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.
Before Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda created another Tony-winning musical: In the Heights, a drama set in New York's mostly Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, where a bodega owner seeks a better life. Now, it too gets a feature film adaptation, courtesy of Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu. Debuting in June simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters, In the Heights didn't try to reunite the 2008 Broadway cast (save for Miranda himself, albeit in a different role) but instead stars Anthony Ramos (Hamilton), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton), singer Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (Vida), Jimmy Smits, and Stephanie Beatriz. Many of the other films on this list are downers; this one, most assuredly, isn't.
“It feels like summer on film – the thing radiates Factor 50 good vibes, and boasts a cast so preposterously attractive, and with such sweltering chemistry, that a couple of hours in their company may make you feel as if you’ve had a holiday fling by osmosis.” —Robbie Collin, The Telegraph
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