Your favorite directors. The movie stars you love. Whenever it is that you feel comfortable returning to movie theaters, something great will be there to welcome you back.
The Best Movies category awards the best-reviewed film regardless of their release, whether they went straight to streaming or swung onto the silver screen. Spider-Man: No Way Home became the mega-cultural event that would entice moviegoers back into theaters, and it lived up to the hype for critics, as well. It was a music-filled year with In the Heights, West Side Story, and Summer of Soul. On the heavy side, some big tomatoes for Pig and a career-best Nicolas Cage, Jane Campion’s first-in-11-years The Power of the Dog, and A Quiet Place Part II, everyone’s collective exhalation through horror. Meanwhile, Raya and the Last Dragon, The Mitchells vs the Machines, and Coda brought representative, progressive ingredients to family storytelling.
The order reflects Tomatometer scores (as of December 31, 2021) after adjustment from our ranking formula, which compensates for variation in the number of reviews when comparing movies or TV shows.
#1
Critics Consensus: A bigger, bolder Spider-Man sequel, No Way Home expands the franchise’s scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart.
Synopsis: For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero’s identity is revealed, bringing his Super [More]
#2
Critics Consensus: Lights up for In the Heights, a joyous celebration of heritage and community fueled by dazzling direction and singalong songs.
Synopsis: The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to the event of the summer, where [More]
#3
Critics Consensus: Deftly interweaving incredible live footage with a series of revealing interviews, Summer of Soul captures the spirit and context of a watershed moment while tying it firmly to the present.
Synopsis: In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary-part music film, part historical [More]
#4
Critics Consensus: Like the animal itself, Pig defies the hogwash of expectations with a beautiful odyssey of loss and love anchored by Nicolas Cage’s affectingly raw performance.
Synopsis: A truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregonian wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of [More]
#5
Critics Consensus: Brought to life by a stellar ensemble led by Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog reaffirms writer-director Jane Campion as one of her generation’s finest filmmakers.
Synopsis: Severe, pale-eyed, handsome, Phil Burbank is brutally beguiling. All of Phil’s romance, power and fragility is trapped in the past [More]
#6
Critics Consensus:CODA‘s story offers few surprises, but strong representation and a terrific cast — led by Emilia Jones’ brilliant performance — bring this coming-of-age story vividly to life.
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Ruby (Emilia Jones) is the sole hearing member of a deaf family — a CODA, child of deaf adults. [More]
#7
Critics Consensus: Another gorgeously animated, skillfully voiced entry in the Disney canon, Raya and the Last Dragon continues the studio’s increased representation while reaffirming that its classic formula is just as reliable as ever.
Synopsis: Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known [More]
#8
Critics Consensus: Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story presents a new look at the classic musical that lives up to its beloved forebear — and in some respects might even surpass it.
Synopsis: Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. [More]
#9
Critics Consensus: A nerve-wracking continuation of its predecessor, A Quiet Place Part II expands the terrifying world of the franchise without losing track of its heart.
Synopsis: Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they [More]
#10
Critics Consensus: Eye-catching and energetic, The Mitchells vs. the Machines delivers a funny, feel-good story that the whole family can enjoy.
Synopsis: Young Katie Mitchell embarks on a road trip with her proud parents, younger brother and beloved dog to start her [More]
#11
Critics Consensus: Enlivened by writer-director James Gunn’s singularly skewed vision, The Suicide Squad marks a funny, fast-paced rebound that plays to the source material’s violent, anarchic strengths.
Synopsis: Welcome to hell–a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst [More]
#12
Critics Consensus:Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings isn’t entirely free of Marvel’s familiar formula, but this exciting origin story expands the MCU in more ways than one.
Synopsis: Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past [More]
#13
Critics Consensus: A ruefully funny calling card for debuting director Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby transcends its sitcom setup with strong performances and satisfying insights.
Synopsis: While at a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student has an awkward encounter with her sugar daddy [More]
#14
Critics Consensus:The Velvet Underground takes a fittingly idiosyncratic approach to delivering a rock documentary that captures the band as well as its era.
Synopsis: The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock [More]
#15
Critics Consensus:The Truffle Hunters explores a world most viewers will know nothing about — with delightfully savory results.
Synopsis: A handful of men search for rare, expensive and delicious white Alba truffles deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy. [More]
#16
Critics Consensus:Quo Vadis, Aida? uses one woman’s heartbreaking conflict to offer a searing account of war’s devastating human toll.
Synopsis: Bosnia, July 11th 1995. Aida is a translator for the United Nations in the small town of Srebrenica. When the [More]
#17
Critics Consensus: Slight but suffused with infectious joy, the beguiling Luca proves Pixar can play it safe while still charming audiences of all ages.
Synopsis: Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age [More]
#18
Critics Consensus: Led by Noée Abita’s outstanding central performance, Slalom offers a moving account of oppression and abuse in the guise of mentorship.
Synopsis: This riveting, Cannes-selected #MeToo drama from debut filmmaker Charlène Favier follows the relationship between a teenage ski prodigy and her [More]
#19
Critics Consensus:Drive My Car‘s imposing runtime holds a rich, patiently engrossing drama that reckons with self-acceptance and regret.
Synopsis: Two years after his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a renowned stage actor and director, receives an offer [More]
#20
Critics Consensus: Clear, concise, and comprehensive, Coded Bias offers a chilling look at largely unseen side effects of modern society’s algorithmic underpinnings.
Synopsis: An exploration into the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s discovery of racial bias in facial recognition algorithms. [More]
#21
Critics Consensus: Their albums may be cult favorites, but this Edgar Wright-directed documentary offers an introduction to Sparks that has something for everyone.
Synopsis: How can one rock band be successful, underrated, hugely influential, and criminally overlooked all at the same time? Edgar Wright’s [More]
#22
Critics Consensus: A brilliant forum for Penélope Cruz’s talent, Parallel Mothers reaffirms the familiar pleasures of Almodóvar’s filmmaking while proving he’s still capable of growth.
Synopsis: Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single [More]
#23
Critics Consensus: A strikingly assured debut for writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Lost Daughter unites a brilliant cast in service of a daringly ambitious story.
Synopsis: Alone on a seaside vacation, Leda becomes consumed with a young mother and daughter as she watches them on the [More]
#24
Critics Consensus: A clear-eyed look at an extraordinary subject, Mayor makes essential viewing out of one politician’s quest to preserve dignity in the midst of bureaucracy.
Synopsis: A look at the life of Musa Hadid, the charismatic mayor of Palestinian city Ramallah, who aspires to lead the [More]
#25
Critics Consensus: A remarkable feature debut for director/co-writer Filippo Meneghetti, Two of Us tells a deceptively complex love story while presenting a rich acting showcase for its three leads.
Synopsis: Two retired women, Nina and Madeleine, have been secretly in love for decades. Everybody, including Madeleine’s family, thinks they are [More]
#26
Critics Consensus:Mass requires a lot of its audience, but rewards that emotional labor with a raw look at grief that establishes writer-director Fran Kranz as a filmmaker of tremendous promise.
Synopsis: Years after an unspeakable tragedy tore their lives apart, two sets of parents (Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney [More]
#27
Critics Consensus: Beautifully filmed and emotionally impactful, Luzzu uses one man’s story to capture the struggles of a region at a cultural crossroads.
Synopsis: A hardworking Maltese fisherman, Jesmark is faced with an agonizing choice. He can repair his leaky luzzu — a traditional, [More]
#28
Critics Consensus: Urgent and empathetic, Changing the Game takes an affecting and admirably nuanced look at young transgender athletes.
Synopsis: This intimate story takes us into the lives of three high school athletes from across the US — all at [More]
#29
Critics Consensus:Acasa, My Home presents a powerful documentary portrait of one family’s odyssey that illustrates bittersweet truths about freedom and society.
Synopsis: A rural Romanian couple and their nine children must learn to live in the big city. [More]
#30
Critics Consensus:Sabaya presents a scary and sobering look at human suffering — and the efforts of those dedicated to ending it.
Synopsis: Members of a group risk their lives trying to save Yazidi women and girls who are being held as sex [More]
This is a list of American films released in 2021.
The 2021 release schedule includes numerous notable films that were originally scheduled for release in 2020 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Box office
The highest-grossing American films released in 2021, by domestic box office gross revenue, are as follows:[1]
Michael Barnett (director/screenplay); Amanda C. Griffin, Michael Mahaffie (screenplay); Mack Beggs, Sarah Rose Huckman, Terry Miller, Ngozi Nnaji, Andraya Yearwood
Tyler Savage (director/screenplay); Dash Hawkins (screenplay); Christine Ko, Vincent van Horn, Michael Joplin, Dusty Sorg, Carla Valentine, Scott Subiono
Eddie Arya (director/screenplay); Caroline McQuade, Kenneth Trujillo, Wassim Hawat, Buffy Anne Littaua, Nicole Sharrock, Melissa Brattoni, Anthony Moisset, Marcus Johnson
^Hough, Alexandra (December 16, 2020). “An Exclusive First Look at Netflix’s Brand-New Family Film, ‘Finding ‘Ohana’“. PureWow. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
^Beresford, Trilby (November 13, 2020). “paramount Pictures Takes Michael B. Jordan Pic ‘Without Remorse,’ ‘Micronauts’ Off 2021 Release Calendar”. The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
^“Netflix’s ‘Concrete Cowboy’ Sets April 2021 Release Date”. What’s on Netflix. March 5, 2021. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
^Santer, Kristen (April 6, 2021). “Netflix Drama ‘Monster’ Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Jeffrey Wright Receives Heartbreaking First Trailer”. Collider. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
^Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 30, 2021). “Franchise Fever! Netflix Lands U.S. Rights To ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ From STX & Studiocanal”. Deadline. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
^“‘Nightmare Of The Wolf’: Netflix Sets August Premiere Date, Teaser For ‘The Witcher’ Anime Film”. Deadline Hollywood. July 9, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^ abcdefghijkFleming, Mike Jr. (August 23, 2021). “Netflix Dates Fall Movies: A Whopping 42 Movies Coming At You”. Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^Squires, John (August 19, 2021). “Netflix’s ‘Nightbooks’ Tells Scary Stories from Producer Sam Raimi and the Director of ‘Brightburn’! [Trailer]”. Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on August 28, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
^D’Alessandro, Anthony (September 17, 2021). “paramount+ Sets Premiere Date For ‘Paranormal Activity: Next Of Kin’; Teaser Unveiled”. Deadline. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
^Rubin, Rebecca (October 6, 2021). “Netflix Sets Release Dates for ‘Princess Switch 3’ and More Holiday Movies”. Variety. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
TERRIFIER star David Howard Thornton takes on a chilling new role as he transforms into a twisted version of Steamboat Willie.
Blending horror with classic cartoon charm, Steamboat Willie’s reign of terror is set to hit the big screen this Spring.
3
David looks unrecognisable in his new movie roleCredit: Getty
3
Steamboat Willie‘s reign of terror is now set to hit the big screen this springCredit: Sleight of Hand Productions
The movie release date of the Steamboat Willie horror movie, Screamboat, will be from late January to April 2025.
A first look at the killer mouse,portrayed by David Howard Thornton, best known for his role as Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise, has been revealed.
David, 45, looks unrecognisable as he offers a horrifying twist on the classic character.
The practical effects transforming David into the murderous Steamboat Willie were masterfully designed by Christian Cordella and brought to life by Quantum Creation.
more on film
Writer-director Steven LaMorte told Variety: “I’m so excited to share our mischievous monster mouse with the world. ‘Screamboat’ is my way of paying homage to Disney while putting a sinister, yet comedic twist on the classic.
“WatchingDavid Howard Thorntonbring Steamboat Willie to life with the magicians at Quantum Creation FX has been nothing short of amazing — he’s hilarious and murderously entertaining. I can’t wait for audiences to meet Willie and experience the chaos we’ve created.“
The film’s official description reads: “‘Screamboat’ follows a group of New Yorkers on a late-night ferry ride that turns deadly when a mischievous mouse begins a rampage, targeting unsuspecting passengers.
“The unlikely crew must band together to thwart the murderous menace before their relaxing commute turns into a nightmare.”
David is best known for his role as Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchise, a role in which he appeared in Terrifier, Mistress Peace Theatre, Terrifier 2, Bupkis and Terrifier 3.
The American actor also brought the horror version of the Grinch to life in The Mean One.
New horror movie Terrifier 3 so stomach-churning and gory staff are handing out sick bags in cinemas
His other roles include being Grandpa Who in the 1st- 5th national tours of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical”, the voice of Shizoku and others in the video game “Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom”, The Joker in the YouTube series “Nightwing Escalation”, and Art the Clown in the film “Terrifier”.
Screamboat also stars Allison Pittel, Tyler Posey, Amy Schumacher, Jesse Posey, Jesse Kove, Kailey Hyman, Rumi C Jean-Louis, Jarlath Conroy, and Charles Edwin Powell, as well as cameos from Brian Quinn and stand-up comedian Joe DeRosa.
Screamboat is not the first, nor the only horror film to take popular characters that have entered the public domain and put a gruesome twist on them.
There are not one, but two films based on Popeye hitting screens this year, including Popeye’s Revenge and Popeye the Slayer Man.
Top Grossing Movies Worldwide
Has your favourite film made the top 10?
Avatar – 2009 – $2,923,706,026
Avengers: Endgame – 2019 – $2,799,439,100
Avatar: The Way of Water – 2022 – $2,320,250,281
Titanic – 1997 – $2,264,750,694
Star Wars: Episode VII – 2015 – $2,071,310,218
Avengers: Infinity Wars – 2018 – $2,052,415,039
Spider Man: No Way Home – 2021 – $1,922,598,800
Jurassic World – 2015 – $1,671,537,444
The Lion King – 2019 – $1,663,079,059
The Avengers – 2012 – $1,520,538,536
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David is best known for his role as Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchiseCredit: AP
IMDb is the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers.
Captain America: Brave New World’s Anthony Mackie opened up about working alongside legendary star Harrison Ford, as well as their previous time working on the same movie, Hollywood Homicide. In the upcoming MCU film, Ford plays Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk, an antagonist to Mackie’s Sam Wilson/Captain America. Speaking with Fandango, Mackie discussed his relationship with Ford:
Synopsis For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero’s identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange’s help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who’ve ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.
Director
Jon Watts
Producer
Kevin Feige,
Amy Pascal
Screenwriter
Chris McKenna,
Erik Sommers
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Columbia Pictures,
Marvel Studios,
Pascal Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Sequences of Action/Violence|Brief Suggestive Comments|Some Language)
Dune Messiah continues the story of Paul Atreides, better known—and feared—as the man christened Muad’Dib. As Emperor of the known universe, he possesses more power than a single man was ever meant to wield. Worshipped as a religious icon by the fanatical Fremen, Paul faces the enmity of the political houses he displaced when he assumed the throne—and a conspiracy conducted within his own sphere of influence.
Rotten Tomatoes is collecting every new Certified Fresh movie into one list, creating our guide to the best movies of 2021. Among them you’ll find Blockbusters (Shang-Chi), documentaries (Lily Topples the World), awards contenders (The Green Knight), the cutting-edge in horror (The Night House).
Movies achieve Certified Fresh status by maintaining a steady Tomatometer score of at least 75% after a minimum number of reviews, with that number depending on how the movie was released. For wide releases (of which there were significantly fewer this year, as you can imagine), the minimum number of reviews is 80. For streaming or limited release movies, that number is 40. And finally, it’s 20 reviews for movies premiering on television. Across all release types, each movie needs at least five of its reviews to be published by Top Critics. Once a movie goes Certified Fresh, the only way to lose it is by dropping below 70%.
After the world-altering year of 2020, critics and audiences and studio heads alike are navigating 2021 with its evolving distribution models and industry standards. So far, streaming continues to deliver the goods straight to the people while theaters have now reopened in earnest, and are delivering some big hits (Free Guy, Black Widow, and yes, Shang-Chi).
Read on for the best movies of 2021, ranked by Tomatometer, and check back often as we update the list!
Newly added: Parallel Mothers, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Memoria, The Novice, Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Lost Daughter, Boiling Point, Hive.
