The 20 Best Movies of 2021 So Far
Which films have impressed critics the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed movies first released in North American theaters (or debuting directly on digital/VOD/streaming outlets) between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. Films are ranked by Metascore and must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible.
Additional content by Keith Kimbell.
Just squeaking onto the list by virtue of opening in a few theaters in late June (a week ahead of its nationwide theatrical and Hulu debut on July 2nd), the music documentary Summer of Soul compiles previously unseen footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969—footage that has been sitting in a basement for decades until now in spite of a packed lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, B.B. King, and Sly and the Family Stone, just to name a few. The directorial debut from Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson wowed (virtual) attendees at Sundance early this year, where the film swept the top documentary awards from the festival jury and audience members.
“Of course, you could just watch this for the performances and it would still be one of the best movies of the year. But why sell yourself short? Watch it for everything that it is, a kind of miraculously unearthed treasure trove of music and politics and culture and soul. So much soul.” —Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
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