Top 21 films of 2021
David Farnor | On 31, Dec 2021
2021 has certainly been a year. It’s also certainly been a year for streaming, as audiences and studios turned to online platforms to share stories during a dark, difficult 12 months. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that after our writers pooled together their votes for the best films of 2021, what emerged was a vibrant list of energetic, upbeat and inspiring watches, from playful comedies to dazzling musicals and jaw-dropping sci-fi. Between these are a number of thought-provoking dramas, thrilling blockbusters and timely documentaries, but it’s escapism and fun that has proven the most universally rewarding this year, whether it’s an inventive family animation or a hilarious time-hopping romp.
Here are VODzila.co’s top 21 films of 2021:
1. Palm Springs
As sweet as it is cynical, this smart, funny, charming chron-rom-com is an absolute blast.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
2. The Mitchells vs the Machines
This robo-dystopian-road-trip-comedy is a relentlessly funny and endlessly inventive ride for the whole family.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
3. Sound of Metal
This superbly crafted tale of hearing loss is a powerful, immersive piece of cinema.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
4. The Power of the Dog
A triumphant return to feature filmmaking for Jane Campion, this is a brooding gothic Western that simmers with slow-burn menace.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
5. Dune
Denis Villeneuve’s jaw-dropping sci-fi epic is big, bold and brilliant.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
6. The Last Duel
Ridley Scott’s timely historical epic is a brutal drama that packs a serious, pointed punch.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
7. Another Round
Mads Mikkelsen shines in this darkly funny exploration of drinking culture and the forces that drive it.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
8. The Night House
A superb turn from Rebecca Hall grounds this chilling, atmospheric horror.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
9. In The Heights
Jon M Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s celebration of dreams and community is a joyous musical spectacle.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
10. Tick, Tick… Boom
Andrew Garfield is electric in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s dynamic, swooning, foot-stomping ode to creativity.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
11. First Cow
Two men use a landowner’s cow for their business venture in Kelly Reichardt’s superlative period drama about male friendship, capitalism and creativity.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
12. The French Dispatch
Jeffrey Wright steals the show in Wes Anderson’s charming anthology.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
13. No Time to Die
Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 is a moving, thrilling farewell.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
14. One Night in Miami
Regina King’s profound, masterful debut is a thoughtful, electrifying drama.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
15. Judas and the Black Messiah
Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield are sensational in this propulsive paranoid thriller about the betrayal of Fred Hampton.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
16. Summer of Soul
Questlove’s stunning documentary unearths spectacular concert footage from the near-forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
17. Shiva Baby
Anxiety and comedy collide in Emma Seligman’s funny, surprising and remarkable debut feature.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
18. Annette
Leos Carax’s woozy, surreal musical quickly gets in your head.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
19. The Father
Anthony Hopkins delivers a career-best performance in this simply devastating drama.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
20. Luca
Pixar’s warm summer adventure is a beautifully simple tale of acceptance.
Our full review – plus where to watch it online
21. After Love
Joanna Scanlan delivers a knockout performance in this moving, delicate exploration of grief and identity.
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