One of the best things about the summer is the blockbuster movies that arrive in theaters. Summer 2021 brought some modicum of normalcy to summer movie releases since the pandemic halted several releases that were intended for 2020.
This summer, the biggest films were released on streaming platforms and theaters and the highest-rated may be surprising, as they include movies outside the realm of the MCU and DC. Summer 2021 was packed with incredible releases, which include comedies, thrillers, and documentaries.
Honorable Mention: Free Guy - 7.3
A bank teller named Guy learns that he lives in a video game world. Given this discovery, he changes his lifestyle to that of a hero, and a threat to his world requires saving it.
Free Guy has the same IMDb score as A Quiet Place Part II and The Suicide Squad. The tiebreaker was the number of votes, and Free Guy had the lowest vote count between the tied films. Therefore, the comedy film missed the cutoff, but it deserves to be an honorable mention for its hilarious action, fun story and Ryan Reynolds' wit.
A Quiet Place Part II - 7.3
After the surviving Abbot family members lose their home and the family's patriarch, they embark on a new journey into the disoriented world, where they meet an old acquaintance. They must survive the ravages of the deadly creatures, but luckily they have learned their weaknesses.
A Quiet Place Part II showcases a world beyond the perception of the Abbott family while maintaining its thrilling ambiance and composure. Like its predecessor, Part II is a sharp and nerve-racking tale of survival and presents the flaws of humanity. The film ended on a promising note and some burning questions for further exploration, and Part III is currently in development.
The Suicide Squad - 7.3
The Suicide Squad is a sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad, but with a reinvention by James Gunn. The government continues to recruit the world's dangerous supervillains and task them to infiltrate a remote island while under the supervision of Colonel Rick Flag.
James Gunn's direction brought a refreshing take on the story with more fun and action-packed moments. The film is more gory and violent than the previous iteration, and superhero films in general, but it is a risky move that suits the depicted tone. The ending also allows the story to expand the universe, with a Peacemaker series releasing next year. Many fans consider the release one of the best DCEU movies of 2021.
In The Heights - 7.4
In the Heights follows Usnavi, who recalls his memories in Washington Heights, New York, a community filled with dreams, including one bodega owner who hopes to explore a different world.
The film is an adaptation of the musical Broadway of the same name. It celebrates the community's heritage and culture with incredible music and performances from the cast, and themes like immigration and the American Dream are discussed to explore a community's closeness and support for one another. It is a story that many people across the United States can relate to, while bringing a lighthearted and emotional tone for many to enjoy.
Cruella - 7.4
Cruella revamps the story of Cruella de Ville with a refreshing origin story. Estella is an orphan who dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. However, things take a turn when she starts working for the Baroness, and details of her past transform her into a vengeful Cruella.
Emma Stone nails her portrayal as Cruella, showcasing her sensitive and humane background with reasons for revenge. The film is visually striking and stylish with beautiful and innovative costumes. It is a worthy rendition of the character, and Cruella is one of the best origin movies about villains as the movie's focal character finds both redemption and an in-depth arc.
Luca - 7.5
In Luca, the titular character is a sea monster curious about the world beyond the sea and befriends another sea monster. They explore an Italian town and enter a contest to win money for a Vespa, but they must also hide their secret of being sea monsters.
Luca is one of Pixar's best coming-of-age stories, as it focuses on friendship and acceptance. The characters are charming and funny, and viewers instantly fall in love with them. While the film follows a beautiful and joyous adventure among new friends, the ending will also hit deep emotions and have some in the audience shedding a few tears.
Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain - 7.8
Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain is a documentary that celebrates the life of chef and writer Anthony Bourdain, following his journey from young chef to inspirational and adventurous culinary figure.
Morgan Neville presents a raw portrayal and insight of Bourdain's final days. The film touches on Bourdain's darker moments, which at times can be painful and emotional to watch. Nevertheless, the documentary serves as a tribute to Bourdain and allows fans to find closure after his death and remember his legacy, charm, and innovation.
The Sparks Brothers - 7.9
The Sparks Brothers takes an unconventional yet fun approach to a documentary. It follows the journey of Sparks, who influenced the course of music, yet they are one of the most unrecognized bands, to this day.
The film presents interviews with musicians and actors who celebrate the underrated legacy of Sparks. While most documentaries are earnest, this documentary is fun, silly, and energizing, which resembles the energetic and fun vibes of the band. Of course, Edgar Wright showcases his dedication and charm in making this film, imbuing it with his energy.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings - 7.9
Shang-Chi is a martial arts master who has a dark past with the Ten Rings organization. Part of his confrontation means facing his father, who is the leader of the group.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings received near-universal acclaim from critics and audience, who loved the character's origin story, well-choreographed martial arts, and homage to Chinese culture. Simu Liu is also phenomenal as Shang-Chi, exuding his charisma and talents on the big screen. This MCU movie is easily one of the best movies of the year and one of Marvel's best standalone films.
CODA - 8.1
CODA follows a young girl who lives with a deaf family. She is the only family member with no hearing loss, so her family relies on her to communicate with other people. However, when she has aspirations to become a musician, she becomes conflicted about her family responsibilities and dreams.
CODA is a beautiful coming-of-age story that showcases the warmth, support, and family's growth. The film also shows a more realistic depiction of people with hearing loss as "normal" people with sexual desires, independence, and goals. With brilliant performances from the cast, CODA is a touching and heartwarming movie that is a great 2021 movie that flew under the radar.
Summer Of Soul - 8.2
Summer of Soul is a documentary that shares the untelevised footage of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. It shows performances and interviews from legends like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Gladys Knight and the Pips, to name a few, which presents the scale of this incredible yet bafflingly forgotten festival.
Directed by Questlove, Summer of Soul serves as a tribute to Black artistry, culture, and legacy. The footage is striking and breathtaking as it exudes the energy and dynamics at this festival. The documentary makes it an unforgettable experience as it restores the footage, and Questlove showcases his incredible talents in his first feature film.