I saw four movies in theaters in 2020, which is an impressive fact when you consider that theaters were only open three months that year. In 2021, thanks to widespread vaccination availability, I was so excited to be able to return to seeing movies on the big screen. Many highly anticipated releases that were delayed due to the pandemic finally got their moment to shine.

As seeing the list of Oscar nominations has shown me, I definitely missed more than a few releases this year. (Sorry Power of the Dog, you’re in my Netflix queue, I promise). But I did manage to find time to get through quite a few of last year’s new releases, albeit mostly the popular ones. So, sit back, relax and enjoy my thoughts on what I consider quality filmmaking. Many of these films likely won’t go down in history as iconic cinema, but I had a good time watching them, and at the end of the day that’s all that matters. 

10. Dune dir. Denis Villeneuve

Dune had me hooked as soon as I saw Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya on the cast list and kept me hooked with an immersive world and incredible visuals. And, as someone who does not have the attention span to make it through an 800-page science fiction novel, Dune was the perfect balance of intricate worldbuilding and fast-paced action. I will admit I still don’t fully understand everything that happened, but I was too captivated by the acting and cinematography to care. As I’ve said since I saw the film: did I like Dune? Yes. Can I tell you the plot of Dune? No. One thing is certain though, I will be checking out part two of this epic saga. Maybe after watching a few recap videos first…

You can read Joe Lollo’s review of Dune here.

9. West Side Story dir. Steven Spielberg 

I’ve been waiting years for West Side Story to get a remake, and Spielberg delivered. I’ve forever been in love with this classic tale of star-crossed lovers, and it’s about time all these iconic Puerto Rican characters were finally portrayed by Latinx actors. I can solidly say Spielburg’s remake was worth waiting for through COVID delay after COVID delay. A perfect blend of beloved songs from the original musical as well as sorely needed modern updates makes 2021’s West Side Story an instant classic. Also I will be watching Rachel Zegler in anything she does in the future, because she is truly an incredible actress. 

8. Black Widow dir. Cate Shortland

Maybe I am just a nerd that missed Thursday night Marvel premiers, but Black Widow earns a spot on this list. Natasha Romanoff has truly evolved as a character over her decade in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), and it was about damn time she got her solo movie. I was blown away by how what on the surface looked like nothing more than standard superhero fare, was able to tackle the complex issue of the mass disappearances and trafficking of women, and how undervalued and overexploited girls are in our society. Cate Shortland delivers a fitting sendoff for a classic hero, as well as leaves the door open for the legacy of Black Widow to continue in the future. 

7. Luca dir. Enrico Casarosa 

Who knew that a story about two young sea monsters entering a race in pursuit of a Vespa would leave me ugly crying at the end. Luca is a tale of growing up and finding your legs, even if you feel like a fish out of water (literally!) This was a perfect summer animated feature that delighted my inner child. Even though I cried, that’s honestly pretty normal for me with anything animated by Pixar. The message of acceptance and appreciation for each other’s differences is something I believe we as humans need in these divided times. Sometimes you just need some happy little sea monsters to show you that maybe the world isn’t so bad after all. 

6. In the Heights dir. Jon M. Chu 

As a big fan of the original musical, I was slightly skeptical about a big budget Hollywood remake. In the Heights has always felt like a story best left for the stage. But boy was I wrong. The sweeping visuals and enormous ensemble gave this story about one small New York Community an impactful boost. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrical masterpieces never fail to delight audiences and this film was no exception. The original musical was performed in 2005, and times have changed for both Washington Heights and America in general since then. I appreciated how the film explored the struggles of undocumented immigrants through the character of Sonny, a plot line that didn’t exist in the original musical. 

You can read Joe Lollo’s review of In the Heights here.

5. King Richard dir. Reinaldo Marcus Green 

Like many people, I was confused and a little upset learning a biopic about tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams would be named after and focused on their father. At first glance, it seemed like another film taking the successes of women and crediting them all to a man. After seeing the film, I can safely say that this first impression was entirely wrong. Will Smith shows a positive model of black fatherhood, something that is lacking in modern cinema. Even though the film is named after and centers around the girls’ father, I was still rooting for young Venus and Serena every step of the way. Overall, this film was an amazing story of perseverance and never giving up in service of your family. 

You can read Julia Lipsztein’s review of King Richard here.

4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings dir. Destin Daniel Cretton 

Marvel has recently been doing an incredible job using their name recognition and vast interconnected universe to shed some light on more obscure and unknown comic book characters. Shang-Chi finally brings an Asian superhero to the big screen, a piece of racial representation that is long overdue. This film was an action-packed romp through both the familiar location of San Francisco, as well as unknown mystical worlds. I really appreciated how this story took the time to right the wrongs of these characters in the past, from the early racist portrayals in the comics, to the casting of a white actor to play the Mandarin in Iron Man 3.  Also, there’s a dragon. Like a really cool dragon. 

3. Encanto dir. Jared Bush and Byron Howard

Disney animation has really stepped up its game in recent years, tackling more series topics and producing better developed female characters, and Encanto is no exception. On the surface it seems like a typical magical realism story, but this film does a phenomenal job of tackling the impacts of grief and generational trauma. However, the music is the real star of the show. Lin-Manuel Miranda has done the seemingly impossible and produced a bigger Disney hit than Frozen’s “Let it Go,” (but I’m not going to talk about it). The soundtrack has a song for anyone, whether you’re dealing with the pressures of being an older sister, tired of waiting for your time to shine, or want to cry about two caterpillars falling in love and becoming butterflies. Also, his contributions to the film’s music gives Lin-Manuel Miranda a shot at his EGOT, and honestly? I think he deserves it. 

2. Tick, Tick…Boom! dir. Lin-Manuel Miranda

OK, so who was going to tell me Andrew Garfield could sing? Because now I need him to never stop. As a (former) theater kid, this film pulled at my heartstrings in every possible way. Jonathan Larson’s work changed musical theater for the better and I am deeply saddened he never got to see his success. Lin-Manuel Miranda honors Larson’s legacy while also making a damn good movie musical filled with more broadway easter eggs than a stage door. (Was anyone else playing “spot the Broadway legend” throughout the film?) It remains to be seen if Andrew Garfield will be taking home an Oscar statuette, but I can guarantee he will be taking a top spot in my Spotify Wrapped. 

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home dir. Jon Watts

So Spider-Man isn’t going to be winning Best Picture anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make it my #1. This latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe not only opened so many doors to new and exciting storytelling opportunities, but it also once again delivered an excellent Spider-Man story. It’s no secret Tom Holland is my favorite incarnation of the titular web-slinger, and he once again shines as Peter Parker faces some of his greatest threats yet. No Way Home gets back to the roots of what makes Spider-Man such a relatable hero, and truly has something for every Spider-Man fan. And once again: Zendaya.