The 10 Best Netflix Original Movies From 2021, Ranked By IMDb

As the world’s leading streaming service, it makes sense that Netflix put out some of the most popular and well-received films of 2021. In recent years, their movies have gone from just having a lot of viewers to including some that were legitimate awards contenders come Oscar season.

The same could be said for 2021, with an impressive combination of movies that everyone talked about for months and some that flew under the radar but were critically acclaimed. Looking at the ratings given out by IMDb users, you can get a sense of what the best of the best was when it came to original Netflix films this year.

10 The Harder They Fall (6.6)

It’s not often that you find a western movie with an all-Black cast but that’s just one of many things that makes The Harder They Fall stand out. Featuring incredible actors like Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Idris Elba, and more, the film is packed to the brim with tremendous performances.

The plot follows an outlaw who gathers his old gang in an attempt to exact revenge on the notorious prisoner who killed his family. As noted, the performances were well-received but the film was also praised for the soundtrack, action sequences, and for being stylish.

9 Passing (6.6)

Although it wasn’t one of the bigger commercial hits for Netflix this year, those who saw Passing have understood why it’s considered so great. In fact, there’s a good chance that it’ll be mentioned quite often come awards season for director Rebecca Hall and actors Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga.

Passing centers on the concept of Black people who use their light skin tone to pass as white. In this film, based on a novel of the same name, Clare (Negga) does this to seemingly make life easier for her but after reuniting with Irene (Thompson) their worlds collide in intriguing ways. Negga has already earned a Golden Globe nomination and reviews were stellar.

8 Moxie (6.7)

For the most part, Moxie isn’t the kind of film that will rack up major accolades but it still scored positive ratings on IMDb from viewers. The comedy-drama, based on a novel of the same name, follows a teenager who starts a zine to empower those at her school who have contended with bullying, sexual harassment, and more.

With the steady hand of Amy Poehler in the director’s chair and a strong lead performance from Hadley Robinson, Moxie was quickly a hit for the streaming service. There were some criticisms for utilizing the “white savior” trope, though many audience members still found it to be a good coming-of-age tale.

7 Fear Street: Part Two – 1978 (6.7)

One of the coolest things to hit Netflix in 2021 was the Fear Street trilogy. Loosely based on the book series by R.L. Stine, the movies were released each Friday for three weeks and told an overarching story about a curse ravaging a town spanning hundreds of years.

The first part took place in 1994 and was well-received before the follow-up took things back to 1978. This allowed the series to expand on the lore and deliver a classic slasher flick at a camp, which was perfect for the era. Having Stranger Things star Sadie Sink as the lead was also a boost to this film.

6 Malcolm & Marie (6.7)

Films and TV shows made during the COVID-19 pandemic were certainly a mixed bag. The first movie to go into production during it was Malcolm & Marie, which was directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and led by Zendaya and John David Washington as the titular characters.

Malcolm & Marie takes place entirely in the home of the characters on a night where their relationship is put to the test. The two spend the runtime arguing, making up, and having long conversations. Though it can be a drag at times, the chemistry of the actors is the high point, even earning Zendaya a Critic’s Choice nomination.

5 The Power Of The Dog (7.0)

Everyone knows that Benedict Cumberbatch is a great actor and along with his consistent work on Sherlock, he might’ve delivered his best performance in The Power of the Dog. In it, he portrays Phil Burbank, a fearsome rancher who forms an unexpected bond with his brother’s new stepson.

The film has already scored several major nominations, including for Best Picture at the Golden Globes. Cumberbatch was joined by the likes of Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons in this drama that was praised for the directorial efforts of Jane Campion, the acting, cinematography, and themes.

4 The Dig (7.1)

Netflix often excels at securing the rights to films that feature impressive casts. The Dig is right up there with the best of them as it stars Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, and Lily James, among others. The movie is based on the 2007 novel of the same name, which focuses on the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo.

In a lot of ways, this movie flew under the radar when compared to Netflix’s bigger releases. Judging by the IMDb rating and the various nominations it secured at the British Academy Film Awards, those who saw it were pleased with the entire thing.

3 The White Tiger (7.1)

One of the earliest sleeper hits of 2021 on the streaming platform was The White Tiger. Another film based on a novel of the same name, The White Tiger focuses on a poor but ambitious Indian driver who uses his charm and wit to rise through the ranks of life.

With standout performances from the likes of Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, the film was led by some captivating talents. Reception was strong across the board and it earned its highest acclaim when it was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars.

2 Don’t Look Up (7.3)

The latest hit to arrive on Netflix is Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up. Even before knowing the premise, this stood out for the outstanding ensemble including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Timothée Chalamet, and even Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi.

The film tells the story of two astronomers who discover a planet-killing comet heading towards Earth and their futile efforts to get the world’s leaders to listen to them. That makes for a more comical approach than most similar movies but it also makes it frustrating to watch at times. Still, most audience members liked it.

1 tick, tick…BOOM! (7.6)

Jonathan Larson is the legendary playwright who created Rent, one of the most important Broadway musicals of all time. tick, tick… Boom! was also created by him and is something of an autobiographical look at his life and struggles to achieve his dreams.

This adaptation cuts back and forth between Larson’s life and a look at the stage play, masterfully handled by first-time director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Andrew Garfield is arguably better than he’s ever been as Larson, delivering a stellar performance and nailing every musical number. Garfield and the film have both been nominated for Golden Globes already.

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