Year End Round Up: The Best Movies of 2024

As we approach awards season, one thing is clear: there isn’t a singular frontrunner for the Oscar race. While we've seen festival favorites and some undeniable box office hits, this year, it's anyone's game. The films of 2024 have taken us from the hallowed halls of the Vatican to the inner workings of a teenager’s mind, and even ventured into the fantastical land of Oz.

We’ve had our share of stage adaptations too—ranging from August Wilson’s play to the grand spectacle of Emilia Pérez. This year's lineup has explored themes such as aging, coming of age, trauma, ambition, and the delicate dynamics of female friendship. Sequels weren’t so bad either, as the follow-ups to Dune and Inside Out show. But the standouts are, of course, the original gems like The Substance (a feminist body horror) and Challengers, which makes tennis, trios, and churros feel brand new.

Now, let’s dive into the best films we saw in 2024.

1. Anora

A personal favorite of the year and a serious Oscar contender, Sean Baker’s Anora stands out thanks to Mikey Madison's breakthrough performance and the film’s engaging narrative. The story follows Anora, a young dancer and sex worker, who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to realize that her luxurious life is short-lived. It’s a rollicking ride mixed with emotional depth, making it one of the year's finest films.

2. Nickel Boys

Based on Colson Whitehead's book, this film tells the story of Turner (Brandon Wilson) and Elwood (Ethan Herisse), two boys at the Nickel Academy, a reform school in the Jim Crow South. The horrors of the school are portrayed in a way that feels authentic, thanks to director RaMell Ross’s background in documentaries. His skillful use of archival footage and a beautiful score enhances the experience, making this film impossible to forget.

3. A Real Pain

Written, directed by, and starring Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain is a dramedy about two cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), who take a trip to Poland to honor their Holocaust-survivor grandmother. While the film is grounded in humor, it explores deep themes of grief and generational trauma, with Culkin’s charismatic performance stealing the show.

4. The Substance

The Substance is a feminist body horror film that will make you look at shrimp in a completely new way. Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fitness instructor, takes a mysterious neon green substance on her 50th birthday, transforming into a younger version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley). The film explores aging, beauty standards, and the destructive nature of insecurity in a unique and horrifying way.

5. The Room Next Door

Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door marks his first English-language film, and it’s a masterclass in empathy. The story centers on two old friends, played by Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, who reconnect just as one of them is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The stunning performances and the impeccable aesthetics, from set design to costumes, make this film an unforgettable experience.

6. Conclave

Conclave is like Survivor, but with cardinals competing for the papacy. This political thriller, featuring performances from Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci, delivers jaw-dropping twists and plenty of drama. The film takes us behind the Vatican’s walls for a look at the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, ensuring it will spark conversations and controversy in the Catholic church.

7. We Live in Time

A heartbreaking love story from A24, We Live in Time features Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield as Almut and Tobias, young Londoners whose lives are turned upside down when Almut is diagnosed with terminal cancer. This film excels at capturing the fleeting beauty of their relationship while navigating the devastating effects of illness. It’s an exploration of love, loss, and the profound impact we have on each other.

8. Wicked: Part One

Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked stays true to the beloved musical while adding new depth to the story. The film explores the origins of the characters from The Wizard of Oz and delivers a spectacular experience, from the stunning performances by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda to the larger-than-life visuals. With an ensemble cast that includes Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh, Wicked is a film to be remembered.

9. The Fire Inside

Based on the true story of Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields’ Olympic win, The Fire Inside chronicles her journey through triumph and the aftermath. Directed by Rachel Morrison, the film also highlights the pivotal role of her coach, played by Bryan Tyree Henry, who brings warmth and humanity to the sports drama.

10. Babygirl

From Halina Reijn, Babygirl delves into the power dynamics of an illicit affair between a married CEO (Nicole Kidman) and a younger intern (Harris Dickinson). It’s an erotic drama that explores how power and sex are intertwined, and the impact they have on men and women. Kidman’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, conveying a complex mix of pleasure, shame, confusion, and strength.

11. Emilia Pérez

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez tells the story of a cartel leader (Karla Sofía Gascón) who enlists a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) to help her undergo gender-affirming surgery. The film's genre-bending nature—combining musical, crime, and comedy—might seem odd on paper, but it works thanks to standout performances and sharp direction.

12. Blitz

Steve McQueen brings a dark twist to a traditional World War II story with Blitz. This period piece tackles racism and social divisions through the lens of a young boy’s experience during the London Blitz. McQueen’s subversion of the genre makes this film both a historical re-examination and a gripping drama.

13. The Brutalist

In The Brutalist, Adrien Brody delivers a career-defining performance as László Toth, a Hungarian architect who escapes war-torn Europe to work in America. Directed by Brady Corbet, this three-and-a-half-hour epic explores the American dream—its allure, its promises, and its ultimate disillusionment.

14. All We Imagine as Light

All We Imagine as Light paints a vibrant picture of Mumbai while following three women from different walks of life. Director Payal Kapadia captures the struggles of these women—Prabha, Anu, and Parvathy—as they navigate their personal and professional lives in a bustling metropolis. It’s a poignant exploration of sisterhood, identity, and survival.

15. Sing Sing

Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo, is a moving story set in the maximum-security prison’s Rehabilitation Through Arts program. It’s a poignant exploration of redemption, showcasing the transformative power of art in a place of despair. Domingo’s performance, along with the real-life participants, elevates the film into something truly special.

16. Dune: Part Two

Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya return in Dune: Part Two, the second installment in the sci-fi saga. The film is packed with romance, prophecies, villains, and, of course, the iconic sandworms. It’s the perfect blend of spectacle and emotion, offering everything fans of the franchise crave.

17. La Chimera

In La Chimera, Josh O’Connor stars as an Englishman with supernatural abilities who joins a group of grave robbers in Italy. Directed by Alice Rohrwacher, this quiet, magical film explores themes of love, loss, and the impossible search for what cannot be found.

18. Thelma

In Thelma, 94-year-old June Squibb delivers a heartwarming performance as a grandmother who sets out to get back at the scammers who stole from her. With a scooter chase and some surprising suspense, this indie comedy reminds us that age is no barrier to action—and the late Richard Roundtree adds a fitting touch to the film.

19. Dìdi (弟弟)

Sean Wang’s Dìdi is a nostalgic coming-of-age story about a Taiwanese American teen in 2008. Packed with late-aughts references and a tender mother-son relationship, the film is a heartfelt look at adolescence and identity. It’s relatable for millennials and explores the intersection of culture, family, and growing up.

20. Inside Out 2

As a massive fan of the original Inside Out, I had my reservations about the sequel. But Inside Out 2 surpassed my expectations, introducing new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment. The film delves into the trials of puberty and the struggle to fit in, offering a creative and heartwarming exploration of growing up.