Top 10 2024 Movies
Partly due to the strikes that occurred in 2023, 2024 felt like a quieter year for cinema, with fewer auteurs making waves and an overall impression of fewer major releases. This was compounded by the relentless serialization of movies, which are increasingly starting to feel more like extended TV series. Out of the top 25 box office hits, only numbers 24 and 25 were original pieces, and among the top 15, just one wasn’t a sequel—though even that turned out to be merely the first half of a larger story.
Superhero movies took a noticeable backseat, with only one MCU entry (Deadpool & Wolverine), a poor cash grab. But the influence of the MCU on cinema still loomed large. Films like Wicked were just half a story, and Dune: Part Two completed a larger one. Meanwhile, a slew of franchise fillers—Despicable Me 4, Moana 2, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Godzilla & Kong: A New Empire—gave the year a forgettable feel. Many of these will blend into their respective franchises without adding anything memorable or significant.
Despite the dominance of sequels at the box office, only two sequels stood out to me as genuinely worthwhile (you’ll find them soon on this list). Yet, it wasn’t all bleak. Original ideas still emerged from Hollywood and global cinema alike. The biopic genre took some wild swings, we were treated to unpredictable stories that kept us guessing, and above all, true quality was still there for those who sought it out.
With this list, I hope to offer a glimpse of the creativity, risks, and excellence that can be found in 2024 films.
10. A Complete Unknown (review)
Context: A Complete Unknown follows Bob Dylan’s rise to fame and his decision to “go electric,” a choice that risked alienating the devoted fanbase he had built as a folk icon.
Evaluation: Biopics aren’t usually my favorite genre, but 2024 brought us two exceptional ones, and this is one of them. The music feels raw and authentic, immersing us in the experience as if we’re witnessing a live Dylan concert. The standout is Timothée Chalamet—this generation’s Leonardo DiCaprio—who delivers an exceptional performance, balancing Dylan’s magnetism and unlikability with equal finesse. Supported by a strong cast, the film avoids overexplaining or sugarcoating its subject, leaving us with a vivid sense of Dylan as both an artist and a person. Even within a somewhat formulaic structure, the film succeeds in making us feel like we’ve spent meaningful time with one of music’s most complex figures.
9. Hit Man (review)
Context: This Netflix film, Hit Man, tells the unbelievable true story of Gary Johnson, a philosophy professor who moonlights as an undercover agent, posing as a hitman to help the police catch criminals. Things get complicated when he meets Madison, a woman trying to escape her abusive husband.
Evaluation: Hit Man isn’t just a throwback to those ’90s black comedy crime romances—it’s the best one we’ve had in years. Glen Powell is effortlessly charming, nailing every moment as the bumbling professor-turned-suave hitman, while his electric chemistry with Adria Arjona keeps the story alive. The movie is sharp, funny, and packed with memorable moments, including one of the year’s standout sequences where the duo has to improvise with a notebook. It’s pure crowd-pleasing entertainment from start to finish.
8. Inside Out 2
Context: Pixar returns to the mind of Riley, exploring her emotions as she navigates the complexities of adolescence, with new emotions entering the mix.
Evaluation: Inside Out 2 is a rare sequel that smartly builds upon the foundation of the original while taking the story in fresh directions. The real-world sections, which were more of a backdrop in the first film, are now just as compelling as the mind’s internal workings. The introduction of Anxiety as a new emotion is particularly timely and handled with nuance, offering an insightful exploration of adolescence’s challenges. With its sharp humor, emotional depth, and thoughtful expansion of its core themes, Inside Out 2 solidifies itself as the best non-Toy Story Pixar sequel. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind watching Inside Out movies until Riley becomes an elderly woman.
7. The Count of Monte Cristo (review)
Context: The latest adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo delivers an ambitious, large-scale retelling of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale, following Edmond Dantès as he is unjustly imprisoned and later escapes to embark on a calculated quest for revenge.
Evaluation: This three-hour epic is masterfully crafted and utterly gripping. Watching Dantès’ prision escape and the execution of his intricate revenge plan is a cinematic treat, immersing us in his turmoil and transformation. As his humanity begins to erode, the film cleverly poses a thought-provoking question: “Should we really be rooting for him to succeed?”
6. The Substance (review)
Context: In The Substance, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) undergoes a black-market medical procedure that creates Sue (Margaret Qualley), a brash and ambitious clone of her younger self. Sue’s survival depends on weekly spinal taps, and to maintain the balance, Elisabeth and Sue must alternate living as one another every week.
Evaluation: The Substance takes the crown for being the least subtle movie of the year, but that’s what it goes for. The third act veers into jaw-dropping absurdities that are as wild as they are entertaining. What’s impressive is how seamlessly the film escalates from a relatively grounded beginning to an outrageous crescendo without drawing too much attention to the shift. It’s a movie full of unpredictable choices that are best experienced knowing as little as possible. While it doesn’t offer a particularly deep analysis of fading stardom, self-love, or acceptance, it delivers an entertaining ride that won’t ever be matched.
5. Challengers (review)
Context: Challengers sets its love triangle against the high-stakes world of professional tennis. The story follows two players, Art and Patrick, whose rivalry and shared love for Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) blur the lines between competition and desire. Tennis becomes both the literal and metaphorical stage for their complicated dynamics, with every scene feeling like part of the game.
Evaluation: The tennis matches in Challengers are a visual and auditory thrill, with POV shots and creative angles paired perfectly with an EDM-inspired score, making them some of the best sports scenes in years. Surprisingly, though, they’re only the second-best part of the movie. The real highlight is watching the messy and fascinating interactions between its three leads off the court. While I wasn’t thrilled with how the film wraps up, the journey to get there is an absolute blast
4. Love Lies Bleeding
Context: Stuck in a small town, Lou (Kristen Stewart) stays to protect her sister Beth (Jena Malone), who endures physical abuse from her husband JJ (Dave Franco). Estranged from her dangerous father (Ed Harris), Lou’s dull routine takes a turn when Jackie (Katy O´Brian), a stranger passing through on her way to a bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas, enters the gym one night
Evaluation: If Hit Man was a great throwback to ’90s black crime comedies, Love Lies Bleeding strips away most of the humor to deliver a straightforward dark crime story (though the bits of leftover comedy are still funny). The film balances strong bursts of violence with moments of surprising tenderness, creating a sharp emotional contrast. Like many films on my list, unpredictability is key here—Love Lies Bleeding constantly goes in directions you don’t expect, and the ever-present sense of danger keeps the tension alive.
3. Better Man (review)
Context: Better Man redefines the music biopic by portraying British pop star Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey, brought to life through cutting-edge visual effects. With Williams voicing himself and Jonno Davies handling motion capture, the film seamlessly blends fantasy and music into a surreal yet heartfelt narrative.
Evaluation: The film breathes fresh life into one of cinema’s most tired genres. Through its inventive CGI protagonist and dazzling musical numbers, Michael Gracey’s vibrant direction injects energy and emotion throughout. At its core, Better Man is a surprisingly nuanced portrait of a man grappling with his imperfections and the lasting impact of his father choosing art over family.
2. Conclave (review)
Context: Conclave delves into the intense, secretive process of electing a new pope, uncovering political intrigue, personal rivalries, and hidden agendas within the Vatican—a House of Cards set in the Catholic world.
Evaluation: Conclave turns the secretive election of a new pope into a riveting power struggle, propelled by Edward Berger’s sharp direction and a smart, tension-filled script. Ralph Fiennes commands the screen with a nuanced portrayal of a deeply intriguing character, anchoring the film’s strong character dynamics. Technically impeccable, from its breathtaking Sistine Chapel recreation to its suspenseful score and precise editing, the voting scenes are charged with intensity. The final act delivers unexpected twists and emotional depth, solidifying Conclave as a masterful and essential high-stakes drama.
1. Dune Part Two (review)
Context: Dune: Part Two continues Paul Atreides’ epic journey as he unites with the Fremen to seek revenge against the forces that destroyed his family, while grappling with his destiny as the prophesied savior of Arrakis.
Evaluation: Out of all the films released in 2024, the one destined to stand the test of time is undoubtedly Dune: Part Two. With the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings and a story rich with commentary on religion, power, and ambition, it’s a movie that immerses you in its world and refuses to let go for nearly three mesmerizing hours. It embodies everything great about cinema: deeply emotional moments, spectacular action sequences, groundbreaking CGI, and a narrative that takes the familiar “chosen one” trope and transforms it into something unpredictable and layered. Every aspect of this sequel improves on its predecessor, making Dune: Part Two not just a continuation but a triumphant culmination of an extraordinary vision.
Honorable Mentions
Looking for more standout films? Here are 11 others that just missed the cut (listed alphabetically).
Alien: Romulus: A strong entry in the Alien franchise that honors its roots while steering the story in an exciting new direction.
Emilia Pérez: Misunderstood and divisive online, this thought-provoking film examines whether true change is possible, featuring four well-acted characters searching for purpose in life.
I’m Still Here (Eu Ainda Estou Aqui): Brazil’s best film in years, this brilliantly acted drama immerses viewers in the country’s military coup era with stunning authenticity.
It’s What’s Inside: A Netflix film with a fun and original concept that’s explored to its fullest, making it an absolute blast to watch.
Kill: India’s John Wick, set entirely on a moving train, delivers relentless action and thrills.
Juror #2: Likely Clint Eastwood’s final film, this courtroom drama is a compelling and well-acted swan song.
Queer: A deeply moving portrait of a broken man yearning for completion, featuring Daniel Craig’s career-best performance.
The Brutalist: This epic 210-minute story of a Holocaust survivor starting anew in America is a masterful and deeply emotional achievement, made with just a $10 million budget.
The G: Imagine John Wick, but with an elderly lady as the unstoppable protagonist.
The Room Next Door: Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut is visually stunning and brought to life by standout performances from Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig: Filmed secretly in Iran, this blend of real-life footage and family drama offers fascinating insights into the country’s current climate and explores complex moral dilemmas.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl: Tackling the timely issue of AI, this delightfully fun stop-motion adventure surprisingly stands out as one of the most relevant films of the year.
All 2024 Reviews:
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