2011 Movies

Presenting the 2011 Movie Plex Database - a one-stop shop for movies released in 2011. With a simple interface and efficient categorization, our database allows users to quickly access the best 2011 films. This database will allow you to uncover the gems made in 2011, a year with a record-breaking 27 sequels released and innovative blockbuster filmmaking techniques.
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Browse 9,513 titles in our 2011 Movies Database

The Best Movies of 2011

In the year 2011, cinema offered an eclectic mix of compelling narratives, stirring performances, and striking visuals.

The Artist

'The Artist,' a silent black-and-white film directed by Michel Hazanavicius. The film is a love letter to Old Hollywood, charting the transition from silent films to talkies. Jean Dujardin delivers a riveting performance as a screen idol adapting to this seismic shift in filmmaking. The film strikes a chord with audiences due to its stylistic flair and underlying emotional depth.

Margin Call

Margin Call dissects the precipice of the 2008 financial crisis, utilizing the performances of its star-studded cast, including Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons. The film is a cutting criticism of Wall Street and the bankers who caused the financial turmoil.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is the concluding chapter of the globally renowned Harry Potter film series, based on the novels by J.K. Rowling. In this climactic installment, young wizard Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, along with his faithful friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, continue their perilous quest to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes – dark magical artifacts that contain pieces of the evil Lord Voldemort's soul. With the wizarding world descending into chaos, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry becomes the final battleground.

Midnight in Paris

Securing the list is Woody Allen's charming film, 'Midnight in Paris.' The city's beauty, coupled with a unique storytelling approach, takes viewers on an enchanting journey through time.

The Descendants

'The Descendants' features George Clooney in a performance praised for its depth and authenticity as he navigates the complexities of familial relationships in the face of personal and shared tragedies.

Moneyball

Moneyball transcends the sports genre, employing statistics and economic theory to tell a captivating story about baseball and its administration. The narrative is grounded by a standout performance from Brad Pitt.

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life, directed by Terrence Malick is a piece of art that elicits diverse reactions, conveying a sense of contemplation about the universe and our place within it.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy directed by Tomas Alfredson is a Cold War spy thriller is an adaptation of John le Carré's 1974 bestseller. Gary Oldman gives an outstanding performance as a spymaster hunting for a mole within the British Secret Intelligence Service. This film is a display of subterfuge, suspicion, and secret operations.

Drive

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, Ryan Gosling stars in this tense thriller, skillfully driving the narrative as a stoic and calculated getaway driver. The film presents a dark and thrilling narrative, distinguished by its innovative storytelling and a pulsating soundtrack. 'Drive' is a bold and audacious piece of cinema that resonates with audiences and critics alike, deservedly crowned as the best film of 2011

Hanna

Finally, we have "Hanna", an action-thriller that challenges the typical gender norms of the genre. The protagonist is a 14-year-old girl, Hanna, who has been raised in the wilderness by her father to become an efficient assassin.

The narrative skillfully amalgamates Hanna's innocent childhood with her perilous journey as she embarks on a dangerous mission. With her pursuers closing in, the film grips the audience in a tense, action-filled storyline, thus concluding our list of best movies from 2011.

2011 Movies & Industry Highlights

2011 holds the distinction of being the year with the most film sequels, totaling 27. This underscores the growing industry reliance on established franchises, a trend that persists today. Notable examples include "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2", "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."

Thematic Trends

Films from 2011 were unique for their emphasis on the metaphysical, fantastical, and transformative elements, breaking the fourth wall and exploring the realm of the impossible. This indicates an industry-wide willingness to expand boundaries and challenge traditional narrative confines, providing audiences with unique, thought-provoking experiences.

Best Year for Cinema?

Film critic and filmmaker Scout Tafoya of RogerEbert.com proclaimed 2011 as the best year for cinema, contesting the long-held belief that 1939 was the golden year. Tafoya's commendations include films such as "Drive," "The Tree of Life," and "Once Upon a Time in Anatolia," testifying to the diverse and rich cinematic offerings of the year.

Revolutionizing Blockbuster Filmmaking

2011 is also remembered for revolutionizing the language of blockbuster filmmaking. The advent of digital cameras allowed for new perspectives on traditional action scenes while maintaining classical motifs and imagery. This technical advancement continues to influence the cinematic landscape, opening the door for more innovative storytelling techniques.

The Top-Grossing Films of 2011

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2" emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2011, earning a staggering $1,341,511,219. This film set records for the highest single-day and opening-weekend gross in the US and Canada and a worldwide opening-weekend record.

In addition to the commercial success of "Harry Potter," "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1," all found considerable box office success. These movies effectively demonstrated the wide-ranging appeal of these franchises, further solidifying their place in cinematic history.

Noteworthy Achievements in Box Office Earnings

The year 2011 marked several milestones in box office earnings. It was the first year that three films grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, shattering the previous record. At least 10 films surpassed the $500 million mark globally, signifying an overall strong year for the industry.

Among these high-grossing films, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" set a record by grossing over $1 billion, becoming the second film in the series and the 37th overall to achieve this milestone.

The "Puss in Boots" release pushed the Shrek franchise to be the first animated film series to gross over $3 billion, while "The Smurfs" surpassed "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" as the highest-grossing live-action/animated film of all time.