Looking back at 2024, the movie world delivered one of its most diverse and vibrant years in recent memory. From sweeping sci-fi epics and emotional dramas to imaginative musicals and chilling horror revivals, last year’s cinematic offerings proved that theaters — and streaming platforms — were alive with creativity. The 2024 movie calendar was stacked with both franchise favorites and standout originals that defined the year in film.
While superhero franchises like “Deadpool” and “Captain America: Brave New World” dominated headlines, it was the sheer breadth of storytelling that made 2024 unforgettable. From the sweeping sandscapes of “Dune: Part Two” to the electrifying musical world of “Wicked,” moviegoers had no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Indie gems like “Anora” and “The Substance” proved that bold filmmaking still thrives in the margins, and animated features like “The Wild Robot” reminded us that family stories could be both visually stunning and deeply moving.
The Best Movies of 2024
- Dune: Part Two – Denis Villeneuve’s masterwork continued Paul Atreides’ journey, grossing over $700 million and cementing itself as a modern sci-fi epic.
- Wicked – Jon M. Chu’s dazzling adaptation brought Oz to life with musical flair and powerful performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- The Brutalist – A haunting architectural drama starring Adrien Brody, this film delivered stunning visuals and a poignant meditation on post-war identity.
- Anora – Sean Baker’s quietly powerful character study of a Brooklyn stripper won accolades from critics and earned top awards from the LA Film Critics Association.
- Nickel Boys – A sobering, powerful adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel, this film explored injustice in 1960s Florida through a haunting lens.
- Nosferatu – Robert Eggers reinvented the classic vampire tale with eerie atmosphere and unforgettable imagery in a film that haunted audiences well after the credits.
- The Substance – Coralie Fargeat’s bold and grotesque body horror starring Margaret Qualley delivered thrills with razor-sharp commentary on beauty and self-worth.
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – George Miller returned to his dystopian world, giving Anya Taylor-Joy’s Furiosa a fierce, action-packed origin story.
- Sing Sing – A breakout drama led by Colman Domingo, this film showcased the transformative power of prison arts programs and earned critical acclaim for its emotional impact.
- The Wild Robot – With stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling, this adaptation of Peter Brown’s book became a family favorite and surprise critical darling.
These films not only dominated award conversations and critics’ lists but also left a lasting impression with audiences worldwide. Whether through grand spectacle or intimate drama, they represent the best cinema had to offer in 2024.
Dune: Part Two
“Dune: Part Two” was released on March 1, 2024, after a delay due to strikes that were eventually resolved. The film’s release date was moved up by two weeks to March 1, 2024. Following the success of “Oppenheimer” (2023) in the IMAX format, “Dune: Part Two” premiered in the IMAX 15-perforation 70 mm format at twelve venues worldwide, as well as in the standard 5-perforation 70 mm format at 38 venues around the globe.
Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up to the 2021 epic picks up where the first film left off, plunging audiences deeper into the politics, mysticism, and warfare of Arrakis. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, now stepping into his prophesied role among the Fremen as he leads a rebellion against House Harkonnen. With towering sandworms, prophetic dreams, and jaw-dropping visuals, “Dune: Part Two” became both a box office juggernaut and a landmark sci-fi achievement. The film grossed over $700 million globally and was widely praised for its ambition, scope, and emotional resonance.
Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” was released on November 22, 2024 and brought the beloved Broadway musical to the screen with dazzling spectacle and heartfelt performances. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, while Ariana Grande plays Glinda, the bubbly and popular witch who becomes her unlikely friend.
The film’s soaring musical numbers, colorful production design, and faithful adaptation of the stage show delighted longtime fans and newcomers alike. “Wicked” became a family favorite and a major awards contender thanks to its emotional core and show-stopping visuals.
The Brutalist
Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” came out on December 20, 2024 and is a visually arresting and emotionally heavy historical drama that chronicles the life of visionary architect László Toth, played by Adrien Brody. After fleeing Europe in the aftermath of World War II, Toth attempts to rebuild his life and career in America.
The film is told over decades, blending stark cinematography with meditative storytelling about trauma, ambition, and artistic legacy. With Felicity Jones in a standout supporting role, “The Brutalist” was a festival favorite praised for its daring structure and thematic depth.
Anora
Sean Baker’s “Anora” was released on October 18, 2024 and delivers a raw and intimate portrait of a young stripper in Brooklyn whose life takes unexpected turns after a whirlwind romance with a wealthy Russian man. Mikey Madison gives a breakout performance as Anora, navigating a world of emotional vulnerability and social scrutiny. The film’s gritty realism, tinged with Baker’s signature empathy and eye for the overlooked, won acclaim across major festivals. It took top honors from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and emerged as one of 2024’s most talked-about indie dramas.
Nickel Boys
Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Nickel Boys” is a harrowing tale set in a brutal reform school in 1960s Florida. The movie was released on August 30, 2024 and was directed by RaMell Ross, following two Black teenagers who navigate a cruel, racially oppressive institution while clinging to their humanity.
Its unflinching portrayal of systemic abuse and quiet resilience resonated deeply with critics and audiences. The film was named Best Picture by the National Society of Film Critics and is considered one of the most important literary adaptations of the decade.
Nosferatu
Robert Eggers reimagines the 1922 horror classic with a moody, gothic visual language and his signature slow-burn tension. “Nosferatu” stars Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, the sinister vampire who descends upon 19th-century Germany to spread plague and fear. The movie launched on Christmas Day (December 25, 2024) and features haunting imagery, minimal dialogue, and a surreal, dreamlike tone.
Eggers’ film reinvigorates a foundational piece of horror cinema for modern audiences. Willem Dafoe and Nicholas Hoult provide standout supporting performances in a film that feels both timeless and fresh.
The Substance
Originally scheduled for theatrical distribution by Universal Pictures, “The Substance” was released in theaters in the United Kingdom and the United States by Mubi on September 20, 2024, and in France by Metropolitan Filmexport on November 6, 2024. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, this gruesome and stylish body horror film explores themes of beauty, transformation, and media obsession.
Starring Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore, the movie revolves around a substance that enables women to achieve their ideal selves—at a grotesque cost. Blending elements of feminist allegory and body shock thriller, “The Substance” stunned audiences at Cannes and beyond with its unapologetic commentary and visceral visuals. It has been hailed as one of the boldest horror films in years.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2024. It was released theatrically in Australia on May 23, 2024, and in the United States the following day. The film received positive reviews from critics and garnered multiple award nominations. Directed by George Miller, “Furiosa” serves as a prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road” and focuses on the young Imperator Furiosa.
Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role made famous by Charlize Theron, depicting the character’s capture and her eventual rise in a world filled with chaos and cruelty. Chris Hemsworth portrays a sadistic warlord in one of his most menacing roles to date. With stunning practical effects, breathtaking action sequences, and a compelling emotional arc, “Furiosa” showcases Miller’s mastery of the genre and confirms that his filmmaking prowess remains as fierce as ever.
Sing Sing
“Sing Sing” was released on July 12, 2024 and is a powerful prison drama based on the real-life rehabilitation theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Colman Domingo leads a cast that includes formerly incarcerated actors, delivering a performance that earned him major award nominations.
The film explores how creative expression becomes a lifeline for inmates seeking redemption and purpose. Quiet, moving, and authentic, “Sing Sing” was one of the most emotionally affecting films of
A Year of Variety and Vision
2024 reminded audiences of why we go to the movies in the first place — to be immersed, moved, and challenged. It was a year where large-scale blockbusters and personal indies stood side by side. While streaming platforms continued to reshape the industry, theatrical releases made a strong comeback. Movies like “Furiosa,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “Wicked” filled multiplexes, while “Anora” and “Sing Sing” found passionate audiences on the festival circuit and beyond.
Streaming platforms played a crucial role as well. Netflix brought us global hits and unique originals, while Prime Video and Max expanded their reach with both documentaries and indie films. Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” and Fargeat’s “The Substance” benefited from this hybrid model, finding wide audiences while preserving their distinct artistic vision.
What Defined 2024 in Film?
- Genre Blending: Films like “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “The Substance” blurred genre lines with musical horror and surreal body horror gaining traction.
- Revived Franchises: “Furiosa” and “Venom: The Last Dance” brought new life to existing universes, while “Moana 2” and “Mufasa” expanded beloved Disney lore.
- High-profile Adaptations: From “Wicked” to “The Nickel Boys,” literature and theater inspired powerful new interpretations.
- Breakout Indie Films: “Anora,” “Sing Sing,” and “The Wild Robot” proved that smaller stories still pack the biggest emotional punch.
- Streaming vs. Theaters: The balance between cinematic spectacle and home-viewing convenience shaped how audiences consumed movies more than ever before.
In a year marked by bold creative swings and emotionally resonant storytelling, 2024 will be remembered as a high point in 21st-century cinema. Whether you were watching in a packed IMAX or curled up on your couch, there was something last year for every type of movie lover.
