It’s been a busy movie year. I’ve seen a bunch of movies, some that have been legitimately enjoyable while there have been a few stumbles along the way. Considering that I have seen so many movies this year I thought it best to do a ranking now of the films I’ve seen (so far.) Enjoy!

16. In the Heights

If you had told me In the Heights was going to be my least favorite film of the year so far I would’ve been baffled but it is. This movie irked me on a level I can’t fully explain but there’s one major flaw; John M. Chu directed this movie like a Broadway play, not a movie!

The constant singing was out of place and took away from the enjoyment of the overall story. It was too loud, too chaotic, there were too many distractions disrupting the singing numbers, and because the movie was poorly constructed from the get-go, I didn’t like any of the characters.

When that movie ended I realized that I had seen one of the worst musicals I had ever seen and that’s unfortunate.

15. The Little Things

I wasn’t expecting this movie to be good but I wasn’t expecting it to be as bad as it was either. I love a good whodunnit movie but this film just didn’t cut it. And its conclusion was infuriating!

14. The Suicide Squad

There are people who will say this is one of the best comic book movies they’ve seen. I beg to differ. The Suicide Squad is a ridiculously violent, boring island adventure with a bunch of unlikable characters and maybe two standouts. And yeah the villain was actually intimidating…for two seconds. Then he was killed in such a ridiculous fashion that I was left just staring at the screen like, “Really.”

But I’m glad there were people who liked it.

13. Judas and the Black Messiah

This movie had all of the critical acclaim and buzz to make it one of the inclusive highlights of the 2021 Oscars but that doesn’t mean it was good because it really wasn’t. The best part of the movie was the end and it took watching the whole film to get there.

12. Coming 2 America

People pestered Eddie Murphy to make a sequel and after thirty-three years he finally gave the people what they want. Coming 2 America would’ve been fun in theaters and it had its various laugh-out-loud moments but ultimately it was a forgettable comedy with a typical script that was easily predictable. But it didn’t ruin Coming to America so that’s a relief.

11. Mortal Kombat

It’s the best game-adaptation I’ve ever seen because it’s very faithful to the game and all of its corny aspects, its brutal fatalities, and the characters’ distinct abilities. It wasn’t great, of course, but I do hope we get a sequel.

10. Godzilla vs. Kong

This movie was probably awesome in IMAX. Alas, I saw it at home and wasn’t as impressed as I could’ve been. The monster bash was truly a sight to behold and the collateral damage was severe but what really ruins this movie are the humans…again. *sigh*

9. Zack Snyder’s Justice League

This movie would’ve been better if it was an hour less. Unfortunately, Snyder went overboard with the content and gave us an overly long Justice League that was in fact better than the other version but it became bloated with extra scenes that only provided a vision of a story that will never be.

And the slow-motion was just way too much. But it did make me like The Flash more so at least I’m now excited for the The Flash movie.

8. Nomadland

This movie was more beautiful than anything. A true love letter to the gorgeous topography of the United States’ western regions. And while the story was good and left me thoroughly satisfied with its conclusion (and I’m not ashamed to admit I almost cried a couple of times) Nomadland is a movie that in a few years’ time will most likely be forgotten.

7. Snake Eyes

Snake Eyes is the best G.I. Joe film ever made for sure but that doesn’t mean it’s a great movie. It’s got lots of action, a bit of a compelling storyline, and somewhat likable characters, but it’s literally laughable how silly it is sometimes. But if you’re looking for a fun action movie Snake Eyes is it.

6. Luca

This movie, like all Disney or Pixar films, did make me cry and that alone means this film was good. Unfortunately, unlike other Pixar movies, this is not one I play on watching again. The story is cute and the animation is even cuter but what this movie lacks is that special something that keeps it from being one of the greats like Coco or The Incredibles.

But if you’re looking for a cute family to watch with the kids Luca is a fun film that’ll satisfy all of you.

5. Cruella

I honestly wasn’t expecting Cruella to be as good as it was but considering that this film enticed me enough to watch it twice (and I will be watching it again) I have to say, it was a win.

Live-action Disney movies can be a hit or a miss but with the two Emmas leading the charge, Cruella is the surprise summer Disney hit of the year.

4. Raya and the Last Dragon

I’ve seen this movie five times so far this year and every viewing has made me cry my eyes out. I don’t know what it is about this story and its characters but honestly, it’s magical. Raya and Namaari are wonderful additions to the Disney princess lineup, Sisu is one of my new favorite Disney characters, and James Newton Howard’s score is gorgeous. I’m talking literally tear-inducing.

Plus, the animation is just soooo good. I love everything about this movie and I hope it’s nominated for Best Picture.

3. Black Widow

Was I expecting to enjoy Black Widow? Well, yeah, but not as much as I did. The long-awaited standalone Black Widow movie is not only entertaining but it’s surprisingly dark and emotional too. This movie has easily become one of my top ten favorite Marvel films and is a reminder of how great a Marvel movie can be.

2. A Quiet Place: Part 2

I knew A Quiet Place: Part 2 was going to be good as soon as I heard that John Krasinski was back as writer/director but even then this movie managed to blow me away in a way that I wasn’t expecting.

I think what I loved most about the film was the world-building. Suddenly this felt like a story that could become a legitimately successful franchise if handled correctly. I would love to see this story branch out into a limited series on HBO with new characters somewhere else in the United States.

Oh, and we’re getting a third movie! I’m so excited to see where the story takes these characters and I hope the film continues to be a treat because it has been quite the ride so far.

And my favorite movie of the year so far is…Jungle Cruise!

Yes, I didn’t think Jungle Cruise would be my favorite movie of the year so far but it has managed to grasp my heart with its wonderful cast, true Disney brilliance, and lovably entertaining story that invokes the joy other Disney greats like Pirates of the Caribbean or The Emperor’s New Groove have given me.

And if there is, in fact, ever a sequel, I would be more than pleased.