2021 brought us a variety of movies whether they were released in theaters or on streaming services. There were many releases this year and I watched a good bit of them, especially the ones I was excited to see and was anticipating. There are still some 2021 movies that I want to watch, but I still wanted to share my favorites that I’ve seen. So today, I will be sharing my favorite movies of 2021 and I will include some honorable mentions as well. The movies on this list are movies that I’ve enjoyed the most for different reasons such as movies where the actor’s performances were great, exciting movies, heartwarming movies, movies that made me happy, movies that made me laugh, the list goes on lol. I’ll also include the streaming services that these movies are currently streaming on (at the time of this blog post). These movies are listed in the order I saw them, so there is no specific ranking, just know that I really enjoyed watching each of these movies.
1. Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Summary: Offered a plea deal by the FBI, William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya both gave stellar performances. One performance was revolutionary while the other performance had you on the edge of your seat. The cinematography and the music were also well done. Judas and The Black Messiah is powerful, gripping, entertaining, and a must watch.
Streaming On: HBO Max
2. Raya And The Last Dragon (2021)
Summary: In a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: Seeing Asian culture, tradition, and the people being seen in this film was beautiful; Representation matters. The film’s animation is visually stunning, gorgeous and the fight and action sequences were beautiful. The cast was amazing and talented. I loved the film’s themes on love, hope, and trust. Raya and The Last Dragon is fun, heartwarming, exciting, charming, and epic.
Streaming On: Disney Plus
3. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Summary: Determined to ensure Superman’s ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne aligns forces with Diana Prince with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: The cast was amazing and so was the character development that was lacking in the first film, which I’m sure everyone can agree that the rich character development was needed. The action, the visual effects, the cinematography and the score were awesome. I didn’t see the movie runtime as a problem and I loved that this film was more detailed. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is fun, exciting, entertaining, and is an awesome superhero film.
Streaming On: HBO Max
4. Mortal Kombat (2021)
Summary: MMA fighter Cole Young seeks out Earth’s greatest champions in order to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: There are a few standouts and my favorite is Joe Taslim as Sub-Zero. He’s cold, scary, and menacing, this role was definitely meant for Joe Taslim, he is Sub-Zero. The fight scenes are beautiful and well choreographed. Mortal Kombat is fun, exciting, entertaining and one of the best video game adaptations I’ve seen. I really enjoyed this film, and I cannot wait for the sequels !
Streaming On: HBO Max
5. Cruella (2021)
Summary: A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: Emma Stone and Emma Thompson stole the show with their amazing performances. I thought these two ladies played their characters well having that great chemistry, and their ulterior motives for each other. I love the boldness and edginess of the movie, and how it’s very fitting for the 70s punk rock scene. The fashion and the costumes were fabulous. The cinematography was beautiful, the movie is visually stunning, and the music was great. Cruella is fun, fresh, vibrant, stylish, and one of the best Disney live action films I’ve seen.
Streaming On: Disney Plus
6. Luca (2021)
Summary: On the Italian Riviera, an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: The visuals are vivid, colorful, and stunning which enhances this fun Italian adventure. I do love that the movie is a simple coming of age story and it’s nothing that is in depth, it’s straightforward and enjoyable, as well as being charming and light. This film is about adventure, acceptance, and friendship with relatable characters. Luca is cute, heartwarming, family friendly, and a movie to add to your summer watch list.
Streaming On: Disney Plus
7. Black Widow (2021)
Summary: Natasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: Scarlett Johansson is amazing as Natasha and seeing her on the big screen one last time in this role is bittersweet. Loved Florence Pugh in her role as Yelena. And within their family dynamic they all added some laughs. Black Widow has the action and it also has that spy thriller feel to it which suits this movie well. I do wish that this movie was released in the MCU earlier in the appropriate timeframe because we know of Natasha’s fate. It’s like we’re getting teased with Natasha even though we’re not gonna see her anymore. Black Widow is action packed, fun, entertaining, and a film Marvel fans will enjoy.
Streaming on: Disney Plus
8. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Summary: Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: James Gunn always does a great job bringing characters with different personalities together and making a team out of them. Some of the characters are charming and lovable, so you can’t help but to be drawn or attached to them. You have to appreciate James Gunn’s style and direction of this film, cause he nails it ! This movie is one of my top ten anticipated movies of the year. It’s insane, unpredictable, and I loved it. The Suicide Squad is fun, action packed, full of heart, entertaining, and more.
Streaming On: HBO Max
9. Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)
Summary: Shang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: Simu Liu is just perfect as Shang-Chi he plays the character well and it just feels right. Loved the storytelling and how in the beginning of the movie we were introduced to the ten rings and their power. The world building, the visual effects, and the cinematography in this movie are awesome, mystical, and stunning. One of my favorite things was the action, the martial arts and fight choreography which was amazing and done so well. This is one of MCU’s best origin/solo movies. Shang-Chi is fun, exciting, visually stunning, amazing and a must see for Marvel fans and non Marvel fans !
Streaming On: Disney Plus
10. Dune (2021)
Summary: Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: While everyone does a great job, the two standouts were Rebecca Ferguson and Timothee Chalamet as the mother and son duo on a journey. The film’s plot is interesting, and while it’s not complicated I’m sure reading the book or watching the 1984 movie would’ve been helpful. There are some interesting characters that were played well by the actors. The visuals are stunning, and the sound design is amazing. Dune is such an immersive film. It’s intriguing, the world building is so good, it’s a fantastic cinematic experience, and a must see for sci-fi fans. I’m looking forward to Dune Part 2.
Buy from Amazon $19.99
11. No Time To Die (2021)
Summary: James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: We have an amazing cast that features some veterans to the franchise as well as some newbies such as Lashana Lynch (Nomi) Ana De Armas (Paloma) both adding some freshness to the movie and both ladies made a nice team with Bond. Rami Malek plays Lyutsifer Safin, who is intelligent, cunning and made an interesting villain; Rami played him well. The action is brilliant in this film you don’t get too little or too much but it makes you excited. There are some unexpected reveals/twists in this film that were a great addition. This movie has action and romance. No Time To Die is exciting, entertaining, and a fitting farewell to Daniel Craig as James Bond.
Rent from Amazon $5.99
12. Eternals (2021)
Summary: The saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: I enjoyed the storytelling and the mythology of these characters which I found interesting, and the few twists the movie has are unexpected, nice and a bit heartbreaking for me lol. Chloe Zhao did an incredible job directing this film. She shot on location for this movie which I think was a great idea and it pays off because this movie is visually stunning with beautiful cinematography, and the world building is amazing. I loved this film and it’s one of my favorites of the year. Eternals is immersive, refreshing, beautiful, moving, a unique addition to the MCU and I cannot wait to see more of the Eternals.
Streaming On: Disney Plus
13. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Summary: When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: Now as someone who hasn’t watched the first two Ghostbusters films I had no problems following along with this movie and didn’t feel lost… I enjoyed watching it. The story/plot line and the references to the original Ghostbusters films were great and I really felt like fans enjoyed it. Seeing the ghost and supernatural creatures were awesome and the visual effects were amazing. The ending did have my eyes tearing up a bit which I was not expecting to happen lol. Also stay tuned for two credit scenes that fans of the franchise will love. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is fun, entertaining, funny, has heart and is a film that Ghostbusters fans will love.
Buy from Amazon $19.99
14. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Summary: With Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: Spider-Man: No Way Home was everything I hoped for and more. I mean this movie gave me all the feels, made me so happy and on cloud nine, I loved it. We were all hyped, cheering, screaming, clapping and you just felt the vibe in the theater and it’s definitely one of my favorite movie theater experiences I’ve had. This movie had some heartwarming and emotional moments and wow it was such an amazing movie for fans. Spider-Man: No Way Home exceeded my expectations and is definitely one of my favorite films of the year. It’s nostalgic, heartwarming, emotional, mind blowing, action-packed, visually stunning, and is one of the MUST SEE films of the year !
Watch in theaters
15. Don’t Look Up (2021)
Summary: Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth. (from IMDb)
My Thoughts: The characters in this movie were funny, through either what they said or their actions. I laughed more than I thought I would, especially with these characters because they were hilarious. The actors were great in their roles especially Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. Each of the characters brought something to this movie whether or not they had big or supporting roles. I think this movie hits it right on the head with the social commentary and I thought it was well done. I know this movie might not be for everyone but I thought it was really great. Don’t Look Up is witty, entertaining, thought provoking, satirical and definitely worth checking out !
Streaming On: Netflix
Honorable Mentions
Malcolm & Marie (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
Moxie (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
Godzilla vs Kong (2021) – Streaming On: HBO Max
Gunpower Milkshake (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
Jungle Cruise (2021) – Streaming On: Disney Plus
Army Of Thieves (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
The Harder They Fall (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
Tick, Tick…Boom ! (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
Kate (2021) – Streaming On: Netflix
Being The Ricardos (2021) – Streaming On: Prime Video
Well this wraps up my favorite movies of 2021 list. Did you watch any of these last year ? Let me know your favorite films of 2021 in the comments below. As always thanks for reading !
Flamingo Lifestyle 
Great list!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you ! 😃
LikeLike
Another great list! My favorites are Spiderman, Cruella, and Don’t Look Up! Suicide Squad was also great, the cast and the comedy were top tier!
Cruella was also such a fun watch, especially since we got to see her origin story. I think there’s gonna be a sequel but I’m not sure 🤔
LikeLike
I was lucky enough to see Spiderman in theaters . It was so awesome !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you were able to see it in theaters ! 😃 No Way Home was awesome ! 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t wait for Dr.Strange !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Omg me neither it looks amazing ! 😆😆🙌🏾
LikeLiked by 1 person