Films have always been more than just a two-hour escape from reality for me—they’re a reflection of who we are, a mirror held up to our dreams, fears, and wildest imaginations. They take us places we’ve never been, introduce us to people we’ve never met, and remind us of the beauty, chaos, and complexity of life. In 2024, cinema delivered all that and more, with films that thrilled, challenged, and moved us to tears.
This year gave us sweeping epics, thought-provoking dramas, and heart-pounding blockbusters. Whether it was the tension of a psychological thriller, the spectacle of sci-fi landscapes, or the raw emotion of a coming-of-age story, these films reminded us why we love movies in the first place. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and join us as we celebrate the best films of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, cry, and cheer for more.
Reel 360 News’ Top Films of the 2024
1. The Substance – Mubi
I went back and forth between The Substance and Dune: Part Two. But the body horror comedy directed by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) won out. It’s a bold, provocative sci-fi thriller that tackled themes of loving one’s self, youth and beauty, and exploitation. Demi Moore delivered a chilling performance as a fading star whose pursuit of youth and beauty comes at a horrifying cost. Meanwhile, Margaret Qualley captivated as Moore’s younger version caught up in the moral and physical chaos of a beauty process gone awry.
With its Kubrick-inspired visuals, haunting score, and fearless storytelling, The Substance dared to challenge its audience, cementing Fargeat’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker. It was a film that stuck with me long after the credits rolled, both for its unsettling imagery and its unflinching commentary on the lengths people will go to cheat death.
2. Dune: Part Two – Max
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two delivered a sweeping middle section to the epic saga of Paul Atreides, cementing its place as a modern sci-fi masterpiece. Adapted from Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, the film chronicled Paul’s alliance with the Fremen of Arrakis as he sought revenge against House Harkonnen and embraced his destiny as a messianic leader.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya reprised their roles with even greater depth and intensity, while newcomers Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux added fresh dimensions to the ensemble.
Villeneuve’s direction paired jaw-dropping visuals with an immersive score by Hans Zimmer, creating an unparalleled cinematic experience. The film’s exploration of power, politics, and destiny resonated deeply, making Dune: Part Two not just a blockbuster but a profound meditation on the human condition.
3. The Brutalist – Theaters
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist was an epic 200-minute period drama that explored the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of post-war America. Adrien Brody delivered a career-defining performance as László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor navigating the complexities of the American Dream. Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce shone in supporting roles, adding depth to a story filled with ambition, sacrifice, and redemption.
Co-written by Corbet and Mona Fastvold, the film masterfully blended historical drama with emotional intimacy, bringing László’s journey to life. Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, where Corbet received the Silver Lion for Best Direction, The Brutalist captivated critics and audiences alike with its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and poignant storytelling.
Released by A24, it quickly became a standout of 2024, earning numerous accolades, including seven Golden Globe nominations, and solidifying its place as one of the year’s most significant films.
4. Nosferatu – Theaters
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu resurrected the iconic vampire tale with a gothic flair that was both chilling and mesmerizing. A remake of the 1922 silent film, itself inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Eggers infused the story with his signature attention to detail and haunting visuals.
Bill Skarsgård delivered a terrifying yet strangely sympathetic performance as Count Orlok, while Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp portrayed the ill-fated Hutter couple with depth and vulnerability.
The film’s atmosphere was further enriched by an incredible supporting cast, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe, whose presence lent gravitas to this eerie retelling.
Nosferatu transported audiences to its shadowy world of despair and seduction, though the use of British accents for characters in a German setting raised some eyebrows. Nevertheless, Eggers’ dedication to gothic horror and his ability to craft unforgettable images ensured that Nosferatu was a standout of 2024, earning critical acclaim for its bold reimagining of a classic.
5. Anora – Theaters, VOD
Even with its pacing issues, Sean Baker’s Anora blended sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, earning its place as one of 2024’s most celebrated films. Starring Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva, a young sex worker navigating the challenges of her marriage to Vanya Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn), the film offers a raw and poignant exploration of love, power, and cultural identity.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Brighton Beach’s Russian-American community, Baker’s film captured the nuances of its characters with unflinching honesty. The stellar supporting cast, including Yura Borisov and Aleksei Serebryakov, added depth to this richly textured story.
Premiering at Cannes, where it won the Palme d’Or, Anora became a critical and commercial triumph, cementing Baker’s reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most daring storytellers.
6. Wicked – Theaters, VOD
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked cast a spell on audiences, bringing the beloved musical to life with dazzling visuals and showstopping performances. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shone as Glinda and Elphaba, capturing the heart and humor of the story. With its breathtaking production design and faithful adaptation, Wicked became a must-watch for fans of the stage and newcomers alike.
7. Nickel Boys – VOD
RaMell Ross’s Nickel Boys brought Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to the screen with haunting intensity, offering a poignant and unflinching look at systemic racism and abuse in 1960s America. Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson delivered powerful performances as Elwood and Turner, two African American boys trapped in the harrowing confines of the Nickel Academy reform school.
Filmed in a unique first-person point-of-view style, Nickel Boys immersed viewers in the boys’ harrowing experiences, capturing the brutality of their environment and their enduring resilience. A stellar supporting cast, including Hamish Linklater, Daveed Diggs, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, brought depth to this heartbreaking story.
Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival, the film garnered widespread acclaim for its raw storytelling and cinematic innovation. Nickel Boys was a deeply affecting historical drama, cementing its place as one of the most significant films of 2024.
8. The Apprentice – VOD
Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice offered a gripping and provocative look at Donald Trump’s rise in the world of 1970s and 1980s New York real estate, anchored by Sebastian Stan’s transformative performance as Trump. Jeremy Strong delivered a chilling portrayal of Roy Cohn, Trump’s controversial attorney and mentor, whose ruthless tactics and moral ambiguity shaped much of Trump’s early career.
Written by Gabriel Sherman, the film delved into Trump’s relationships with Cohn and his father, Fred Trump (played with quiet intensity by Martin Donovan), as well as his tumultuous marriage to Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova).
Abbasi’s direction balanced sharp satire with searing drama, creating a film that was both a character study and a commentary on the excesses of power and privilege. From decadent parties to shady legal maneuvers, The Apprentice was a fascinating portrait of ambition, manipulation, and the making of one of the most polarizing figures in modern history.
9. Challengers – Prime
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers was a stylish and emotionally charged exploration of love, rivalry, and ambition, set against the backdrop of professional tennis. Zendaya delivered a powerhouse performance as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, whose injury sets off a years-long love triangle with her husband, Art (Mike Faist), and ex-boyfriend, Patrick (Josh O’Connor).
Justin Kuritzkes’ sharp screenplay deftly navigated the complexities of love and competition, while Guadagnino’s direction brought a sensuous and vibrant aesthetic to the film. The climactic ATP Challenger Tour match was both thrilling and deeply symbolic, reflecting the tangled dynamics between the three characters.
With cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom (Call Me by Your Name), Challengers was a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captured the tension of both the tennis court and the human heart.
10. Deadpool and Wolverine – Disney+
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reunited for the most chaotic, hilarious superhero movie of the year. Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool and Wolverine balanced its trademark irreverence with surprising emotional depth. The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman was electric, delivering laugh-out-loud moments and fan-service galore. It was everything audiences hoped for and more.
The film also gave the Fox-verse characters the send-off they deserved!
Honorable mentions include: The Piano Lesson, The Fire Below, Unstoppable, A Real Pain, Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot, Emilia Perez, Conclave, Late Night with the Devil, The First Omen, Smile 2, Speak No Evil, The Heretic, The Fall Guy, Red One, Civil War, Rebel Ridge and The Hit Man.
And there you have it—the films that made 2024 unforgettable. Whether they shocked, inspired, or simply entertained, these movies reminded us why cinema continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Here’s to the stories that moved us this year and to the ones waiting for us in 2025!
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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