Pic lovers still faced uncertainty when it came t0 theatrical releases for much of the year, but Netflix released some noteworthy movies in 2021, and hither are some of the all-time. As the years become by, Netflix has increased its movie presence by acquiring big studio titles post-release and getting the distribution rights to debut on the streaming service. Gone are the days where big-budget movies with A-list leads are restricted to theatrical releases, and Netflix is a major factor in that continuing trend.

Thanks to studios electing to bypass theaters to instead release highly-anticipated 2021 movies through streaming services, subscribers had more than titles than ever attainable from the comforts of their own homes. Granted, Netflix had vowed to ramp up their original motion picture quality well before the coronavirus pandemic inverse the release model. Based on the number of Netflix original movies released in 2021, the streaming giant seems to exist making good on its promise.

Despite the contradistinct release models for several major movies on other platforms like Disney+, HBO Max, and Peacock, Netflix experience consistently notable movies throughout 2021. Ranging anywhere from a sci-fi satire to coming-of-age tales or an autobiographical musical to a zombie-filled heist from Zack Snyder, Netflix checked off a lot of boxes this year. That said, hither are some of the best Netflix movies to premiere in 2021, leading to the best of the best.

13. Stowaway

Stowaway may not take received much fizz surrounding its April 2021 release, merely the sci-fi drama from Joe Penna is a thought-provoking tale that has the benefit of beingness set in the visually-appealing edges of space. While Stowaway falls victim to some pacing problems with a deadening burn down, the moral dilemma at the center of the story when the ship heading to Mars can't sustain enough oxygen with the amount of crew onboard gives the movie enough depth. Stowaway'south cast of Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, Shamier Anderson, and Toni Collette allow for each character to shine in the small-upkeep flick. The ending may exist frustrating for some, but the moving-picture show delivers in introducing an ethical dilemma that had repercussions on a coiffure that could have ripple effects on the advancement of humankind.

12. Red Notice

Rawson Marshall Thurber's Cherry Notice isn't a striking with critics, simply Netflix subscribers are sure getting a kicking out of the big-upkeep activity-one-act. The film, which was one of the highly-predictable titles of the year for the streaming service, was an easy sell with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot in the lead. While building on the contempo track record of worthwhile action movies, Crimson Notice banks on the cast'south popularity even if the movie'due south plot isn't as intriguing as the blockbusters the trio are usually headlining. Still, the fast-paced picture, which pins Gadot against the leading men, offers viewers a two-hour humorous thrill ride with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

eleven. Army of the Dead

Zack Snyder was one of the biggest names in 2021 due to the release of his long-awaited Justice League manager's cut. On the heels of the movie's release, Snyder debuted another passion project in the form of Army of the Expressionless on Netflix. This i allows the filmmaker to return to his zombie subgenre roots while funneling the globe of the undead into a heist set in the vibrant ruins of Las Vegas. With an ensemble cast including Dave Bautista, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, and Matthias Schweighöfer, Snyder introduces an intricate world capable of further examination. Some elements of Ground forces of the Dead may have been overstuffed, but with prequels and sequels planned, the vast elements could easily pay off.

10. Army of Thieves

Army of Thieves marks the second installment of the Army of the Dead franchise and a prequel to Zack Snyder's original title. Though Army of Thieves wouldn't accept been possible without Ground forces of the Dead, Matthias Schweighöfer'south movie benefits from a smaller scope. Schweighöfer, of grade, starred in the motion picture every bit safecracker Ludwig Dieter, a fan-favorite in Army of the Dead. This time around, Dieter goes past Sebastian Schlencht-Wöhnert with a team comprised of Nathalie Emmanuel, Red O. Fee, and Stuart Martin for a dissimilar kind of heist. Information technology doesn't involve the undead, but there are fun, high-stakes sequences that build on the backstory of a likable character.

9. Fear Street Trilogy

Technically, three separate Fright Street movies released on Netflix in July, but because they were marketed every bit a cohesive story split into three distinct eras, it could be counted equally one championship. In all honesty, all three of Leigh Janiak'southward Fear Street installments deserve a spot on all best-of Netflix lists. Not just do the movies do an fantabulous task in blending several subgenres of cornball horror, only the trilogy likewise anchored the story with a dear story between two teenage girls. Viewers and critics alike take praised the Feat Street movies for their LGBTQ+ representation, just leads Kiana Madeira and Olivia Welch deserve credit for their performances as lovers pulled apart within multiple centuries.

eight. Physical Cowboy

Though Ricky Staub's Concrete Cowboy made its debut during TIFF in 2020, it didn't brand its wider release on Netflix until the spring of 2021. The movie, starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, is based on the brilliant book titledGhetto Cowboy by Greg Neri, which, in turn, centers on Black horseriders in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania neighborhood. The story of city cowboys puts a lesser-known culture on display without saturating the plot with cliches that ofttimes come up aslope the delineation of urban communities. Elba and McLaughlin shine in Staub's tale as a father-son duo who learn from each other by also relying on the community around them.

7. Don't Look Up

Out of all the Netflix movies on the list, Don't Expect Up features 1 of the biggest gaps in terms of critic and audition reception. The latter of which has bought into Adam McKay's satirical sci-fi much more than than critics. While some may have considered the plot of the planet'south impending doom a bit of a accomplish, others embraced McKay's dramatic nonetheless comedic storytelling through A-listing actors. Earth's destruction might spell doom-and-gloom, but it's a thrill witnessing eccentric characters played by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, and Meryl Streep be the ones thrown in the center of the mess.

vi. Passing

Not only does Passing deserve to exist considered equally one of the best Netflix movies of 2021, just it could also brand the argument for one of the best movies of the twelvemonth exterior of the streamer. The beautifully poignant story serves as Rebecca Hall's directorial debut, just information technology is truly brought to life by the brilliant performances by Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. The black-and-white film centered on the notion of "racial passing," in this case, when two light-skinned Blackness women pass equally white women. Passing tackles difficult themes involving confinement when information technology comes to racial identity. Though ready in the past, Hall'southward movie has messages that yet apply to the nowadays day.

5. The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion's The Power of the Domestic dog could very well terminate upwardly an awards darling in the coming months, and any wins would exist well-deserved based on the counterbalanced Western. Based on a novel from 1967, The Power of the Dog presents an emotional and unsettling tale that perfectly uses the strengths of its leads, particularly Bridegroom Cumberbatch. The actor plays a rich ranch owner whose resentment of others stemmed from deeper secrets, affecting his relationship with his brother and the son of his brother's new wife. Pair the LGBTQ+ themes with the struggles of alcoholism and solitude while adding in the notable score and praise-worthy cast performances, and Campion has a winner on her easily.

iv. The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Netflix has been churning out its off-white share of animated original movies, but The Mitchells vs. the Machines goes above and beyond the typical cookie-cutter quality that oftentimes hinders the genre. Created by Mike Rianda, the sci-fi comedy puts a family on a surprise journey that touchingly helps prove that love tin can still be found inside dysfunctional relationships. The experience-adept story is centered by Katie Mitchell, who experiences the coming-of-historic period realization during an adventure involving robots and deadly technology. In addition, The Mitchells vs. the Machines incorporates LGBTQ+ representation in a title that'southward fun for all ages, making it a must-sentry in 2021.

3. 7 Prisoners

Though seven Prisoners lacks a flashy cast and the buzz surrounding its late 2021 release, the Brazilian movie deserves a spot near the top of any best of the year list. Written and directed by Alexandre Moratto, 7 Prisoners follows Christian Malheiros' Mateus, an eighteen-year-sometime who finds himself stuck working in a junkyard afterward falling into modern slavery. Malheiros gives a chilling performance of a immature homo trapped in Brazil's class system every bit he must make up one's mind to comply or take chances his family's safe. 7 Prisoners tackles abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking through the lens of a victim as if it is more like a documentary than a work of fiction.

2. The Harder They Fall

Netflix'south The Harder They Autumnhas a lot going for information technology; the Western setting, a stellar bandage, and an unforgettable soundtrack featuring names like Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, and Lauryn Hill. That said, even for those that don't find the Western subgenre appealing have found Jeymes Samuel'south moving picture to be a fun thrill ride. Samuel fix out to create a Western that features an all-Black bandage, simply the filmmaker upped the game by acquiring names like Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, and Regina King. The story about an outlaw and his squad hunting downwards a brutal enemy is captivating from start to finish and 1 of the few movies viewers would regret not watching right away.

one. Tick, Tick...Boom!

2021 saw the release of Lin-Manuel Miranda'south In the Heights picture accommodation, but role player/playwright/producer's most significant project came in the form of Tick, Tick...Nail!, which debuted on Netflix in November. The biographical musical drama serves as Miranda'south directorial debut, and he certain set the bar high with the motion picture based on Jonathan Larson's phase play.Tick, Tick...Smash! follows Larson, played sensationally past Andrew Garfield, in the '90s during his creation of Rent. While Rent went on to become a gamechanger in the theater community, the path for Larson wasn't so easy. The music is a masterpiece, simply the story itself is a complex look into a creative mind who faced devastating force per unit area from all aspects of his life. Tick, Tick...Boom! is a Netflix movie from 2021 that should non exist missed.

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Nigh The Author

Kara Hedash (1750 Manufactures Published)

Kara Hedash is a features editor and writer for Screen Bluster. From fourth dimension to fourth dimension, she dives into the world'due south nigh popular franchises but Kara primarily focuses on evergreen topics. The fact that she gets to write about The Office regularly is similar a dream come true. Before joining Screen Rant, Kara served as a contributor for Movie Pilot and had work published on The Mary Sue and Reel Dearest. Later graduating higher, writing began as a part-fourth dimension hobby for Kara but it quickly turned into a career. She loves binging a new series and watching movies ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to hidden indie gems. She also has a soft spot for horror ever since she started watching information technology at too immature of an age. Her favorite Avenger is Thor and her favorite Disney princess is Leia Organa. When Kara's not decorated writing, you can observe her doing yoga or hanging out with Gritty.

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