THE 30 BEST
FILMS OF 2024

The 30 Best Films of 2024 capture a cinematic year defined by audacity, innovation, and emotional resonance. As the industry continued to evolve post-pandemic, filmmakers embraced bold narratives, complex characters, and striking visual storytelling. From arthouse gems to box office giants, the year’s best films pushed aesthetic and thematic boundaries, proving that cinema remains a powerful medium for both escape and reflection.

Whether it was Dune: Part Two delivering epic sci-fi spectacle with operatic grandeur, The Substance shocking and thrilling with its body-horror brilliance, or I’m Still Here offering a raw, introspective journey into grief and identity, 2024 saw filmmakers daring to take risks and defy convention. Meanwhile, Challengers combined sexy, sharp-edged drama with electric chemistry, turning a love triangle into a cinematic event that was both playful and profound. These stories weren’t just well-crafted; they were conversation starters, cultural moments, and, in some cases, instant classics.

Our rankings consider critical acclaim, audience enthusiasm, artistic achievement, and cultural impact. As we count down the best films of the year, we celebrate the works that defined 2024—films that moved us, thrilled us, and reminded us why we keep coming back to the movies year after year.

30

A Different Man

2024 | 1h 52m | USA | ENGLISH | 16+

Top10nerScore68.831 / 100

p>

"Oh my friend, you haven't changed a bit."

DIRECTOR: Aaron Schimberg

WRITERS: Aaron Schimberg

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Wyatt Garfield

STARRING: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson, Miles G. Jackson, Patrick Wang

GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy

SUB-GENRE: Psychological Drama

Aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.

A Different Man boldly dives into surreal waters, exploring identity, transformation, and the human need for reinvention. With a provocative approach to deep themes, the film’s unsettling atmosphere complements its raw, emotional exploration of selfhood. It’s a daring, unforgettable journey into the complexities of change.

29

Nosferatu

2024 | 2h 13m | USA | ENGLISH | 16+

Top10nerScore68.990 / 100

p>

"Does evil come from within us, or from beyond?"

DIRECTOR: Robert Eggers

WRITERS: Robert Eggers

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jarin Blaschke

STARRING: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin

GENRE: Horror, Fantasy

SUB-GENRE: Gothic Horror, Supernatural Horror, Dark Fantasy

THEME: Vampire

A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu envelops viewers in a dark, gothic world where beauty and terror collide. The atmosphere pulses with eerie intensity, underscored by Lily Rose Depp’s entrancing presence. Though it may not rely on jump scares, it grips with a slow-burn tension that chills to the bone, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

28

A Real Pain

2024 | 1h 30m | USA & POL | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore69.386 / 100

p>

"Money's like fucking heroin for boring people."

DIRECTOR: Jesse Eisenberg

WRITERS: Jesse Eisenberg

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michał Dymek

STARRING: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey

GENRE: Drama, Comedy

SUB-GENRE: Family Drama

THEME: Buddy, Road Movie

Mismatched cousins David and Benji reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the pair’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

A Real Pain is a brilliantly balanced dramedy that effortlessly shifts between humor and heartache. Led by Kieran Culkin’s scene-stealing performance, Jesse Eisenberg plays to his strengths both behind and in front of the camera, crafting a film that handles weighty themes with natural restraint and genuine warmth.

27

A Complete Unknown

2024 | 2h 20m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore69.462 / 100

p>

"You know, you're kind of an asshole, Bob."

DIRECTOR: James Mangold

WRITERS: Jay Cocks, James Mangold

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Phedon Papamichael

STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Scoot McNairy, Dan Fogler, Boyd Holbrook

GENRE: Drama

SUB-GENRE: Biopic, Period Drama

THEME: Music

New York, early 1960s. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.

A Complete Unknown channels the spirit of Bob Dylan through Timothée Chalamet’s electrifying performance, delivering a raw, poignant exploration of the iconic artist’s early years. With a finely tuned blend of grit and grace, the film immerses you in Dylan’s world, offering a mesmerizing glimpse of a legend in the making.

26

Better Man

2024 | 2h 15m | AUS, UK & USA | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore70.796 / 100

p>

"I don't see myself how others see me."

DIRECTOR: Michael Gracey

WRITERS: Michael Gracey, Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Erik Wilson

STARRING: Jonno Davies, Robbie Williams, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvany, Damon Herriman, Frazer Hadfield, Raechelle Banno, Tom Budge

GENRE: Drama, Musical, Fantasy

SUB-GENRE: Biopic, Jukebox Musical, Magical Realism, Psychological Drama

THEME: Music

Follow Robbie Williams’ journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

Better Man pushes the boundaries of the musical biopic by daring to replace its star with a CGI ape, and it does so with captivating brilliance. This audacious move enhances the film’s immersive experience, blending music, visuals, and storytelling in a fresh, thrilling way that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

25

Crossing

'Passage'

2024 | 1h 46m | SWE, DEN & FRA | GEORGIAN | 15+

Top10nerScore70.840 / 100

p>

"Are you sure she wants to be found?"

DIRECTOR: Levan Akin

WRITERS: Levan Akin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lisabi Fridell

STARRING: Mzia Arabuli, Lucas Kankava, Deniz Dumanlı, Tako Kurdovanidze, Levan Bochorishvili, Nino Karchava

GENRE: Drama

THEME: LGBTQ+, Road Movie, Buddy

Lia, a retired teacher from Georgia, learns from her young neighbor, Achi, that her long-lost transgender niece, Tekla, has crossed the border into Turkey. In search of Tekla, Lia travels to Istanbul with the unpredictable Achi, where they explore the hidden depths of the city.

In Crossing, Mzia Arabuli shines in a performance that carries the weight of hope, fear, and resilience. Levan Akin’s humanist storytelling takes audiences on a heartfelt journey, where every step reflects the search for belonging and understanding, crafting a deeply empathetic and memorable cinematic experience.

24

Transformers One

2024 | 1h 44m | USA | ENGLISH | 9+

Top10nerScore71.158 / 100

p>

"It's time to show that we are more than meets the eye."

DIRECTOR: Josh Cooley

WRITERS: Eric Pearson, Gabriel Ferrari, Andrew Barrer

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christopher Batty

STARRING: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm,Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne

GENRE: Animation, Action, Science Fiction, Adventure

SUB-GENRE: Computer Animation

The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

Transformers One redefines the iconic franchise with a bold origin story that delves into the birth of the Autobots and Decepticons. With visually stunning, high-octane action sequences, it delivers a visually explosive experience while exploring the deep-rooted conflicts of these legendary characters, setting the stage for a new chapter in the saga.

23

Inside Out 2

2024 | 1h 37m | USA | ENGLISH | 7+

Top10nerScore71.347 / 100

p>

"I don't know how to stop Anxiety. Maybe we can't."

DIRECTOR: Kelsey Mann

WRITERS: Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adam Habib, Jonathan Pytko

STARRING: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser

GENRE: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

SUB-GENRE: Computer Animation, Low Fantasy

THEME: Coming-of-Age, Family

Teenager Riley’s mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.

Inside Out 2 builds on the emotional intelligence of its predecessor by diving into the complexities of teenage feelings with wit and warmth. Pixar’s stunning animation and thoughtful storytelling create a heartwarming, insightful experience, making it a perfect mix of humor, emotional depth, and positivity for the whole family.

22

Challengers

2024 | 2h 12m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore71.357 / 100

p>

"This is a game about winning the points that matter."

DIRECTOR: Luca Guadagnino

WRITERS: Justin Kuritzkes

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom

STARRING: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, Darnell Appling, Bryan Doo, Shane T Harris, Nada Despotovich

GENRE: Drama, Romance

THEME: Sports

Tashi Duncan is a former tennis prodigy turned coach who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak, her strategy for his redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend.

Challengers is a magnetic, character-driven drama that crackles with energy. With a trio of outstanding performances, the film delivers a sexy, fast-paced story of attraction, rivalry, and emotional depth. Its intimate portrayal of complex relationships unfolds with flair, offering plenty to savor for fans of nuanced storytelling.

21

Dìdi

'弟弟'

2024 | 1h 34m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

Top10nerScore71.430 / 100

p>

"I'm gonna period in your mouth when you're asleep!"

DIRECTOR: Sean Wang

WRITERS: Sean Wang

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sam Davis

STARRING: Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua

GENRE: Drama, Comedy

THEME: Coming-of-Age, Slice of Life

In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.

In Dìdi, Wang crafts a poignant and heartfelt tribute to the messiness of adolescence, blending his own experiences with a universal sense of longing and discovery. The film thoughtfully balances youthful emotion with sharp self-reflection, making it a tender and evocative exploration of love, identity, and the complex process of growing up.

20

All We Imagine
as Light

2024 | 1h 58m | INDIA | MALALYALAM | 14+

Top10nerScore71.925 / 100

p>

"You have to believe the illusion, or else you'll go mad."

DIRECTOR: Payal Kapadia

WRITERS: Payal Kapadia

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ranabir Das

STARRING: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, Azees Nedumangad, Tintumol Joseph

GENRE: Drama, Romance

In Mumbai, Nurse Prabha’s routine is troubled when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Her younger roommate, Anu, tries in vain to find a spot in the city to be intimate with her boyfriend. A trip to a beach town allows them to find a space for their desires to manifest.

All We Imagine as Light immerses the audience in the pulse of modern India, where every frame feels like a fleeting moment captured in time. Payal Kapadia’s lens is tender yet bold, offering an evocative portrayal of life’s quiet complexities. It’s a stunning debut that announces her as a vital voice in cinema.

19

Wicked

2024 | 2h 42m | USA & UK | ENGLISH | 9+

Top10nerScore72.239 / 100

p>

"Everyone deserves a chance to fly!"

DIRECTOR: Jon M. Chu

WRITERS: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alice Brooks

STARRING: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage

GENRE: Musical, Fantasy, Epic

THEME: Buddy

In the land of Oz, ostracized and misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba is forced to share a room with the popular aristocrat Glinda at Shiz University, and the two’s unlikely friendship is tested as they begin to fulfill their respective destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked dazzles as a breathtaking return to Oz, where emotion, music, and magic collide. Cynthia Erivo’s soulful intensity meets Ariana Grande’s shimmering charm in a performance duet that lifts the film into the skies. With lush production, iconic songs, and a heartfelt core, this is a soaring spectacle of friendship and destiny.

18

The Girl with
the Needle

'Pigen med nålen'

2024 | 2h 03m | DENMARK, POL & SWE | DANISH | 16+

Top10nerScore72.617 / 100

p>

"Sometimes, the truth is more terrifying than any lie."

DIRECTOR: Magnus von Horn

WRITERS: Line Langebek Knudsen, Magnus von Horn

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michał Dymek

STARRING: Vic Carmen Sonne, Trine Dyrholm, Besir Zeciri, Joachim Fjelstrup, Tessa Hoder, Ava Knox Martin, Ari Alexander Søren Sætter-Lassen

GENRE: Drama

SUB-GENRE: Period Drama, Biopic

Struggling to survive in post-WWI Copenhagen, a newly unemployed and pregnant young woman is taken in by a charismatic elder to help run an underground adoption agency. The two form an unexpected bond, until a sudden discovery changes everything.

The Girl with the Needle threads a haunting story through luminous black-and-white cinematography, crafting a spellbinding parable steeped in longing and quiet strength. Every frame feels hand-stitched with care, blending poetic stillness and emotional depth into a beautifully woven tale of fate, sacrifice, and resilience.

17

Furiosa

A Mad Max Saga

2024 | 2h 29m | AUSTRALIA & USA | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore72.657 / 100

p>

"You crawled out of a pitiless grave, deeper than hell."

DIRECTOR: George Miller

WRITERS: George Miller, Nico Lathouris

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Simon Duggan

STARRING: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Alyla Browne, George Shevtsov, Lachy Hulme, John Howard, Angus Sampson

GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Adventure

THEME: Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by the Immortan Joe.

Furiosa expands the Wasteland into something mythic and majestic, with Anya Taylor-Joy embodying fierce resilience in a role destined for legend. George Miller delivers thunderous set pieces and stunning visuals while adding unexpected emotional depth, forging a prequel that honors Fury Road and fuels its legacy with fire and soul.

16

Wallace & Gromit

Vengeance Most Fowl

2024 | 1h 19m | UK | ENGLISH | 6+

Top10nerScore72.838 / 100

p>

"That's just an innocent nun, out for a pleasure cruise."

DIRECTORS: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham

WRITERS: Mark Burton

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dave Alex Riddett

STARRING: Ben Whitehead, Reece Shearsmith, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Diane Morgan

GENRE: Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction

SUB-GENRE: Claymation

THEME: Family, Artificial Intelligence

Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!

Vengeance Most Fowl marks a triumphant return, brimming with visual inventiveness, gentle wit, and Wallace & Gromit’s timeless chemistry. As Feathers McGraw hatches a new scheme, the film blends heartwarming antics with sly jabs at modern technology, reaffirming that clay-crafted brilliance never loses its charm.

15

The Count of
Monte Cristo

'Le Comte de Monte-Cristo'

2024 | 2h 58m | FRANCE | FRENCH | 12+

Top10nerScore72.924 / 100

p>

"I am a man with the heart of a devil."

DIRECTORS: Alexandre de La Patellière, Matthieu Delaporte

WRITERS: Alexandre de La Patellière, Matthieu Delaporte

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nicolas Bolduc

STARRING: Pierre Niney, Bastien Bouillon, Anaïs Demoustier, Laurent Lafitte, Pierfrancesco Favino, Patrick Mille, Vassili Schneider, Julien de Saint Jean

GENRE: Adventure, Drama, Epic, Action

SUB-GENRE: Period Drama

Edmond Dantes becomes the target of a sinister plot and is arrested on his wedding day for a crime he did not commit. After 14 years in the island prison of Château d’If, he manages a daring escape. Now rich beyond his dreams, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte-Cristo and exacts his revenge on the three men who betrayed him.

The 2024 adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo condenses Alexandre Dumas’ epic tale into a brisk, lavish action-adventure. With stunning visuals, sharp performances, and rapier-like precision, this French retelling brings the classic revenge story to life with thrilling energy and heartfelt intensity, capturing both grandeur and grit.

14

Conclave

2024 | 2h 00m | UK & USA | ENGLISH | 12+

Top10nerScore73.093 / 100

p>

"I am what God made me."

DIRECTOR: Edward Berger

WRITERS: Peter Straughan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stéphane Fontaine

STARRING: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, Sergio Castellitto, Brían F. O’Byrne

GENRE: Drama, Thriller, Mystery

SUB-GENRE: Political Drama, Political Thriller

THEME: Religious Film

After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with managing the covert and ancient ritual of electing a new one. Sequestered in the Vatican with the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders until the process is complete, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could lead to its downfall.

Conclave stands as a masterfully crafted papal drama, with Ralph Fiennes delivering a career-defining performance that anchors the high-stakes political tension. Immaculately executed, the film seamlessly blends thought-provoking dialogue and edge-of-your-seat suspense, offering a gripping exploration of power, faith, and human ambition.

13

Nickel Boys

2024 | 2h 20m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore73.719 / 100

p>

"I know my mother loved me. She just loved liquor more."

DIRECTOR: RaMell Ross

WRITERS: RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jomo Fray

STARRING: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Hamish Linklater, Gralen Bryant Banks, Fred Hechinger, Jimmie Fails, Luke Tennie

GENRE: Drama

SUB-GENRE: Period Drama

THEME: Prison Film, Coming-of-Age

Chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida.

Nickel Boys transforms Colson Whitehead’s harrowing novel into a hauntingly immersive experience through RaMell Ross’ bold visual language. With lyrical realism and intimate detail, the film invites viewers to inhabit its emotional truth, offering a powerful meditation on memory, resilience, and the unseen scars of history.

12

Kneecap

2024 | 1h 45m | IRELAND & UK | IRISH/ENG | 16+

Top10nerScore74.118 / 100

p>

"Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom."

DIRECTOR: Rich Peppiatt

WRITERS: Rich Peppiatt

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ryan Kernaghan

STARRING: Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, DJ Próvaí, Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Michael Fassbender, Jessica Reynolds, Adam Best, Simone Kirby

GENRE: Comedy, Drama

SUB-GENRE: Biopic

THEME: Music

When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed “low life scum” Naoise and Liam Óg, the needle drops on a hip-hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.

Kneecap is a riotous celebration of language, identity, and defiance, channeling the raw charisma of its namesake rap trio into a film that pulses with the restless energy of Belfast. Mixing biting humor, bold politics, and irresistible music, it becomes a rebellious anthem for cultural preservation that never stops being wildly entertaining.

11

The Substance

2024 | 2h 21m | FRANCE, UK & USA | ENGLISH | 17+

Top10nerScore74.306 / 100

p>

"There's been a slight misuse of the Substance."

DIRECTOR: Coralie Fargeat

WRITERS: Coralie Fargeat

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Benjamin Kračun

STARRING: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Edward Hamilton-Clark, Gore Abrams

GENRE: Horror, Satire, Science Fiction, Black Comedy

SUB-GENRE: Body Horror

A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

The Substance is a jaw-dropping collision of gore, glamour, and thematic ambition, with Coralie Fargeat crafting a visceral fairy tale of transformation, fame, and control. Demi Moore commands the screen with thrilling intensity, anchoring a film that’s as provocative in its message as it is unforgettable in its sensory overload.

INTRODUCING...

THE TOP 10
BEST FILMS
OF 2024

10

The Brutalist

2024 | 3h 35m | USA, HUN & UK | ENG/HUNG | 16+

Top10nerScore74.430 / 100

p>

"This whole country is rotten."

DIRECTOR: Brady Corbet

WRITERS: Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lol Crawley

STARRING: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin

GENRE: Drama, Epic

SUB-GENRE: Period Drama

When a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client.

The Brutalist is a cinematic meditation on structure, resilience, and belonging, where Brady Corbet’s meticulous direction unfolds an emotionally resonant narrative. Adrien Brody’s powerful, quietly epic performance anchors the film’s profound exploration of the immigrant experience, blending visual grandeur with intimate, heartfelt moments.

09

The Seed of
the Sacred Fig

'Danaye anjir-e moabad'

2024 | 2h 47m | IRAN, GER & FRA | PERSIAN | 16+

Top10nerScore75.110 / 100

p>

"The world has changed, but God has not. Nor his laws."

DIRECTOR: Mohammad Rasoulof

WRITERS: Mohammad Rasoulof

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pooyan Aghababaei

STARRING: Misagh Zare, Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami, Setareh Maleki, Niousha Akhshi, Reza Akhlaghirad

GENRE: Drama

SUB-GENRE: Family Drama, Political Drama, Psychological Drama

Investigating judge Iman grapples with paranoia amid political unrest in Tehran. When his gun vanishes, he suspects his wife and daughters, imposing draconian measures that strain family ties as societal rules crumble.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a searing and beautifully crafted exploration of oppression, both in the home and the broader world. The film blends compelling drama with potent political commentary, offering a moving portrayal of resistance and the strength required to reclaim freedom and dignity in the face of relentless control.

08

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

'Lahn mah'

2024 | 2h 07m | THAILAND | THAI | 13+

Top10nerScore75.815 / 100

p>

"You're a fool... for loving the wrong person."

DIRECTOR: Pat Boonnitipat

WRITERS: Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, Pat Boonnitipat

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Boonyanuch Kraithong

STARRING: Putthipong Assaratanakul, Usha Seamkhum, Sanya Kunakorn, Sarinrat Thomas, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Tontawan Tantivejakul, Duangporn Oapirat

GENRE: Drama

SUB-GENRE: Family Drama

M, a university dropout low on money and luck, volunteers to take care of his terminally ill grandmother, in the hope of pocketing an inheritance.

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies begins as a playful story of generational mischief and gracefully evolves into a tender, emotionally rich portrait of love and legacy. With heartfelt performances and cultural specificity, it finds beauty in sincerity and turns an unlikely premise into a profoundly moving cinematic treasure.

07

Memoir of a Snail

2024 | 1h 34m | AUSTRALIA | ENGLISH | 15+

Top10nerScore76.880 / 100

p>

"Dad used to say that childhood was like being drunk…"

DIRECTOR: Adam Elliot

WRITERS: Adam Elliot

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gerald Thompson

STARRING: Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jacki Weaver, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong, Eric Bana

GENRE: Animation, Black Comedy, Drama

SUB-GENRE: Claymation, Family Drama

THEME: Coming-of-Age

Forcibly separated from her twin brother when they are orphaned, a melancholic misfit learns how to find confidence within herself amid the clutter of misfortunes and everyday life.

Memoir of a Snail unfolds like a handcrafted letter to the lonely and the lost, pairing exquisite stop-motion with a soulful tale of quiet courage. Rich in heart and bursting with quirky detail, it transforms life’s smallest struggles into something luminous, offering a deeply affecting triumph of spirit, style, and storytelling.

06

Anora

2024 | 2h 19m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

Top10nerScore77.087 / 100

p>

"PLEASE! STOP! SCREAMING!"

DIRECTOR: Sean Baker

WRITERS: Sean Baker

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Drew Daniels

STARRING: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, Darya Ekamasova, Aleksey Serebryakov

GENRE: Drama, Black Comedy, Romance

Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as the parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.

Anora is a vibrant, streetwise fairy tale that glows with raw emotion and unexpected tenderness. Sean Baker crafts another intimate portrait of America’s dreamers, and Mikey Madison lights up the screen with a performance full of charm, fire, and vulnerability. It’s bold, funny, and quietly profound as it finds beauty in the chaos of ambition and love.

05

Flow

'Straume'

2024 | 1h 25m | LATVIA | SILENT | 6+

Top10nerScore79.590 / 100

p>

DIRECTOR: Gints Zilbalodis

WRITERS: Matīss Kaža, Gints Zilbalodis, Ron Dyens

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gints Zilbalodis

GENRE: Adventure, Animation, Fantasy

SUB-GENRE: Computer Animation, Low Fantasy

THEME: Post-Apocalyptic, Survival

A solitary cat, displaced by a great flood, finds refuge on a boat with various species and must navigate the challenges of adapting to a transformed world together.

Flow captivates with its stunning animation and thought-provoking themes, inviting audiences into a life-affirming journey across time and space. Every frame is a testament to the beauty of existence, speaking louder than words as it explores the interconnectedness of all living beings with graceful, heartfelt depth.

04

The Wild Robot

2024 | 1h 42m | USA | ENGLISH | 8+

Top10nerScore79.896 / 100

p>

"Fly like you, not like them."

DIRECTOR: Chris Sanders

WRITERS: Chris Sanders

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Chris Stover

STARRING: Lupita Nyong’o, Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames

GENRE: Animation, Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama

SUB-GENRE: Computer Animation

THEME: Artificial Intelligence, Family, Fable, Survival

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

The Wild Robot masterfully blends technology and nature in a story that is both simple and deeply profound. Adapted from the bestselling novel, the film enchants with its gorgeous animation and rich emotional depth. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and connection in ways that will captivate and inspire viewers young and old.

03

Look Back

'Rukku Bakku'

2024 | 0h 58m | JAPAN | JAPANESE | 11+

Top10nerScore80.535 / 100

p>

"Thank you for getting me out of my room."

DIRECTOR: Kiyotaka Oshiyama

WRITERS: Kiyotaka Oshiyama

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kazuto Izumita

STARRING: Yuumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida

STARRING (ENGLISH): Valerie Rose Lohman, Grace Lu

GENRE: Animation, Drama

SUB-GENRE: Anime

THEME: Coming-of-Age

Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.

Look Back presents an emotional journey wrapped in stunning animation, celebrating the indomitable spirit of the artist. Through its vivid visuals and deeply reflective themes, the film delves into creativity, loss, and the lasting bonds formed through art. It’s a heartfelt and inspiring masterpiece that lingers long after the final frame.

02

I’m Still Here

'Ainda estou aqui'

2024 | 2h 18m | BRAZIL | PORTUGUESE | 15+

Top10nerScore83.976 / 100

p>

"He wants us sad, but we'll smile"

DIRECTOR: Walter Salles

WRITERS: Murilo Hauser, Heitor Lorega

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adrian Teijido

STARRING: Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro, Valentina Herszage, Antonio Saboia, Guilherme Silveira, Luiza Kosovski, Bárbara Luz

GENRE: Drama

SUB-GENRE: Biopic, Family Drama, Political Drama, Period Drama

In 1971, military dictatorship in Brazil reaches its height. The Paiva family — Rubens, Eunice, and their five children — live in a beachside house in Rio, open to all their friends. One day, Rubens is taken for questioning and does not return.

I’m Still Here is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and resilience, driven by Fernanda Torres’ powerhouse performance. The film immerses viewers in a nation’s turbulence through the lens of one family’s search for peace. Thoughtful and poignant, it beautifully captures the echoes of grief and the enduring power of human connection.

01

Dune

Part Two

2024 | 2h 47m | USA & CAN | ENGLISH | 13+

Top10nerScore85.042 / 100

p>

"Lead them to paradise."

DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve

WRITERS: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Greig Fraser

STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Souheila Yacoub

GENRE: Science Fiction, Adventure, Epic, Drama

SUB-GENRE: Space Opera

Follow the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, Paul endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Dune: Part Two soars to new heights, delivering a visually thrilling and narratively epic continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s vision. With sweeping landscapes, meticulous world-building, and an expansive cast, this nearly three-hour spectacle demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, establishing itself as…
The Best Film of 2024

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Alien: Romulus2024
Bird2024
Civil War2024
Deadpool & Wolverine2024
Exhuma2024
Ghostlight2024
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle2024
Hard Truths2024
Juror #22024
Love Lies Bleeding2024
Monkey Man2024
My Old Ass2024
Rebel Ridge2024
Sonic the Hedgehog 32024
Spetember 52024
The Apprentice2024
The Order2024
The Outrun2024
Thelma2024
We Live in Time2024

THANKS FOR READING!

We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.

Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.

But, before you go, don’t forget to…

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW

Agree with our list? Disagree? We want to hear from you!

Share your favorite films, suggest additions to the list, or let us know which films you think should be ranked differently.

Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Your writing is so relatable and down-to-earth It’s like having a conversation with a good friend Thank you for always being real with your readers

SHARE THIS LIST