Best Streaming Movies 2021 (2024)

Streaming services continued their dominant ascension with The Power of the Dog, Coda, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines all placing in the top 10 Best Movies overall of 2021. Streaming was also the place curious and adventurous viewers found worthy documentaries, covering topics ranging from classic rock (The Velvet Underground) andfolk tales (Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched) to riots (Attica), athletics (Changing the Game), algorithms (Coded Bias), and politics (Mayor).

The order reflects Tomatometer scores (as of December 31, 2021) after adjustment from our ranking formula, which compensates for variation in the number of reviews when comparing movies or TV shows.

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#1

The Power of the Dog (2021) 94%

#1

Adjusted Score: 112714%

Critics Consensus: Brought to life by a stellar ensemble led by Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog reaffirms writer-director Jane Campion as one of her generation's finest filmmakers.

Synopsis: Severe, pale-eyed, handsome, Phil Burbank is brutally beguiling. All of Phil's romance, power and fragility is trapped in the past... [More]

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee

Directed By: Jane Campion


#2

CODA (2021) 94%

#2

Adjusted Score: 109151%

Critics Consensus: CODA's story offers few surprises, but strong representation and a terrific cast -- led by Emilia Jones' brilliant performance -- bring this coming-of-age story vividly to life.

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Ruby (Emilia Jones) is the sole hearing member of a deaf family -- a CODA, child of deaf adults.... [More]

Starring: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Eugenio Derbez

Directed By: Sian Heder


#3

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) 97%

#3

Adjusted Score: 107558%

Critics Consensus: Eye-catching and energetic, The Mitchells vs. the Machines delivers a funny, feel-good story that the whole family can enjoy.

Synopsis: Young Katie Mitchell embarks on a road trip with her proud parents, younger brother and beloved dog to start her... [More]

Starring: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda

Directed By: Michael Rianda


#4

The Velvet Underground (2021) 98%

#4

Adjusted Score: 104237%

Critics Consensus: The Velvet Underground takes a fittingly idiosyncratic approach to delivering a rock documentary that captures the band as well as its era.

Synopsis: The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing its place as one of rock... [More]

Starring: Mary Woronov, Jonathan Richman, John Cale, Maureen Ann Tucker

Directed By: Todd Haynes


#5

Luca (2021) 91%

#5

Adjusted Score: 106580%

Critics Consensus: Slight but suffused with infectious joy, the beguiling Luca proves Pixar can play it safe while still charming audiences of all ages.

Synopsis: Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar's original feature film "Luca" is a coming-of-age... [More]

Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, Maya Rudolph

Directed By: Enrico Casarosa


#6

Coded Bias (2020) 100%

#6

Adjusted Score: 102253%

Critics Consensus: Clear, concise, and comprehensive, Coded Bias offers a chilling look at largely unseen side effects of modern society's algorithmic underpinnings.

Synopsis: An exploration into the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini's discovery of racial bias in facial recognition algorithms.... [More]

Starring: Joy Buolamwini

Directed By: Shalini Kantayya


#7

Mayor (2020) 100%

#7

Adjusted Score: 101701%

Critics Consensus: A clear-eyed look at an extraordinary subject, Mayor makes essential viewing out of one politician's quest to preserve dignity in the midst of bureaucracy.

Synopsis: A look at the life of Musa Hadid, the charismatic mayor of Palestinian city Ramallah, who aspires to lead the... [More]

Starring: Musa Hadid

Directed By: David Osit


#8

Changing the Game (2019) 100%

#8

Adjusted Score: 101227%

Critics Consensus: Urgent and empathetic, Changing the Game takes an affecting and admirably nuanced look at young transgender athletes.

Synopsis: This intimate story takes us into the lives of three high school athletes from across the US -- all at... [More]

Starring: Mack Beggs, Sarah Rose Huckman, Andraya Yearwood

Directed By: Michael Barnett


#9

Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror (2021) 100%

#9

Adjusted Score: 101700%

Critics Consensus: Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror takes a fascinating deep dive that'll leave like-minded viewers making numerous new additions to their streaming queues.

Synopsis: WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED is the first feature-length documentary on the history of folk horror, exploring the phenomenon from... [More]

Starring: Piers Haggard, Lawrence Gordon Clark, Jeremy Dyson, Alice Lowe

Directed By: Kier-La Janisse


#10

Attica (2021) 100%

#10

Adjusted Score: 102024%

Critics Consensus: Attica revisits the titular riot with intelligence, compassion, and anger, presenting a version of events that honors history as much as it exemplifies the art of documentary filmmaking.

Synopsis: During the summer of 1971, tensions between inmates and guards at the Attica Correctional Facility are at an all-time high.... [More]

Starring: Clarence Jones

Directed By: Stanley Nelson, Traci Curry


#11

The Boy Behind the Door (2020) 97%

#11

Adjusted Score: 99991%

Critics Consensus: A tense, terrifying, and all-around outstanding feature debut for its co-directing duo, The Boy Behind the Door should thrill discerning horror fans.

Synopsis: In The Boy Behind the Door, a night of unimaginable terror awaits twelve-year-old Bobby (Lonnie Chavis) and his best friend,... [More]

Starring: Lonnie Chavis, Ezra Dewey, Kristin Bauer, Scott Michael Foster

Directed By: David Charbonier, Justin Powell


#12

7 Prisoners (2021) 98%

#12

Adjusted Score: 99592%

Critics Consensus: A hard-hitting drama that feels disconcertingly real, 7 Prisoners blends sharp storytelling with a searing social conscience.

Synopsis: 18-year-old Mateus (Christian Malheiros) hopes to provide a better life for his working-class family in the countryside. Accepting a new... [More]

Starring: Christian Malheiros, Rodrigo Santoro, Cecilia Homem de Mello, Vitor Julian

Directed By: Alexandre Moratto


#13

Playing With Sharks (2021) 96%

#13

Adjusted Score: 97430%

Critics Consensus: A fascinating tribute to a pioneer as well as an engrossing act of environmental advocacy, Playing with Sharks makes up in enjoyment what it lacks in depth.

Synopsis: Photographer Valerie Taylor becomes a trailblazing advocate for the ocean's most maligned and misunderstood creatures.... [More]

Starring: Ron Taylor, Valerie Taylor

Directed By: Sally Aitken


#14

The Amusement Park (1973) 96%

#14

Adjusted Score: 104115%

Critics Consensus: A blunt yet visceral depiction of society's treatment of the elderly, The Amusement Park sees George A. Romero exploring a different -- yet still chilling -- type of terror.

Synopsis: Recently discovered and restored 46 years after its completion by the George A. Romero Foundation and produced by Suzanne Desrocher-Romero,... [More]

Starring: Lincoln Maazel, Harry Albacker, Phyllis Casterwiler, Pete Chovan

Directed By: George A. Romero


#15

Slaxx (2020) 96%

#15

Adjusted Score: 99174%

Critics Consensus: A slim-cut slice of bizarre horror, Slaxx effectively balances quirk with gore -- and has the good sense to get out before its oddball premise starts showing its seams.

Synopsis: A possessed pair of jeans is brought to life to punish the unscrupulous practices of a trendy clothing company. Shipped... [More]

Starring: Romane Denis, Brett Donahue, Sehar Bhojani, Stephen Bogaert

Directed By: Elza Kephart


#16

Passing (2021) 90%

#16

Adjusted Score: 102556%

Critics Consensus: While Passing's delicate approach has a dampening effect on its story, debuting director Rebecca Hall makes the most of an impressive cast -- and handles thorny themes with impressive dexterity.

Synopsis: In 1920s New York City, a Black woman finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former... [More]

Starring: Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, Alexander Skarsgård

Directed By: Rebecca Hall


#17

The White Tiger (2021) 92%

#17

Adjusted Score: 100667%

Critics Consensus: Well-acted and beautifully made, The White Tiger distills the strengths of its source material into a grimly compelling drama.

Synopsis: Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav) narrates his epic and darkly humorous rise from poor villager to successful entrepreneur in modern India.... [More]

Starring: Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Vedant Sinha

Directed By: Ramin Bahrani


#18

Come From Away (2021) 98%

#18

Adjusted Score: 99215%

Critics Consensus: Come from Away sifts through the wreckage of tragedy to find hope -- and the healing power of human connection.

Synopsis: "Come From Away" is the filmed version of the award-winning Broadway musical which tells the story of 7,000 people stranded... [More]

Starring: Petrina Bromley, Jenn Colella, De'Lon Grant, Joel Hatch

Directed By: Christopher Ashley


#19

No Sudden Move (2021) 92%

#19

Adjusted Score: 98671%

Critics Consensus: While it may not be on par with his best crime capers, No Sudden Move finds Soderbergh on entertainingly familiar ground -- and making the most of an excellent cast.

Synopsis: Set in 1954 Detroit, NO SUDDEN MOVE centers on a group of small-time criminals who are hired to steal what... [More]

Starring: Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh


#20

The Disciple (2020) 96%

#20

Adjusted Score: 98437%

Critics Consensus: The rare film that captures the passion that drives the mastery of creative pursuits, The Disciple reaffirms writer-director Chaitanya Tamhane as an emerging master of his craft.

Synopsis: A vocalist who has devoted his life to the study of classical Indian music begins to question whether he will... [More]

Starring: Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Sumitra Bhave, Deepika Bhide Bhagwat

Directed By: Chaitanya Tamhane

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More Golden Tomato Awards 2021

Best Movies 2021
Best Wide Release Movies 2021
Best Limited Release Movies 2021

More Golden Tomato Awards 2021

Best Streaming Movies 2021 (2024)

FAQs

What were the top 5 movies of 2021? ›

Domestic Box Office For 2021
RankReleaseDistributor
1Spider-Man: No Way HomeSony Pictures Releasing
2Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
3Venom: Let There Be CarnageSony Pictures Releasing
4Black WidowWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
39 more rows

What are the top 10 on Netflix now? ›

For Netflix fans, check out the 10 most popular shows on Netflix right now.
  1. The Deliverance (2024) 38% 5.0/10.
  2. Incoming (2024) 38% 5.8/10. ...
  3. Migration (2023) 56% ...
  4. The Union (2024) 44% ...
  5. Untold: Sign Stealer (2024) 6.7/10. ...
  6. Untold: The Murder of Air McNair (2024) 5.7/10. ...
  7. The Emoji Movie (2017) 12% ...
  8. Trolls Band Together (2023) 53% ...
7 days ago

What is the most watched thing on Netflix in 2021? ›

Squid Game

What is the most seen movie 2021? ›

2021 Worldwide Box Office
RankRelease GroupWorldwide
1Spider-Man: No Way Home$1,912,233,593
2The Battle at Lake Changjin$902,548,476
3Hi, Mom$822,009,764
4No Time to Die$774,153,007
65 more rows

What is the #1 movie of all time in 2021? ›

Spider-Man: No Way Home

What is the #1 movie right now in 2024? ›

Top Grossing Movies of 2024
RankMovieGenre
1Inside Out 2Adventure
2Deadpool & WolverineAction
3Despicable Me 4Adventure
4Dune: Part TwoAction
65 more rows

What are the top 10 movies on Netflix right now? ›

The Top 10 Movies on Netflix That Are Most Popular Right Now
  • 'Incoming' ...
  • 'Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer' ...
  • 'The Union' ...
  • 'Migration' ...
  • '3:10 to Yuma' ...
  • 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Photo: Everett Collection. ...
  • 'Aloha' Photo: Sony. ...
  • 'The Deliverance' Photo: ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection.
6 days ago

What is the number one best movie on Netflix of all time? ›

Red Notice

What is everyone watching right now? ›

  • Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Watch now: Hulu. 435M. Minutes.
  • Jack Reacher. Watch now: Netflix I Paramount+ 374M. Minutes.
  • Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie. Watch now: Netflix. 354M. Minutes.
  • Trolls Band Together. Watch now: Netflix. 338M. Minutes.

What are the 10 most popular series on Amazon Prime? ›

The 25 Best Shows on Amazon Prime Right Now
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Content. ...
  • The Underground Railroad. Content. ...
  • Fleabag. Content. ...
  • The Man in the High Castle. Content. ...
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Content. ...
  • The Expanse. Content. ...
  • Good Omens. Content. ...
  • Good Omens 2. Content.
Aug 31, 2024

What's the hottest series on Netflix right now? ›

The 10 most popular TV shows on Netflix right now
  1. Worst Ex Ever season 1 (2024) 7.3/10.
  2. The Accident season 1 (2024) ...
  3. American Murder: Laci Peterson season 1 (2024) ...
  4. Adam Sandler: Love You (2024) ...
  5. Dark Winds season 1 (2022) ...
  6. Emily in Paris season 4 (2020) ...
  7. A Discovery of Witches season 1 (2018) ...
  8. Dark Winds season 2 (2022) ...
6 days ago

What's the most trending movie right now? ›

Trending Movies
  • Deadpool & Wolverine.
  • Twisters.
  • Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
  • Madeline's Madeline.
  • A Quiet Place: Day One.

What is the highest selling movie of 2021? ›

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home.

What Hollywood film has the highest box office gross last year? ›

Avengers: Endgame

What was the movie of the year in 2021? ›

93rd Academy Awards
Directed byGlenn Weiss
Highlights
Best PictureNomadland
Most awardsNomadland (3)
11 more rows

Which studio made the most money in 2021 and what was their biggest movie? ›

Disney generated $1.17 billion at the domestic box office in 2021, the most of any studio in the industry. The studio's haul represents around 25% of the total box office in the U.S. and Canada and was boosted by films attached to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What was the highest grossing movie last year? ›

Domestic Yearly Box Office
YearTotal Gross#1 Release
2022$7,369,521,886Top Gun: Maverick
2021$4,483,010,556Spider-Man: No Way Home
2020$2,113,386,800Bad Boys for Life
2019$11,363,364,673Avengers: Endgame
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