Wow! Since making the decision to lean into my film reviews and be part of a social media community that feels more validating and engaging, my film viewing increased by over 200% LOL. 

In 2020, I watched 28 films. In 2021, I watched 79—I guess I just felt the need to keep up with everyone else LOL. Despite the number of risks filmmakers took in 2021, there were actually quite a few amazing projects, and creating this list was a little difficult…but I eventually got through it. 

With that being said, below are my top 10 films of 2021: 

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10. Netflix’s #BadTrip by director Kitao Sakurai; story by Eric André, Kitao Sakurai, Andrew Barchilon, and Dan Curry

I really wasn’t expecting this film to be executed as well as it was. Yes, it has this “Jackass/prank” core, but there is actually a very clear storyline that is followed through—that’s what I appreciated. AND it was funny. 

This ended up being my surprise enjoyment for the month of March. 

**You can read my original review HERE.

9. Netflix’s #SpaceSweepers by director Sung-hee Jo; story by Sung-hee Jo. 

One of the most diverse casts I’ve seen on film, and it’s a Korean film. Overall, this has a very interesting premise and great cinematography. It was my surprise enjoyment for the month of February.  

**You can read my original review HERE.

8. Netflix’s #TheMitchellsVsTheMachines by directors Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe; story by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe.

This was one of the best animated films I have watched in a long time. Additionally, the way it includes the topic of sexuality was done extremely well for a PG story. It was just a fun story. And that Furby Scene! LOL 

I voted this my top film of April last year. 

**You can read my original review HERE.

7. #TheKillingOfKennethChamberlain by director David Midell; story by David Midell.

I feel like once I watched this film, I was a mini PR person pushing it on others. It’s definitely a film I think everyone should watch (and it’s currently on HBO Max). But what really stands out about this film is Frankie Faison! My goodness, this man delivered one of the BEST male performances of 2021—Hands Down! 

I voted this film my top film of September last year. 

**You can read my original review HERE. 

6. #TheEyesOfTammyFaye by director Michael Showalter; story by Abe Sylvia.

OOOOO this was such an interesting and juicy story. I remember all of those tele-church segments that would come on after hours, or on The 700 Club as a child; and I just love the unpacking of scandals from the past…because America is a KEE LOL LOL Yeah, “Land of Opportunity” LMAO 

Jessica Chasten and Andrew Garfield were really great to watch, too! 

**You can read my original review HERE. 

5. Netflix’s #ICareALot by director J Blakeson; story by J Blakeson

This was such a wildly fun premise, and one of the most exciting watches of February (I voted the film as my top film of the month last year). 

I really enjoyed Rosamund Pike as this stylish lead villain. 

**You can read my original review HERE. 

4. #TheLastDuel by director Ridley Scott; story by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, & Matt Damon. 

I went to theaters expecting a typical hyper masculine film about jousting in a medieval context. But the film was much more. 

I found the 3 perspective storyline to be impressive, Adam Driver’s performance to be really strong, and I appreciated the focus on women’s rights and existence in a patriarchal world. This was my surprise enjoyment film of October last year. 

**You can read my original review HERE.

3. #HouseOfGucci by director Ridley Scott; story by Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna.

Now this was another juicy, scandalous fun time! And not only that, but actually really fascinating—I’m sure “privileged” folk (or those who stay fashion) were aware of this story to some degree, but the general public isn’t which makes for an effective biopic/biopic-adjacent film for me. 

I voted this film my top film of November last year. 

**You can read my original review HERE.

2. Netflix’s #TheWhiteTiger by director Ramin Bahrani; story by Ramin Bahrani.

This film was like an Indian adaptation of Parasite with an amazing and appreciative look at privilege and servitude. The moment that always stands out for me is the expression shift by Adarsh Gourav when asked to pretty much sign his life away to protect the wealthy. It was so subtle yet powerful to me. 

I voted this film as my top film of January last year. 

**You can read my original review HERE. 

1. Netflix’s #TheHarderTheyFall by director Jeymes Samuel; story by Jeymes Samuel and Boaz Yakin.

You know, I just GOTTA say it… the way I see people discuss Jane Campion’s bland chicken ass The Power of the Dog, but no one is speaking about the amazing execution of this all Black western is so frustrating and problematic. 

This film was really fun, and the chemistry by the cast could be felt throughout which added to the enjoyment. I voted this film my top film of October. 

**You can read my original review HERE.