(This article is part of our Best of 2021 series.)
It’s hard to believe that we’re already well into 2022 and I’m already looking back at my favorite films from the last year. 2021 was full of ups and downs for me (as it was for us all) and while I didn’t see all of the movies I’d planned on, I saw more than enough to fill up a favorites list.
Here are five of my favorite films from 2021:
Titane
I was so eager to see Titane that I literally drove two-and-a-half hours to make it to an available screening and it was absolutely worth the trip. Of all the films I saw last year, Titane is undoubtedly both my favorite and the film that has stuck with me the most. It’s hard to put into words exactly what director Julia Ducournau was going for, but I feel like she definitely succeeded. Titane is one of those films where every time you watch it, a few detail jumps out at you and I can’t get over how well the director blended together body horror and comedy to create a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Dune
Given the complexity of the Dune story, I was skeptical that anyone could pull off a proper film adaptation and it didn’t help that I’m still fiercely loyal to the 1984 movie, flaws and all. But then I finally went to see Dune on the big screen and oh my word, I haven’t had a film blow me away like this in years. Against all my skepticism and fears, they actually managed to bring the story of Dune to proper life, including little details from the books that delighted me every time I noticed them. The film is unbelievably well cast and I’m beyond thrilled that Part 2 has been greenlit.
Godzilla vs. Kong
The epic conclusion (so far) to the MonsterVerse came last year with Godzilla vs. Kong and as far as I’m concerned it did not disappoint. Sure, it was a slight bummer that I had to watch the movie at home on HBO Max instead of going to the theaters where it was clearly meant to be seen in all its glory, but at least I got to see it. This movie was absolutely beautiful. I ended up loving how MechaGodzilla was introduced to the story and those shots of Kong’s homeland…stunning, just stunning. I said it at the time and I’ll say it again, I would happily watch a prequel where we see the war between the giant apes and Godzilla’s species that was not so subtly teased in this movie. The finish to the big fight between Godzilla and Kong did leave me a little disappointed, but not enough to ruin the movie for me.
Mortal Kombat
This movie was silly, over the top, and almost unbearably cheesy in some places. And yet, I ended up loving Mortal Kombat anyway. This is the very epitome of a popcorn movie, something you can happily watch and forget about reality for a little while. It’s definitely flawed, but also was a whole lot better than I was expecting. I’m hoping we get about five sequels to keep the story going because I would happily watch them all, as long as they’re as good as this one.
Halloween Kills
If someone had told me ten years ago that I would be watching a Halloween movie in theaters I’d have said they were crazy. And yet, there I was, eagerly watching Halloween Kills in theaters after discovering last year that i actually like (some) scary movies. While not as good as the 2018 Halloween, Halloween Kills is a good movie and a decent entry in the long running franchise. There’s a frightening level of intensity in this one that I haven’t noticed in earlier entries and it makes me curious to see what will happen in Halloween Ends.
What are your thoughts on my five favorite films from the past year? Share them below!
