- The Shape of Water The Shape of Water is a science fiction film that tells the story of a woman who is taken captive by a government organization and forced to do tasks that are beyond her capabilities. The film was released in early 2021 and received critical acclaim. It has been cited as one of the best films of the year.
- Black Panther Black Panther was released in early 2021 and received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals and powerful story. It has been cited as one of the best films of the year.
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Last Jedi Star Wars: Episode IX – The Last Jedi was released in late 2018 and received mixed reviews from critics. However, it has been cited as one of the best films of the year by many fans. It is set to be released in December 2021.
- Deadpool 2 Deadpool 2 was released in early 2018 and received critical acclaim for its hilarious, dark, and violent content. It has been cited as one of the best films of the year by many fans. It is set to be released in May 2022.
Without further ado, TheReviewGeek team present our top 20 movies of 2021! 20. The Meg 19. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 18. Ant-Man and the Wasp 17. Avengers: Endgame 16. Incredibles 2 15. Star Wars: Episode IX 14. Mission: Impossible - Fallout 13. Deadpool 2 12. Black Panther 11. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 10. Solo: A Star Wars Story ..
20 – Pieces Of A Woman
The film is well-paced and provides a realistic portrayal of a home birth. The tone is gentle and the story is compelling. The camera work is excellent and the story is well-told.
Piece of a Woman is deliberately slow in its build-up, and it’s all the more powerful for it. ..
Pieces Of A Woman is a powerful and harrowing story of loss, hope, and the power of family. It tells the story of a mother who has to cope with the death of her child, as well as the aftermath of that loss. The film also explores the question of how to pick up the pieces after a loved one is gone. This is a difficult question to answer, and Pieces Of A Woman does an excellent job in exploring it.
The film is set in the fictional town of West Egg on Long Island, and follows the lives of its residents as they go about their everyday lives. The town is a mix of old-fashioned values and modern amenities, and the residents are all trying to find their place in the world. The film follows the story of two women, one from a traditional family background and the other from a more modern one, as they try to figure out who they are and what they want for themselves.
19 – In The Heights
In “The Heights,” director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and the talented cast bring to life a vibrant and exciting story of love, family, and community. This film is sure to leave audiences feeling happy and content. ..
The film, “Clockwork Orange” does tend to repeat the same themes and ideas over and over again. However, the songs are pretty good, the lyrics catchy and the dazzling colours and breathtaking cinematography will leave you captivated.
The Heights is an ambitious show that falls short of its lofty expectations. Strong themes about gentrification, family and community are welcome, but they also paper over some weak characters. ..
Despite its flaws, “The Nun” is an entertaining and well-made horror film. ..
18 – Pig
This little movie is a heartwarming look at the bond between a pig and his friend, Nicholas Cage. The two share a close relationship, and the film shows us how their friendship helps them through difficult times. The film is also very funny, making it an enjoyable watch.
In the Oregonian wilderness, a truffle hunter lives alone. However, his beloved foraging pig is kidnapped and he must go to Portland to find her. ..
This search is interesting because it explores deep themes around loss, grief and sorrow. It’s not perfect, and may have rough edges, but it’s undeniably enjoyable.
17 – Raya And The Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon is a fantastic movie. It’s a beautifully rendered, distinctly Asian-flavored picture that combines adventure, comedy and thrills to great effect. The story zips by at a breathless pace, the action comes thick and fast, while the emotional climax rounds everything out with a neat little origami bow. ..
Raya and the Last Dragon is a video game-inspired story about a young girl who must find her way through an adventure with magical creatures. The story is based on elements from Moana and Mulan, blending them together with a more conventional fetch quest. While the execution may seem bizarre, the story is actually pretty good.
In the year 20xx, the Druun have returned and threaten to destroy life in Kumandra. It’s up to Raya to save the day, collecting up fragments of a special relic to bring about the end of the Druun – and the return of the dragons.
16 – The Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad is a movie that has a lot of mixed reviews. Some people love it, while others hate it. This superhero flick is a soft reboot/sorta sequel to the original film and while some characters survive the jump to this movie (namely Harley Quinn and Amanda Waller) it’s largely a whole new ensemble to play with. An ensemble that feels very similar to that of 2016’s team.
The team is tasked with shutting down a secret military project called Project Starfish. In order to do that they need to break into a top secret facility called Jotunheim and enlist the help of a being known as The Thinker in order to make that happen. ..
Some members of our team love it and others are indifferent, but given its warm public reception and ability to stand out next to other superhero films this year, it’s definitely worth a spot on this list. ..
15 – Space Sweepers
Space Sweepers is an epic science fiction story that tells the tale of a crew of misfits who are tasked with leaving their imperfections behind in a world that is striving to become a better place. ..
The world is in trouble. The economy is in decline, the environment is deteriorating, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. But there’s a solution – if you can afford to buy a ticket to one of the world’s most exclusive events: the 2092 World Congress of Capitalism. This year’s congress will be held in an exclusive location on an uninhabited island off the coast of Africa. The cost of attendance? A whopping $100,000 per person. But for those who can afford it, this is your chance to see and hear from the world’s top capitalists. And if you want to be one of the first to know about their latest plans, you need to buy a ticket now.
The space sweepers are the lowest of the low, working long hours for little pay and often owing more than they earn. They scavenge through space for anything that can be sold, whether it’s a piece of hardware or a piece of food.
The film has all the elements that make it a great movie – strong backstories, great CGI, character arcs, dramatic narrative and a robot that wants to be human. It is definitely pleasurable to watch.
14 – Oxygen
The film is set in a small town in the south of France, where three friends - a man (Éric Rohmer), a woman (Léa Seydoux) and a young boy (Mathieu Kassovitz) - are left stranded after their car breaks down. They must use all of their ingenuity and strength to survive for days on end, with only the help of oxygen tanks to sustain them. The film’s clever design and its well-done suspense make it one of the most exciting French films of the year.
In a cramped cryogenic chamber, a woman wakes up. She’s unfamiliar with how she got here and has no recollection of how she got into this chamber. With oxygen levels slowly decreasing and only computer AI MILO for company, Liz scrambles to work out who she is and where she’s going.
The escape room scenario has been done numerous times over the years, but Oxygen takes the best elements of what’s come before to produce a uniquely gripping, cerebrally charged thriller.
13 – Little Big Women
Little Big Women is a support group for women who have lost a family member. The group provides a safe place for women to share their experiences, feelings, and thoughts. The group also provides resources, such as books and articles, to help the members cope with their loss. ..
The matriarch’s estranged husband, Lin Shoying, died at the age of 70 after a long and tumultuous life. His death brings a wave of indifference, annoyance, frustration and genuine sadness from all involved.
The bubbling mix of emotions is churned into a syrupy, bitter drama that’s stretched out across the run-time. Ideas of acceptance, forgiveness and love are shared and fought through the eyes of five different females, which makes up the bulk of Little Big Women’s plot. ..
The film is set in the small town of Wufei, Taiwan, and tells the story of a mother (played by Chen Wei-yuan) and her daughter (played by Wu Jing) as they grapple with the aftermath of their father’s death. The film is full of heart-wrenching moments, but it’s also full of humour and lightness, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a film that will touch on both deep emotions and entertaining stories.
12 – The Harder They Fall
Netflix’s latest western, “The Outlaw King,” is a well-made and entertaining film that ticks all the cliched boxes for this genre. However, what makes it stand out is its well-developed and unique characters. Clint Eastwood’s old westerns were known for their strong and memorable characters, and “The Outlaw King” does a great job of emulating that style. ..
Nat is a young boy who is forced to watch his parents be brutally murdered at the hands of ruthless outlaw Rufus Buck and his crew. Nat’s only hope is to find a way to save them before it’s too late.
As the two gangs clash, the stakes get higher and higher, with each side desperate to win back what they believe is rightfully theirs. But as the heat builds, Love begins to realize that he may have made a mistake in trusting his enemies… and that maybe eventreacherous Trudy and Cherokee Bill are just as bad as he thought.
The pacing was a little slow, but the characters and an unexpected twist at the end made up for it. This was a real aesthetic treat with a unique soundtrack and some great visual flair throughout. ..
11 – Judas and the Black Messiah
The Black Panthers have been vilified by the public for their role in trying to bring about equality. Despite this, they continue to fight against the authorities, even though this may be met with punishment. The Panthers are a symbol of resistance against the status quo, and are often vilified by the public. However, they continue to fight because they believe in freedom and equality.
Despite the prestige and attention surrounding Judas and the Black Messiah, this movie is not actually about Fred Hampton. In fact, beyond Kaluuya’s undeniably charismatic role, the spotlight falls on the “Judas” of this tale, Bill O’Neal.
FBI Agent Mitchell and J. Edgar Hoover task Bill with infiltrating the Black Panther Party, as the group gains momentum and crucial public acceptance. However, with Bill’s impersonation of a police officer coming to light, he finds himself in a difficult position. ..
Bill is blackmailed into providing crucial intelligence that can be used to mount a counter-offensive against this “terrorist” organization.
Although the show can be slow at times, the mesmerizing performances make it an informative and important drama well worth checking out. ..
10 – Promising Young Woman
Cassie is a promising young woman who has just moved to the city and is looking for a new start. She’s been told by her friends that the club scene is the best place to start out, so she decides to check it out. As soon as she walks in, she’s met by two guys who introduce themselves as her new friends. They tell her about the club and how great it is, and offer to help her find what she’s looking for. Cassie takes their advice and starts exploring the club scene with them. She quickly realizes that this is where she belongs and wants to be a part of it.
Cassie spends her nights entrapping different men; a drunken anglerfish lying in wait with a pulsating neon-pink filament. Cassie sees these men as an easy score, because they are drunk and she can control them.
The woman waits for the men to take her back to their apartment, turning on a dime and forcing them to admit their shame and insecurities until they submit.
Promising Young Woman is a stylish revenge thriller that boasts a last-gasp twist and some challenging themes which help to elevate this one into one of the best movies of 2021. ..
9 – Nomadland
Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland is a quietly arthouse picture that explores the nomadic lifestyle. All the highs and lows are examined in unflinching detail (including Frances McDormand defecating in a bucket), unsurprisingly picking up several Oscars along the way.
Fern is a woman who has lost everything in the Great Recession. She packs up her gear and heads off through the American West, living in her van as a modern-day nomad. This story centers on Fern’s journey, which is full of challenges and surprises. ..
This quiet human drama is about a family that is struggling to make ends meet. It’s one of those pictures that you’ll want to watch on the big-screen to really appreciate the themes and ideas. It’s also visually appealing, typified by the picture above.
8 – The Green Knight
The Green Knight is an incredibly artistic movie. An undeniably gripping and a fantastic performance from Dev Patel props this film up – and it won’t be a picture you forget in a hurry.
The story of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is one of love, adventure, and mystery. For some, it will be one of the best movies of the year. For others, it’s anything but. ..
This film is a unique and ambitious project that’s sure to please no one. It’s an intense and hypnotic experience that’ll leave you feeling satisfied after its 2 hour run time.
7 – Last Night In Soho
Last Night In Soho is a movie that takes its time to build up its suspense, never letting the viewer feel too rushed. It’s a thriller with a horror twist, and it’s both exciting and spine-tingling.
The film, Edgar Wright’s latest release, is a mash-up of two old movies. The first movie is Black Swan, which is about a woman who falls in love with a man who turns out to be a murderer. The second movie is Gothika, which is about a woman who falls in love with a man who turns out to be an evil genius.
Eloise moves to London in search of a creative and inspiring lifestyle, but quickly realizes that the city is nothing like she imagined. The fashion industry is cutthroat and competitive, and Eloise finds herself struggling to make a name for herself. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to succeed. ..
Ellie is having trouble adjusting to her new dorm life. She’s been living in a shared room with her three other friends, but it’s been hard to make new friends and keep up with the crazy schedule. One night, she falls asleep and has a strange dream where she’s back in the 1960s. This happens every night, and it’s starting to get really frustrating. ..
Sandy is a fraud.
6 – Just 1 Day
Angelfish is looking for someone to share a sunrise with, but her current boyfriend is in a long-distance relationship and can’t make it happen. ..
Angelfish attends an alumni event, coming into contact with old friends, teachers and in particular her geeky mate from elementary school. Mosaic is long-term smitten but afraid to speak, stumbling over himself at seeing her again. They reminisce, he gives her a ride in the rain and there it ends.
He reappears at the bank where she works with a medical letter showing a terminal ALS diagnosis. His wish is for her to be his girlfriend for just one day. And what a day it is.
This film is a heartwarming and funny look at the ups and downs of two people who are in love. The film is set up to be a tearjerker but it’s full of funny moments that make it worth watching.
5 – Minari
Minari is a heartwarming film about the struggles and triumphs of immigrants. It’s a well-acted, character-driven story that will touch your heart. ..
Jacob Yi, a chicken sexer, has big dreams of starting his own farm. Determined to make his dream a reality, he moves his family across the country from California to Arkansas in order to bring that about. ..
Jacob enlistes the help of a local called Paul who helps him grow and manage this venture. When Jacob’s wife Monica invites her mother Soonja along from South Korea, tensions soon escalate as money and health problems put a strain on Jacob’s marriage.
This heartwarming picture features some brilliant acting, stunning cinematography and thought-provoking ideas that resonate over time. It’s a great film that hits just the right vibes throughout.
4 – The Power Of The Dog
The Power of the Dog is a slow, quiet, thought-provoking movie. It’s certainly not for everyone, and you absolutely need to go into this with no distractions. There’s no hand-holding here; the themes are all scattered like puzzle pieces across the 2 hour run time. And it’s up to you to piece them together in a way that makes sense. The beauty with this film though, is that there’s more than one solution.
Phil Burbank is a powerful man with a deep anger and a passionate interest in the world around him. He invokes fear and wonder in those around him, and when his brother George brings home a new wife in Rose and her “half-wit” son Peter, Phil lashes out at the changes in his life.
The Power of the Dog is a clever and well-written story that doesn’t rely on exposition or big, dramatic scenes to make its point. The script also has a clever way of shifting your feelings about the characters throughout the course of the story.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance in “The Imitation Game” is brilliant and his career-best. This film is a masterpiece and Cumberbatch’s performance is one of the best in recent memory.
3 – The Mitchells vs. The Machines
It’s not easy raising kids. It’s even harder when you have to do it alone. But it’s worth it, because when your kids reach adulthood and start their own lives, they will be the most proud and admired members of your family.
In the world of The Mitchells vs. the Machines, teenagers are struggling to find their place in the world and whether or not they can trust anyone. This film understands that struggle and puts it into a powerful context. Yes, the movie is action-packed but it’s also an exploration of family and a journey of acceptance.
The film is full of humor and a lot of it is spot on. The timing is perfect and the jokes are hilarious. There are some great moments right from the get-go. The film also has a lot of pop culture references which are fun to see. There’s even a musical montage at the end that was absolutely beautiful.
This movie is a great adventure that is easily one of the best movies of the year. It is for adults and kids alike, and it is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
2 – Dune
The sand in this movie is everywhere. It’s in the cracks, on the ground, and even in the air. Although there are no real cracks to show, Dune is a tightly constructed adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 work and is much better than David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation.
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is a stunning science fiction film that perfectly aligns with his directorial style. This film is big, bold, visually fantastic, and has the potential to be one of the biggest hits of the year.
The film tells the story of Paul Atreides, who has his destiny changed forever when his father, Duke Leto Atreides, accepts control of the desert planet Arrakis. Leadership over the planet is seen as important as it is the source of ‘spice,’ one of the most valuable substances in Frank Herbert’s universe. ..
The drug is highly sought after for its mystical and medicinal properties, although access to it isn’t easy due to the giant sandworms that are responsible for its production.
Villeneuve’s ambitious vision is impressively mounted but may not be enough to take the viewer on a journey of awe.
1 – Saint Maud
Saint Maud is not a horror movie. It’s not particularly scary, and there are no jump scares here either. Going into this one expecting a conventional scarefest will almost certainly leave you disappointed. ..
The film follows the life of a nun, Maud (Sofia Boutella), as she struggles to keep her head above water in a world that seems to be constantly conspiring against her. Her faith is tested as she deals with the fallout of a church scandal, the arrival of a new bishop, and the increasing pressure from her superiors.
Maud is a film about the loneliness and isolation that can be experienced by those who convert to Catholicism. Maud is a nurse who has recently converted to Catholicism and begins caring for a woman named Amanda. Amanda is a lonely and isolated woman, and Maud helps her find comfort and companionship.
After sharing similar ideas, cracks begin to form in their ideologies which eventually grow into an ideological chasm from which there is no escape. Maud’s spirituality clashes against Amanda’s carefree persona, with Maud doing her best to “save” Amanda from her sins, which include drugs, drink and sexual pleasures. ..
The film’s main conflict is between two opposite characters, with the climax resulting in a messy and dramatic development. The ending is absolutely haunting, with a 3 minute sequence that will stick with you for a long time to come.
Here are the 20 movies that we believe will be the biggest hits of 2021. ..
In 2021, some memorable films are well worth checking out if you haven’t already. What did you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know what your favourites were from this year in the comments below! ..
