2024 had quite an interesting mix of films to release. Whether in theaters or streaming, there is a lot to enjoy and have fun. Blockbuster sequels like Denis Villeneuve's Dune II, or Ridley Scott Gladiator II brought spectacular action with beautiful cinematography. Smart thrillers like anora and The substance it featured some exceptional breakthrough performances from the likes of Mikey Madison and Margaret Qualley.
With a dash of romantic comedy, beloved family animation and a much-anticipated musical, there are films to suit all tastes. The way viewers watch your films is also something that can add more to the experience. Sitting in the comfort of your home watching a streaming release can be a great experience. Others prefer to venture out to see the effect on the big screen, surrounded by other moviegoers who share their passion. There is no wrong option for a cinematic experience, and each film has a lot to say about the audience it attracts.
10
Dune: Part Two
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Dune 2
- Release date
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November 3, 2023
The second installment of the sci-fi saga was a huge success in 2024. Raising more than US$700 million worldwide, Dune 2 brought the audience back after the first edition and attracted new fans as well. There's a lot to like in this world of mythology and political intrigue. With a host of captivating characters played by some of Hollywood's most talented actors, the story is told with great care and creativity. Anyone who enjoys seeing an artistically shot film with a complex plot would be transfixed by every scene of this epic film.
The dynamic between Paul (Timothée Chalemet) and Chani (Zendaya) adds even more depth and color to the story that is so deeply focused on the quest for power and domination. Hans Zimmer's score is disturbingly beautiful, and the set design and costumes are some of the best of the year. Anyone who has chosen Dune: Part Two as your favorite film of the year features stunning cinematography, a stellar cast of breakout stars and, of course, sandworms.
9
anora
Directed by Sean Baker
Anora's life takes a dramatic turn when she impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, catapulting her from the streets of Brooklyn into a world of opulence and scrutiny. As her new in-laws arrive with plans to dismantle their hasty union, Anora must navigate the cultural and social chasms between her past and her present. The film, directed by Sean Baker, masterfully combines hard-hitting social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity and the unexpected consequences of a fairy tale gone wrong.
- Release date
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October 18, 2024
- Execution time
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139 minutes
- Director
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Sean Baker
Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this witty dramedy established Mikey Madison as one of film's most exciting rising stars. For those who enjoyed his scene-stealing twists Scream and Once Upon a Time in HollywoodSeeing her take center stage in such a strong and confident way will be extremely moving. The story of a New York sex worker who becomes involved with the son of a Russian oligarch is told with intelligence, humor, and a surprising amount of heart and depth.
For those who liked Beautiful Woman, Good Side Manualor Before sunset, Anora would reach the same point. The focus is on a wild and complicated female protagonist who lets her emotions take control, even if they lead her into trouble. It's fascinating to explore how the search for a semblance of happiness in a reality that is far from perfect can make people act in dangerous ways. With nominations in the biggest categories at the Golden Globes, the film will certainly please those who want to stay up to date with the awards season.
8
The idea of you
Directed by Michael Showalter
Based on the acclaimed contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mother who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine). , lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène has to step in to chaperone her teenage daughter's trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there's an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn't long before Hayes' superstar status poses inevitable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in his spotlight may be more than she bargained for.
- Release date
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May 2, 2024
- Execution time
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115 minutes
- Cast
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Anne Hathaway Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, Reid Scott, Perry Mattfeld, Jordan Aaron Hall, Mathilda Gianopoulos
- Director
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Michael Showalter
A huge hit on Amazon Prime, this romantic comedy stars Anne Hathaway and Nicolas Galitzine. 2024 has seen an influx of films that focus on May/December relationships, such as Little baby and A family affairand this one has a very charming take on the genre. Based on the fan fiction story of a glamorous pop star and gallerist, the film navigates the pitfalls of dating one of the most famous heartthrobs on the planet. The chemistry between the two protagonists is fascinating and the soundtrack is surprisingly great.
Any pop culture fan will enjoy trying to find Easter eggs with any real-world inspiration, and any fashion connoisseur will be pleased with some great costumes.
The film is ideal for those who like a solid romantic comedy, which is still devoid of sensuality and tension. Any pop culture fan will enjoy trying to find Easter eggs with any real-world inspiration, and any fashion connoisseur will be pleased with some great costumes. Hathaway is feeling relaxed and confident in her role, and it's great to see Galitzine's star on the rise, thanks in part to The idea of you.
7
Inside Out 2
Directed by Kelsey Mann
After the original From the inside out earned over $800 million worldwide and won an Oscar, a sequel was inevitable. However, the quality of a sequel can vary, so it was a pleasant relief that this film met or even exceeded many people's expectations. A hit with critics and audiences young and old, this charming animated film resonates with many. Mixing some beloved characters with great new features, Inside Out 2 awakens all emotions.
Just as Joy (Amy Poehler) learned to work together with Sadness (Phyllis Smith), it's time for Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and Envy (Ayo Edebiri) to enter the scene. As Riley's emotions navigate hormonal shifts and priorities, the film does a great job of showing how tumultuous a time in a person's life can be. This film's audience includes just about everyone, so whoever chose it as their best film of 2024 clearly likes a heartfelt story with a dose of top-notch Pixar humor.
6
The substance
Directed by Coralie Fargeat
Elisabeth Sparkle, a celebrity in decline, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth, creating a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But splitting time between her original body and her new one leads to horrific consequences, as her alternate self, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a disturbing descent into body horror.
- Release date
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September 20, 2024
- Execution time
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140 minutes
- Cast
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Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Gore Abrams, Hugo Diego Garcia, Olivier Raynal, Tiffany Hofstetter, Tom Morton, Jiselle Burkhalter, Axel Baille, Oscar Lesage, Matthew Géczy, Philip Schurer
- Director
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Coralie Fargeat
- Writers
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Coralie Fargeat
One of the most mind-blowing films of the year, The substance It's not for the faint of heart (or stomach). Addressing the themes of women's aging and the pressure to maintain a certain size and look a certain way, it takes the notion of “self-care” to new levels. It won the best screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and gave Demi Moore one of her most challenging roles to date. Margaret Qualley can also shine as alter ego Sue.
Fans of a high-concept dramatic thriller with lots of blood and something to say were drawn to this stylized production. Seeing the disdain and disrespect for bodies that should work together grow is a clear but effective metaphor for how the beauty industry affects people. Portraying him in such a shocking way serves as a warning not to go too far in the pursuit of perfection.
5
Deadpool and Wolverine
Directed by Shawn Levy
Made for fans, by fans, this endlessly fun film sees Deadpool entering the MCU in style and with lots of friends. Filled with crossovers, Easter eggs and lots of naughty humor. The friendship between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is evident on every level, as the two eponymous characters tease each other, bicker, and form an unbreakable bond that drives the story across multiple multiverses. The level of cameos is elite, with Chris Evans causing gasps and some set pieces causing a stir.
Those who chose Deadpool and Wolverine as their favorite film of the year, they are obviously fans of superhero films, but not just the MCU. Nostalgia for the Marvel films from the early 2000s also made Deadpool and Wolverine A must-see for anyone who grew up watching Marvel's pre-MCU films. Deadpool and Wolverine It was full of action, comedy and chemistry delivered by the two main actors, in addition to the fan service provided with tributes to several fallen heroes from the various interconnected franchises.
4
Twisted
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung
A sequel to the original 1996 film Twister, Twisters is a sequel set years after the original, reportedly fast-tracked by Steven Spielberg and Mark L. Smith, with Frank Marshal as producer. There are few details about the film, but Helen Hunt is expected to reprise her role as Jo, with the film likely paying homage to the late Bill Paxton.
- Release date
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July 19, 2024
- Execution time
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117 minutes
- Director
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Lee Isaac Chung
- Writers
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Mark L. Smith, Joseph Kosinski, Michael Crichton, Anne-Marie Martin
Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar Jones shined as the two leads in this high-octane action film. Serving as a sequel of sorts to the 1996 classic, Twisted sees a group of adventurous meteorologists chasing tornadoes in search of knowledge. It takes all the best parts of the nostalgic original and reinserts it into the 21st century in a more natural and comfortable way. The technologically advanced CGI is much more impressive and, thankfully, it hasn't lost any of its comedic moments.
Fans of this film will no doubt enjoy a classic adventure film with lots of high-speed chases and life-or-death situations. The young cast creates a lot of convincing chemistry, with viewers rooting for the team at every twist and turn. With climate change being such a hot topic, it's good to have films like this that start the conversation but can entertain at the same time.
3
Challengers
Directed byLuca Guadagnino
Full of tension, lust and a very stylistic depiction of a tennis match, Challengers is for sports and romance fans. Trent Reznor's scoring adds a lot to the atmosphere, and Guadagnino tracks the ball and rackets with precision and purpose. The audience feels immersed in the story on the court as much as in all the behind-the-scenes love triangle drama. The three terminals have a lot of palpable chemistry that is the cause of all the friction. It's easy to get as caught up in your problems as the score of the match itself.
Whoever liked this film most this year undoubtedly likes intense romance stories.
In a humorous twist, Zendaya follows Kirsten Dunst and Emma Stone's lead as a Spider-Man love interest to then star in a tennis-themed film. While Wimbledon he was charming and The Battle of the Sexes it was a compelling drama, Challengers It is of a much higher quality. Whoever liked this film most this year undoubtedly likes intense romance stories.
2
Gladiator 2
Directed by Ridley Scott
Made more than 20 years after the original Gladiator Starring Russell Crowe, this ride sees Paul Mescal enter the arena. The story is a continuation of the events of the 2000s film and follows a not very different trajectory. Mescal's dedication to the role is impressive and his intensity makes the narrative soar. It's clear how much technology has progressed since the release of the first film, with scenes even more expansive than before, and the fight scenes are bloodier than ever.
Gladiator II It will certainly please those who enjoyed the first film, but the cast of modern and legacy actors also appeals to younger audiences. With Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington bringing flair and extravagance to this epic production, It remains to be seen whether this one will leave a lasting impression on viewers for the next 20 years.
1
Evil
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Fans of the play gathered to watch this epic production that has already grossed nearly half a billion dollars at the global box office. Cynthia Erivo perfectly embodies Elphaba's struggles and difficulties, with a devastating voice. Ariana Grande delivers an unforgettable Galinda and both have already been nominated for a Golden Globe with a lot of buzz at the Oscars. The dreamlike cinematography takes viewers to Oz as they stop singing out loud to every song.
Evil it has undoubtedly topped many film fans' favorites lists, and for those who enjoy a grandiose musical with a stellar cast, it's not surprising. With a second installment on the way next year, Wicked is sure to remain at the center of the cultural zeitgeist for a while. With gorgeous costumes, a fairytale setting and an extremely catchy soundtrack, it's no wonder Evil was one of the most popular films of 2024.