The pandemic has left significant bruises on the film industry in the past two years. From rescheduling of film releases to episodic closure of theatres, the obstacles faced by those in the industry have been endless. Nevertheless, 2021 has left us with quite a few gems worth viewing.

Here are some of the must watch films of 2021, from existential animated films to nostalgia-inducing superhero movies.

AUDIENCE FAVOURITES

Spider-man: No Way Home is the first pandemic-era movie which made more than $1bn at the global box office. The plot illustrates the trials Peter Parker faces as his attempts to regain anonymity threatening the fate of the multiverse. Although it is perceived to go heavy on fan service, No Way Home masterfully mixes nostalgia, emotion and suspense with tongue-in-cheek comedy.

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Dune was one of the other movies to take the world by storm in 2021. The plot of Dune follows Paul Atreides and his noble family as they are thrust into a war to acquire an inhospitable desert planet. The space-opera breaks down Frank Herbert's novel into its most elemental, while still holding onto its philosophical elements and emotional resonance.

THE SMALLER GEMS

One of the most noteworthy underrated indie films worth suggesting from 2021 is Little Fish. The film dives into the story of a couple whose relationship is threatened by a virus that causes memory loss. The dystopian premise has a way of tugging at heartstrings because it deals with the deterioration of cognition and perception, two things which in essence make us human. Little Fish consists of a pleasantly confusing storyline which leaves space for unexpected twists and turns.

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On the more critically acclaimed end of the indie spectrum lays The Green Knight. The film sophisticatedly incorporates magic, giants, witches, and unearthly creatures, as it narrates the story of Gawain, a knight who tries to win over King Arthur. The successful execution of period detail additionally helps the viewer transcend the present. Despite its fantastical nature, The Green Knight skilfully dwells on the issue of mortality, making it a well-rounded movie worthy of its critical acclaim.

THOUGHT PROVOKING FOREIGN FILMS

If you enjoy multifaceted and melancholic films, Drive My Car (2021) is worth a shot. The movie narrates the story of a widower navigating the loss of his wife, as he tries to make sense of the haunting mysteries she leaves him with. Unlike usual book adaptations, the film expands on a short story written by Haruki Murakami while making it beautifully multi-layered.

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Similar to Drive My Car, Parallel Mothers (2021) is a critically acclaimed foreign language film, which deals with the unembellished complexities of life. Parallel Mothers illustrates the story of two mums from very different life paths with the same due date. As the title hints, the women's paths become linked together in a genuine and unfiltered narrative about motherhood.

ADULT FRIENDLY ANIMATION

If you love indulging on head scratching escapism, Cryptozoo (2021) is the perfect film to get lost in. The film explores the unfolding of a counterculture movement in a world in which imaginary creatures live alongside humans. The aesthetic and animation of the film is almost on par with the plot in terms of absurdity. Cryptozoo offers a breath of fresh air with its unique critique of the constraints of capitalism on human creativity.

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The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) is another film that caters to a wide age range, due to its tasteful take on growing up in the digital era. The film mixes an apocalyptic adventure with a coming of age story, while also addressing family issues at the same time. This concoction offers something to enjoy for everyone in the family. The film utilises various different art styles which produces a visually pleasing watch.