Throughout the past year, fans of cinema have received some incredible titles. These films range in tone and genre, but they have appealed to many viewers and have solidified themselves as potential classics.
Every year, the National Board of Review releases its choices for the best examples of various areas of film, including directors, actors, and more. One of these categories is the best overall movies from that year. If film fans are looking to explore some of the best projects 2021 has had to offer, these movies are a fantastic place to start. From coming-of-age stories to historical epics, 2021 gave audiences some stellar films. (Note: Entries are in no particular order, except for the final movie, which received "Best Film").
King Richard
King Richard is a film based on real-life events surrounding the Williams family and, more specifically, the figures of Richard, Venus, and Serena Williams. The movie focuses on Richard as he coaches his daughters in tennis and tries to help them reach their full potential.
The film has received acclaim for the phenomenal performances from the cast and especially of Will Smith as the titular character. Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most highly regarded athletes in the history of tennis, and this movie offers a fascinating glimpse into their history and the drive they and the rest of their family had to succeed.
Dune
The first released Dune film is among the strangest novel-to-movie adaptations of all time, but the 2021 rendition has received extensive acclaim for its take on Frank Herbert's novel. The story centers on House Atreides, which has received the task to rule over the planet of Arrakis and maintain the highly lucrative but dangerous spice production.
Much of the film focuses on the character of Paul, who is next in line to be duke of House Atreides, as he navigates the new environment and seeks to understand his foreboding dreams. As the first in a two-part film series, Dune excellently sets up the universe in which it takes place, and it features compelling characters and gorgeous cinematography.
Nightmare Alley
Releasing on December 17, 2021, Nightmare Alley is a film based on a novel from 1947 and is directed by Guillermo del Toro. The story follows Stanton Carlisle, who gets a job at a sideshow and seeks to make his fortune through manipulating audiences. Various events cause him to get in over his head.
With a fantastic cast, Nightmare Alley is sure to exhibit some incredible performances and be a worthy addition to the thriller genre. It will seemingly uphold the legacy of the novel that has lived on as a classic.
The Last Duel
Based on real events, The Last Duel focuses on the figures of Marguerite de Carrouges, Sir Jean de Carrouges, and Jacques Le Gris. After Marguerite comes forward about a horrible crime Jacques committed against her, Jean challenges him to a duel to the death. If Jean loses, it would also result in Marguerite being killed.
The film displays the incredible bravery of Marguerite in seeking justice despite the social pressure and fear of death involved, and it features fantastic performances from the cast. Excellent filmmaking and attention to detail help to put The Last Duel among Ridley Scott's best historical epics.
The Tragedy Of Macbeth
Releasing on December 25, 2021, The Tragedy of Macbeth is an adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's most highly regarded plays. As such, the film is set to offer a compelling and excellently written story centered around ambition, guilt, and other themes that help to craft the thrilling tale.
Starring Denzel Washington as the titular character and s McDormand as Lady Macbeth, the film will feature a stellar cast that will undoubtedly do justice to the original work. The Tragedy of Macbeth also has beautiful cinematography that adds excellently to the atmosphere.
West Side Story
The 1961 rendition of West Side Story is considered one of the most influential movie musicals of all time, and it seems that the 2021 adaptation, coming out on December 10, 2021, lives up to the beloved musical's reputation. The plot revolves around the rivalry between two gangs: the Sharks and the Jets, and the love between Maria, whose brother is the leader of the Sharks, and Tony, a former Jet whose best friend is the gang's leader.
Directly inspired by Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a compelling, heartbreaking tale. Featuring themes surrounding racism, cycles of violence, and fighting for love, the tale has connected with audiences for decades, leading to a fantastic rendition directed by Steven Spielberg.
Red Rocket
Red Rocket is about a former adult film star who returns to his small hometown and tries to reconnect with people from his past. However, it is not smooth sailing for him as he attempts to navigate his new/old environment.
Though certain parts of the film are serious and hit some emotional notes, the movie is hilarious in other portions because of the amazing writing and actors involved. This is especially true of Simon Rex in the lead role. The direction is fantastic, and all of the ing characters feel genuine, adding to the realism of the film.
Don't Look Up
With a limited theatrical release on December 10, 2021, and available for streaming on December 24, 2021, Don't Look Up has already received extensive praise from critics.
The movie is about two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who must warn the public about a comet that is set to collide with Earth and will most likely lead to the extinction of life on the planet. Despite the dire circumstances, the film is a comedy that satirizes various institutions in the media and government.
Belfast
Ranking highly among Kenneth Branagh's best movies, Belfast is a period piece that takes place in the late 1960s and centers on Buddy, a young boy living in the titular city in Northern Ireland. The film shows his perspective as a period of conflict known as The Troubles begins to escalate in the city.
As a semi-autobiographical work from Branagh, Belfast feels very personal and features grounded performances from all involved. The movie is witty in aspects of its comedy and effective in its drama, making it enjoyable in all of its elements.
Licorice Pizza
Picked as the best film of 2021 by the National Board of Review is Licorice Pizza, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman. The movie is a coming-of-age story surrounding the characters of Alana and Gary, who navigate life in the San Fernando Valley alongside people in the film industry from the 1970s.
The lead actors are phenomenal in their roles, and the atmosphere offers a sense of nostalgia that is sure to connect with viewers. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most highly regarded filmmakers in the industry today, and he has crafted another masterful work in Licorice Pizza.
