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.
This year's best film so far is not an easy watch. An Academy Award nominee for best international film, Quo Vadis, Aida? is a Bosnian war drama that first began earning praise when it debuted at last fall's Venice International Film Festival (and collected even more raves when it finally reached American theaters in March of this year). The film, a fictionalized tale set amidst real events, takes place in Srebrenica in 1995 where a UN translator (Jasna Djuricic) serves as our eyes into the horrific events following the takeover of the town by the Bosnian Serb army, as thousands of civilians are slaughtered while UN forces are unwilling or unable to act. It's a harrowing film from Bosnian writer-director Jasmila Žbanić.
“There’s a real tragic power in this almost unbearably brutal and shocking movie.” —Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
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