From the aftermath of a pandemic-affected 2020, 2021 delivered a rich and varied cinematic season: international titles from festivals such as Cannes, direct-to-streaming releases, and traditional awards contenders. Many of these films received high praise from critics even if they weren’t massive box office hits. This curated Movie List from The Film Magazine highlights the top-scoring feature films reviewed by our team, selected for their artistic achievement, emotional impact, and critical excellence.
Over the course of 2021, our reviewers assessed more than 150 films. Fifteen of those earned 5-star ratings (21/24 and above), which qualifies them as Hall of Fame-worthy. From that group, the films scoring 23/24 and higher have been chosen for this list of the Best Reviewed Films of 2021. This compilation includes only feature-length films released in the UK in 2021; acclaimed short films and titles with UK releases deferred to 2022 are not included.
9. Pig – 23/24
Michael Sarnoski’s debut feature, Pig, surprised audiences and critics with its quiet power and emotional clarity. Far from a conventional revenge tale, the film uses an unusual premise to explore themes of grief, identity, and the unexpected ways we find meaning. Nicolas Cage delivers a restrained, deeply affecting performance—anchoring the film’s tender and cathartic moments. For a thoughtful, character-driven cinematic experience, Pig remains one of 2021’s most memorable releases. Pig Review
8. Nomadland – 23/24
Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland is a contemplative road film that blends documentary realism with intimate fiction. The film follows a woman traveling across the American West, and through its patient pacing and evocative landscapes it becomes an elegy to resilience and community outside conventional society. Frances McDormand gives a quietly powerful performance, while Zhao’s direction transforms the journey into a moving meditation on home and belonging. Nomadland Review
7. The Sparks Brothers – 23/24
Edgar Wright’s affectionate and energetic documentary, The Sparks Brothers, celebrates the eccentric and enduring career of Ron and Russell Mael. Blending archival material, interviews, and Wright’s trademark kinetic editing, the film captures the band’s creativity and influence while maintaining a lively appreciation for their music. This documentary works as both a comprehensive introduction and a heartfelt tribute for long-time fans. The Sparks Brothers Review
6. Titane – 23/24
Julia Ducournau’s Titane is a daring, provocative film that pushes genre boundaries and confronts viewers with startling imagery and emotional extremes. Boldly imaginative and darkly playful, the film alternates between horror, melodrama, and surrealism to explore identity, trauma, and transformation. Titane announces Ducournau as a distinctive auteur whose work provokes strong reactions and lingers long after the credits. Titane Review
5. Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché – 24/24
This powerful documentary chronicles the life and legacy of Poly Styrene, the pioneering frontwoman of X-Ray Spex. Through interviews, archival footage, and sensitive direction by Celeste Bell and Paul Sng, the film explores Poly’s creative genius, her struggles with mental health, and the cultural impact of her music and writing. The result is an intimate, respectful portrait that reaffirms Poly Styrene’s lasting importance to punk and beyond. Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché Review
4. Promising Young Woman – 24/24
Promising Young Woman confronts difficult subject matter with intelligence, dark humour, and stylistic precision. Emerald Fennell’s film challenges audiences to reassess assumptions about consent, complicity, and social responsibility. Led by a fearless central performance and a sharply written script, the film sparks urgent conversations while delivering a memorable and unsettling cinematic experience. Promising Young Woman Review
3. Sound of Metal – 24/24
Sound of Metal is an intimate, immersive drama about a drummer facing sudden hearing loss. Riz Ahmed delivers a deeply committed performance, portraying the physical and emotional upheaval that accompanies life-changing disability. The film’s sound design and direction work together to place the audience inside the protagonist’s experience, creating a visceral and empathetic portrait of adaptation, sobriety, and community. Sound of Metal Review
2. In the Heights – 24/24
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical is a vibrant, joyful celebration of community, culture, and aspiration. Packed with exhilarating ensemble dance numbers, an infectious soundtrack, and heartfelt performances, In the Heights balances social themes with optimism and warmth. The film’s lively visual style and strong ensemble cast make it a standout musical of the year. In the Heights Review
1. David Byrne’s American Utopia – 24/24
Spike Lee’s filmed version of David Byrne’s American Utopia transforms a stage concert into a cinematic meditation on connection, performance, and optimism. The direction elevates the material beyond a simple concert recording; choreography, camera work, and Byrne’s charismatic presence combine to create an immersive, joyous experience that underscores the importance of human togetherness. It’s a unique hybrid of theatre and film that resonated strongly with critics. David Byrne’s American Utopia Review
Many major releases originally scheduled for 2021 were postponed into 2022, meaning next year’s list may include several high-profile titles that didn’t reach UK audiences during this period. Which delayed films do you think will rank among the highest scoring next year? Share your thoughts and follow The Film Magazine on social platforms to keep up with future lists and reviews.