So, you’re probably reading this and wondering where the Best and Worst Films of 2020 list? Well, the thing is, I didn’t see enough movies in 2020 to justify doing a best and worst list. Since the pandemic caused several movie theaters to shut down, that prevented me from seeing a lot of movies. Not to mention many of the films that were supposed to come out ended up getting delayed. Things somewhat improved in 2021 as theaters started opening back up, and we got some great movies coming in. Before going further, I’d like to preface and say that I didn’t see everything that came out in 2021. So, if you don’t see a movie that should be on this list, keep that in mind. So, without further ado, here’s my list of what I consider to be the best and worst films of 2021!
Honorable Mentions
#10: Copshop
Sometimes, all you need to have a good time is a simple plot, excellent characters, and tons of action. In that sense, Copshop delivers one of the most entertaining experiences I’ve had watching a movie, even at home. Admittedly, it takes several cues from movies like Assault on Precinct 13, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. While Frank Grillo and Gerard Butler are the headliners, Alexis Louder dominates the entire film and goes toe-to-toe with them. Director Joe Carnahan wanted to make a 70s style pulp action movie, and that’s just what we got. This movie won’t redefine the action genre for years to come, but not everything needs to reinvent the wheel. There’s nothing wrong with just wanting to be a straightforward action thriller with tons of swears, blood, and moody lighting. If you want something that’ll thrill you for under two hours, Copshop won’t disappoint.
#9: No Time to Die
After playing the iconic spy for 15 years, Daniel Craig went out with a bang in No Time to Die. For his final outing as James Bond, the filmmakers pulled out all the stops and delivered a thrilling action movie. Admittedly, the villain wasn’t developed enough to feel fleshed out despite a decent performance from Rami Malek. Also, it was disappointing that the marketing built up Ana de Armas, only for her to appear in one scene. Nevertheless, this movie delivered some of the franchise’s best and most intense action set pieces. Kudos to Daniel Craig, who performed many of these stunts himself even in his early 50s and did it gracefully. The movie can feel pretty daunting with an almost three-hour runtime, but there’s plenty of plot to justify the runtime. All in all, No Time to Die celebrates one of the most iconic Bonds and delivers thrilling action.
#8: Ghostbusters: Afterlife
After a very divisive 2016 reboot, Jason Reitman managed to bring it back with Ghostbusters: Afterlife. There was plenty of pressure on his shoulders, especially considering his dad made the first two movies. I’m happy to say that Jason not only met expectations, but he also managed to exceed them. Unlike the reboot, which upset both hardcore and casual fans, this will satisfy both crowds and general audiences. There are plenty of references to the original film, but they never get in the way of the main story. It helps that the movie has plenty of new characters to help new audiences get invested. McKenna Grace makes for a delightful lead, Paul Rudd is likable as always, and Finn Wolfhard has some fun moments. Whether you’re a long-time fan or you’re just getting into the series, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is worth catching.
#7: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
This year gave us some highs and lows for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Eternals arguably being the lowest. Thankfully, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the highs this year had to offer. Admittedly, the film did reuse several tropes we’ve come to expect from Marvel, but it managed to reuse them effectively. It helped that the cast helped elevate the material, particularly Simu Liu and Tony Leung as father and son. While most modern MCU movies have a hard time balancing humor with drama, this one did a much better job. It even managed to take some unliked elements from past films and spin them in a way that works. Even the big action sequences towards the end are done in a fun and refreshing way. Being the first Asian-led MCU movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is enjoyable.
#6: Free Guy
Free Guy was one of those movies that were supposed to come out in 2020 but were delayed to 2021. Thankfully, the wait was worth it because what we got was a surprisingly endearing and intelligent sci-fi comedy. Ryan Reynolds has more or less been playing the same type of character, but he does it so well. It’s honestly amazing that he’s been able to play the same character for so many years and make it entertaining. What helps is the unique concept of a video game character coming to life and attaining free will. Not only that, but it pokes fun at the video game industry as a whole without coming off as demeaning. Even if you’re not into video games, there are plenty of laughs to be had and some witty satire. All in all, Free Guy is a refreshing take on old material.
#5: Spider-Man: No Way Home
Just like how not every movie that flops is terrible, not every movie that makes money is good. In the case of Spider-Man: No Way Home, it’s a movie that’s made tons of money and is good. Much like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse celebrated the web slinger’s comic history, this movie celebrates the web slinger’s cinematic legacy. Not only do we get reintroduced to characters from the past, but each of them gets proper closure. Aside from that, this is probably the biggest MCU movie since Avengers: Endgame, though not quite as good. The stakes are higher, the action is more epic, the characters’ go through significant changes, and the runtime is longer. Even if it feels like the MCU should’ve ended with Iron Man’s ultimate sacrifice, at least we got this movie. It’s not perfect, but Spider-Man: No Way Home is one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s best films.
#4: Nightmare Alley
Guillermo Del Toro is one of those filmmakers who rarely makes a bad movie, and Nightmare Alley is no exception. Like his other movies, this has a very dark and foreboding atmosphere that only he could provide. This film was a departure for him since there are no supernatural elements, but he still makes it spooky. It’s not as strong as his past movies like Pan’s Labyrinth or The Shape of Water, but it’s still great. Alongside the top-notch cinematography and production design, the cast has some of the best actors one could ask for. Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett are phenomenal, and the supporting players like Rooney Mara and Ron Perlman add to it. The only major fault with the film is the runtime, which can feel somewhat dragged out to reach feature-length. Aside from that, Nightmare Alley is a darkly entertaining thriller that film noir fans would enjoy.
#3: Pig
Nicolas Cage has been the butt of several jokes for choosing some questionable roles for the last few decades. Admittedly, it’s hard not to see why when he’s starring in movies like Left Behind and Dying of the Light. However, you get something like 2018’s Mandy and 2021’s Pig, which reminds you why Nicolas Cage won an Oscar. While it’s not as insane or vivid as Panos Cosmatos’ magnum opus, Pig is still a well-made character drama. Cage gives one of his best performances as a former chef wanting to live his best life isolated from society. Though he’s a man of few words, you know he’s a broken, damaged man finding solace in his pet pig. Like many other movies on this list, this is another slow burn, but it’s worth sitting through. If you want to see Nicolas Cage at his best, give Pig a try.
#2: The Green Knight
Every so often, a movie comes out that isn’t a huge blockbuster but still gets a lot of hype. The Green Knight was one of those movies, and thankfully, it lived up to the hype and then some. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into seeing the movie, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. What I got was one of the most jaw-dropping, visually stunning, darkly beautiful films I’ve seen in some time. David Lowery’s direction is on-point, with every shot looking like something out of a medieval painting by Caravaggio or Rembrandt. While the filmmakers use some CGI, it complements the practical effects rather than taking over the movie. The cast is excellent, with Dev Patel giving one of his best performances and Ralph Ineson as the titular character. It’s another slow burn, but The Green Knight is a movie you’ll regret not seeing.
#1: The Suicide Squad
Ordinarily, I’m not a fan of remakes and reboots since it devalues the original and is ultimately pointless. However, considering that the original was one of the worst movies of 2016, I’m glad The Suicide Squad exists. While the 2016 Suicide Squad was a chaotic mess of flashy colors and incomprehensible action, this reboot improved everything. The action sequences are hyper-kinetic and stylized but not in a way that feels overwhelming or confusing to understand. James Gunn was able to take obscure comic book characters and make them full-fledged three-dimensional people you care about. Even the returning characters from the first film are massively improved, with Margot Robbie easily giving her best performance. It’s a shame the movie didn’t do as well because of the original’s reputation, as it deserved to do better. I’m happy to say that The Suicide Squad is my favorite movie of 2021!
Worst/Most Disappointing Films
