The year 2024 has seen the release of a remarkable array of films that have captivated both audiences and critics alike.
From the visually stunning epic Dune: Part Two to the thought-provoking drama The Brutalist, each movie on this list showcases diverse storytelling and innovative filmmaking that defined the year.
With a blend of blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed gems, we invite you to explore the ten best movies of 2024, each making unique contributions to the film industry.
1. Dune: Part Two
To top it all off is Dune: Part Two, which continues the epic saga of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) alongside Chani (Zendaya) as he navigates the complexities of leadership on the desert planet of Arrakis.
Together, they reunite with the Fremen people to wage war against House Harkonnen. Building on the success of its predecessor, this film enhances its visual storytelling and deepens the emotional connections between characters, particularly the love story between Paul and Chani.
Critics and fans alike have praised its grand scale and intimate moments, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
With numerous accolades, it has been named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the American Film Institute and has achieved an impressive IMDb score of 9.4, the highest ever recorded on the popular review site.
2. The Brutalist
Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist is a post-war narrative that follows visionary architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) and his wife, Erzsébet Toth (Felicity Jones), as they rebuild their lives in the United States, influenced by a wealthy patron portrayed by Guy Pearce.
With its stunning cinematography and outstanding performances, this film stands out as one of the best of the year, celebrated for its rich character development and exploration of themes such as ambition and legacy.
As a remarkable achievement in dramatic storytelling, The Brutalist presents a grand visual experience paired with an impactful narrative that resonates with viewers on a personal level.
Its ambitious scope and emotional depth make it a monumental film that leaves a lasting impression.
3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Although Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga may not reach the heights of its predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road, it remains a must-watch for fans of the series and stands out as an impressive action film in its own right.
This prequel focuses on the origin story of Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy), set years before the events of Fury Road. It chronicles her journey from being kidnapped by the forces of warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) to her rise as an Imperator.
The film has been praised for its intense action sequences and strong performances, particularly from Taylor-Joy, who brings depth to this iconic character.
While some viewers felt that the film struggled due to its pacing and generational themes, many fans appreciated that movies like this are still being made.
Despite its challenges, Furiosa offers a captivating exploration of resilience and rebellion within the Mad Max universe, making it a noteworthy addition to the franchise.
4. The Wild Robot
Based on the book of the same name by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, a shipwrecked robot stranded on an island who develops a bond with nature and its native animals.
Directed by Chris Sanders, this film is arguably one of the best of the year, receiving widespread acclaim with a 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and achieving critical and commercial success, grossing $324.2 million worldwide.
As an animated feature, it appeals to families of all ages, captivating both children and adults with its heartwarming narrative and stunning animation.
Featuring an ensemble voice cast that includes Lupita Nyong'o, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, and Mark Hamill, The Wild Robot is celebrated as one of DreamWorks' finest films to date.
5. The Substance
Starring Demi Moore as the fading celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle, The Substance is a body horror film that follows her tumultuous journey after using a black-market drug that creates a much younger version of herself, portrayed by Margaret Qualley.
After being fired by her producer (Dennis Quaid), Elisabeth's desperation leads her to this dangerous serum, but her youthful appearance has significant consequences.
Simultaneously funny and grotesque, the film has been hailed as one of the year’s best due to its striking imagery and the characters' revelations about the savagery of fame, the female experience, and the self-inflicted damage incurred to maintain a façade of perfection.
Its exploration of themes such as identity and self-worth resonates deeply with audiences, making The Substance a compelling critique of societal beauty standards.
With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking commentary, this film is one that many viewers can relate to.
6. A Real Pain
A Real Pain features Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as two unlikely Jewish American cousins who travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother, confronting their family history along the way.
Written and directed by Eisenberg, the film has received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and Culkin's outstanding performance, as well as its emotional depth.
With a compelling blend of heartfelt, emotional, and humorous themes, A Real Pain was recognized by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of the year.
The film is described as both hysterical and profoundly sad, reminding viewers that pain is both real and valuable, regardless of the circumstances.
Eisenberg's direction shines in this heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and generational trauma, earning praise for its nuanced performances.
7. Challengers
Directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers explores the complex love triangle between an injured tennis star turned coach (Zendaya), her low-circuit tennis player ex-boyfriend (Josh O’Connor), and her tennis champion husband (Mike Faist).
Considered one of the best films of 2024, it has garnered praise for the strong performances of Zendaya and her co-stars, Guadagnino’s direction, and the intricate storyline centered around tennis, making it a standout film of the year.
With its visually captivating and emotionally charged style, the movie seamlessly combines sports drama with complex personal relationships, resulting in an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
The film’s unique blend of heartfelt moments and intense competition resonates deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.
8. Anora
Anora is an erotic drama film that earned its writer, director, and editor Sean Baker the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, along with two Golden Globe nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Following the life of a young woman named Ani (Mikey Madison), who marries into wealth but faces challenges when her new family attempts to annul the marriage, the film has also become Baker’s highest-grossing work, earning $29.6 million worldwide on a modest $6 million budget.
The film's blend of humor and emotional depth resonates with viewers, highlighting Ani's fierce determination to reclaim her life amidst the chaos.
Described as a "stripper Cinderella tale," Anora features a unique premise and explores class dynamics, making it a relatable watch for audiences and showcasing Baker’s signature storytelling style.
9. Wicked
Of course, this list would not be complete without Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the stage musical and 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked.
Indulgent and unwieldy as it may be, the film is a thrilling experience—at times wildly funny, heart-soaring, and ultimately inspirational despite itself.
Exploring the backstory of the iconic Elphaba and Glinda from The Wizard of Oz, it has been praised for its vibrant visuals and powerful performances by lead stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, setting a new standard for musical films.
That said, it comes as no surprise that Wicked has been named one of the best films of 2024 by the American Film Institute and won Best Film at the National Board of Review.
10. Conclave
Based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris, Conclave is a mystery thriller directed by Edward Berger and written by Peter Straughan.
Led by Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the film centers around the election of a new pope, during which Lawrence investigates the secrets and scandals surrounding each candidate.
With strong performances from Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, Conclave offers a nuanced portrayal of faith and politics.
It has received praise for its direction, screenplay, and cinematography, along with an impressive ensemble cast that includes Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto.
With a 92% critical rating and an 85% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Conclave is described as sinfully entertaining.
This gripping film combines high-stakes drama with intricate character dynamics, making it a compelling watch for audiences interested in the intersection of power and belief within the Catholic Church.