Top 20 films of 2024
Time for the wrap up!
And so another year passes, many people across the world are wrapping up their holiday trips, and getting ready for the start of the half way point of this decade, film lovers everywhere are scrambling to determine their favorite films that they’ve watched during the past year (like me!). This is really the first time I have done anything like this so it should be an interesting experience! Before we get to the actual top 20, I do want to give 10 honorable mentions that didn’t quite make it but I would like to mention anyways since I also really like them, I will also link my Letterboxd review for each one of the honorable mentions (if I wrote one for that film) so you can see more thoughts. As for the list itself, I will 100% give a paragraph or two of thoughts on each entrant, counting all the way down to of course number 1! I also will link my full 2024 film ranking of every movie I saw in the year down below when this is all said and done. Last thing to mention, obviously this is in my humble opinion and obviously I haven’t seen some films like The Brutalist yet, but that’s really mostly because I quite literally have no way to watch it but with that said, here’s to a great 2025 as we go into the actual first full year of this substack and the first post of it in 2025. Staring with the 10 honorable mentions!!
Honorable mention: #30 Bad Boys Ride Or Die 4/5 stars
Some thoughts on Letterboxd Here!!
Honorable mention: #29 Queer 4/5 stars
Didn’t write a LB reviews of Luca Guadagnino’s latest (since I was strapped for time coming out of the theater) but he continues to prove why he’s one of our best working today in his adaptation of the Burrough’s novel that’s really more about Burrough than anything. A surrealist price showing to true meaning of longing for someone and utter loneliness bolstered greatly by one of the best performances by the great Daniel Craig. Amazing stuff even if it’s not even my favorite film from Luca this year.
Honorable mention: #28 The Order 4/5 stars
Very little said about this one but it’s a great crime thriller with a terrific score and performances to boot. Some LB thoughts here
Honorable mention: #27 Woman of the hour 4/5 stars
Read some thoughts on Anna Kendrick's incredibly good directorial debut here!
Honorable mention: #26 The beast (‘La Bête’ original French title) 4/5 stars
The closest it feels we’ve come to Lynch like filmmaking in a while. Utterly fascinating and enthralling some of the most absolutely horrifying final minutes of any film released this year.
Honorable mention: #25 A Real Pain 4/5 stars
Captures the feeling of keeping our grief and sadness that we all keep bottled up since it’s so hard to depict but we know is there while still being able to balance a decent dose of good comedic moments. Such an Ernest and tender script here. Really liked this.
Honorable mention: #24 The Wild Robot 4/5 stars
Truly wonderful and sweet also really great voice acting here? Like I feel like I wouldn’t have known it was Pedro pascal as the fox if I didn’t already know from marketing material. Chris sanders is the king at making tender loving animated films that finally fucking break you when you start crying at the end.
Honorable mention: #23 Look Back 4/5 stars
Tbh I didn’t even know this existed until I was on the amc app and saw that this was playing that day and every single showtime for it was packed and it was amazing. Probably a definite watch for any artist. So many great emotions that pack a punch all in the span of under an hour.
Honorable mention: #22 Fancy Dance 4/5 stars
A Sundance 2023 release that finally got a release and its another criminally under seen one, showing the obstacles Indigenous women are facing in our everyday lives anchored by Lily Gladstone once again proving her great talent.
Honorable mention: #21 Kill 4/5 stars
An ultra violet rip roaring Indian actioner, truly brutal as fuck, more movies should drop their title card 40 minutes in.
And those are the honorable mentions time to move into the actual Top 20! Here we go!!
Top 20: #20 Dìdi 4/5 stars
The perfect example of what a proper coming of age film looks like today, a healthy dose of nostalgia from the my space era of the 2000s and of course, the true relatability that the best of these types of films mange to capture. So incredibly accurate to the life of what it’s like to be a 13 year old in middle school and all the hardships and of course warranted cringe that go along with it. Top it off with great performances from Izaac Wang and the absolutely marvelous Joan Chen and you have one of the best films of the year.
Top 20: #19 Problemista 4/5 stars
Speaking of relatable films, Problmista also gives its own incredibly relatable experience except instead of being a middle schooler, its about the struggles of artistry weather you’re a painter or a toy maker like Alejandro (Julio Torres) in this film. Julio Torres not only acts in this but also directs and what a debut this is. Has a great whimsy and such an imaginative style (there’s an insane visual representation of Craigslist in this!!) and also incredibly funny (Tilda Swinton!). Compassionately honest and wondrous film.
Top 20: #18 Hundreds of Beavers 4.5/5 stars
Arguably the most inspirational film of any other on this list if only because of the DIY nature of how this was made and yet it’s so insanely great. The creativity with the looney tunes esque gags here is unbelievable. It may or may not be your thing to be essentially watching that for about 100 minutes but it really never gets tired and manages to keep innovating. Wish I got the chance to see this in a theater.
Top 20: #17 Hit Man 4.5/5 stars
Talk about a crowd pleaser. Linklater’s latest is an absolute riot with some of the best moments and chemistry between two actors this entire year has to offer. Glen Powell’s stardom is proven by his absolute captivating charm here, Adria Arjona also gives a great performance and this also gives us the steamiest of steamy sex scenes in a world where sex on screen is being seen as a negative for whatever reason. Sometimes, some of the best is just being able to watch hot people being amazing on screen.
Top 20: #16 Trap 4.5/5 stars
Probably will easily be the most controversial addition in the entirety of this film but Im sorry, I will always be thoroughly entertained by this film. Sure the things like Sayombhu Mukdeeprom being the DP and Josh Hartnett giving one of the years best performances obviously add to this, but the modern sensibility of a filmmaker like M. Night Shyamalan is what really ties it all together. One of the funniest films of the year (Intentionally!!), the cat and mouse elements of the hunt down for Cooper and the very different but surprisingly effective 2nd half make Trap a win for me.
Top 20: #15 The Shadow Strays 4.5/5 stars
Realistically, you would expect this to get tiring after a while considering the run time, and in all fairness I felt it and more people will probably see it more as a hindrance than I do but this thing is just relentless in the best way possible. Every excellently choreographed fight seems to be even more exciting than the last. Also probably works better when you're watching it with a crowd but after this Timo Tjahjanto might be one of the most exciting action filmmakers we have for the future. The movie keeps topping its self scene after scene even if it trips over itself a bit but you have to respect that. Fucking excellent.
Top 20: #14 The Substance 4.5/5 stars
“Talk about one of the most shocking films of the year. Its been so fascinating watching this movies rise to stardom, from being a small indie releases from a relatively new presence in the theatrical space to a widely known 2024 film that’s now firmly in the awards conversation, a rarity for horror. While obviously as is the case with most releases, it has its naysayers but I still months later think all the hype is more than worth it for this film. Has all the style and pizzaz showing more than enough growth from Coralie Fargeat’s previous film 2017’s Revenge, all surrounded by two amazing central performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley creating a body horror experience like no other. If you haven’t already seen it, it’s a more than recommendation from me.” Taken from 2024 in horror post on this substack!
Top 20: #13 Love Lies Bleeding 4.5/5 stars
Rose Glass’s second feature film has all the vibes and esthetics you could ask for with a film from this time period and it has an incredible breakout performance from Katy O’Brian.Probably has one of the most divisive endings/conclusions of the year but if it works for you it will be one of your absolute favorites.
Top 20: #12 Sing Sing 4.5/5 stars
Simply sensational really art truly is a tool that can help us not only because that’s the focus of the movie obviously but in terms of my own experience. Films like this really remind you of how precious and soulful movies can be when at their best. Coleman Domingo yet again proves why he’s one of our best currently working and Clarence Maclin gives one of the most surprising performances of the year.
Top 20: #11 Juror #2 4.5/5 stars
I wrote a full review on this one on this very substack so if you want truly in depth thoughts go read it here but to take from that review a little bit, “One of the main reasons I love this movie so much, it's not truly groundbreaking direction, or anything truly awe-inspiring that will get you to jump out of your seat., it's just one of the oldest masters of their craft back making an old-fashioned court case drama that honestly speaking doesn’t even fully surround the case itself but more the tension and morality of every person in this country when it comes to the fundamentals of our judicial system and I think that’s great.”
Top 20: #10 The First Omen 4.5/5 stars
“No other horror film of this year quite compared to Arkasha Stevenson’s The first Omen for me this year. I still genuinely believe it captures the type of horror that isn’t nearly as present as it once was, a slow but sure fire build of horror. Its definitely not the type for everyone but its so gratifying for me especially when its from a studio horror film of all things. All of this is anchored by an absolute breakout performance from English actress Nell Tiger Free in an incredible showcase of terror and malice everyone points to the possession (1981 horror film) homage near the 3rd act for a reason she really goes for it. Talk about something that was just absolutely unexpected, an unnecessary prequel to an incredibly old original film that ended up being one of the years best, don’t you just love it when that happens?” Taken from 2024 in horror post on this substack!
Top 20: #9 Challengers 4.5/5 stars
Luca Guadagnino Challengers still remains a fascinating case of managing to be so thematically rich while being easily the most mainstream film in his filmography. In terms of visual language it’s kinda like Luca’s own anime influence in terms of the how it looks and manages to be the most sexy sweaty hot film in ages despite not having sex scenes and how tennis is like a relationship between these three. Really also loved the structure of this in that it’s non linear which will definitely throw some off but I honestly thought added to the entire experience even conversations between characters are shot like it’s a tennis match between players when there’s no tennis being played. Case in point, easily one of my favorites and more than worthy of being in this year’s top films.
Top 20: #8 I Saw the TV Glow 4.5/5 stars
Was left absolutely speechless after I saw this for the first time back in May. The hype has truly been met for me, an absolutely bone chilling portrait of trying to becoming true to your self but done in such a unique voice, it truly feels like an evolution from Jane Schoenbrunn’s first feature in terms of subtext and their visual style of film-making. Really one that will stick with me throughout the year especially from a personal level. I don’t think Ive ever seen queerness presented this way in a film, so yeah probably a masterpiece? I am so excited for Jane Schoenbrunn and their next theatrical endeavor.
Top 20: #7 Anora 4.5/5 stars
Theres something that’s truly special about the feelings Anora is able to convey and how it goes about showing them. Yes a lot of the middle portion of the film feels like Uncut Gems and it maybe gets a bit much at a point even though it remains funny, yes it shows that in real life things don’t end happily and that’s one of the most powerful things about the ending but its really seeing Mikey Madison as Annie holding this all in throughout the middle portion slowly seeing her what she thought was her big break from the sad realities of her mundane life unravel, all shattered by the the last 30 minutes, this would not work without her. I will refrain from spoiling the exact ending but it solidifies all of these themes and how Annie will never be able to go about her life the same way again or be able to forget it and that’s where it hits you, and its why Anora is one of the years best.
Top 20: #6 Dune Part two 5/5 stars
Despite the fact that as you’ll see in a minute, this is not even my favorite big blockbuster of the year, there’s no denying the sheer marvel that is Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part 2. A lot of people will say this will be one of the sci fi greats which yeah obviously but I think it works just as well as a war/political film, the entirety of this world and the conflicts throughout it are some of the most well defined I’ve see in a motion picture. Everyone in this cast as well gives it their all no matter how small or big their roles are probably the best performances from Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya respectively the ladder especially really shines throughout and Paul is fucking terrifying. This is the stuff every blockbuster should strive to reach.
Top 20: #5 Red Rooms 5/5 stars
The type of pure evil in film that sometimes doesn't feel like it can truly be shown in film but this manages to show it flawlessly. Not showing the actual violence was a brilliant choice. A character you truly have no idea what they're capable of in the most horrifying of ways, the type of terror that sticks with you long after you've finished the film and you're still thinking about it when it fully hits you and makes your stomach churn. Insane film.
Top 20: #4 A Different Man 5/5 stars
The dark comedy that is a Different Man is unlike anything else out right now. Arguably the smartest film of the year in its depiction of self loathing and how some can destroy themselves from the inside out with out knowing it all bolstered by the performances from Adam Pearson and Sebastian Stan who is continuing to prove he’s one of the best actors outside the Mcu.
Top 20: #3 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 5/5 stars
George Miller continues to show that he hasn’t lost a step in his filmmaking bones at all with the mastery on display in Furiosa. Takes the myth and legendary status of fury road and and transforms it into a biblical odyssey of grimey, fist clenched proportions. The lack of dialogue throughout this was a great choice as well in pushing the silent rage of furiosa throughout its entirety the darkest of angles. So much more of a firm grasp on what the world of the wasteland is like too. Anya Tylor Joy is amazing as the younger version of the character and Chris Hemsworth shows that he’s even better at playing a despicable villain than he is at playing a hero.
Top 20: #2 Janet Planet 5/5 stars
Strikes you hard and when you least expect it to the static feeling of all the composed shots in this adding to the passage of time in human relationships that can be gone in just an instant even when they feel like they just started and how it effects those around us like lacy. The mother and daughter relation of not knowing how to feel about motherhood but Lacys only escape from the mundane sad realities is the imagination she has in her day to day life in summer. Their little world having people constantly enter and exit it. Will be thinking about this for a long time.
Top 20: #1!!!! Nickel Boys 5/5 stars
Simply put the reason why Nickel Boys is my favorite of the year is not just because it’s incredible (it is!), but that it completely changes the game in the best way possible of how storytelling can be used in the art of filmmaking that will stand the test of time. One of the most fascinating things about nickel boys is that no matter how you feel about it, it creates a cinematic experience that is so wholly unique in every sense of the word. In fact it’s so insanely well crafted it genuinely feels like a fools errand to just go at it and concisely describe your experience with it. The blending of the pov and archival footage of a look of what it was like to be a person of color at that time and the moments of some wonder and darkness that come with it. Captures the loving, painfu, and interment moments of these characters in what feels like a new level of filmmaking. Stunning, heartbreaking and then some it honestly reminds me of why film and the art of this craft is so special to me. I can’t wait for all of you to see this.
Conclusion/Wrap up:
And there you have it, my favorite films of the year, maybe since there isn’t much going on new release wise in the first weekend of January, my 2nd post of the year could be my most anticipated films of 2025 but I looking forward to another year of film with you guys and the first full year of this substack. I love talking about movies, it one of the few joys in life and Im glad I get to share that with all of you and I wish each one of you a Happy New Year and a hopefully amazing year will lie ahead for all of us.
See my full list of every single film I saw in 2024 good and bad ranked Here!!