2021: The Year of the Big Screen
Having overcome the great content drought of 2020, Kiwis were quick to reembrace the cinema in 2021 and return to the their favourite cultural activity.
So, as the year comes to a close, we’re feeling a little nostalgic for the content that blew our minds and the medium that welcomed us back with open arms. Here’s to 2021, The Year of the Big Screen.
Top 5 Movies of the Year
1. Fast & Furious 9
An old favourite among youth audiences and an epic story of friendship spanning 20 years, it would be no ‘top 5’ without a mention for the Fast and Furious franchise.
2. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
The ageless charm of Peter Rabbit saw this cute-as-ever classic hop to the top of the most loved films of the year.
3. Godzilla Vs. Kong
Big beasts on the biggest screen of all - need we say more?
4. Space Jam
A cult classic brought into the new age, Space Jam: A New Legacy appealed to a legion of old fans whilst opening up the franchise to a whole new generation of Toons & Goons.
5. Black Widow
Black Widow was a hero film emerging from lockdown, drawing in impressive audiences as home-viewing fatigue set in.
Most Awarded Films of 2021
1. Nomadland
Garnering extensive critical acclaim across of range of categories and festivals, Chloe Zhao’s poetic Nomadland has collect 147 wins since its release.
2. Minari
Led by arresting performances from Steven Yeun and Yeri Han, Minari has claimed 66 awards for its portrayal of the migrant story, highlighting the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.
3. Promising Young Woman (52 wins)
Bold and provocative, Promising Young Woman sparked important feminist conversation. Directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Carey Mulligan, the film has been honoured with 52 wins.
4. Judas and the Black Messiah (23 wins)
An electrifying dramatisation of historical events, Judas and the Black Messiah is a forceful condemnation of racial injustice and a major triumph for its director and stars, garnering 23 wins.
5. Another Round (19 wins)
A clever and original plotline saw Another Round take home 19 wins across this year’s award season.
Most Watched Genres of the Year
Most notably, the ‘Action/Adventure’ genre accounted for 37% of all admissions!
Most Familiar Face
Emily Blunt appeared in A Quiet Place: Part II, Jungle Cruise and Wild Mountain Thyme throughout 2021.
Australian golden girl Margot Robbie is not far behind, having held leading roles in Peter Rabbit 2 and The Suicide Squad, as well as producing credits on Promising Young Woman.
Looking Forward
Most importantly, we’re not leaving the epic content behind. Here are just a few of the key titles to keep an eye out for in 2022:
The Batman - In cinemas March 3
Jurassic World: Dominion - In cinemas June 9
Lightyear - In cinemas June 30
Minions: The Rise of Gru - In cinemas June 16
Thor: Love and Thunder - In cinemas July 7
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - In cinemas November 10
Avatar 2 - In cinemas December 15