In 2021 cinema proved more important than ever as a way to connect people. Whether viewed on phones, home screens or in large-format theaters, the year’s standout films and creators sparked conversation, challenged assumptions, and prompted unexpected reflection amid a difficult global moment. At The Film Magazine, our team of experienced, thoughtful writers reviewed and … Read more

2021 was an unusual year for cinema. Many releases were delayed from 2020, and a handful of films on this list first surfaced on the festival circuit in 2019. With exhibitors prioritizing extended runs for blockbuster titles that reliably draw crowds, smaller and independent films often struggled to find the theatrical space and attention they … Read more

Pan’s Labyrinth/El laberinto del fauno (2006) Director: Guillermo del Toro Screenwriter: Guillermo del Toro Starring: Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, Álex Angulo, Manolo Solo “A long time ago, in the Underground Realm, where there are no lies or pain, there lived a princess who dreamt of the human world.” Guillermo … Read more

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 … Read more

Titane (2021) Director: Julia Ducournau Screenwriter: Julia Ducournau Starring: Agathe Rousselle, Vincent Lindon, Garance Marillier, Myriem Akheddiou, Bertrand Bonello Before its Cannes premiere and eventual Palme d’Or win in 2021, Julia Ducournau’s second feature, Titane, arrived surrounded by mystery. The initial synopsis released to the press was simply the definition of titanium—the English translation of … Read more

2021 turned out to be a rebound year for comic-book cinema after an unusually quiet 2020. Marvel led the charge with four releases in six months, while DC delivered one theatrical release and a streaming entry on HBO Max. Sony also returned to theaters with its take on superhero spectacle. The result was a strong … Read more

As the days grow shorter and Christmas approaches, there’s no better time to settle in for some familiar seasonal film-watching. From The Holiday to Home Alone, December brings out movies we tend to revisit only at this time of year. Between those classics, a number of films spark debate about whether they really qualify as … Read more

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Director: Frank Capra Screenwriters: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers Although it failed to recoup its budget during its initial 1946 release, It’s a Wonderful Life has grown steadily in stature and affection over the decades. Thanks largely to … Read more

From the screenwriter behind Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Bridget Jones’ Diary, Richard Curtis’ Love Actually (2003) is widely considered one of the greatest romantic comedies of the modern era. Since its release it has become synonymous with the holiday season; for many viewers, Christmas wouldn’t feel complete without its ensemble cast, … Read more

For every twenty forgettable made-for-TV holiday films, a handful become genuine classics that audiences return to year after year. These include timeless favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), the raucous National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), and the wildly popular Home Alone (1990). For many members of Gen Z, the early-2000s comedy Elf (2003) has … Read more