2021 Movies

Plex's 2021 Movie Database is your streamlined guide to a year's worth of cinema. Our database excels in simplicity, ensuring your movie discovery is an easy, intuitive process. We offer an organized selection of 2021's films, ranging from acclaimed dramas to comedies, notable hits to indie gems. Every link leads directly to your chosen movie with a single click.
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Browse 15,744 titles in our 2021 Movies Database

The Most Popular 2021 Movies

The Humans - A24

The year commenced with Stephen Karam's extraordinary ensemble drama, The Humans. This piece, set against an Autumnal New York backdrop, presents a Thanksgiving family reunion tinged with the harsh realities of life - money issues, addiction, religion, and resentment. What sets this film apart is its immersive direction and sound design, adding a fresh twist to the theatrical adaptation of Karam's Tony-winning play.

Passing - Netflix

Rebecca Hall made a memorable directorial debut with Passing. This film, based on Nella Larsen's 1929 novel, explores race, gender, and sexuality through the reunion of two childhood friends. The lead performers, Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, deliver exceptional performances, adding to the film's quiet allure.

King Richard - Warner Bros.

King Richard is another significant entry featuring Will Smith in a biographical depiction of Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams. Despite its box-office fiasco, Smith's Oscar-worthy performance combined with Reinaldo Marcus Green's direction offers an insightful narrative that deserves a second look from home viewers.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Marvel Studios/Disney

Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings reinstated the MCU's reputation with a refreshing blend of martial arts epic and heartfelt drama. Director Destin Daniel Cretton successfully transitioned from small-scale dramatic works to this blockbuster, ensuring a thrilling experience for MCU fans.

CODA - AppleTV+

AppleTV+ set a new Sundance Film Festival record by securing Sian Heder's CODA. This feel-good film stars Emilia Jones as a child of deaf adults (CODA) and presents an empathetic view of people with disabilities, redefining representation in cinema.

In the Heights - Warner Bros.

Turning Broadway hits into big-screen wonders, Lin Manuel-Miranda's In the Heights led the summer blockbusters, offering a tale of big dreams and romance in Washington Heights. Anthony Ramos delivers a stellar performance that is instrumental to the film's triumph.

House of Gucci - Universal Pictures

House of Gucci offered an opulent serving of true crime drama. Directed by Ridley Scott, this film is an unapologetically showy standalone drama, with Lady Gaga tearing through the narrative like a force of nature, signaling a promising film career ahead.

Framing Britney Spears - Framing

A noteworthy documentary, Framing Britney Spears offers a sobering insight into the pop icon's life and the #FreeBritney movement. Samantha Stark and The New York Times deliver an essential look at a disturbing human rights violation, making it a notable film of the year.

Being the Ricardos - Amazon Studios

Aaron Sorkin's biopic Being the Ricardos showcases Nicole Kidman's versatility as she fully embodies Lucille Ball. Though the narrative occasionally feels clunky, Kidman's performance, backed by a remarkable cast, keeps the film engaging.

West Side Story - 20th Century Studios/Disney

Steven Spielberg's retelling of the classic musical West Side Story was a vibrant, richly layered film with exceptional performances and a fresh perspective on a timeless narrative. Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort were commendable in their roles, bringing a new energy to the beloved story.

The Power of the Dog - Netflix

A standout in 2021 was Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog, which starred Benedict Cumberbatch in a haunting portrayal of a Montana rancher. The film, laden with subtlety and symbolism, managed to garner significant attention for its unforgettable storytelling.

Judas and the Black Messiah - Warner Bros.

Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah brilliantly presents the true story of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton and the betrayal that led to his assassination. A hard-hitting drama filled with strong performances and potent social commentary.

No Time to Die - MGM/United Artists

No Time to Die, Daniel Craig's swansong as James Bond, proved to be a fan favorite. Helmed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the movie provided a satisfying conclusion to Craig's tenure, despite its lengthy run time.

The French Dispatch - Searchlight Pictures

Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch was a testament to the director's unique storytelling style and aesthetic. Starring an ensemble cast, the movie is a love letter to journalism and a quirky, memorable addition to Anderson's filmography.

The Tragedy of Macbeth - A24

Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth was another standout, featuring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand in the lead roles. It's a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of Shakespeare's play, demonstrating the timeless relevance of the classic tragedy.

Don't Look Up - Netflix

Adam McKay's Don't Look Up garnered buzz for its satirical take on society's apathy towards climate change. Featuring an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, the film combined humor with a stark warning about the future.

Mass - Bleecker Street

Mass explores the aftermath of a school shooting, focusing on a conversation between the parents of the victim and the perpetrator. The emotional depth and authentic performances by the cast, including Ann Dowd and Reed Birney, make it a poignant and thought-provoking film.

Pig - Neon

Nicolas Cage shined in Pig, a surprisingly touching drama about a truffle hunter and his beloved pig. Despite its simple premise, the film excelled in its storytelling, offering a profound exploration of grief, loss, and redemption.

A Quiet Place Part II - Paramount Pictures

John Krasinski's sequel to A Quiet Place proved that it was more than a one-hit-wonder. A Quiet Place Part II further expands on the intriguing post-apocalyptic world with gripping action sequences and nail-biting suspense.

Belfast - Focus Features

Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical Belfast is a tender depiction of his childhood in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. With outstanding performances from the ensemble cast, this film was a captivating and deeply personal journey through Branagh's past.

Dune - Warner Bros.

Denis Villeneuve's Dune was a visual spectacle, bringing Frank Herbert's science fiction masterpiece to life. Timothée Chalamet's performance as Paul Atreides was commendable, and the movie is a stellar example of world-building done right.

The Green Knight - A24

David Lowery's The Green Knight was a stunning reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend. Dev Patel's performance as Sir Gawain was superb, and the film's visually captivating style, combined with its layered storytelling, made it a standout in 2022.

Minari - A24

Lee Isaac Chung's Minari was a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience in America. Steven Yeun and Yeri Han deliver exceptional performances in this beautifully crafted film about a Korean family trying to achieve their American dream.

Nomadland - Searchlight Pictures

Chloé Zhao's Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand, offered an intimate and profound look into the life of modern-day nomads in America. It's a powerful exploration of human resilience and the idea of home.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Netflix

Aaron Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago 7 topped the list. This historical drama, boasting a stellar ensemble cast, tells the story of the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The film's sharp screenplay and riveting performances make it a modern classic and the best film of the 2021-2022 period.

2021 Movies & Film Industry Highlights

Amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 ushered in a ray of hope for film enthusiasts and the industry alike, with theaters reopening their doors for audiences. The chance to witness postponed titles finally grace the big screen was met with palpable excitement. Nevertheless, the aftermath of the global lockdowns was evident, as fewer patrons ventured into theaters despite a roster of promising films. Notably, franchise films, particularly those from the superhero genre, secured the lion's share of box office success. Outliers such as Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch" and Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza" also had laudable performances, demonstrating the potential of non-franchise films in the theatrical market.

Streaming: A Revolution Already in Motion

Preceding the pandemic, a shift towards streaming was already set in motion. With the lockdown, this transition was expedited. Streaming releases were readily available to subscribers, effectively making an array of movies more accessible than ever. While this development carries a promise of cinematic diversity, it is not without its challenges. Online releases typically garner less media attention, leaving many great films unnoticed by the majority of potential viewers. An Overview of the Highest-Grossing Films of 2021 The battle for the highest-grossing film of 2021 saw "Spider-Man: No Way Home" by Sony Pictures take the top spot, grossing over $1.9 billion worldwide. Following closely were films like "The Battle at Lake Changjin," "Hi, Mom," "No Time to Die," and "F9". Interestingly, despite the praise and accolades garnered by several critically acclaimed films, the box office charts largely remained unaltered, with the top positions largely occupied by franchise films.

Crunching the Box Office Numbers

Now let's delve deeper into the realm of figures and facts. The worldwide box office in 2021 tallied up to $21.4 billion, a staggering 78% increase from 2020. China stood out as the highest-grossing nation, amassing an impressive $7.3 billion. On the other hand, theaters in the United States and Canada doubled their earnings from 2020 to an estimated $4.55 billion, yet this figure was still 60% lower than 2019. Several films broke records, contributing to a milestone year for the film industry. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) blazed past the $23 billion, $24 billion, and $25 billion marks in total gross. 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' not only became the 48th film to gross $1 billion worldwide but also overtook its predecessor 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' as Sony's highest-grossing film. Foreign films also made their mark in the annals of cinematic history. 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' became the highest-grossing non-English and Chinese film, while 'Hi, Mom' shattered the record for the highest-grossing film by a solo female director, previously held by 'Wonder Woman.'

Record-Setting Moments in Film History

2021 was a landmark year for several films and franchises. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reached new milestones with the releases of "Black Widow", "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", "Eternals", and "Spider-Man: No Way Home", crossing the $23 billion, $24 billion, and $25 billion thresholds in total gross. "Spider-Man: No Way Home" not only became the 48th film to cross $1 billion worldwide, but it also surpassed "Spider-Man: Far From Home" as Sony's highest-grossing film. Interestingly, it holds the unique distinction of being the highest-grossing film not released in China.

Notable Non-English Films of 2021

As mentioned, "The Battle at Lake Changjin," a Chinese war epic, was a runaway success, becoming the highest-grossing non-English film of all time. Another Chinese film, "Hi, Mom," became a massive hit, generating significant revenue and widespread popularity. These successes are indicative of the rapidly growing influence of Chinese cinema on the global stage.

2021 Film Awards: Oscar Highlights for 2020 Movies

The Academy Awards saw a diverse selection of winners in 2021. "Nomadland," directed by Chloe Zhao, took home the Best Picture award, while Zhao became the second woman and the first woman of color to win Best Director. Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor for "The Father," while Frances McDormand received her third Best Actress Oscar for "Nomadland." "Promising Young Woman" won Best Original Screenplay, with Emerald Fennell becoming the first woman to win this award in 13 years. Daniel Kaluuya won Best Supporting Actor for "Judas and the Black Messiah," and Youn Yuh-jung received Best Supporting Actress for "Minari."

Representation and Inclusion

2021 also marked progress in terms of representation and inclusion in the film industry. More films highlighted underrepresented groups and shared their stories, a trend that we hope will continue and expand in the coming years. For instance, Chloe Zhao's Oscar win for 'Nomadland' made her the first woman of color and the second woman overall to win the Oscar for Best Director.

Major Film Festivals

Film festivals continued to play a vital role in showcasing a variety of films, from independent cinema to major studio productions. The 2021 Sundance Film Festival, the 71st Berlin International Film Festival, and the 74th Locarno Film Festival, among others, brought together filmmakers and audiences, offering a platform for unique and compelling narratives.

Impacts and Developments in the Film Industry

The 2021 film industry faced significant challenges, not only due to the pandemic but also the ensuing shift towards online streaming. The increasing prevalence of digital platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max has impacted the industry in profound ways. The industry has had to adapt to simultaneous digital and theatrical releases, and grapple with the reduced box office returns these might entail. Yet, these shifts have also offered opportunities. With platforms vying for the attention of viewers, there has been an influx of original content and a wider array of storytelling, including stories from underrepresented communities. Beyond the shift in distribution channels, the technological advancements in film production have been staggering. The use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), virtual reality (VR), and other technological wonders has enhanced storytelling, making it more immersive and engaging. Notably, Disney's 'The Mandalorian' continued to impress audiences and industry experts alike with its groundbreaking use of Stagecraft technology, using LED walls for real-time rendering of CGI backgrounds. These technological feats have transformed the way films are made, paving the way for more complex and visually stunning narratives in the future.