The year 2021 was a cinematic rollercoaster. After the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused movie theaters to shutter and production to halt, the film industry made an impressive return. With the reopening of theaters and the continued dominance of streaming platforms, 2021 became a year of both recovery and reinvention. We witnessed highly anticipated sequels, emotionally resonant dramas, and innovative visual storytelling—each film showcasing the resilience of filmmakers and the magic of cinema.

Here, we explore the 10 best movies of 2021, films that not only entertained but also pushed the boundaries of what storytelling in cinema can achieve. These movies offered a mix of genres, diverse voices, and profound emotional depth, reflecting the cultural landscape in a post-pandemic world.

1. The Power of the Dog – Directed by Jane Campion

Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog is a masterpiece that feels both timeless and deeply contemporary. Set in 1920s Montana, the film tells the story of a ranching family led by the charismatic yet cruel Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch). When his brother brings home a new wife, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), and her son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Phil’s world is upended, and simmering tensions reach a boiling point.

Campion weaves a subtle and compelling psychological drama, exploring themes of toxic masculinity, repressed desires, and the violence that often results from unchecked emotions. The film’s stunning cinematography, haunting score, and captivating performances make The Power of the Dog one of the standout films of the year. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the emotionally complicated Phil is nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing the actor’s range in a role unlike anything he’s done before.

2. Dune – Directed by Denis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is a visually stunning adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel. It’s a sprawling, epic tale set on the desert planet of Arrakis, where noble families battle for control of the planet’s precious resource—spice, which is essential for space travel. Timothée Chalamet stars as Paul Atreides, the heir to House Atreides, who must navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and his destiny.

Villeneuve’s direction transforms Herbert’s dense material into a mesmerizing cinematic experience. The world-building, enhanced by breathtaking cinematography by Greig Fraser, creates an immersive universe that feels both alien and strangely familiar. Hans Zimmer’s score elevates the epic scale of the film, making Dune a sensory feast. With a star-studded cast, including Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and Jason Momoa, Dune is not only one of the best films of 2021 but also a new benchmark for science fiction cinema.

3. CODA – Directed by Sian Heder

Sian Heder’s CODA is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted story about Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), a teenage girl who is the only hearing member of a deaf family. Ruby is torn between her love for singing and her obligation  to help her family with their fishing business. When Ruby’s talent for music is discovered by her school choir teacher, she is faced with the difficult decision of pursuing her dreams or staying behind to support her family.

CODA is an emotionally powerful film that explores themes of identity, family, and sacrifice. The film’s casting of deaf actors—Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant—brings an authenticity that enriches the story. Emilia Jones’s performance is deeply moving, and the film’s music, especially the original song “Try,” showcases the emotional depth of Ruby’s journey. CODA won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and became a breakout hit on Apple TV+.

4. Spider-Man: No Way Home – Directed by Jon Watts

Spider-Man: No Way Home is a thrilling, heart-pounding ride that delivers everything fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could have hoped for and more. Directed by Jon Watts, this film marks the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker, whose life is turned upside down when he seeks help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to erase everyone’s memory of his secret identity. However, the spell goes wrong, opening the multiverse and unleashing villains from alternate realities, including Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), and Sandman (Thomas Haden Church).

The film expertly balances fan service with emotional depth, diving into Peter Parker’s struggles with responsibility, guilt, and loss. The surprise appearances of previous Spider-Man actors, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, add to the nostalgia, creating a cinematic moment that will be remembered for years to come. Spider-Man: No Way Home is not only a standout entry in the MCU but also one of the best superhero films of all time.

5. Licorice Pizza – Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza is a nostalgic, coming-of-age story set in 1970s Los Angeles. The film follows the quirky and unconventional relationship between Gary (Cooper Hoffman), a young, ambitious actor, and Alana (Alana Haim), a free-spirited woman in her 20s. As they navigate the highs and lows of growing up, the film captures the absurdity, excitement, and pain of adolescence.

Anderson’s direction and writing shine through in Licorice Pizza, which features stunning performances from the entire cast, especially from Hoffman and Haim. The film is a love letter to Los Angeles, with its vibrant atmosphere and quirky characters. Its charming mix of humor, romance, and drama makes it a standout in Anderson’s oeuvre. Licorice Pizza is one of the most original and captivating films of the year.

6. The French Dispatch – Directed by Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch is a visually distinctive and whimsically crafted homage to journalism and the art of storytelling. Set in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blase, the film follows the staff of an American magazine as they write their final issue. The film is structured as an anthology, with each segment focusing on different stories, including a rebellious artist (Benicio del Toro), a kidnapped political activist (Frances McDormand), and a police commissioner (Jeffrey Wright).

Anderson’s signature style is on full display, with his meticulous attention to detail, symmetrical compositions, and vibrant color palette. The all-star cast, including Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Timothée Chalamet, and Owen Wilson, deliver performances that are both humorous and poignant. The French Dispatch is a celebration of the art of storytelling and a love letter to journalism, making it one of the most inventive and visually stunning films of 2021.

7. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a groundbreaking entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing a new superhero to the forefront. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film follows Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), a skilled martial artist who is forced to confront his past when the mysterious Ten Rings organization resurfaces.

The film blends martial arts action with superhero spectacle, offering some of the best fight choreography in recent memory. Simu Liu shines as the titular hero, bringing charisma and vulnerability to the role. The film also introduces the MCU’s first major Asian superhero, and its celebration of Asian culture and mythology is a welcome step forward in the representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood. Shang-Chi is a thrilling, action-packed film that successfully blends genres and sets a new bar for the MCU.

8. No Time to Die – Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga

The 25th entry in the James Bond franchise, No Time to Die, was a bittersweet farewell to Daniel Craig, who has portrayed the iconic British spy for over 15 years. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film sees Bond coming out of retirement to track down a mysterious villain, Safin (Rami Malek), who possesses a deadly weapon that could change the course of the world.

No Time to Die is a fitting conclusion to Craig’s tenure as Bond, offering a perfect blend of action, emotion, and stakes. The film delves deeper into Bond’s psyche, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. It also introduces a new, diverse generation of agents, signaling the future of the franchise. The action sequences are as thrilling as ever, and the film’s emotional payoff makes it a standout in the Bond series.

9. King Richard – Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green

King Richard tells the inspiring true story of Richard Williams (Will Smith), the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film follows Richard’s determination to push his daughters to greatness despite the odds stacked against them, including financial struggles, skepticism from the tennis world, and their doubts.

Will Smith delivers a career-best performance, capturing the complexity and passion of a man who was both a loving father and a fierce advocate for his daughters. King Richard is a moving, motivational story of resilience and family. The film celebrates the power of believing in one’s dreams and the importance of family support in achieving success.

10. A Quiet Place Part II – Directed by John Krasinski

John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place Part II

is a tense and thrilling continuation of the 2018 horror hit. The film picks up immediately after the events of the first movie, following the Abbott family as they navigate a world overrun by alien creatures that hunt by sound. The family must find a way to survive in silence while also seeking refuge from the deadly creatures.

Krasinski masterfully builds on the suspense of the first film, using sound design and visual storytelling to create an atmosphere of constant tension. Emily Blunt returns as the resilient Evelyn Abbott, delivering another strong performance. A Quiet Place Part II is a remarkable sequel that expands the world of its predecessor while maintaining the emotional core of the story.

The best films of 2021 showcased the diversity, creativity, and resilience of filmmakers. Whether it was a sweeping sci-fi epic, a heartfelt family drama, or a superhero spectacle, these movies offered something for everyone. In a year when cinema faced numerous challenges, these films not only entertained but also provided audiences with a sense of connection, catharsis, and hope. As the film industry continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, these 10 films will remain a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of the movies.