The 27 best movies of 2021

Jason Guerrasio,Kirsten AcunaDec 29, 2021, 17:37 IST

"The Mitchells vs the Machines," "King Richard," and "Spider-Man: No Way Home" are some of the best movies we saw in 2021.Courtesy of 20th Century Films; Sony Pictures; Warner Bros; Netflix; Alyssa Powell/Insider

2021 was filled with acclaimed movies that are worth your time.
Some of the titles we loved include "The Power of the Dog," "Encanto," "CODA," and "King Richard."

"Becoming Cousteau" is a fantastic look at the life of the legendary underwater explorer.

Liz Garbus' "Becoming Cousteau."National Geographic

"The Card Counter" is a callback to the gritty independent movies of the 1990s.

Oscar Isaac and Tiffany Haddish in "The Card Counter."Focus Features.

"CODA" is a sweet coming-of-age story centered around a teen with deaf parents.

Emilia Jones in "CODA."AppleTV+

"Don't Look Up" turns the mirror on humanity to show our not so pretty side.

Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio in "Don't Look Up."Netflix

"Dune" is a thrilling introduction into the world created by author Frank Herbert.

Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson in "Dune."Chiabella James/Warner Bros. Pictures

"Encanto" Is Disney's best animated feature in six years.

"Encanto" has music from Lin-Manuel Miranda.Walt Disney Animation

"Fatherhood" proves Kevin Hart can be a convincing dramatic actor.

Kevin Hart in "Fatherhood."Philippe Bosse/Netflix

"Flee" is the most emotionally-charged movie of the year.

Jonas Poher Rasmussen's "Flee."Neon

"Free Guy" is one of the best video game movies that isn't even based on an actual game.

Jodie Comer and Ryan Reynolds in "Free Guy."20th Century Studios

Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of the best performances of the year in "The Guilty."

Jake Gyllenhaal in "The Guilty."Netflix

"King Richard" features one of Will Smith's best performances and could get him his first Oscar win.

Will Smith in "King Richard."Warner Bros.

"The Last Duel" is fueled by great performances from Matt Damon, Jodie Comer, and Adam Driver.

(L-R) Matt Damon and Adam Driver in 'The Last Duel."Patrick Redmond/20th Century Studios

"Shang-Chi" is the best Marvel movie of the year.

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is the perfect superhero movie to watch with a sibling.Marvel Studios

"Licorice Pizza" features perfect performances by its stars, Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman.

Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman in "Licorice Pizza."MGM

"Luca" is a beautiful look at friendship.

Enrico Casarosa's "Luca."Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

"The Mitchells vs. The Machines" isn't just enormously funny but extremely heartfelt.

Michael Rianda's "The Mitchells vs. The Machines."Netflix

"Passing" is the powerful directorial debut of Rebecca Hall.

(L-R) Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson in "Passing."Netflix

"The Power of the Dog" is a powerful look at love and steps we'll take to protect family.

Benedict Cumberbatch in "The Power of the Dog."Kirsty Griffin/Netflix

"Procession" is unlike any documentary about sexual abuse you have ever seen.

Robert Greene's "Procession."Netflix

"The Rescue" keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire movie.

"The Rescue."National Geographic

"Ghostbusters: Afterlife" is a love letter to the original.

Mckenna Grace in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife."Sony

"Spencer" uses the life and mythology of Princess Diana to craft a modern-day fable.

Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in "Spencer."Neon

"Spider-Man: No Way Home" feels like a miracle to have come together.

"No Way Home" is the first time since "Avengers: Endgame" where I've truly felt the presence of an audience would only add to your experience because of the nature of the film.Sony Pictures

"Tick, Tick… Boom!" is a terrific peek inside the mind of a rising Broadway star, led by a brilliant Andrew Garfield.

Andrew Garfield gives a passionate/full-body performance as Jonathan Larson.Macall Polay/Netflix

"West Side Story" delivers a perfect Maria in new star Rachel Zegler.

Rachel Zegler is a powerhouse as Maria.20th Century Studios

"The Worst Person in the World" features a star in the making with its lead, Renate Reinsve.

Renate Reinsve in "The Worst Person in the World."Neon

"Zack Snyder's Justice League" is the movie fans deserved to see back in 2017.

If you're a fan who hated 2017's theatrical release of "Justice League," then you should watch "Zack Snyder's Justice League." More than three years later, justice is served.HBO Max

Jason's top 5 of 2021

"The Mitchells vs The Machines."Netflix

Kirsten's top 5 of 2021

Tom Holland as Spider-Man in "Spider-Man: No Way Home."Sony Pictures Entertainment

The top 8 breakout TV hits of 2021 that surged from word-of-mouth buzz

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