The film industry has had a successful year so far, with a variety of exceptional movies hitting the big screen. From historical dramas and emotional tales to action-packed adventures and animated comedies, 2021 has something for everyone. This article has compiled a list of the top 10 movies of 2021 so far, including standout titles like “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Sound of Metal,” and “Nomadland.” These movies explore themes of human resilience, identity, the immigrant experience, and the devastating impact of illness, offering heart-warming and poignant tales that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The list also includes blockbuster hits like “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “A Quiet Place Part II” and even an origin story like “Cruella.” With the year far from over, we can expect more cinematic gems to hit the screens, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
The Top 10 Movies of 2021 So Far
The year 2021 has been great for the film industry, with a plethora of top-tier movies hitting the big screen. From emotional dramas to thrilling sci-fi adventures, there’s been something for everyone. Hitting “rewind” and flashbacking to the beginning of the year, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 movies of 2021 so far.
1. Judas and the Black Messiah
Judas and the Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King, is a historical drama that tells the story of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal, an FBI informant tasked with infiltrating the organization. The movie stars Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton and Lakeith Stanfield as William O’Neal. With a gripping storyline and powerful performances, it’s no wonder why it has been hailed as one of the best movies of 2021 so far.
2. Sound of Metal
Sound of Metal, directed by Darius Marder, follows the journey of a heavy metal drummer (Riz Ahmed) who begins to lose his hearing. The film explores themes of acceptance, identity, and perseverance while delivering an immersive auditory experience. It’s a beautiful and poignant film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
3. Nomadland
Directed by Chloe Zhao, Nomadland stars Frances McDormand as a woman who, after the collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, becomes a modern-day nomad, traveling the American West in search of work and purpose. The movie is a heartfelt tale of human resilience and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. It’s no wonder why it’s already garnered multiple awards and nominations.
4. Minari
Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, is a semi-autobiographical drama about a Korean-American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm in the 1980s. The movie explores the complexities of the immigrant experience, the challenges of pursuing the American dream, and the bonds of family. The movie is heart-warming and deeply emotional, thanks in part to the standout performances of the cast.
5. The Father
The Father, directed by Florian Zeller, is a powerful and emotional drama that explores the devastating impact of dementia on the lives of both the afflicted and their loved ones. The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as an elderly man struggling to maintain his independence while grappling with the confusion and frustration of his condition. The movie is a masterclass in acting and storytelling that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
6. Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the long-awaited director’s cut of the 2017 superhero movie Justice League. The movie follows a team of DC Comics heroes, including Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman as they band together to stop a powerful cosmic threat. With improved pacing, more fleshed-out storylines, and impressive action sequences, Snyder’s cut is a vast improvement on its predecessor and a must-watch for DC Comics fans.
7. Godzilla vs. Kong
Godzilla vs. Kong, directed by Adam Wingard, pits two iconic monsters against each other in an epic showdown. The movie sees the return of both Godzilla and Kong, as they wage a battle of epic proportions that will determine the fate of the world. The movie is an adrenaline-fueled and visually stunning spectacle that exceeds expectations and delivers on all fronts.
8. A Quiet Place Part II
Directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place Part II is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit horror movie A Quiet Place. The movie follows the Abbott family as they continue to navigate a world overrun by sound-sensitive monsters. With pulse-pounding sequences, taut suspense, and fantastic performances, the movie is a worthy successor to its predecessor.
9. The Mitchells vs. The Machines
The Mitchells vs. The Machines, directed by Mike Rianda and co-produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is a heartwarming animated comedy that follows an eccentric family as they embark on a road trip to take their daughter to college. Along the way, they find themselves fighting a robot uprising that threatens the fate of the world. The movie is a visually stunning and hilarious adventure that is perfect for the whole family.
10. Cruella
Cruella, directed by Craig Gillespie, is a live-action prequel to the classic Disney movie 101 Dalmatians. The movie follows a young Estella de Vil (Emma Stone) as she navigates the cutthroat world of fashion in 1970s London, eventually transforming into the villainous Cruella we all know and love. The movie is a stylish and thrilling origin story that delivers on all fronts.
Conclusion
These ten movies have all been exceptional in their own way. Whether it be through exploring complex themes, delivering visually stunning action sequences, or touching our hearts with emotional performances, they’ve all resonated with audiences in a big way. With several more months to go before the year’s end, we can’t wait to see what other cinematic gems are in store for us!