History's Best Selling Movies of 2021

Hats off to 2021! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Detective Chinatown 3. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Hi, Mom and Godzilla vs. Kong, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Chen Sicheng and Jia Ling set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Detective Chinatown 3

   Released in 2021 by Chen Sicheng, Wanda Pictures

   February 12, 2021, marked the highly anticipated global theatrical premiere of 'Detective Chinatown 3,' a date that would etch itself into cinematic history despite the ongoing global health crisis. Released on Chinese New Year's Day, this film didn't just open; it exploded onto the scene, setting multiple box office records and becoming a beacon of hope for the struggling entertainment industry. Its launch was a monumental cultural event in China, demonstrating the immense power of local blockbusters and the audience's hunger for grand cinematic experiences, particularly during a festive period, making its debut a truly special moment in the film calendar.

2. Hi, Mom

   Released in 2021 by Jia Ling, China Film Group Corporation, Beijing Culture

   February 12, 2021, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'Hi, Mom', a heartwarming Chinese comedy-drama that swiftly captivated audiences and shattered box office records. Released on the auspicious first day of the Chinese New Year, this film wasn't just another holiday blockbuster; it was a deeply personal passion project from first-time director and star Jia Ling. Its immediate and immense success transformed it into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its emotional resonance and groundbreaking commercial performance. The film's launch on this specific date ensured maximum visibility during a peak moviegoing season, propelling it to become one of the highest-grossing films globally that year and solidifying its place as a significant milestone in cinematic history.

3. Godzilla vs. Kong

   Released in 2021 by Adam Wingard, Warner Bros. Pictures

   Godzilla vs. Kong roared into cinemas on March 24, 2021, marking a significant moment for the struggling film industry amidst the global pandemic. Its release, initially staggered internationally before a hybrid theatrical and HBO Max debut in the U.S., became a beacon of hope for blockbuster cinema. This monumental clash of titans not only delivered the long-awaited showdown fans craved but also defied expectations, smashing box office records for a pandemic-era release. The date signifies more than just a movie premiere; it's a testament to the enduring power of spectacle and the global appeal of cinema even during challenging times, proving that audiences were hungry for a shared experience on the big screen.

4. F9

   Released in 2021 by Justin Lin, Universal Pictures

   May 19, 2021, marked a significant moment for global cinema with the world theatrical premiere of 'F9' in South Korea. This date heralded the beginning of the film's international rollout, positioning it as one of the first major Hollywood blockbusters to hit theaters as pandemic-related restrictions began to ease worldwide. The release of 'F9' was highly anticipated, representing a return to the explosive action and familial themes that define the 'Fast & Furious' saga. Its launch set the stage for a strong box office performance globally, ultimately raking in hundreds of millions and reaffirming the franchise's powerhouse status despite the challenging cinematic landscape.

5. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

   Released in 2021 by Destin Daniel Cretton, Marvel Studios

   On September 3, 2021, a new hero officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the theatrical release of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." The film's premiere was a landmark event, not only as a crucial installment in the MCU's post-"Endgame" Phase Four but as a major step forward for representation in blockbuster cinema. It was Marvel Studios' first film with an Asian director and a predominantly Asian cast. Released during a period of uncertainty for the global box office due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its debut was closely watched, and its subsequent success was seen as a vital sign of theatrical recovery and a triumph for inclusive storytelling.

6. No Time to Die

   Released in 2021 by Cary Joji Fukunaga, MGM / Universal Pictures

   September 28, 2021, marked a highly anticipated moment for cinephiles and James Bond aficionados worldwide: the global premiere of 'No Time to Die' in London. This date was particularly special, representing the culmination of numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and serving as the emotional farewell to Daniel Craig's iconic portrayal of Agent 007. The film's launch was not just a cinematic event but a cultural phenomenon, drawing massive audiences back to theaters amidst a challenging global health crisis. Its release signaled a significant milestone for the film industry's recovery and solidified its place as one of the most talked-about movies of the year, embarking on a remarkable box office journey that defied pandemic-era expectations.

7. The Battle at Lake Changjin

   Released in 2021 by Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, Dante Lam, China Film Group Corporation

   The cinematic epic 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' exploded onto screens on September 30, 2021, marking not just a release date but a significant cultural event in China. This historical war drama quickly transcended typical box office expectations, becoming a phenomenal success and one of the highest-grossing films globally for its year. Its premiere date was strategically timed to coincide with China's National Day holiday period, maximizing its reach and impact. The film's immediate and overwhelming popularity underscored its importance as a major patriotic spectacle, breaking numerous box office records and establishing a new benchmark for Chinese blockbuster cinema, solidifying its place in film history right from its opening day.

8. Encanto

   Released in 2021 by Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith, Walt Disney Animation Studios

   On November 24, 2021, Walt Disney Animation Studios released its 60th animated feature film, "Encanto," into theaters. The premiere date, strategically placed on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in the United States, positioned it as the premier family-friendly holiday movie. Arriving as audiences were cautiously returning to cinemas amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, "Encanto" offered a vibrant, music-filled escape. The film's release marked a significant cultural moment, introducing the world to the magical Madrigal family and a story deeply rooted in Colombian culture, which would soon explode in popularity and become a global phenomenon, not just in theaters, but especially upon its arrival on streaming platforms.

9. Sing 2

   Released in 2021 by Garth Jennings, Universal Pictures

   Sing 2, a vibrant animated musical, burst onto the global stage with its first commercial theatrical release on November 24, 2021, specifically in France and Belgium. This date marked the beginning of a highly successful run for Illumination's much-anticipated sequel, captivating audiences with its heartwarming story, star-studded voice cast, and an energetic soundtrack. Far from being just another animated film, Sing 2 proved to be a significant box office performer, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its characters and musical concept. The film's debut heralded a much-needed dose of joy and escapism during its release period, solidifying its place as a family favorite and a significant cinematic event of the year.

10. Spider-Man: No Way Home

    Released in 2021 by Jon Watts, Sony Pictures Releasing

    The release of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' on December 17, 2021, wasn't just another movie premiere; it was a global cinematic event that captivated audiences worldwide. Arriving amidst a lingering pandemic, this highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment shattered box office records, becoming a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. The film's unprecedented success underscored the enduring popularity of the Spider-Man character and the MCU's ability to draw massive crowds. This specific date marked its wide theatrical debut in North America, kicking off a truly remarkable run that reaffirmed the power of the big screen experience and offered a much-needed boost to the recovering film industry.