Top Ten Hollywood Movies of the Last Year: A Deep Dive

Everyday feels the same since the pandemic hit us, but movies and web series have, thankfully, remained a constant source of entertainment. Here are my favorite top 10 movies from the last year that captivated audiences and critics alike.

1. The Nest

Paul Schrader's drama centers around a family dealing with personal and financial turmoil, providing a profound look into familial dynamics and the struggle for survival in various forms.

2. Minari

Dirk van Robbroeck's film showcases the Kim family's journey from their struggling rice farm to the heart of the bustling city of Little Rock, Arkansas, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the American dream.

3. Collective

Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, this film blurs the lines between documentary and fictional narrative, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and nuanced performances.

4. Bad Education

Billy Ray's comedy-drama offers a satirical look at corruption in schools, with standout performances from Michael Shannon and Chris Cooper. Don't expect a light-hearted ride; this is a darkly comedic take on a serious issue.

5. Nomadland

Chloe Zhao's film follows Fern, a woman who finds freedom and adventure after losing her home in the Great Recession, exploring themes of resilience and the quest for meaning in an ever-changing world.

6. Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Directed by Sarah Polley, this powerful drama tackles sensitive topics with unflinching honesty, showcasing the bond between two young women seeking safety and support after a traumatic experience.

7. Bacurau

This Brazilian film weaves a complex and engaging narrative that delves into the struggles and triumphs of a small rural community, merging fiction with a wealth of historical and cultural references.

8. Freaky

Todd Strauss-Schulson's horror-comedy is a fast-paced, thrill-packed ride, following a high school student who gets violently mugged and wakes up in his killer's body, mirroring the intense and unpredictable nature of its plotline.

9. Let Them All Talk

The biographical film starring Carey Mulligan and Emily Watson offers an intimate look at the lives of three trailblazing activists and their impact on the suffragette movement in Britain.

10. Shithouse

A satirical take on modern life, this film tackles contemporary issues with humor, using exaggerated scenarios to explore themes of technology, society, and the human condition.

Why These Films Stand Out

It feels slightly outdated to recommend films that ‘you might not have seen’ considering the extensive availability of most good movies these days. Gone are the days when breaking numerous laws was necessary to watch the latest Oscar favorites or Sundance winners. From international oddities to the latest mainstream hits, everything is merely a click away. For the first time ever, you no longer face complaints about not having access to good movies. A great education in cinema is at your fingertips, just a button away. However, in India, some films from 2018 have yet to receive distribution deals, and the most discussed Oscar contenders are still months away. This doesn't mean we're worse off; rather, it means that the best is yet to come.

Here are the top 10 films of 2021 that you need to make time for, listed from worst to best. Big-budget mainstream movies are set apart for clarity. Hearts Beat Loud, a feel-good father-daughter drama, serves as a palate cleanser. Hereditary, a highly controversial and disturbing film, delves into themes of family and horror. Demon House, a standout in the horror genre, brings a fresh and terrifying experience. BlackKklansman, a return to form for Spike Lee, shines a light on racial issues. Searching, a gripping thriller, challenges and surprises its audience. Three Identical Strangers, a documentary about separated triplets, offers a heart-wrenching and uplifting look at their reunion. Bodied, a comedy of manners, subverts expectations in the realm of battle rap. The Tale, a raw and personal film, reveals the director's demons with unflinching honesty. Eighth Grade, directed by Bo Burnham, is a masterpiece in its genre, capturing the struggles of adolescence. Roma, an acclaimed feminist fable by Alfonso Cuaron, changes the game with its intimate and powerful storytelling.

Keywords: Hollywood Movies, Top Ten, Movie Recommendations

Resources:

IMDb Rotten Tomatoes Google Images Wikipedia: Hollywood