2021 was a massive year for Lin-Manuel Miranda. While the actor, writer, songwriter, playwright, singer and director is best known for creating the Broadway sensation Hamilton, he's also carved a sizable place for himself in the film industry. Not only has he worked on the songs of Moana in the past, but he has also now had a hand in bringing four unique movies to life, both animated and live-action.
With such a stacked year for Miranda, now seems to be a good time to rank all of his films from 2021 with an average critic ranking from Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. While each film features singing and entertaining songs, they all have a unique story and message. As a result, no matter where these films place, they likely have something different for viewers to take from it and will impact viewers in many different ways.
4. Vivo Is Vibrant and Fun, But Not Always Memorable
Released on Netflix, Vivo follows a singing kinkajou of the same name. After his master passes away with plans to leave his home in Cuba and confess his love to a woman from his past, Vivo decides to deliver the message himself. While encountering new faces on his journey, Vivo learns the importance of family and the power of love. The film features some great songs and unique animation. With an average score of 76.5 out of 100, critics note what works with the film and mention that even with its spectacle and vibrancy, it doesn't stay in the public consciousness as much as Miranda's other projects.
3. tick, tick...BOOM! Captures the Story of a Broadway Icon
Miranda's directorial debut, tick, tick...BOOM! is a biographical musical and adaptation of a rock monologue of the same name that follows composer Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) and his struggles to get one of his projects off the ground. The story goes through the trials and triumphs of his life, and while some of the real-life events are slightly altered, the story still captures Larson's drive and the years leading up to him creating Rent. Earning an amalgam score of 80.5, critics have commented about how the film shows the ups and downs of the creative process and how it also honors Larson's legacy.
2. Encanto Is Disney's Latest Classic
Disney's latest animated outing, Encanto, follows a family bestowed with magical gifts who also live in a magical, sentient home. However, one family member, Mirabel Madrigal, did not get a superpower and is faced with the biggest family challenge of them all. The film has been a smash hit, with fans creating multiple theories over some of the lesser explained moments of the film. On the other hand, critics have mentioned how the film tackles themes of family struggles and expectations while having some fantastic songs to convey this. Ultimately, Encanto is a Disney classic and offers a look at some heavy themes that films don't discuss too often, earning it an average score of 83.
1. In the Heights Is Full of Heart
Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's stage musical of the same name, In the Heights follows multiple people as they survive the hot summer days in Washington Heights. As audiences enjoy the songs, there are also plenty of chances to see the inner struggles of the many families in the city. However, for every obstacle, there's also a chance at love, growth and happiness. With an amalgam score of 89, the film is a hit among critics, who mention that while it doesn't represent every aspect of Latin America, it represents the struggles and hard work that the many characters in the movie go through. Most importantly, it also reminds people to chase their dreams, even if it comes in unexpected ways.