This year, we’ve seen many exciting films, from bold international releases to indie films that push storytelling boundaries. Big studio blockbusters have done well, but so have smaller, deeply personal dramas, showing how diverse voices are becoming more prominent than ever. These films continue to redefine what both big-budget and independent cinema can do. Without further ado, here is a list of the ten best movies of 2024 and fifteen honorable mentions in alphabetical order!
A Real Pain
A comedy that packs an emotional punch, Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut hits home with a relatable story of mindfulness and inherited trauma. A Real Pain stars Eisenberg, who also wrote the script, as David and crafts the dynamic character of Benji, portrayed by Kieran Culkin in one of the year’s standout performances. The two play Jewish-American cousins who travel to Krasnystaw to visit their recently deceased grandmother’s home—a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. The result is a touching, funny, and deeply moving tale of shared trauma passed down through generations.
Cobweb
Cobweb offers a subversive film experience that pokes fun at the establishment and challenges it, raising the question of why truth is essential in any artistic medium. Kim’s South Korean tale of obsession is a darkly funny, skillfully crafted work of meta-cinema, reminding you of films like Black Bear and Birdman in the way it blurs the line between reality and illusion. The film explores an obsession with an artist’s vision, but what’s particularly striking is how Cobweb puts truth on trial, especially in its highly entertaining third act. Ultimately, Cobweb becomes a story of redemption, seen through Song Kang-ho’s portrayal of Kim’s moral and professional character. It’s a filmmaker’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention.
How to Build a Truth Engine
Director Friedrich Moser delivers a mind-blowing exploration of how information is fed to us—and how we consume it—in How to Build a Truth Engine. The film is absolutely chilling, undeniably powerful, and riveting from start to finish. This vital documentary tackles morally complex issues, revealing how higher powers leverage the evolution of modern technology to shape perspectives in their favor. Examining how news is produced, consumed, and understood forces viewers to question: Who benefits, and why?
His Three Daughters
Occasionally, a film comes along that delivers a profoundly poignant punch that never quite goes away. His Three Daughters is that film—a beautifully complicated slice of sour family drama with a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that few can truly experience. You know the feeling where deep down, you secretly long for them to comfort you as they pass away and reassure you that everything will be alright. This moment in Netflix’s His Three Daughters cuts through all the family angst, resentment, and uncomfortable silences—the ones you hope will wash away before your time is up—because nothing is more precious than time.
The Imaginary
The Imaginary evokes wonder, explores modern cultural themes, and employs innovative storytelling techniques. It is one of those films—a wonderful and creative breath of fresh air destined to be hailed by critics and audiences alike. The animation is gorgeous, and the story lives up to its limitless possibilities. Brimming with unparalleled empathy and unspeakable compassion, this family film sparks a passionate fascination with what movies are and what cinema can be. There’s magic in it.
Longlegs
Longlegs, along with Nicolas Cage’s performance, will leave you breathless. From the moment Oz Perkins’ terrifying new psychological horror thriller begins, with a reddish glow on the screen during the credits, you start to feel the physiological hold and effect this movie has on you. Your heart begins to race, and the fight-or-flight response kicks in as your pulse feels like it will burst through your neck and wrist, much like the Kool-Aid Man. Perkins masterfully builds and layers tension, mood, and pace, leaving you in a psychological catatonic state, afraid to move. It’s a throwback to the fabulous ‘90s thrillers, peeling back the curtain on religion’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with more on its mind than gutless jump scares.
Monkey Man
Monkey Man, Dev Patel’s directorial debut, is a triumph that straight rips and f*cks, grabs you by the throat, and maintains its steadfast ironclad grip. It is a revenge-fueled, vengeful thriller through Mumbai’s gritty, sweaty streets and the unseemly acts of the rich and powerful that unfold high up in towers and shadowy, smoke-filled rooms. However, Patel’s directorial debut is that this isn’t just John Wick in Mumbai, but a thriller for the freaks, the downtrodden, Dalits, slumdogs, hustlers, prostitutes, and the religiously oppressed fighting against a system stacked against them.
Música
A filmmaker rarely finds a fresh angle for the left-for-dead romantic comedy. Yet, an exciting new voice occasionally reminds us why we used to love the genre in the first place. That filmmaker’s name is Rudy Mancuso, and his latest movie, Música, is sweet, laugh-out-loud funny, and downright adorable from start to finish. Música is a sincere romantic comedy that embraces community and personal growth, never forgetting that life is a journey and we should enjoy the ride. The script thoughtfully acknowledges that humans evolve and dares to let their characters’ lives move on, no matter how the movie ends—something rare. Mancuso’s film is a vibrant, rhythmic, and eclectic rom-com that sets itself apart from the rest.
Only the River Flows
Shujun Wei’s Only the River Flows feels like a throwback while offering a fresh perspective. It skillfully blends classic and modern cinematography, anchored by the brooding intensity of its main character. The third-act shot, filmed digitally to create a distinct visual contrast with the rest of the movie, weaves Zhe’s haunting memories—past, present, and future—in a way I’ve never seen before. Moments like this, paired with a deep respect for the genre’s traditions, make the film a neo-noir with a psychological edge that chills to the core and lingers long after the credits roll.
The Order
The Order is a powerful film that thrives on the career-best turn of Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult. An extraordinary amount of relentless intensity and obsession fuels each turn. In particular, Law’s portrayal of Agent Husk, as Hoult’s Matthews continually raises the stakes, brings a gripping emotional urgency to the film’s core, which resonates deeply with today’s audience. On the flip side, Hoult is mesmerizing, capturing the dark side of obsession—how hate distorts a false sense of identity and superiority. Justin Kurzel has crafted a film that transports you to a different time and place while still feeling relevant, with scenes that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Saturday Night
If the opening title sequence didn’t credit Jason Reitman as a co-writer alongside Gil Kenan, you might think this was a home-run swing from Aaron Sorkin. That’s because the script crackles with a distinctive style and dialogue with a rhythm all its own. Saturday Night is funny, anxious, and packed with rapid-fire, razor-sharp wit that few films can replicate. Gabriel LaBelle, who was so impressive in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, is phenomenal as Saturday Night Live founder Lorne Michaels. He captures the youthful exuberance—and arrogance—of a maverick creative with something to say.
September 5
September 5 is a gripping true-life tale of an unlikely journalist chronicling one of the most tragic terrorist attacks in history. Featuring a stellar cast, including Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch (as Peter Jennings), Tim Fehlbaum’s film brims with energy, despair, and suspense. At the same time, September 5 underscores the wherewithal, ethics, and critical importance of responsible journalism—particularly in an era when most people consume information through social media.
Sing Sing
Sing Sing features two astonishing performances: Colman Domingo as the lead, John “Divine G” Whitfield, and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who portrays himself. Director Greg Kwedar (Jockey) infuses the film with humanity, community, and unexpected poignant moments that stay with you long after the credits roll. Sing Sing is a richly layered film, anchored by Domingo’s exceptional performance, as it navigates themes of denial, acceptance, and redemption, delivering an empowering real-life story of inspiration.
Wicked
Wicked is an all-encompassing grand spectacle that combines old Hollywood grandeur with modern special effects, enhancing the script rather than detracting from it. The cast is exceptional, with Ariana Grande displaying a real knack for comic timing and a talent for physical comedy. This big-stage musical adaptation is overstuffed but never feels stuffy. While overly long, it never overstays its welcome. Most importantly, director Jon M. Chu doesn’t fumble the big moment with its stunning musical conclusion, keeping you under its spell with a handful of immersive musical numbers and a powerful, show-stopping performance from Cynthia Erivo.
The Wild Robot
Every so often, we encounter an animated film that pulls at the heartstrings and immerses the audience in animation that reminds us of the magic of movies. That film is The Wild Robot, a big, beautiful, animated family film that may be passed down from generation to generation as an enduring classic. It’s a wildly entertaining, touching, and poignant adventure of the heart. Chris Sanders has carefully captured the essence of Peter Brown’s book, making it the year’s best-animated family film. The experience will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—perhaps all at the same time. At least, it did for me.
Woman of the Hour
Woman of the Hour is a masterful crime thriller filled with scenes of unwavering anxiety and almost unbearable whiteknuckle tension. Director Anna Kendrick holds the viewer’s attention with a contextual experience unlike any other crime film this year. Watch the opening scene and then feel the hairs on your forearms stand at attention. However, that’s not what will sell Netflix’s latest streaming sensation to fans and critics. The nuances of McDonald’s script and Kendrick’s lens offer a unique perspective—not on the killer, but on society’s role of the victims, by being a film that believes in women.
10. Conclave
Conclave is a stunning, subdued, and provocative morality play that is exceptionally acted, flawlessly shot, and superbly written. The very definition of an actor’s showcase, Ralph Fiennes delivers one of the best performances of his career as a cardinal burdened with navigating a conclave of “saints” full of sanctimonious ambition and fundamentalist zealots, where the righteous are few and far between. Edward Berger and Peter Straughan’s script employs addictive, provocative, and sharp dialogue as its carrot, with razor-sharp subtext as its stick. Conclave’s desire to put faith versus power on trial is an all-encompassing high-wire act with breathtaking results.
9. Day of the Fight
Loosely based on Stanley Kubrick’s 1951 documentary short film of the same name, Day of the Fight is a powerful story of redemption that is both cathartic and uncompromising. Actor Jack Huston—part of the legendary Huston clan that includes Hollywood icons like John and Anjelica—makes his directorial debut and pens the script, delivering a true knockout. Michael Pitt gives a jaw-dropping performance as “Irish” Mike Flannigan, capturing raw intensity and vulnerability. His portrayal makes you empathize with an unlikable character and cheer for his triumph—a feat few actors can achieve.
8. Anora
If there is any film that lives up to the phrase “wildly entertaining,” it’s Sean Baker’s Anora. Part romance, part crime film, part road picture, part buddy comedy, Baker’s phenomenal script leaves you giddy with sheer entertainment while slowly sneaking up on you, culminating in a devastating final scene. At its heart, Anora is a sociological character study featuring a transformative performance from its star, Mikey Madison. Her spitfire, firecracker portrayal is nothing short of sensational from start to finish.
7. Civil War
I cannot imagine a more dangerous film to enter our lives now. Civil War is jaw-dropping, downright incendiary, and brutally obtuse in its stubborn frankness. Yet, the gloriously mercurial writer and director Alex Garland paints a picture of modern-day dystopian America in peril. Initially, you may think you’ve figured the movie out, but after leaving your local Cineplex, you won’t be pondering which side you would choose. Instead, you’ll find yourself asking, “Which side of patriotic fervor won?” His tenacious, riveting, and staggering vision isn’t the American dream, but an American nightmare.
6. Nickel Boys
Many will find it difficult to shake off the film’s unique point of view. Some may even argue that it prioritizes style over substance. However, such claims would miss the mark. Nickel Boys is a film of extraordinary patience, meticulous structure, and undeniable power. This is because RaMell Ross’s adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel of the same name is fundamentally rooted in perspective. The film delivers an impactful and unforgettable story by prioritizing empathy and immersing the audience in another time and place. Haunting, unrelenting, and profoundly influential.
5. Sugarcane
Sugarcane sneaks up on you with the concept of the gatekeepers of indigenous cultures that keep history alive for the next generation and beyond. The idea is essential in modern culture because of the practice of assimilation and acculturation among these vast and varied populations across North America. These stories not only impact the individual but have devastating effects across generations. Sugarcane’s presentation of the issue is horrifyingly honest and thoughtful, which makes Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat’s film essential viewing.
4. All We Imagine As Light
All We Imagine as Light is extraordinary and a picture of moving tranquility and restorative empathy. In her first narrative feature, documentarian Payal Kapadia delves into the fragility of human connections and the elusive nature of self-discovery in a world that refuses to allow such introspection. No film this year has been such an evocative and lyrical presentation, connecting these women through multiple generations and their shared hardships that remain steadfast. Kapadia’s film manages to transport the audience to another place while also making the story unique to its culture and, somehow, universal.
3. The Brutalist
A remarkable fusion of the American dream, shared cultural trauma, and the ambition of art versus commerce, The Brutalist is one of the best American films about the immigrant experience in decades. Adrien Brody is astonishing in the role of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who was separated from his wife during his migration to America. Enhancing the film is the booming and exhilarating score from Daniel Blumberg and the cinematography of Lol Crawley, which is expansive and captures the darkly intimate nature of the immigrant experience. In short, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist merges the concept of human survival and an artist’s vision through existential philosophy, creating an epic, transcendent experience.
2. Dune: Part 2
Hollywood has turned to one filmmaker to bring Frank Herbert’s smart, sleek, and ultra-cool science fiction epic to life in all its glory: Denis Villeneuve. Dune: Part 2 continues the French-Canadian maestro’s follow-up to the opening chapter, featuring complex characters, an indescribable mood, a visually captivating aesthetic, an intense atmosphere, and meticulous attention to detail that transport the viewer to another time and place. It is a sophisticated sci-fi masterpiece, an instant classic, and an unprecedented sequel—not to mention an exemplary showcase of world-building that most can only dream of.
1. Strange Darling
There are a few rules before watching Strange Darling. First, avoid trailers, reviews, and all talk of the year’s best thriller. Second, I implore you to avoid all fluid intake one to two hours before showtime because you want to avoid taking unnecessary bathroom breaks and missing a moment of the year’s boldest script. Finally, after watching JT Mollner’s instant classic, you must talk to everyone about Strange Darling (while avoiding spoilers, you filthy cinephiles). Put it out there—tell family, friends, strangers, and even your local clergy—because this movie is that good.
Strange Darling offered a chilling escape from last year’s searing hot summer heatwave, but after multiple viewings, this thriller is so much more than the year’s most inventive thriller. The experience is arresting—a real armrest-grabber that won’t let go—and masterfully blends classic horror-thriller filmmaking’s gritty realism and psychological depth with modern visual techniques. Much of that can be credited to the year’s most unheralded performance (and one of the year’s very best) from Willa Fitzgerald, which is wickedly good and, at times, jaw-dropping.
Fitzgerald’s performance is electric, transforming what could have been a one-note character into a profoundly complex portrayal shaped by internal pain you never see coming. This pain drives the story, culminating in a closing sequence with a devastating emotional impact. It leads me to reflect on the film’s psychological depth—a profound exploration of the duality of trauma, its cyclic nature, and the obsessive turmoil within us as society’s atrocities converge upon our mind, body, and soul. It’s the year’s best film.
