THE BEST MOVIES
OF 2021
By David Crow
2021 has been a strange year for “going to the movies.”
But whether that phrase now refers to theaters, streaming, or something in-between, it’s still been fascinating for “cinema.” Here are 10 reasons why.
West Side Story
David Lowery’s reinvention of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” features a powerhouse Dev Patel performance…
10. The Green Knight
… and some of the most dazzling images of the year, which both honor and deconstruct the 14th century poem.
10. The Green Knight
What began as a homemade comedy special turned into experimental cinema as Burnham gave voice to our bleak pandemic moment.
9. Bo Burnham’s Inside
Kristen Stewart becomes Princess Diana in Spencer, a tragicomic biopic that plays closer to elevated horror.
8. Spencer
Denis Villeneuve realizes his childhood dream of faithfully adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune (or half of it) in this epic.
7. Dune
Filled with stunning production design and rich performances, this is the type of grand moviemaking we rarely see now.
7. Dune
Joel Coen flies solo in the best movie Macbeth ever: a horror reimagining with a magnetic Denzel Washington.
6. The Tragedy of Macbeth
The Last Duel gives a smart Rashomon framing to an ancient (and timeless) #MeToo event.
5. The Last Duel
It’s Scott’s best 2021 movie and features a fantastic performance by Jodie Comer that deserves more attention.
5. The Last Duel
Here is the most intelligent and poignant rom-com in years, and a movie that introduces the world to Renate Reinsve (who is not the worst).
4. The Worst Person in the World
Paul Thomas Anderson returns to his Valley roots in this easygoing, if ambiguous, love story.
3. Licorice Pizza
Kenneth Branagh remembers his childhood with rose-tinted glasses despite its unrosy moment in history.
2. Belfast
Set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, Belfast is still a warm, big-hearted, and sentimental delight.
2. Belfast
Steven Spielberg does the impossible and improves on a classic with a masterful version of this musical.
1. West Side Story
The new WSS takes greater concern for authenticity, yet remains a sweeping update of Romeo & Juliet, plus a showcase of Spielberg at his best in decades.
1. West Side Story