Watch These Movies From 2021

April 5, 2025

Navigating 2021's cinematic landscape felt like wandering through a paradox—neither fully dystopian nor completely normal, much like the perplexing Wonder Woman 1984. Yet amid the chaos, the year delivered extraordinary films that resonated deeply. From intimate character studies to sprawling epics, these selections celebrate storytelling that left an indelible mark.

2021 offered a rich tapestry of narratives: the quiet profundity of C’mon C’mon, Ridley Scott’s gripping The Last Duel, and the haunting brilliance of The Father. Films like The Worst Person in the World redefined romantic comedy, while Drive My Car wove literature and cinema into a meditative masterpiece. Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog and the electrifying Spider-Man: No Way Home showcased the year’s range, from simmering tension to blockbuster catharsis. Whether exploring grief, identity, or sheer joy, these films remind us why we love the art form. Here are the year’s unmissable achievements.

The Father (2020)

Drama - 1h 37m

A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages and, as he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

Drama,Western - 2h 7m

A domineering but charismatic rancher wages a war of intimidation on his brother's new wife and her teen son, until long-hidden secrets come to light.

Belfast (2021)

Drama,History - 1h 38m

Buddy is a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.

The Mauritanian (2021)

Drama,Thriller - 2h 9m

The true story of the Mauritanian Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was held at the U.S military's Guantanamo Bay detention center without charges for over a decade and sought help from a defense attorney for his release.

tick, tick... BOOM! (2021)

Drama,Music - 1h 55m

On the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out.

Luca (2021)

Animation,Comedy,Fantasy,Adventure,Family - 1h 35m

Luca and his best friend Alberto experience an unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera. But all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

The Worst Person in the World (2021)

Drama,Romance,Comedy - 2h 8m

The chronicles of four years in the life of Julie, a young woman who navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find her career path, leading her to take a realistic look at who she really is.

The Last Duel (2021)

History,Drama,Action - 2h 33m

King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.

Hive (2021)

Drama - 1h 24m

Fahrije’s husband has been missing since the war in Kosovo so she sets up her own small business to provide for her kids, but as she fights against a patriarchal society that does not support her, she faces a crucial decision: to wait for his return, or to continue to persevere.