The year
2024 brought a remarkable collection of films spanning various genres, from
heartwarming dramas to thrilling sci-fi spectacles. Here's a roundup of the
standout movies that defined the year and are worth adding to your watchlist.
Dune:
Part Two
Denis
Villeneuve’s epic sequel, Dune: Part Two, captivated audiences with its
exploration of power struggles on the desert planet Arrakis. Featuring Timothée
Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh, the film delved into
themes of leadership and the perils of concentrated power. Despite some
departures from the source material, it cemented its place as one of the year’s
top sci-fi blockbusters.
Wicked
The
much-anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked
enchanted fans with the origin story of Elphaba and Glinda. Starring Cynthia
Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film explored their friendship at Shiz University
and their transformation into the witches of Oz. Fans can look forward to
owning the digital copy on December 31, 2024.
The
Substance
Coralie
Fargeat’s The Substance blended sharp social commentary with gripping
body horror. Featuring standout performances by Demi Moore and Margaret
Qualley, the film told the story of a woman’s quest for youth through a
mysterious serum, leading to shocking consequences. Nominated for five Golden
Globes, this dark comedy was one of the year’s boldest cinematic ventures.
Anora
Anora brought a whirlwind of drama and
romance set against the backdrop of New York City. Starring Mikey Madison as
Anora, a Brooklynite navigating the chaos of an impulsive marriage to an
oligarch’s son, the film delivered a delightful mix of family turmoil and
comedic escapades, making it a must-see for 2024.
Inside
Out 2
Pixar’s Inside
Out 2 revisited the emotional landscape of Riley’s mind, this time as a
teenager discovering new emotions. Maya Hawke voiced Anxiety, a new character
navigating Riley’s summer camp journey. The sequel captured hearts with its
signature warmth, humor, and empathy, much like its predecessor.
Nightbitch
Amy Adams
shone in the daring dark comedy Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller.
The film tackled the primal realities of motherhood through the surreal story
of a woman who believes she’s turning into a dog. Its mix of absurdity and raw
honesty made it one of the most impactful films of the year.
I Saw the
TV Glow
Jane
Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow combined horror, surrealism, and identity
exploration. The film followed a teenager’s descent into a supernatural world
through a mysterious late-night TV show, offering eerie storytelling and
stunning visuals that stood out in the genre.
A Real
Pain
Jesse
Eisenberg directed and starred alongside Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain, a
poignant drama about two cousins traveling to Poland to confront family and
historical trauma. Through their emotional journey, the film explored themes of
identity, loss, and belonging, earning its place as one of 2024’s most
thoughtful movies.
With such a
diverse lineup, 2024 proved to be a cinematic treasure trove. Whether you're a
fan of sci-fi epics, musicals, or dark comedies, these films showcased
Hollywood's ability to captivate and inspire.
