As a film enthusiast with over 20 years of experience under my belt, I must say that this year has been a real treat for us cinephiles! The films listed here are nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity within the industry today.
2024’s year-end has rolled around again, which makes it an ideal moment for us to review the top films of the year!
2021 has been quite a remarkable year for cinema, with an array of fantastic action films, compelling dramas, and captivating sequels gracing our screens. Both horror and animation genres have held strong at the box office, while superhero movies (at least one) have managed to hold their own. However, what stands out as the best films of the year?
To determine our top picks for 2024 movies, we employed an unconventional approach: utilizing popcorn as incentive, we asked each member of our TV and film team to nominate ten films (from US releases). Subsequently, our senior team undertook the task of narrowing down the list. Following numerous heated discussions (often characterized by animated exchanges), they finally presented a list showcasing their preferred outstanding films of that year.
Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! I’ve got some news that might sting a bit, especially for my fellow Trap music lovers out there. Unfortunately, not all our favorite movies are getting a second chance on the silver screen. If you missed grabbing tickets when they were playing in theaters, let me tell ya, it was a mistake you might regret!
Keep in mind that it’s currently November, and there are numerous films yet to premiere, such as Mufasa, Sonic 3, and Kraven. Bookmark this list, as we’ll be continually updating it with new releases for the remainder of 2024.
25. Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the star-studded cast for this upcoming film includes:
In essence: After the Harkonnen assault on Arrakis, Paul seeks to master the Fremen customs with the aim of eventually unifying their tribes and reclaiming his ancestral heritage.
“What makes it appealing: If we were to evaluate the movies of 2024 based on ambition, Dune: Part Two would lead the pack. Villeneuve’s second foray into Arrakis is more expansive and audacious than the first, with Greig Fraser’s stunning cinematography, epic action sequences, and Hans Zimmer’s powerful soundtrack contributing to its grandeur.
Personally speaking, what truly sets this movie apart is how Villeneuve masterfully translates Frank Herbert’s complex text and the intricate world of Dune into a tale that’s accessible to all audiences. Among many captivating aspects, I must admit that Austin Butler’s chilling portrayal of Stellan Skarsgård left an indelible impression on me.
Read our Dune 2 review here.
Words by Tom Percival
24. Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
Characters voiced in Japanese by Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, and Yuki Kaji. English voice actors are Bryson Baugus, Scott Gibbs, and Clint Bickham.
The highly anticipated showdown: The Wildcats and Ravens clash, symbolizing the vigor of rivalry and the charm of our high school athletics.
What we enjoy about it: For Haikyuu!! enthusiasts, this game has been highly anticipated, and its cinematic presentation allows all characters to truly shine. The exhilarating plays and intense strategic decisions are further accentuated by glimpses into each player’s journey – a testament to the fact that every individual has an intriguing backstory both on and off the court.
Words by Anthony McGlynn
Read our Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle review here.
23. Rebel Ridge
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, James Cromwell
The Main Topic: Former Marine, Terry Richmond, pedals towards Shelby Springs to rescue his cousin from jail. After being forced off the road by two officers, they confiscate his funds and refuse to return it, following orders from their corrupt superior. With no other choice, he vows, “I must deal with these scoundrels myself.
What makes it great: Rebel Ridge stands out as one of Netflix’s finest releases: a sharp, nerve-wracking, and emotionally satisfying action movie that seems like the 21st century’s first genuine successor to First Blood. It features an intelligent, equally powerful lead character, and Johnson delivers his most smarmy and brilliant performance yet. Is it too enthusiastic? “Not at all.
Words by Cameron Frew
22. The Apprentice
Director: Ali Abbasi
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova
In a Nutshell: The TV show “The Apprentice” offers a glimpse into Donald Trump’s journey, tracing his climb through New York’s real estate world and his social ascent, supported by the influential attorney Roy Cohn.
What makes it appealing: The Apprentice presents itself as a traditional American horror narrative, yet it skillfully unfolds into a chilling moral warning about the shadowy aspects of the American Dream. Sebastian Stan captures Donald Trump with an appropriate blend of charm and charisma to account for his rise. Nevertheless, the film suggests that Roy Cohn was instrumental in shaping the man we recognize today, tracing a line from his words, guidance, and life lessons straight to the White House.
Read our The Apprentice review here.
Words by Chris Tilly
21. Kinds of Kindness
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Margaret Qualley, Willem Dafoe, Hunter Schafer
The narrative unfolds as a connected trilogy: A man grapples with the desire to end his life, a police officer’s spouse undergoes a transformation upon her return home, and a woman embarks on a quest for the otherworldly.
You’ll likely appreciate Kinds of Kindness if you enjoyed Lanthimos’ previous works such as Dogtooth and The Lobster. Unlike The Favourite and Poor Things, it is less fantastical but still not for the sensitive viewers. I find it hard to choose a favorite among the three tales… Stone and Plemons have mastered the art of transformative acting, learning from Tilda Swinton’s expertise in this area.
Read our Kinds of Kindness review here.
Words by Jasmine Valentine
20. Maria
Director: Pablo Larraín
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Haluk Bilginer, Alba Rohrwacher, Kodi Smit-McPhee
This story follows an imaginary film crew as they explore 1970s Paris, sharing the later days and life story of opera singer Maria Callas before her passing.
What we admire about it: I came across this a month ago while working on this article, and it still moves me to tears. Jolie is giving Mikey Madison a run for her money in the Best Actress category, with her heart-wrenching portrayal of Maria Callas. In his 20th-century women series, Larraín excels at capturing a specific moment and dissecting it painfully, and this may well be his finest work yet.
Words by Jasmine Valentine
19. Gladiator 2
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal
Title Summary:
One reason we’re excited about it: Gladiator 2 was high on my list of anticipated films for the year, and it didn’t fail to deliver. It restored Ridley Scott’s favor with many fans who were starting to wane, and also recruited some of today’s top Hollywood stars to breathe new life into the historical drama genre.
No, it’s not perfect, but with the bloody violence and scheming characters, there’s an element of opera to Gladiator 2 that can’t be ignored. And that’s all without mentioning Denzel Washington, who elevates the movie to dastardly heights. Come for Paul Mescal in a tunic; stay for flesh-hungry monkeys.
Read our Gladiator 2 review here.
Words by Jessica Cullen
18. Blink Twice
Director: Zoë Kravitz
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Alia Shawkat, Christian Slater
Overview: Tech tycoon Slater King extends an invitation to cocktail server Frida to accompany him and his friends on a secluded island getaway. Initially appearing as a perfect escape, the trip swiftly transforms into a harrowing ordeal when Frida starts observing unsettling incidents, leading to a tense battle for survival in a sinister predicament.
Reason for appreciation: Kravitz skillfully combines social commentary and enjoyment in her first directorial work, titled Blink Twice. The film tackles serious issues such as power abuses and the female perspective, yet it avoids coming across as didactic. Instead, these themes are intricately woven into a thrilling, engaging, and mind-bending journey. The climax is unexpected yet satisfying, serving as a form of release. Above all, it provides an authentic portrayal of a familiar experience for smokers: the struggle to keep track of their lighter.
Read our Blink Twice review here.
Words by Daisy Phillipson
17. Hit Man
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, Sanjay Rao
What it’s about: Based on the true story of Gary Johnson, Hit Man follows a shy college professor who goes undercover with the New Orleans police as a fake hitman. Along the way, though, he falls in love with a prospective client, and things get very complicated very quickly.
Although it has a fresh concept, Hit Man seems like a successful revival of the character-focused films from the 90s. This movie manages to be odd and captivating without relying on excessive action or ridiculous special effects.
Rather than relying on plot or complexity, this production leans heavily on the captivating charisma of its main actor, Glen Powell, who enthusiastically showcases his acting skills beyond mere physical fitness, to deliver a remarkably deep and dark tale that carries an unexpected level of depth for a Netflix comedy.
Read our Hit Man review here.
Words by Tom Percival
16. Conclave
Director: Edward Berger
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Carlos Diehz
The Subject Matter: Following the demise of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence orchestrates a papal conclave with the purpose of selecting a new supreme pontiff. As time progresses and votes accumulate, potential candidates emerge and crumble under the burden of their scandals and ambition for power. However, they are required to select a new Holy Father, regardless of the challenges involved.
Why I can’t get enough: These would-be popes are cunning paradoxes, and it seems they live by the words in James 1:26 – those who control their tongues best are least likely to deceive themselves or their faith. Yet, that’s what makes Conclave so captivating; its storyline is as divine as a secret whispered, and as deep and meaningful as any parable. I may not be able to predict the outcome, but this game is definitely a hit!
Words by Cameron Frew
15. Strange Darling
Director: JT Mollner
Cast: Kyle Gallner, Willa Fitzgerald, Barbara Hershey
The plot revolves around: A chilling tale where a deranged serial killer pursues his victims in a nerve-wracking cat-and-mouse chase, following an unforeseen one-night encounter.
Reason for our appreciation: Strange Darling redefines the serial murder genre in a similar way Pulp Fiction revolutionized crime stories, by playing with timelines and moving back and forth to create unexpected twists, surprises, and layers within a relatively straightforward plot. The innovative storytelling method by writer-director JT Mollner is complemented by exceptional performances from Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald, establishing them as standout actors in 2024.
Read our Strange Darling review here.
Words by Chris Tilly
14. I Saw the TV Glow
Director: Jane Schoenbrun
Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine
Main Topic: In 1996, Owen becomes captivated by The Pink Oqaque, a dreamy young adult series that airs late at night. He forms a friendship with Maddy, a troubled teenager who shares his passion for the show. However, as years go by, the boundary between reality and fiction becomes increasingly unclear for both of them, mirroring their growing confusion about their own identities.
What makes it appealing: This is one of the genuine masterpieces of the past decade; a film that confronts the deep-seated, terrifying anxieties of our generation in a unique and chilling manner. It’s not just scary, but also beautiful – a soothing balm for those who find solace in stories, a fairy tale for those who have become too reliant or detached from the comfort that such obsession provides. As the end credits appeared, I found myself unable to speak or move, with tears drying on my face as the screen’s light slowly vanished.
Words by Cameron Frew
13. The First Omen
Director: Arkasha Stevenson
Cast: Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga
The narrative revolves around a woman who serves as a nun from America, visiting an orphanage situated in Rome. As events unfold, it becomes progressively obvious that malevolent forces – perhaps even the Devil himself – are at play.
One reason we enjoy it: The Omen could potentially be the top entry in its series. The backstory presented in Stevenson’s prequel is intriguing, growing more captivating as the pieces fall into place. Striking, vivid imagery emerges unexpectedly, immersing us in a darker world. Evil isn’t approaching; it’s already here.
Read our The First Omen review here.
Words by Anthony McGlynn
12. Furiosa
Director: George Miller
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke
In a time prior to Mad Max: Fury Road, a young Furiosa embarks on a quest for vengeance against the cruel Dementus, who is responsible for her mother’s death.>
People generally had two expectations when they saw Furiosa. First, they wanted an outstanding villain portrayal by Chris Hemsworth and a thrilling journey across the wasteland filled with action. Furiosa exceeded these expectations significantly.
Hemsworth portrays an unforgettable villain with a flamboyant performance, combining yells, kicks, and smiles that linger in our minds. The thrilling desert chase led by Furiosa, seamlessly continuing from the gritty and dusty mayhem of Mad Max, is nothing less than breathtaking.
Read our Furiosa review here.
Words by Jessica Cullen
11. Twisters
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane
The Plot: Former storm chaser Kate Carter is summoned from retirement by an old acquaintance who’s involved in cutting-edge technology designed to forecast deadly tornadoes. But when Kate encounters captivating social media sensation Tyler Owens, she begins to doubt whether her new employer has noble intentions.
Why I Can’t Get Enough: This summer, Twisters (or Twister$, as they call it in one of my chat groups) left audiences spellbound, and believe me, even I, a hardcore cynic, thought it was just another cash grab. But boy, was I wrong! Isaac Chung’s movie proved the skeptics wrong with its perfect blend of jaw-dropping spectacle, endearing characters, and a heartwarming romance that leaves you wanting more.
Mixing their exceptional on-screen connection, as portrayed by Edgar-Jones and Powell, creates an ideal setting for the century’s most captivating storm movie. The only issue we have is that Spielberg chose not to include that kiss – a decision that shows even the best can err occasionally.
Read our Twisters review here.
Words by Tom Percival
10. The Wild Robot
Director: Chris Sanders
Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry
Story Overview: Robot Roz, model ROZZUM Unit 7134 (often referred to as ‘Roz’), is a household robot that experiences a crash-landing on an animal-inhabited island. Feeling lost and aimless, an unfortunate event occurs when she inadvertently destroys a goose nest, leaving behind a solitary egg. Bonding with a solitary fox, they work together to nurture the young gosling until it’s time for its migration.
Why we like it: The Wild Robot made me cry not once, not twice, but thrice – it may even be DreamWorks’ best film since Shrek 2. It has the studio’s magic sauce: a jaw-dropping voice ensemble (you won’t recognize them until the credits, and then you’ll shout, ‘That was them?’), dazzling visuals, and an irresistibly emotional story that speaks two universal, all-ages languages: love and kindness.
“Sometimes to survive, we must become more than we are programmed to be.”
Words by Cameron Frew
9. Woman of the Hour
Director: Anna Kendrick
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Daniel Zovatto, Tony Hale
The movie is centered around: A story inspired by the actual TV appearance of Rodney Alcala, also known as the Dating Game Killer. It revolves around Cheryl Bradshaw, a young woman who encounters an unrecognized serial killer during her time on a dating show.
One reason we found it appealing: Similar to many other years, true crime remained popular in 2024, with numerous documentaries and horror films focusing on killers. However, Woman of the Hour stood out as one of the most sincere and thoughtful investigations into a real-life case to date. Anna Kendrick’s compelling directorial debut demonstrated that she truly has an important message to share.
The case of Rodney Alcala is a lengthy and truly awful example of human nature, but Kendrick perfectly examined his character through one main event: his real-life appearance on a dating show. It’s an intense journey from start to finish but truly succeeded in giving us the scariest scene of 2024.
Read our Woman of the Hour review here.
Words by Jessica Cullen
8. Deadpool & Wolverine
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen.
As a die-hard gamer, let me tell you this: When I find out that the Time Variance Authority is about to erase my timeline due to it being all used up, the wisecracking Deadpool takes it upon himself to seek out the one guy who might just have what it takes to turn things around – none other than Wolverine. It’s a race against time, and I can’t wait to see how this unfolds!
Reason for our appreciation: The MCU has been facing some challenges lately, but Kevin Feige brought in Marvel’s deity, or Deadpool, to help out. And help out he did! Deadpool was hilarious, rebellious, and filled with profanities. His initial entry into the larger Marvel Universe was a triumph, living up to its predecessors’ reputation for being crude and violent.
Instead of saying “Even better, the film performed a miracle and gave us what we’d been waiting for over two decades: Hugh Jackman’s derriere in yellow spandex,” you could rephrase it as follows: “Amazingly, the movie delivered something long-awaited for more than two decades – Hugh Jackman’s buttocks in yellow spandex.” This paraphrase maintains the essence of your original statement while using less formal language that is easy to understand.
Read our Deadpool & Wolverine review here.
Words by Tom Percival
7. Anora
Director: Sean Baker
Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eidelstein, Yuriy Borisov
The story revolves around a woman who works in the sex industry from Brooklyn, who enters into marriage with the son of a wealthy Russian businessman. However, complications arise as his family learns about the union and sets out to have it annulled.
Why we appreciate it: Sean Baker’s movies focusing on sex workers and marginalized individuals seem to have been leading up to Anora all along, throughout his career. This is his most comprehensive work yet; a captivating character study that unfolds from a vibrant tale of young love, and a film that’s humorous, suspenseful, melancholic, then ultimately thought-provoking due to one of the most thought-provoking endings in 2024.
Words by Chris Tilly
6. Love Lies Bleeding
Director: Rose Glass
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brien, Ed Harris, Dave Franco, Jena Malone
The story revolves around Lou, a gym manager, who unexpectedly develops deep feelings for the enigmatic bodybuilder Jackie upon her arrival in town. Yet, his involvement with a criminal family of his own results in an escalation of conflict rather than romance.
Why we like it: Be still my lesbian heart. Remember how Wachowski’s Bound managed to infuse life-threatening crime with a happy sapphic ending? Glass manages more of the same here, only upping the visual ante. It’s full of humor, gym sweats, and psychedelic hallucinations – and she doesn’t hold back on the gore either. Personally, it’s a K Stew performance I’ll never forget.
Read our Love Lies Bleeding review here.
Words by Jasmine Valentine
5. Wicked
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the extraordinary cinematic experience that is “Wicked,” directed by the talented Jon M. Chu. This enchanting prequel to the classic tale of Oz introduces us to Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and unveils her untold story.
4. The Substance
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Main Topic: At 50, Elizabeth Sparkle is considered past her prime in show business. But a potential solution might be at hand – an enigmatic drug that generates a youthful, more successful version of herself. However, she (or they) must keep one thing in mind: “You are one.” (This means that the new version is still Elizabeth Sparkle and not someone else.)
Why we like it: Fargeat never respects the balance, and that’s the pumped-up, pulpy beauty of The Substance; diabolically funny, disgusting, and deeply tragic, with a career-best performance from Moore, a star-certifying turn from Qualley, and Quaid at his most exquisitely despicable. Here, self-loathing and narcissism are two sides of the same coin; it’s not about the (body-)horror of aging, but rather the fragility of one’s worth, in our eyes and theirs.
Read our Substance review here.
Words by Cameron Frew
3. Longlegs
Director: Osgood Perkins
Cast: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt
Topic Summary: FBI agent Lee Harker employs her exceptional intuition to probe into a string of peculiar murders committed by a notorious serial killer called Longlegs. However, as she delves further, she uncovers ties to the case and the killer that exceed her expectations.
One way of paraphrasing the given sentence could be:
The skillful production of the film effectively amplified its suspense and unease, leaving a lasting impact. It posed questions without always providing answers, which only added to its enigmatic and indelible status as one of the most captivating horror films of the year. This masterful work by Oz Perkins has certainly ensured his recognition (if he wasn’t already on people’s radar).
Read our Longlegs review here.
Words by Jessica Cullen
2. Challengers
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist
Story Overview: A once-promising tennis player, now hindered by an injury, endeavors to break her spouse’s consecutive losses by reaching out to her past confidant – incidentally, the man who was previously his closest friend and fellow tennis star.
What makes it appealing: Challengers stands out as one of the greatest sports movies, offering gripping tennis scenes that place viewers right in the heart of the matches. The athletic intensity is amplified by a compelling narrative, as on-court games are driven by a love triangle involving the captivating characters Zendaya, John O’Conner, and Mike Faist, off the court. Each character is beautifully captured by the camera. This blend results in one of the most seductive films of the year, and a notable addition to Luca Guadagnino’s impressive directorial portfolio.
Read our Challengers review here.
Words by Chris Tilly
1. Terrifier 3
Director: Damien Leone
Cast: David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, Samantha Scaffidi
What it’s about: After surviving Art the Clown’s Halloween massacre, Sienna and her brother Jonathan attempt to recover, only to be thrust back into a nightmare when Art makes his return. To make matters worse, it’s Christmas… and Art’s got his accomplice, Vicky.
Here’s one way to rephrase: Even if you don’t enjoy horror films (I sympathize), it’s hard to ignore the skill and creativity behind the gruesome, over-the-top kill scenes in the Terrifier series. With a larger budget, Leone’s third installment pushes the boundaries even further, leading to some of the most shockingly gory sequences ever shown on the big screen.
As a die-hard fan, I must say that Terrifier 3 transcends the usual blood and gore (and shattered glass) due to its deeply emotional core. The character of Art is like no other villain in history – a terrifying slasher and lovable jester rolled into one; a terror with a twinkle in his eye. In this latest installment, Thornton’s performance truly soars, reaching unprecedented heights without a single word spoken.
Among numerous factors, Terrifier 3 stands out as the top horror film of 2024, and it’s a strong contender for the best movie overall. If you look at it from a certain perspective, one might even argue that it’s the finest Christian film as well.
Read our Terrifier 3 review here.
Words by Daisy Phillipson
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2024-11-30 21:23