Last year, movie theaters returned jam-packed with big blockbuster franchises trying to make their mark. The MCU certainly had a grand return as theyaccounted for 30% of the 2021 box officewith breakouts likeShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsandSpider-Man: No Way Home’sabsolute domination. Major horror franchises likeThe Conjuring,A Quiet Place,The Purge,Candyman, andHalloweenalso returned to draw fans back to theaters and largely succeeded in doing so. While the abundance of well-known franchises was great for theaters, it also kept some great movies out of the spotlight.
RELATED:‘Spider-Verse’ Trailer Has a ‘Mitchells vs the Machines’ Easter Egg
Maybe they ended up being eclipsed by a bigger blockbuster or got buried on a streaming service, but some great movies didn’t get the love they deserved. Thus, it’s time to right some wrongs and delve into some must-watch movies of 2021 that film lovers might have missed.
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’
The film, from theInto the Spider-Verseteam, showcases a family road trip adventure full of endless hilarity, ambitious animation that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, and a heartfelt story about the importance of family.The Mitchells vs the Machinesis a pure delight and one of the best films on Netflix.
‘Malignant’
Even though the latest film from directorJames Wan,Malignant, debuted on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously, it was undeservedly under-watched.
WithMalignant, Wan blended elements of Italiangiallohorror with his own style of suspense to create a tantalizing horror mystery withsome of the wildest third-act surprises ever seen. It’s got the gore, the scares, and narrative innovations that horror fans are always looking for, making it one of the most original horror films in recent time.
‘C’mon C’mon’
With stunning black and white cinematography and a story that’s pure food for the soul,Mike Mills’C’mon C’monis the “film you didn’t know you needed in your life” of 2021.
The film opens viewers’ hearts and minds through its exploration of life as it follows an interviewer (Joaquin Phoenix) dealing with personal strife as he takes care of his nephew (Woody Norman) and interviews kids around the country about their views on life.C’mon C’monis a life-fulfilling experience that sees Phoenix at his best and contains potent story material to make your heart swell.
Anyone looking to see wild true stories brought to life through film needs to haveZolaon their watchlist because it’s quite a trip. The film is based on a 2015 viral Twitter thread fromAziah “Zola” Kingchronicling her adventure with a fellow stripper that takes some dangerous turns.
Zolais equal parts wildly funny dark comedy and intensely suspenseful crime thrills.Janicza Bravo’s excellent direction and storytelling as well asTaylour Paige’s incredible performance as the titular Zola make the filma can’t miss experience you have to see to believe.
‘Saint Maud’
Rose Glassunleashed one of the best directorial debuts and scariest experiences of the horror genre with her religious horror nightmare,Saint Maud. Through her story of a young hospice nurse’s (Morfydd Clark) devotion to God taking a sinister turn, Glass created an unsettling nerve-shredder.
Clark’s performance constantly leaves you on edge as Maud’s devotion takes more damaging effects andSaint Maud’s central mystery keeps you hooked right up to its unforgettably disturbing ending. Any horror fan that hasn’t seenSaint Maudyet needs to do so ASAP because it’s a masterpiece.
In case you didn’t know, the legendaryM. Night Shyamalanreturned in 2021 withOldand delivered one of the best films of his career. With its story of a group of vacationers finding themselves trapped on a secluded beach that has them rapidly age,Oldcontains the best elements of a Shyamalan thriller.
RELATED:M. Night Shyamalan Reflects on the Evolution of His Career
Shyamalan’s inventive use ofOld’s premise results in some of his strongest scares yet, and the central mystery keeps you guessing and continually leaves you shocked.Oldis an ambitious film in Shyamalan’s filmography and continues his excellent resurgence.
‘Werewolves Within’
Werewolves Withinis a very rare breed of video game adaptations as it’s actually great. Its story, based on the Ubisoft mystery game that has players questioning who’s really a werewolf, has a very solid mystery that keeps you engaged throughout and an even better cast.
Led by the hilariously endearingSam Richardson,Werewolves Within’s cast is filled with hilarious performances that make it an incredibly fun horror comedy mystery. When thinking about 2021 video game adaptations, forget aboutMortal KombatorResident EvilbecauseWerewolves Withintrumps them all.
‘The Novice’
Those looking for a gripping and unrelenting sports story full of psychological thrills will love whatThe Novicehas to offer. As a determined college rower willing to risk her mind and body to be the best,Isabelle Fuhrmandelivered an unforgettably haunting performance that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
DirectorLauren Hadawaycrafts a brilliant mix of sports drama and psychological horror to bring together a nail-biting story of a struggling artist, full of enticing thrills and a tight personal story.
Most modernNicolas Cage-led movies are defined as must watches because of how bonkers his performance and the film are, butMichael Sarnoski’sPigisn’t like that. Rather its story that sees Cage play a reclusive truffle farmer in search of his stolen pig brings out the best elements of Cage’s talents.
RELATED:‘A Quiet Place’ Spinoff Adds ‘Pig’ Director Michael Sarnoski
Cage delivers a moody performance full of anguish and heartache that hasn’t been seen from him in quite some time and deserves to be commended. Not only doesPigcontain an excellent Cage performance, but its story about facing a forgotten past and trauma is genuinely touching and earns every ounce of your attention.
‘Last Night in Soho’
Edgar Wrightreturned to the horror genre in 2021 withLast Night in Soho, but it wasn’t like his previous horror comedies.Last Night in Sohois a true mind-bending horror trek full of mesmerizing visuals and Wright’s killer use of music.
Its story contains relevant themes of industry abuse that’s told well through a fashion student’s (Thomasin McKenzie) connection to the past, featuring plenty of strong horrors that catch you by surprise.It’s one of the most unique filmsin Wright’s diverse filmography, and that’s saying something.
KEEP READING:The 7 Best Horror Movies That Didn’t Need Blood To Be Scary
