The Best Films of 2021

As the year (+ one extra month) comes to an end, it's time to once again continue my storied tradition of counting down my favorite films of the year. After a quiet and sparse 2020, 2021 more than lived up to the tall task of providing a memorable slate of movies.

I haven't written up any of the films below yet; hoping to do so when I have more time. But rest assured in this very tough year each of them earned a place here and has my highest recommendation. Here are the 25 best and some extra ones to commemorate the year that was.

2021 Dream Oscar Ballot.

In companion to my best films of the year list, here is my 2021 mock Oscar ballot with my picks in each of the major categories and some additional self-created ones. Most of these picks will not be mirrored by this year's actual nominations, at least not as far as I'm expecting, and that's their loss.

Winners are in bold and runners-up are italicized. Enjoy!