For the first time since early 2020, cinemas were back in full force this year. While it took its time to get to that point, 2021 reminded movie goers what it is like to watch a movie with a packed house. Most releases did not get pushed back, Spider-Man: No Way Home became the first movie to gross $1 billion since 2019, and Warner Bros somehow managed to release their entire movie schedule onto their streaming platform, HBO Max. While it was not perfect, movies were back.
Following all of the films released this year, MXDWN movies decided to dedicate a top ten list for the best films of the year. From small indie films to large blockbusters, the movies team here at MXDWN have compiled a wide variety of their favorite films. This was voted on by all of our writers and editors here. Before jumping into the top ten list, a few honorable mentions are as follows: Black Widow, House of Gucci, The Power of the Dog, Belfast, Last Night in Soho and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
10. The Suicide Squad
“The DC cinematic universe is, frankly, a mess, but The Suicide Squad gives hope for DC fans. It’s mix of dark comedy and endearing characters makes for an off-beat superhero movie. Although not a typical superhero movie, The Suicide Squad proves that darker, R-rated superhero movies can be successful and enjoyable.” –Eric Johnson
9. Titane
“Armed with an original screenplay and an award worthy performance by Agathe Rousselle, this French horror film is truly a work of art, even if that art is not for the faint of heart for conventional audiences. With unforgettable imagery, exceptional performances and a lasting theme of love and acceptance makes Titane an extraordinary film in every aspect. It’s violent, erotic and deeply moving. It is truly an emotional ride that you will never forget.” –Rick Rice
“Ducournau punches the audience square in the face, spits on them, and then miraculously creates a pseudo-father and son tale that is the exact opposite of the first thirty minutes. Titane is a triumph and an utterly human story.” –Tyler Justin Pruyn
8.The Green Knight
“The Green Knight was such a beautiful film, I simply do not understand how it flew so under the radar in 2021. ” –Jose Pedro Eichenseer
“Lowery puts the viewer in the idyllic and romanticized arthurian legend. The film never lets go of the audience and is engaging from start to finish. The tale is dark, frustrating, and overall wonderful.” –Tyler Justin Pruyn
7. No Time to Die
“No Time to Die finally hit theaters this years after years of build-up and too many COVID-19 era delays. It’s a fitting swan song for Daniel Craig as he nearly perfectly embodied the dashing character that has built up over decades by numerous top-tier actors. Rami Malek’s part might be a bit too small in the end result (as is Christoph Waltz’s turn), but beyond that it’s a near perfect bookend to the lineage that began with Casino Royale.” –Raymond Flotat
6. The French Dispatch
“The French Dispatch belongs in a museum.” –Tyler Justin Pruyn
5. King Richard
“King Richard is an amazing story and is one of the best sports movies that I have ever seen. The relational conflict and dimensions were filled to the brim with authenticity that was inspiring. This film did not lack in essentials of filmmaking, as can be commonplace for sports films, and is a fair contender for Academy recognition.” –Lauren Vander Tuig
4. West Side Story
“Remakes are often never as good as their original, but every now and then, there arrives an exception. Steven Spielberg does the impossible by bringing the Broadway inspired story to the Big Screen for all audiences to enjoy that recaptures the heart of 1961 film, and in many ways, has made a far superior film. Everything about this film is pure magic. The casting, the costumes, the stunning dance choreography, the production design and the music all come together that brings cheers to the audiences and even makes some of us sing along. The themes are more prescient than ever, and the heart is never lost. With an award worthy performance by the young talented Rachel Zegler as Maria and Ansel Elgort as Tony, together they have brought the love and passion of West Side Story for a new generation to fall in love with. I laughed, I cheered, I sang, and even cried while watching the magnificent West Side Story. Spielberg once again reminds us of his formidable talents that have ensured him as of the greatest directors working today. Bravo!” –Rick Rice
“Tony Kushner’s screenplay manages to find new nuances in one of the great American musicals. Presenting this story as a period drama as opposed to the contemporary original allows for the importation of historical context that deepens and expands the original themes. Steven Spielberg’s blocking is out of this world, Justin Peck manages to stay true to the style of the original without recycling Jerome Robbins’ choreography, and Janusz Kaminski produces some of the year’s most striking images. Both the puddle shot during “Maria” and the two shots that frame the rumble sequence are some of the best of the entire Spielberg canon.” –Joshua Goodstein
3. Licorice Pizza
“Licorice Pizza is a reminder of the absolute depth and power of cinema. As you watch each image move and unfold, your love for the characters grows ever deeper. With a marvelous musical accompaniment of 70s deep cuts, Licorice Pizza never slows down or ceases having fun. Paul Thomas Anderson weaves through vignettes with incredible seamlessness. A hangout movie that falls among the leagues of the greats.” –Max Mulderrig
“PTA is back in the 70’s and it is just a grand time. Haim and Hoffman bring life to already incredible material that is essentially hanging out in the San Fernando Valley for 2 hours. It hits in almost every way.” –Tyler Justin Pruyn
“Licorice Pizza mesmerized me the whole time I was in the theater. Paul Thomas Anderson beautifully told a love story juxtaposing innocent and wistful love against an indulgent, “it’s so bad it’s good” kind of love. The vibes, the Haim sisters, Bradley Cooper’s hilarious appearance, cinematography, and costume design were top tier as well.” –Nicole Dwyer
2. Dune
“I know a lot of people don’t like this movie because not much happens, but I’m a big fan of the world building. It obviously sets up the tone and trajectory of the sequels (this is a setup movie, and I think it does well in that aspect). Overall, it’s a typical sci-fi introductory film that I enjoyed.” –Abby Masucol
“Dune is a visually stunning epic that cleverly reworks elements from the David Lynch version, with a brilliant production design; it’s a big event, but it never insults the audience’s intelligence.” –Nacho Pajín
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home
“No Way Home was the most entertaining film of the year. A real crowd pleaser with a great story and comedy, love, action, character arc, etc. It had everything.” –Jose Pedro Eichenseer
“I feel like this Spider-Man was Sony’s redemption from the 2007 film. It was a great combination of nostalgia and adventure. Plus surprises you never expect.” – Lawrence Flynn
“Spider-Man: No Way Home is a jaw dropping effort of a movie. One of the only times in history it was possible to build on over twenty years of shared fictional history. It takes a fiction that is well known to the public and builds and expands on it. That tapestry becomes a rewarding investment for all the years fans have embraced the Spider-Man character. Not to mention that it contains a murderer’s row of acting talent.” –Raymond Flotat
“Spider-Man: No Way Home reminds movie-goers that fun at the movies can still be had even after almost a year of straight-to-streaming releases. It’s a film of pure enjoyment and entertainment which puts a smile on the face of hardcore Marvel fans and casual viewers alike. Watching Spider-Man swing across a giant screen fighting evil-doers is the break everyone needs from a bleak world outside of the theater.” –Eric Johnson
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