AFI Awards: Top Ten Films and TV Shows of 2021 Revealed

Yesterday, The American Film Institute (AFI) announced its list of what it considers to be the top 10 TV shows and films throughout the thick and thin of 2021. 

Crowning many big-name directors, projects catalyzed by streaming platforms, and even some impressive newcomers, AFI rounded up an honorable circle of winners. The organization, who only recognizes American productions in their eligibility, also chose a few honorable mentions that didn’t quite meet the criteria for top contenders to receive an AFI Special Award. 

The actual awards will be presented during the AFI Awards’ private reception taking place on January 7th at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles, California. 

See the top picks below (listed in alphabetical order). 

AFI Top 10 Television Programs of the Year

Hacks
Maid
Mare of Easttown
Reservation Dogs
Schmigadoon!
Succession
Ted Lasso
The Underground Railroad
Wandavision
The White Lotus

AFI Special Award (TV)

Squid Game

AFI Top 10 Films of the Year

CODA
Don’t Look Up
Dune
King Richard
Licorice Pizza
Nightmare Alley
The Power of the Dog
Tick, Tick… Boom!
The Tragedy of Macbeth
West Side Story

AFI Special Award (Film)

Belfast
Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

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