Ranked roundup
The best films of 2021
25 ranked · updated June 2026
The films of 2021 were defined by a powerful tension between grand-scale spectacle and intimate, character-driven narratives. From the mythic weight of cosmic epics to the quiet resonance of family dramas, these selections capture a year marked by profound questions of identity, legacy, and the resilience of the human spirit.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 200 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to films released in 2021.
Zack Snyder's Justice League
This definitive cut earns the top spot by elevating the superhero genre into a sprawling, operatic epic that prioritizes character sacrifice and team cohesion.
Cruella
Craig Gillespie
Emma Stone’s fierce performance anchors this stylish origin story, which masterfully blends high-fashion aesthetics with a compelling narrative of class-based revenge.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Jon Watts
The film succeeds by grounding its massive multiverse stakes in the deeply personal consequences of a young hero struggling to maintain his fractured identity.
Palmer
This poignant drama excels through its understated exploration of redemption, finding immense emotional power in the unlikely paternal bond between two social outcasts.
Nobody
Ilya Naishuller
This thriller provides a visceral look at the reclamation of power, turning a midlife crisis into a sharp, kinetic examination of buried rage.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Blending dark fantasy with supernatural action, this film stands out for its evocative portrayal of self-discovery and the complexities of lingering grief.
Dune
Denis Villeneuve
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation is a triumph of world-building, perfectly capturing the environmental and political weight of its source material through stunning visual scale.
Raya and the Last Dragon
Carlos López Estrada
This vibrant adventure earns its place by using the quest for a legendary being to explore the healing power of unity in a divided land.
Luca
Enrico Casarosa
This summer tale is a masterclass in animation, using the secret of its protagonists to craft a heartfelt story about acceptance and lasting friendship.
CODA
Sian Heder
The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of deaf culture and the delicate, often painful balance between family obligation and personal ambition.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Mike Rianda
This inventive feature excels by pairing a chaotic robot apocalypse with a grounded, relatable exploration of a dysfunctional family finding their way together.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
This conclusion serves as a profound psychological study, using the backdrop of a ruined world to explore themes of existentialism and long-term trauma.
Sing 2
Garth Jennings
The film succeeds by focusing on the universal struggle of finding one's voice, wrapped in a high-energy musical package that celebrates second chances.
Finch
Miguel Sapochnik
This intimate post-apocalyptic story is anchored by the touching relationship between a man and his creation, exploring the very essence of human connection.
Ron's Gone Wrong
Sarah Smith
This story offers a poignant look at modern childhood, using the malfunction of a robotic friend to highlight the importance of genuine human connection.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Destin Daniel Cretton
A standout among the best films of 2021.
Common questions
What are the best animated films released in 2021?
The top animated films from 2021 include Raya and the Last Dragon, Luca, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Sing 2, and Ron's Gone Wrong. These titles explore diverse themes ranging from family dynamics and self-discovery to the impact of technology on childhood.
Which 2021 superhero movies should I watch?
Top-ranked superhero films from 2021 include Zack Snyder's Justice League, which focuses on teamwork and sacrifice, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, which explores the personal consequences and identity crises faced by Peter Parker when his secret is unmasked.
Are there any good dramas about family on this list?
Yes, several films on the list focus on family dynamics, most notably CODA, which explores the life of a hearing daughter in a deaf family, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines, which depicts a dysfunctional family navigating a robot apocalypse together.