Even though Hollywood is notorious for saving the “best” films for the second half of the year, there are plenty of gems to enjoy before next year's awards season rollout, ranging from film festival dramedies (Shiva Baby) to blockbuster animated features (Raya and the Last Dragon) to critically-acclaimed shorts (The Human Voice).
This year's movie release calendar has been odd to say the least, thanks to the pandemic, which prompted Hollywood to halt production and postpone premieres - and several films on this list were completed (and seen and evaluated by critics) well before their U.S. debuts.
Following last year's terrible events, these films are certainly worth the wait. See the finest movies of 2021 below.
1. In the Heights
2. Zola
3. Judas and the Black Messiah
4. Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar
5. Shiva Baby
6. Raya and the Last Dragon
7. The Human Voice
8. Moxie
9. Boogie
10. Skater Girl
11. Cruella
12. Concrete Cowboy
13. Black Widow
14. Plan B
15. A Quiet Place Part II