama

Eight-year-old Nelly has just lost her beloved grandmother and is helping her parents clean out her mother’s childhood home. She explores the house and the surrounding woods where her mother used to play and where she built the treehouse Nelly has heard so much about. One day her mother suddenly leaves. That is when Nelly meets a girl of her own age in the woods, building a treehouse.

Sciamma’s Petite Maman is a delicate exploration of childhood, memory, and connection across generations. With understated performances and a quietly profound narrative, the film transforms simple moments into a poetic reflection on family, time, and the bonds that define us.

02

The Worst Person
in the World

'Verdens verste menneske'

2021 | 2h 08m | NORWAY, FRA & DEN | NORWEGIAN

Top10nerScore81.001 / 100

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"Because I'm less analytical, you think I'm weaker."

DIRECTOR: Joachim Trier

WRITERS: Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kasper Tuxen

STARRING: Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Herbert Nordrum

GENRE: Drama, Romance

Chronicles 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.

The Worst Person in the World is a deeply resonant exploration of love, identity, and millennial discontent. Reinsve’s captivating performance anchors this poignant, bittersweet tale, while Joachim Trier’s nuanced direction captures the chaos and beauty of life’s uncertainties.

01

Drive My Car

'Doraibu mai kâ'

2021 | 2h 59m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore83.420 / 100

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"We must keep on living."

DIRECTOR: Ryusuke Hamaguchi

WRITERS: Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hidetoshi Shinomiya

STARRING: Hidetoshi Nishijima, Toko Miura, Masaki Okada, Reika Kirishima, Park Yu-rim, Jin Dae-yeon

GENRE: Drama

Yusuke Kafuku, a stage actor and director, still unable, after two years, to cope with the loss of his beloved wife, accepts to direct Uncle Vanja at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There he meets Misaki, an introverted young woman, appointed to drive his car. In between rides, secrets from the past and heartfelt confessions will be unveiled.

Drive My Car navigates emotional landscapes with exquisite subtlety, crafting a deeply resonant exploration of human connection. The film’s deliberate pacing, paired with its richly layered performances, leaves a lasting impact that lingers well beyond the final credits. This powerful reflection on love, loss, and redemption secures its rightful place as…
The Best Film of 2021

HONORABLE MENTIONS

After Yang2021
Belfast2021
Encanto2021
Farha2021
Full Time2021
Help2021
In the Heights2021
Kadaisi Vivasayi2021
King Richard2021
Mad God2021
Nobody2021
Sardar Udham2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings2021
The French Dispatch2021
The Hand of God2021
The Last Duel2021
The Suicide Squad2021
The Tragedy of Macbeth2021
West Side Story2021
Zack Snyder’s Justice League2021

THANKS FOR READING!

We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.

Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.

But, before you go, don’t forget to…

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