Top 10 Films of 2024
Top 10 Films of 2024
Another year has come and gone, bringing about a time to look back and understand what has become a new memory. Looking at the year of film (in 2024), it was one filled with interesting tales of wonder, characters and escape. As I think about all the interesting stories I saw on the big screen, I boil it down to one thought, one word … experience. Each film in 2024 provided a spark of something different that gripped my heart for what was an enjoyable time at the theaters. From the endless escapes of the heart to the vast intrigue of imaginable worlds, 2024 was defined by the experience of that genuine escape.
For this last year, there were many contenders to be in my top 10. So, as I look forward to my top list, I must first acknowledge my honorable mentions:
Challengers – In a world of high-stakes tennis, we get a strong character-driven drama that explores passion, ambition, and fractured relationships. With strong leads and a perceptive appeal, this is a must-watch for fans of intricate character studies and sports/dramas.
The Dead Don’t Hurt – Westerns are few and far between, but when a good one comes … it is worth everything. Within a poignant and visually striking narrative, we watch as Viggo Mortensen builds through a story of love, sacrifice, and resilience on the American Frontier. A definitive great film and Western.
The Bikeriders – True Story inspired tales always provide an interesting path of entertainment. With this one, it is a gritty and heartfelt drama that explores the brotherhood of the fictitious Vandals MC. Through unique storytelling and individualistic motifs, this raw look at a 1960s Midwestern biker gang is an experience not to pass over.
The Wild Robot – The elegance of simple storytelling within animation is all you need for a good time. With this latest from DreamWorks, it is a heartwarming tale that follows a lost robot who finds true meaning of connection and personal growth. Through strong themes of family, nature, and self-discovery, this is a memorable experience.
Smile 2 – Horror sequels can be cringy, but occasionally, they can be a building block for something amazing. This chilling sequel builds on the psychological horror of the original while expanding its narrative into new and inventive territory. Going down a path of creative twists and scares, this sequel offers enough for a great horror experience.
Wicked – The strength of escape can come from many places, including musical. With this adaptation of a popular stage play, it is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation that reimagines the beloved stage musical with cinematic flair. With powerful performances, harmonious musical numbers, and a balance of old and new techniques, Wicked delivers an imaginative escape that will captivate all audiences.
These were extraordinarily strong contenders that just missed my list. Without further ado, here are my Top 10 films of 2024.
10. Nosferatu – Robert Eggers (writer/director), is a filmmaker that pushes boundaries through creative twist, even in familiar material. With this adaptation of a classic horror film, he embarks on a journey that mixes genres within a character tale that enraptures the soul through gothic tones, emotional intrigue and ominous tension of personal cause. A tale that is not for the faint of heart, this is a horror remake that goes beyond its foundation and becomes something unique in its own ways … a love story that is not of the human world.
9. We Live in Time – When it comes to film, the intrigue of the tale is not always in its traditional acts … but in capturing what it means to just be. In a poignant romance that explores the complexities of love and life, Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver compelling performances in a story that bounces through time in an unorthodox narrative. With a story of personal connections, this unconventional romance is relatable on so many fronts, and one that is a worthy character-driven story.
8. Deadpool & Wolverine – Marvel Studios has provided many strong features throughout the years. Even as they have hit uncertainty, they know how to capture the hearts of comic book fans. With this latest entry, it not only delivers on that comic book flavor, but one that provides an emotional journey of what it means to be a hero. Through its comical relief, overtly violent sequences and unabating ‘face the music’ like mentality … this is a return to glory for the MCU, one that only Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman can deliver upon.
7. Late Night with the Devil – There are many ways to define the aspect of horror. From psychological to slashers, it becomes a manner of what really makes for an enjoyable time. The experience of horror comes on many fronts, but when it goes beyond its ‘typical’ foundation, it becomes something more. In this mockumentary type narrative, it is a great mix of characterization, atmospheric tension and buildup. With a blend of realistic scares and emotional depth, this horror offers a fresh twist to the familiar, a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
6. Inside Out 2 – Pixar is a studio that always finds a way to deliver emotional stories in imaginative escapes. With this sequel, they not only continue that strong mantra, but they further a story that delivers poignant moments through human worth. Continuing the journey of Riley, now a teenager, we head into new crossroads where the old emotions meet new ones. Through a story that explores the emotional complexities of adolescence, it is a journey that mixes drama and comedy through heartfelt moments and themes of self-discovery. This is a sequel that blends humor, raw emotion, and great storytelling into a must-see film for our time.
5. A Real Pain – For me, the aspect of the journey is how it captures the ideals of life. With this tale of family bonds, it pushes (to the forefront) strong connections and fragile looks at everyday life. In this story, we follow two cousins as they attempt to reconnect while fulfilling their late grandmother’s wish to visit their family roots in Poland. Through a familial foundation, it becomes a journey defined by its slice-of-life moments, raw conversations, and themes of personal growth. With remarkable leads in a heartfelt story, this film is a worthy experience.
4. Conclave – Sometimes, the strongest tale come from those that grip you through the power of conversation. Following Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) as he manages the secretive process of selecting a new pope, it becomes a riveting tale of personal intrigues, motivations, and faith-based convictions of all those involved in the election process. Through tense filled dialogue and an interplay of ambitions, faith, and trust, this powerful character-driven story showcases the art of filmmaking.
3. Touch – Every year, there is always a film that surprises me and becomes an unexpected delight (on the big screen). In a small tale that spans decades, we follow Kristofer (Egill Olaffsson), as he embarks on a heartfelt journey to reconnect with his first love, Miko (Yoko Narahashi). Through a mix of present-day storytelling and flashbacks, this film showcases the depth of relationships and life’s choices. From its simple foundation, it goes beyond by providing meaningful exploration of pure human connection. Touch stands out as one of the best films of the year, a masterpiece in filmmaking.
2. Dune: Part 2 – There is something to be said about capturing the escape of an experience. No matter the genre, the breathtaking nature of cinema is an enrapturing moment that can only be defined by our personal grip (within). With this second chapter, we continue the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), as he navigates the complex political and religious landscape of Arrakis, following the fall of his House. This sequel furthers the mythos of the Dune universe, watching as he struggles between seeking revenge against the Imperium and becoming a leader for the Fremen. Through its grounded nature of characters and auspicious nature of world-building, we head into an expanse of stunning visuals, emotional depth, and personal conflict. With powerful performances, Dune: Part 2 delivers a thrilling continuation that balances action with introspection, a masterpiece of a film that just missed my number 1 spot.
1. A Complete Unknown – To repeat something I mentioned last year, the cinematic experience is one that I cherish wholeheartedly. No matter what I see, only a few can be labeled within true worth. For all the amazing films on this list, there is only one in 2024 that captured that pure cinematic experience. Built upon the foundation of a biopic, this tale goes further by capturing the heart of personal worth through raw characterization, human drama and the ominous nature of being an individual. Telling the tale of a young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet), we watch his early exploits during the 1960s in New York City. Focusing on his transformative journey in the music world, it is a path that delves deep into his internal struggles between artistic freedom and growing fame. The film is a retrospective that explores Dylan’s personal and creative evolution, his experimentation with new genres and his powerful performance at the Newport Festival. With strong character development and emotional depth, A Complete Unknown transcends the typical biopic formula, offering a compelling portrayal of an iconic artist’s journey. For all the wrangling of personal worth, this film provides all the sparks of that cinematic experience … why it is my number 1 film of 2024.
Previous Post
Next Post