When it comes to content, 2021 was a year of massive highs and disappointing lows. As vaccinations began being implemented around the world, in-person festivals returned providing a euphoric celebration of cinema. And a rush into pandemic production by studios and networks in 2020 provided some unexpected standouts this calendar year (“Belfast,” “Squid Game”). Unfortunately, that content push also led to some films and television programs that resonated like a PTSD reaction to the aftermath of the 2007 WGA writer’s strike. But such is the state of the world striving to adjust to a “new normal.”
READ MORE: The Playlist’s Top 25 Films of 2021
On the film side, a lack of broad studio releases for most of the year (well, maybe the entire year) made 2021 feel even more sequel bloated than even the most disappointing theatrical slate pre-pandemic. We still believe older viewers will return to their local theaters, but it’s also important for studios to remember that not everything is destined to be a hit (that’s how the game is played). Somehow that obvious fact has gotten lost in post-pandemic distribution decisions. But, thankfully, the art of cinema is truly still alive with some miraculous creations gracing our screens (or screening rooms) the past 12 months.
Note: As always, my top 10 lists are determined by when a film was seen and not its U.S. release date.
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1 “The Worst Person in the World”
A movie that makes you want to fall in and out and back in love all over again. Not sure there is any bigger compliment you can give a film than that.
2 “Drive My Car”
First saw it on a laptop screener before Cannes. I was still captivated despite its 3-hour length. That’s how good it is.
3 “Flee”
Not sure anyone realizes how important this movie is and will be for so many people.
4 “Licorice Pizza”
I just can’t stop thinking about the scene with the truck navigating the hills of Sherman Oaks in reverse. Just genius filmmaking.
5 “The Green Knight”
Still captivated by its wonder. Someone tell David Lowery, more, please.
6 “Titane”
A very good lesson to never walk out of a movie. Almost did so 30 minutes into the first press screening at Cannes. Very glad I stayed.
7 “The French Dispatch”
A masterwork of filmmaking.
8 “The Hand of God”
Paolo Sorrentino‘s most personal story may be his best yet.
9 “After Yang”
Kogonada‘s latest still popping into my conscious (and subconscious?) months after seeing it.
10 “Pleasure”
A knockout feature debut from filmmaker Ninja Thyberg with a must-see performance from Sofia Kappel.
Noteworthy: “Belle,” “Benedetta,” “The Lost Daughter,” “Memoria,” “Wojnarowicz: Fk You F*ggot Fker,” “Summer of Soul,” “Nightmare Alley,” “Belfast,” “The Souvenir, Part II,” “Encanto,” The Mitchells vs. The Machines”
As for television, it’s almost impossible to see everything (sorry “Yellowjackets,” “Station Eleven,” “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” “Evil,” “Blindspotting,” I’ll get to you by Emmy season), some programs were a bit overhyped (“Maid,” “The White Lotus,” “It’s A Sin”) and others, well, sometimes a “yikes” is the nicest thing you can say (“Nine Perfect Strangers,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Cowboy Beebop,” “Q-Force,” “Jupiter’s Legacy”).
1 “The Underground Railroad”
Simply a masterpiece. If you haven’t watched it what the hell are you waiting for?
2 “Reservation Dogs”
A freakin’ gem.
3 “Succession”
Season 3 started off with seemingly the same conflicts going around in circles, but the last few episodes were utterly electric.
4 “What We Do In The Shadows”
A rare comedy series that just keeps getting better and better and better.
5 “Squid Game”
There’s a reason it became a worldwide sensation. It’s utterly captivating.
6 “Mare of Easttown”
Emmys don’t lie (well, often they do, but not in this case).
7 “WandaVision”
Would be much higher on this list if the final episode didn’t land with such a thud.
8 “Only Murders in the Building”
A sublime charmer that remembered the mystery (and some genuine character development) was key.
9 “Schmigadoon!”
Probably won’t get the genuine love and respect it’s due until gays and theater fans on social media revisit it 20 years from now, but, hot damn this Kristin Chenoweth one-shot number is one of the best moments on television this year.
10 “The Other Two”
Not as fresh as the first season (and there may genuinely be a bit of self-hating gay in it), but just as biting and often laugh-out-loud hilarious.
Noteworthy: “Ted Lasso,” “The Great,” “Loki,” “Pose,” “Hacks,” “Sweet Tooth,” “Drag Race España”