Ranked: The Best Films at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

Film festival season always brings out some of the most anticipated movies of the year, and after a quieter 2023 edition due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) came roaring back. The streets near the Princess of Wales Theatre were bustling as movie fans gathered for world premieres such as We Live in Time, The Fire Inside, and Nightbitch. But it wasn't just these newcomers that captivated audiences; films like Anora, Emilia Peréz, and Babygirl—which made waves at other festivals—continued to garner admiration in Toronto.

Here’s a rundown of the top films that generated buzz at this year’s TIFF, listed by their upcoming release dates:

1. The Wild Robot

Dreamworks

Based on Peter Brown's bestselling children's books, this animated DreamWorks feature directed by Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch) tells the story of Rozzum “Roz” 7134, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o. Roz, a robot built to serve humans, wakes up on an island inhabited solely by animals and ends up caring for a gosling named Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor). With guidance from a witty fox (Pedro Pascal), Roz tries to care for Brightbill while navigating new emotional territory. Nyong’o, Connor, and Pascal give heartwarming performances in this delightful family film.

In theaters September 27.

2. We Live in Time

A24

John Crowley delivers a heartfelt, emotionally nuanced film starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. The plot spans different phases of Almut and Tobias' relationship, from their charming first encounter to Almut's ovarian cancer diagnosis. Rather than being a straightforward tearjerker, We Live in Time is a tender, affirming look at love’s endurance in the face of life's trials. Pugh and Garfield’s chemistry elevates this beautiful, emotional journey.

In select theaters October 11.

3. Anora

Neon

Sean Baker’s Anora, a major contender this festival season, continues to pick up steam after winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Mikey Madison shines in the lead role as Anora, a sex worker who forms a connection with Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. Their relationship leads to complications with Vanya’s powerful family, but Baker's careful storytelling keeps the narrative from veering into clichés.

In theaters October 18.

4. Conclave

Focus Features

Director Edward Berger follows up his Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front with Conclave, a gripping psychological thriller set during the election of a new pope. Ralph Fiennes leads a cast of power-hungry cardinals in this intense, twist-filled drama. Berger crafts a tense atmosphere as Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) unravels a mystery surrounding his fellow candidates in this claustrophobic Vatican thriller.

In theaters October 25.

5. Emilia Peréz

Why Not Productions

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Peréz is a Spanish-language musical-crime-dramedy-opera that defies traditional genres. Starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez, the film tells the story of a former cartel boss who undergoes a sex-change operation, hoping to live as her true self without revealing her past. With wild tonal shifts, musical numbers, and bold performances, this film is daring and unforgettable.

In select theaters November 1, streaming on Netflix November 13.

6. The Piano Lesson

Netflix

Denzel Washington’s project to adapt all of August Wilson's Century Cycle plays continues with The Piano Lesson, directed by his son, Malcolm Washington. Danielle Deadwyler stars as Berniece, a woman wrestling with her family’s legacy and the decision to sell a piano with carvings of her ancestors. This film, brimming with emotional depth, is another stunning August Wilson adaptation.

In select theaters November 8, streaming on Netflix November 22.

7. Elton John: Never Too Late

Disney+

R.J. Cutler and David Furnish direct this new Elton John documentary, juxtaposing his legendary 1975 concerts at Dodgers Stadium with his farewell performances 47 years later. Using archival footage and animated sequences from John’s autobiography Me, Never Too Late offers a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at the man behind the iconic music.

In select theaters November 15, streaming on Disney+ December 13.

8. Nightbitch

Anne Marie Fox

Rachel Yoder's novel Nightbitch gets a surreal, magical realist adaptation, starring Amy Adams as a mother who begins transforming into a dog due to the stress of motherhood. Director Marielle Heller keeps the story grounded, even in its most bizarre moments, while Adams delivers a standout performance.

In theaters December 6.

9. The Order

Michelle Faye

Jude Law stars as an FBI agent in this chilling thriller set in 1983, as he takes on a white supremacist group spreading their dangerous ideology. The film’s themes resonate strongly with contemporary issues, making it an unmissable, thought-provoking watch.

In select theaters December 6.

10. The Fire Inside

Sabrina Lantos

Rachel Morrison’s feature directorial debut tells the true story of Olympic boxer Claressa Shields, played by Ryan Destiny. The Fire Inside delves into the physical and emotional struggles that come after winning gold, exploring themes of ambition, resilience, and the fight for recognition.

In theaters December 25.

11. Babygirl

Niko Tavernise

Nicole Kidman stars in Babygirl as Romy Mathis, a high-powered tech executive torn between her desire for submission and her professional image. Directed by Halina Reijn, this erotic thriller subverts expectations with humor and provocative performances.

In theaters December 25.

12. Eden

Jasin Boland

In Ron Howard’s historical thriller Eden, Jude Law plays Dr. Friedrich Ritter, an ego-driven philosopher leading settlers to the Galapagos after World War I. The film explores the psychological battles among the settlers as they fight for survival.

Release date TBD.

13. The Assessment

Capelight Pictures

The Assessment explores the anxieties of parenthood in a dystopian future, where a government assessor determines a couple’s fitness to have children. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Himesh Patel, and Alicia Vikander, the film delves into the darker aspects of human survival.

Release date TBD.

14. Millers in Marriage

Republic Pictures

Edward Burns’ Millers in Marriage examines the challenges faced by three siblings navigating middle age and personal growth. Gretchen Mol delivers a poignant performance as Eve, a woman rediscovering herself after years of sacrificing her career for family.

Release date TBD.

15. On Swift Horses

Ley Line Entertainment

On Swift Horses is a gorgeously shot period romance, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi as in-laws on parallel journeys of self-discovery. The 1950s-set film explores themes of longing and sexual awakening.

Release date TBD.

16. Without Blood

Stefano Cristiano Montesi

Angelina Jolie directs Without Blood, a war drama that’s more introspective than action-packed. Starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir, the film focuses on the psychological impact of war rather than the physical violence.

Release date TBD.

17. Bonjour Tristesse

Elevation Pictures

Durga Chew-Bose’s Bonjour Tristesse is a visually stunning adaptation of Françoise Sagan’s 1954 novel. The film focuses on Cecile, played by Lily McInerny, as she navigates a coming-of-age journey while vying for her father’s attention.

Release date TBD.