Happy fucking new year! I know it’s a bit late and I’m posting this masterlist later than planned but life, you know. Plus it’s not normal if I don’t decide to do something outlandish for my first post of 2022. Masterlist of 2021 seemed like the way to go and I really went all out. I thought there wasn’t much of a masterlist because I didn’t watch a lot of things but I was wrong. This masterlist is hefty so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
This masterlist is combined based on my streaming service histories and Letterboxd.
♥️ – deserves all the love, 🎙️ – did it for the podcast, 🔄 – rewatched, 📌 – planning to finish, 💎 – hidden gems challenge
JANUARY
Defending Jacob (2020)
Watched this with my mom and honestly it was a lot better on paper than in reality. The conflict wasn’t handled well enough and there wasn’t enough doubt going around. Wish it was written better cause the acting was rather good. Chris Evans was a hot daddy here so at least it had that going for it.
♥️ Promising Young Woman (2020)
Despite the negative feedback this one got I still liked it a lot and still do. There’s a certain level of crazy to this which I enjoyed. Call me stupid but I sometimes an unlikable main character is just the right fit for me. Other times they fail to capture my attention but I guess Carey Mulligan wanted me to notice her.
Pixie (2020)
At first glance I don’t even remember what this was about… which is not surprising as I gave it 2,5 stars on Letterboxd. I honestly remember very little about it. Ben Hardy from Bohemian Rhapsody is in it, he cute.
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)
Started off 2021 pretty strong with keeping up with the crime documentaries. Night Stalker was enjoyable, maybe tad bit too long but that’s the general problem of Netflix anyway. You’ll see later that crime documentaries completely disappeared from my radar by the second half of the year.
In the Loop (2009)
This is the kind of humour that is a hit and miss for me. While In the Loop wasn’t bad it’s not also something I personally gravitate towards. Glad I watched it though.
Trial 4 (2020)
Systematic racism in America is so fucked up and every time I watch another documentary series about it I get angrier. Trial 4 is yet another example how the system in America is way too broken.
The Ripper (2020)
To be completely honest, I don’t remember much about this documentary series. While definitely an interesting case, the docuseries didn’t really wow me.
This was the beginning of the year so I started off my Hidden Gems challenge with such good motivation. Apostle was the first movie I watched for it and I was rather impressed.
I don’t know why Netflix keeps trying… their movies hardly hit the right spot despite trying hard. While I do remember parts of it, I don’t think there’s a lot of good to remember.
💎 Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Don’t remember much about it and I will most likely never think about it again. Just all around forgettable I guess.
Something about football… and I hardly remember it yet again. The beginning of the Hidden Gems challenge was actually rough. It does get rougher though, sadly.
♥️ Lupin: Part 1 (2021-…)
Absolutely loved Part 1 of Lupin, a French Netflix original based on a book series revolving around a master thief. I’ve yet to watch Part 2 that came out in the second half of 2021 but I definitely will. Though the fact that the buzz wore off quickly worries me.
Good Girls: Season 1 to 3 (2018-2021)
This show shot itself in the foot. They gave us an entertaining first season, a stronger second one and then it was downhill towards self destruction. No wonder it was cancelled, I have no plans to watch the last season. Best part of the show: Manny Montana as Rio.
🔄 Never Have I Ever Season 1 (2020-…)
Can’t remember why I rewatched this because I never got to the second season. I wasn’t interested in the love triangle what so ever. Not sure I’ll ever continue with it.
Started but didn’t finish: The Mess You Leave Behind: Limited Series, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 13, Bridgeton
FEBRUARY
Primal Fear (1996)
It’s such a treat to visit older movies for no reason. I watched Primal Fear without any specific reason and enjoyed it a lot. Richard Gere and Edward Norton were great here and even though I sort of saw the twist coming, I still enjoyed the journey.
🔄 Picture Perfect (1997)
As you can tell I started off February with revisiting some older gems. Picture Perfect is a fake-romance romcom with Jennifer Aniston. Not lying when I say it is one of my favourites! It’s not perfect but damn it’s just close to my heart regardless.
🔄 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Didn’t remember the last time I watched an Eddie Muprhy comedy. He has made so many and Beverly Hills Cop is legendary. I laughed out loud many times since I had forgotten a lot about this movie. It was such a joy to revisit it.
The First Wives Club (1996)
Of course I had heard of The First Wives Club but I had never seen it. Now I have and I’m glad. It was a fun watch. Not sure if I’ll revisit it but who knows, I’ve revisited a lot of movies in my time.
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (2021)
This is a pretty well known case from recent years. A rather sad story that took a mysterious turn and got out of hand. I liked some aspects of this but I wasn’t fond of the Youtube fame aspect.
♥️ The Painter and the Thief (2020)
This was hands down my favourite documentary I saw last year and maybe… ever? Bold words but honestly it was so powerful and meaningful. Its premise sounds like it’s made up but it is all real. Magnificent! If you get a chance I definitely recommend watching this.
♥️ I May Destroy You (2020)
Another must for everyone. This miniseries takes a completely different direction compared to for instance Promising Young Woman and it does it even better. While I liked both I feel like I May Destroy You is the superior story here.
Nomadland (2020)
Good and worthy of the attention it got. But as months have passed, despite remembering the movie well, I don’t consider it my favourite. Solitude is an interesting concept to explore in movies though and I look forward to what Chloé Zhao does next (I loved her The Rider as well).
This was a surprising treat as it only takes place in a car through phone calls. But looking at Tom Hardy for an hour and a half, unforgettable experience!
This was yet again a nice surprise, even with Tom Hardy having such a small part in it. It was all about Daniel Craig ‘s character and I enjoyed it quite a lot. The ending was predictable though.
Back to Tom Hardy land with this treat. I remember when the behind the scenes images of Hardy and the puppy appeared, the lust! This is also the reason my sexy movies episode for Across the Universe podcast is so weird. Tom Hardy ruined me for a bit.
Unlikable female characters are a hit and miss for me. In case of I Care a Lot it was a complete miss because the premise is a little too emotional for me. You do not mess with sweet old ladies!
🔄 Ozark: Season 1 to 3 (2017-2022)
Rewatched all three seasons in the hopes the fourth one will come out soon but it will premier in January 2022. Regardless it was still a joy, I showed this to my mom too and she loved it. She keeps asking when the next and final season will come out.
Started but didn’t finish: Scent of a Woman, 9-1-1: Season 4, 9-1-1 Lone Star: Season 2
MARCH
Just letting you know early on that WandaVision was the only Marvel show I watched in 2021. I started with the Falcon one but didn’t get far. So based on my lack of knowledge about the others, this was pretty good. If I think back to it I’m rather certain I prefer Marvel in a movie format.
♥️ Wolfwalkers (2020)
Why this didn’t win the Oscar for Best Animation is a mystery to me. This is the most beautifully told story and it has so many fabulous moments. It’s absolutely wonderful and I’ll definitely revisit it in the future!
Murder Among the Mormons (2021)
The crime documentary series will start slowly disappearing from this list and it might be because I watched a lot of unmemorable ones. This had its moments but overall it dragged on a bit too long.
♥️🔄 Love and Monsters (2020)
My love for Dylan O’Brien will never dwindle and I will always enjoy watching Love and Monsters. It was such a big surprise in 2020 and revisiting it in 2021 was just as fun. I love this movie a lot.
Most likely my favourite Hidden Gems movie I watched in 2021. Not just because it is so good but because as you know I’m afraid of classics. Roman Holiday proved to me that a classic can still sweep me off my feet.
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)
This is the scandal that put Felicity Hoffman behind bars for a second. It was a lot less entertaining than reading and writing about Hoffman.
Another great gem and though it wasn’t as good as Roman Holiday, I still enjoyed it. I could also see so many movies that have been inspired by this one, especially the fashion related ones. That was sort of sweet and sad at the same time.
Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art (2020)
Have no recollection of this but I guess it’s about art. It might be another more recent thing and I think some Hollywood person was related to this. Armie Hammers uncle, father?
This is one of those must watch movies I guess as it is rather talked about. While I didn’t not like it, I didn’t love it either. Though it was always going to go downhill after the Roman Holiday, so I blame myself for watching Audrey Hepburn’s classics in such an order. Should have left first to last.
♥️ Time (2020)
Another documentary that follows the systematic racism problem in America. This time it’s a documentary feature and it’s such a great gem. There are home videos intertwined with fresh footage and it goes together so well. It’s not a black and white story but that’s what I love about it.
Long Shot (2019)
Had to look up what this was because I had even forgotten who acts in this. That is how forgettable this Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen romance comedy is. Blah.
🔄 The Frighteners (1996)
Back to rewatching my favourites and Michel J Fox in The Frighteners was up next. I love this and every time I watch it I remember it’s a lot darker than it seems at first.
🔄 Hannibal: Season 1 (2013-2015)
I will start rewatching Hannibal here and will also get to the second season but then I stop. Still planning to finish this as I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around than the first. When? Who knows.
Started but didn’t finish: 🎙️ 📌 The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, 📌 Hannibal: Season 2
APRIL
Shiva Baby (2020)
While I loved this one right after I watched it, Shiva Baby has slowly become forgettable. It has its moments and it follows yet another unlikable main character but it’s definitely not the best. Still I found it interesting and will recommend it.
The Keepers (2017)
Ah, I had to double check if I remembered this one correctly. It is a docuseries that examines the decades-old murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik and its suspected link to a priest accused of abuse. It’s quite good although I could never remember the title of it.
Seaspiracy (2021)
I watched it because it was like this all knowing documentary but as you know it has its own scandal revolving around it. Apparently it’s not objective at all and even though yes, humans consume way too much, there’s always two sides to the story and Seaspiracy just explores its own agenda.
A Love Song for Latasha (2019)
A documentary short about a 15 year old Latasha Harlins who was fatally shot in 1991. I hardly remember anything about it but apparently the end cards are truly shocking. No surprise here since this again touches on systematic racism in America.
Sugar Daddy (2020)
Apparently I liked Sugar Daddy a lot but I can hardly remember it. It’s about this struggling musician that signs up for a sugar daddy website. I remember parts of it but not entirely, though I do think I loved it’s uniqueness.
Another Round (2020)
It was one of the few non-English movies I watched last year and it was a wild ride. Another Round is definitely not scared to go all out and while it did rub me the wrong way, it is definitely worth your time. Mads Mikkelsen dancing is iconic!
♥️ The Father (2020)
Can one cry too much? Yes, I think one can because that’s the only thing I remember about The Father. The fact that it made me cry a lot and now I’ve blocked out a huge part of this movie. It has some amazing performances though and Anthony Hopkins does a brilliant job carrying this movie.
Minari (2020)
While I didn’t love it as much as The Father it still worked for me. This is one of those award films that doesn’t stand out too much but it’s important. Steven Yeun was nomination for the Best Actor Oscar for this making him the first Asian American actor to receive this honour. About time!
💎 Domino (2005)
I don’t remember if I ever knew that this movies was based on a true story but I remember I was surprised when I found out. It’s not the best and I definitely prefer Keira Knightley in period dramas over anything… action like. Her pants were too low.
💎 London Boulevard (2010)
Again it’s one of those movies that I watched and forgot immediately about afterwards. Hardly remember the plot to this one and having a hard time placing the male lead…
💎 Anna Karenina (2012)
While Knightley is great in period dramas this is not one of those dramas that I enjoyed. I wrote that I wanted to see less flare and more storytelling so I guess I wasn’t super fond of it by the end.
Started but didn’t finish: The Irregulars: Season 1
MAY
Run Lola Run (1998)
The reason I watched this was for a Thursday Movie Picks. Otherwise I would have skipped it because the version I had at hand was dubbed. I hate dubbed movies, it’s just… wrong on many levels. Otherwise this was rather good and definitely an European gem.
Nobody (2021)
It was entertaining but I honestly remember nothing much about it. There’s this memory of enjoyment but that’s about it. I want to say it’s because it was months ago but the next movie on this list I remember a lot better.
The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness (2021)
I have no recollection what this was about, I know it is crime and a docuseries but that’s about it. I might have enjoyed it, might have not. I could look it up but where’s the fun in that.
The Woman in the Window (2021)
This was one of those single location movies that looked good on paper but failed otherwise. I remember a lot about it and I also remember the disappointment. It was just not a fun and entertaining watch.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Another dubbed movie for Thursday Movie Picks. While I didn’t like the live action remake I did enjoy the animated movie it was based on. Sadly the dubbing really ripped me out of the magical world Ghost in the Shell had created.
Wrath of Man (2021)
Jason Statham was probably super hot in this but I hardly remember it. It feels like all the action movies I saw in 2021 have just… disappeared from my brain. What was this even about? A wrath of a man is my best guess here…
This one I remember a lot and it does have scenes I love. It’s not perfect and it’s not the best live action remake (Cinderella with Richard Madden still wins every time) but it’s not the worst either.
I love James McAvoy but man, the entire Hidden Gems challenge month for him was mostly a miss. Again I don’t remember much about the movies except one and Submergence ain’t it. I called it a bland attempt of a romance movie, I think that says it all.
Again an action movie I barely remember. Mark Strong was in it apparently and I don’t really remember but I’m sure he looked great.
💎 The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him (2013)
Definitely the best of my second to last Hidden Gems I made it through in 2021. The acting was great, I didn’t fully hate Jessica Chastain in this and I thought the movie had some great moments. But I didn’t watch the Her version nor the combined version nor will I ever do it.
Started but didn’t finish: Shadow and Bone: Season 1, Why Did You Kill Me?
JUNE
Luz (2021)
It’s a LGBTQ indie movie that was rather okay but lost its focus midway through. I liked how it started and was rather intrigued but the ending was left undeveloped. The chemistry of the two main guys who meet in a prison cell is rather good.
🔄 Entrapment (1999)
While I still find this movie utterly entertaining it’s also freaking disgusting how 68yo Sean Connery gets a 29yo female love interest in the form of Cathereine Zeta Jones in this one. Like there’s no excuses for this Hollywood… even though I still like the plot on paper a lot.
Final month of my Hidden Gems challenge that I managed to complete was in June and with Rachel Weisz. I love her and I think she is amazing but I wasn’t blown away by my random picks at all. What I remember here is that I had a huge issue with the chemistry.
Accidentally stumbled on two Weisz movies with Keanu Reeves and with my endless admiration for Keanu was rather pleased with myself. Chain Reaction is another action movie that is rather forgettable but I still love you, Keanu!
I’d say it was the best of the Hidden Gems in June but I don’t think it’s true. While the movie might have been better when it came out the CGI here feels especially outdated now. Plus having been familiar with the whole story a bit (based on the series) I wasn’t as surprised as I wanted to be.
Ragnarok: Season 2 (2021-…)
This Norwegian show is still among my favourites, even though its second season wasn’t as good. I loved the first season but the second, as they usually do, lost a bit of its footing. Loved how Loki’s story was brought into the series though.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
Didn’t watch many miniseries this year so I remember this one rather well. And oh boy, am I still mad at it or what!? Considering that it angered me means that I cared for this and while the plot of the crime wasn’t as interesting as other things were, I still enjoyed it.
Started but didn’t finish: 📌 Elite: Season 4, Love, Victor: Season 2, Evil: Season 1
JULY
♥️ 🔄 Legally Blonde (2001)
While it has its flaws Legally Blonde is still one badass movie that deserves all the love! It’s great to revisit it time after time and July 2021 was that time to bend and snap yet again.
This is the beginning of what I could only call an obsession. Extraordinary You marks my first venture into Kdramas and I’m having a hard time looking back. While I will discover many more Kdramas going forward from here, some far better than this, I will always make room for Extraordinary You in my heart.
♥️ Young Royals: Season 1 (2021)
A great summer series to spice up your life. Young Royals is a Swedish show about a prince who gets sent to a boarding school. There he discovers some things and then everything changes. It’s a great show, it makes some truly good choices and I can’t wait for season 2.
🎙️ 🔄 Across the Universe (2007)
For me it was a rewatch that I didn’t particularly enjoy but it was alright. I’m just picky with my musicals. Plus, I remembered enough to not revisit it with enthusiasm which I think was how I approached it the first time around.
🔄 Sully (2016)
Another rewatch because for some reason I really like this movie. There’s not a lot to it but the way it’s put together and I love how the editing elevates the slow burn progression of the investigation. It’s all just so well made. Also you can’t go wrong with an everyday hero, right?!
♥️ 🔄 Ted Lasso: Season 1 (2020-…)
While waiting for the second season I rewatched the first, even though I remembered most of it. Still one of the best comedies out there because it’s not afraid to go dark at times.
Started but didn’t finish: Never Have I Ever: Season 2
AUGUST
Sophie: A Murder in West Cork (2021)
This murder case in Ireland was a surprising treat. I remember quite a lot about it but I can’t be certain if I remember who done it… was it actually left unsolved?
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Better than the other one which I don’t even want to talk about but still not the best. There are definitely improvements here that need to be witnessed. But like it made a few plot choices that I wasn’t too fond of.
♥️ CODA (2021)
My 2020 was all about Sound of Metal and I figured 2021 was going to be about CODA. It surely felt like my favourite of 2021 when I saw it but things changed. Anyway it is about this hearing girl among her deaf family inspired to become a singer. It’s great regardless of it not becoming my favourite of the year.
Find Me in Your Memory (2020)
My second Kdrama of 2021 didn’t go as well as I thought. I have now realised that it’s the kind of drama that I shouldn’t really gravitate towards. Now that I know my preference better I know it’s not Find Me in Your Memory’s fault.
♥️ Kingdom: Season 1 to 2 (2019-…)
Zombie period drama!? Hell yes! Kingdom is so good and I thank my newly found love for Kdramas because I don’t think I would have took the blunge for it otherwise. It has a lot of great elements and I cannot wait for the story to progress.
Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)
After season 2 and before season 3 there’s also a movie to go with the series. The movie isn’t as good and shouldn’t be movie length – a 60 minute episode would have sufficed. Do not watch it before season 1 and 2 though, it spoils the series .
SEPTEMBER
🔄 Bring It On (2000)
Another one of my feel good movies that I turn back to time after time. It’s fun, it’s a bit silly and it is far better than any of the Netflix teen movies coming out nowadays.
Cinderella (2021)
There are no words to describe my hate for the 2021 Cinderella. Not only is this musical version filled with crappy songs (no offence), it also looks horrible.
Black Widow (2021)
Marvel for me is a hit and miss and it always has been. Black Widow is another miss for me but I knew this going in. That’s why it took me so long to watch it but I figured I should before I saw the next movie.
♥️ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Love this! I know it is a stereotypical Marvel movie but it is still unique. Simu Liu is god damn adorable too so I could never dislike anything he will be in. Maybe that’s an exaggeration but that’s how I feel right now. That bus scene is brilliant!
♥️ Corpus Christi (2019)
I wanted to see this Polish film ages ago so when I saw that they had a free screening of this I was first in line. This is a great movie too! I didn’t know I was going to love it so much but I guess a part of me knew it all along. It deals with religion and does it in this dark, almost entertaining way.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (2016)
This is where things will go into frenzy soon and I’m not even sorry. Weightlifting Fairy is not the best Kdrama out there but the male lead portrayed by Nam Joo-Hyuk is just way too charismatic! It has issues, especially the whole eating/weight aspect but as I know more about Korea and its beauty standards it makes total sense.
The Green Knight (2021)
Trying to remember exactly what this movie was about and for the life of me I cannot remember. Might explain why I only gave it three stars.
Kate (2021)
Female led action movies are a great change of pace but they don’t have to be so damn silly. While it looks badass it also looks incredibly stupid because no human can withstand so much as Kate does here.
🔄 Hairspray (2007)
No idea why I wanted to see female John Travolta in a fat suit again but hey, we went there. This one is a strange gem that I keep going back to every now and then. There’s just something about it.
Nevertheless, (2021)
If you want a Kdrama that is a bit more raunchy then this is it. After seeing a few this shocked me because the sex happens rather fast in this and that’s a rare thing for Kdramas. The ending loses the plot but the first half of this is great.
♥️ Free Guy (2021)
What a fun little surprise of a movie. Ryan Reynolds might play himself yet again but I didn’t mind one bit. The movie is fun, full of good jokes and has a refreshing plot. Definitely goes into my feel good rewatch list.
Romance is a Bonus Book (2019)
Now some Kdramas tend to be more PG than others, Romance is a Bonus Book is definitely on that more innocent side. It’s not necessarily a bad one though and it has some good elements to it. The plot takes place in a publishing company, the main guy is younger than the female lead and he dresses so well! Love fall/winter vibes in Kdramas, all the cardigans and layers, perfection!
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
This one is a bit of an emotional ride and while it is absolutely wonderful it is also a bit too over the top. There’s just this underlining need to be too much which then contradicts the main plot points a bit. A few questionable choices here and there but otherwise It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a must for any Kdrama fan.
Sex Education: Season 3 (2019-…)
Netflix did good with bringing Sex Education onto the screen but now we need it to stop. The plot is starting to unravel and the show has lost its focus. Eric who used to be my favourite is written into a selfish brat and there’s just a lot of character development and lack thereof in season 3. The only reason I’d continue watching is for Adam.
Started but didn’t finish: 📌 Vincenzo, 📌 Mystic Pop-up Bar
OCTOBER
♥️ Squid Game: Season 1 (2021-…)
Welcome to the world wide craze of Squid Game! Have you heard about this Kdrama, you probably have and good for you. This falls into the category that I have a lot of respect towards in terms of Kdramas – it does blood really good. Most bloody Kdramas are the perfect kind of dark and I can’t explain it. Anyway Squid Game is a must and try out Alice in Borderland as well.
Her Private Life (2019)
It was a fun watch considering this Kdrama is about this 30-something woman in love with a Kpop idol. And then we have this mean and angry boss that the female lead hates in the beginning. It’s just a fun plot and it tries to explain what liking an idol entails. That part was fun for me as I myself am so new to Kpop.
Run On (2020)
The more I think about Run On, the more I like it. It has these very opposite lead characters and the male lead is wonderful. There’s some online discussion that the male character might have some form of autism but it’s never actually stated in the show. The meet cute is super cute!
Because This is My First Life (2017)
This one was like every romcom lovers dream! A woman moves into an apartment not knowing she has a male roommate, they hate each other because he has so many rules. But then they make a deal to fake date – so basically it’s perfect! He also has the cutest and fluffiest cat and she truly stole the show!
♥️ Dune (2021)
I keep going back to it in my mind and I think that Dune is my favourite movie of 2021. Not entirely decided on that yet but it seems like it because what a joy it was. It was captivating and interesting even though there’s not much going on in this movie! Dune never really gets into full swing of it and yet manages to capture your attention. Also, I cannot lie, Timothée Chalamet is brilliant and so is Rebecca Ferguson.
♥️ My Love from the Star (2013)
I ventured back in time a bit in September 2021 (which is the month where I had my sick leave = I watched a lot of shit) and My Love from the Star was my first blast from the past. It’s an “older” Kdrama and it revolves around an alien stuck on Earth. He eventually is able to go back but before he meets this annoying actress. It’s adorable and funny because they do not make the romance easy for him, he gets sick when he exchanges bodily fluids with humans. Funny and emotional.
Oh My Venus (2015)
Rather problematic Kdrama because it features a weight loss journey. At first it’s down right offensive, then it gets alright and then it’s offensive again. But Shin Min-a is such a charismatic female lead here that I do sort of have a soft spot for it. But barely, cause honestly it’s not very good.
♥️ Coffee Prince (2007)
Another venture back in time and this one is absolutely wonderful again! Here our female lead, who is a tomboy at heart, pretends to be a boy in order to work at a cafe. But oh no, the boss there is super nice and despite thinking she is a boy, he falls in love with him/her. As problematic as it sounds it’s handled well and Gong Yoo is amazing here!
♥️ Ted Lasso: Season 2 (2020-…)
This show does things right and it does things well. Ted Lasso season 2 was almost as good as the first but frankly I don’t know if anything can top the first season. While there was a lot more emotional impact with season 2, there were also some great laughs.
Started but didn’t finish: 📌 Boys Over Flowers
NOVEMBER
♥️ Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
It is time to announce my favourite Kdrama of 2021 and it is Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. This is the perfect romcom my heart has been missing for years. There’s the small town vibes with great supportive characters. But nothing is as good as Kim Seon-Ho in this, he is amazing! His pairing with Shin Min-a is magical as well. And while it stars off so sweet, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha will take you on a roller coaster ride full of emotions.
I Am Not a Robot (2017)
A bit of a quirky Kdrama that has our female lead pretending to be a robot. The male lead has some sort of illness that makes him allergic to human touch so he agrees to test the robot. It sounds a bit silly but it ain’t that bad. While a little messy I actually had fun with this one.
My Secret, Terrius (2018)
Not the best out of the Kdramas I saw in 2021 but also not the worst. I think it helped that there was this plot of a secret agent pretending to be a nanny for two kids. Other than that, nothing much to it.
The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019)
While the idea is great here the execution of this Kdrama is a tad bit too messy. There’s this whole plot of the male lead losing his ability to see human faces except the one of his secretary. It’s confusing to say at least but Kim Young-kwang did capture my attention.
♥️ Still 17 (2018)
A woman wakes up from a long coma thinking she’s still 17. Definitely a great set up and wonderful characters all around. There’s a lot of charm to it and I loved it a lot.
Love Hard (2021)
You know what, this wasn’t as bad as I thought. As far as Netflix movies go Love Hard manages to stand out a little. There are many wonderful scenes here and I loved what Jimmy O. Yang brought to the table. Also add a fake dating trope to a movie and I’m into it.
The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)
A Barbara Streisand romcom from 1996? Why not! While it was a bit shaky with its plot set up it had a fake dating trope and that made it enjoyable for me. The ending scene was cute too.
♥️ Animals (2021)
While I have a heart in front of it Animals is definitely not something to love. It is a great movie but it deals with a horrific crime that happened in real life. It’s filmed in a way that you feel disgusted and it actually made me feel uneasy. Rarely do movies shock me so much that I get a physical reaction. This one did.
Though I didn’t love House of Gucci and the way it approached the scandalous story about the Gucci family, I liked that it brought me back to blogging. Writing a review for it felt like I was starting to find myself again. Oh and Adam Driver is hot!
♥️ 🔄 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Rewatched this gem because I felt like it. Still as entertaining as the first time around.
Mad For Each Other (2021)
I had forgotten I watched this out of the box Kdrama. It’s a bit shorter and its format is more western than Korean but it’s still quite fun. Tad bit crazy and as the title says a little mad but also a great introduction to Kdramas if anyone is interested.
One Spring Night (2019)
You would think all the Kdramas will start to blend into one once you’ve seen so many in such a short period of time but nope, I still manage to differentiate them. This one was rather unique in its concept because it dealt with cheating and being a single parent. The last doesn’t seem as controversial but for the conservative Korean culture that’s like a crime or something.
Hellbound (2021)
Religious aspects are sort of intertwined into Hellbound but not really. It’s hard to explain because the first season ends on a cliffhanger. There will be a second one which hopefully explains a little more.
Started but didn’t finish: 📌 Something in the Rain
DECEMBER
Another Christmas movie I watched and this one wasn’t as bad either. Maybe I’m becoming soft with my romance movies but I thought it had its moments. Plus it made history with having a gay love story in its center and a gay black male lead actor.
♥️ Anonymously Yours (2021)
The most random watch of 2021 which I ended up liking because again, I’m not that picky with romance these days. Kdramas have made me soft! But this one is a teen romcom where the main duo hates each other in real life but they are unaware that they are texting each other. Cute.
Sweet Home (2020-…)
Another supernatural Netflix series that will get another season soon. It is very bloody, isn’t afraid to shock the viewers and has a very good male lead. While not perfect it was very entertaining to watch!
♥️ Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Definitely one of my favourites and it almost took the crown away from Dune. But while it pulled on nostalgia strings and delivered great twists, it didn’t pull of the win. Tom Holland is a gem though, isn’t he!?
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
While I did enjoy Venom, the sequel was not as great. It tried hard but it failed to deliver a great story. What it did do well is that it kept the runtime in an hour and a half which was perfect. Plus Tom Holland is always delightful!
The Unforgivable (2021)
Sandra Bullock award grab? Probably not. While a good idea on paper the movie doesn’t hit all the right spots and Bullock just isn’t enough to carry the movie. A comedic actress in a dramatic role is nothing shocking, actors have been doing it for a while.
tick, tick…BOOM! (2021)
Went in relatively blind and came out surprised. The story itself is so damn sad if you think about it and I think Andrew Garfield was a great choice here. He looks sad but he also looks good, and who knew he had it in him to sing like that!
Having A-list actors and actresses doesn’t mean you got yourself a great movie, Netflix! It’s not about throwing money at something, it’s about making an entertaining movie. And while it entertained some Don’t Look Up did not entertain me.
Fractured (2019)
Unfortunately the last movie of 2021 ended up being some crappy thriller where I guessed the damn twist in the first few minutes of the movie. What a joy…
♥️ Law School (2021)
Luckily I wasn’t as dumb with my Kdramas and ended 2021 with Law School. While a lot more serious and a lot more subtitles to read, Law School was a wonderful treat. It’s a mix of How to Get Away With Murder and Scandal, sort of. It’s very fun and Kim Bum is great here! As is the female lead actress Hye-young Ryu.
Started but didn’t finish: 📌 Good Morning Call, 📌 Hello, Me!
That’s it for the masterlist of 2021. Definitely changed a lot during the year but I don’t know if this change is permanent or not. Right now though I’m watching a lot of Kdramas yet again so I guess I haven’t changed back yet.
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