Top 10 Films of 2024

Nearly a month has passed since the end of 2024.

However, there were a number of films yours truly needed to watch before feeling entirely comfortable making a Top 10 list. Well, a few days into February and I can say that I’ve seen just about all I need to see for a fair assessment on last year’s cinematic slate.

To be completely honest, last year was a bit disappointing in comparison to 2023, which had a much stronger lineup. But there were still quite a few good flicks released that deserve recognition. Like most years, first up is the honorable mentions before the top 10.

Honorable Mentions

• Anora
• A Complete Unknown
• Conclave
• Dune: Part Two
• Ghostlight
• Inside Out 2
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
• Knox Goes Away
• Nightbitch
• Sing Sing

10. Queer

“Anora” and “Queer” were both candidates for this spot, and the decision was razor thin. However, Luca Guadagnino’s film offered just enough to have the edge. It’s a wonderfully effective slow burn telling the story of a fascinating, tragic main character.

William, played absolutely brilliantly by Daniel Craig, is a man looking for meaning in life, but as it’s eluded him, he’s turned to addictive vices. All of this is captured exceptionally well by talent both behind and in front of the camera.

9. Furiosa

Max may have been absent here, but fantastic apocalyptic action was still present. There are several great scenes of vehicular mayhem included in “Furiosa,” with a great deal of attention to detail in them. There’s an especially good sequence where the protagonist has to fight off a raid on the rig she’s on that’s reminiscent of “Fury Road.”

The film’s climax is sensational, too. Just as good as the action, though, is the origin story of Furiosa herself. It’s a really powerful hero’s journey through hell and back. Anya Taylor-Joy is awesome in that lead role, but she’s not the only highlight, as Chris Hemsworth is a blast, too.

8. A Different Man

“A Different Man” was a lot of things. Depressing, awkward, funny, cringey and shocking. It was also really good. The film has a ‘be careful what you wish for’ type story, almost like a “Twilight Zone” episode that has a dark comedy twist.

It’s an endlessly watchable roller coaster for the main character who goes through a life altering situation that goes in surprising directions. Sebastian Stan is phenomenal in the lead role, there are some freaky body horror moments, and the supporting cast is also a highlight.

7. The Apprentice

This was another close situation, as “The Apprentice” finished just ahead of “A Different Man.” Ultimately, it was the combined fantastic performances of Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong that lifted this movie to the spot it’s at. Both are incredible on screen here, with the former doing impressive work at portraying an evolving Donald Trump over the film’s runtime.

Strong, meanwhile, is great as the ruthless mentor to Trump. Director Abi Abbasi and writer Gabriel Sherman also take an interesting approach, using framework from two genres, gangster movies and cutthroat business films, to show Trump’s rise, resulting in a captivating and distressing cinematic experience about the current president.

6. The Wild Robot

“The Wild Robot” was a magical animated experience, as the audience gets to follow a very memorable character in the protagonist Roz. The titular robot’s character arc is so enjoyable, as she finds purpose, family and a community in a remote island, enriching the lives of the animals around her in the process.

There’s a beauty in how the character expresses herself more organically over time as she moves beyond her initial programming, and it helps that the animation is beautiful. The side characters are lovable as well, and the familial relationships are heartwarming. A real treat from 2024.

5. Kinds of Kindness

This mid-summer release from director Yorgos Lanthimos wasn’t quite on the level of his last entry, “Poor Things,” bit it was still quite good. The film contains three engaging, well-paced and self-contained shorts, each with their own exaggerated, comical scenario.

The film, though, is played completely straight and has elements of truth, making for an intriguing watch that’s all the more funny. There’s a great mix of effective dark humor and serious moments with consequences for the characters. The film is especially good at exploring themes of control in romantic, work and communal relationships. The acting is phenomenal across the board, too.

4. Love Lies Bleeding

For the third time in four years, a movie featuring Kristen Stewart made my top 10 list. In 2021 it was “Spencer,” in 2022 it was “Crimes of the Future” and this time it’s “Love Lies Bleeding.” This movie was a gnarly, intense and sexy crime thriller that was engaging from start to finish. Rose Glass, who directed and co-wrote, injected so much chaotic energy and passion into the film.

The crime drama elements are suspenseful and the main relationship provides a powerful core to the film. Stewart is great in the flick, and so is her co-star, Katy O’Brian. Ed Harris also gives a fantastic performance in a supporting role.

3. Maria

Honestly, I was a bit surprised by the lukewarm reception I’ve seen for this film, as I found it to be a completely engrossing picture. Pablo Larrain, who previously helmed “Jackie” and “Spencer” once again did wonderful work in crafting a compelling film about a complex woman, in this case, one well known for her contribution to opera.

The film is such a moving picture about an individual in a rough place, not only because of declining health, but also because they’re an artist who can no longer contribute to their art form. Angelina Jolie gives arguably the best performance of her career as the woman reflecting on her past, plus the film looks and sounds amazing.

2. September 5

“September 5” is a spectacular procedural film, and up there with other great journalism movies. Unlike investigatory type flicks such as “All the President’s Men” and ‘Spotlight,” though, “September 5” is an adrenaline-filled day-in-the-life type picture, showing what it’s like in a newsroom when a story breaks.

It’s a hands-on, crash course experience where an audience sees a news team covering and producing things in real time, making for a gripping, fast paced watch. It’s a drama full of organized chaos, with phenomenal editing and strong acting, as well as interesting dialogue about media ethics and accuracy.

1. The Brutalist

“The Brutalist” is a titan of a movie and earns its historical epic title. It’s a long-form, grand picture exploring the corrupting nature of the American dream, the immigrant experience of acclimating to the U.S., clashes of art and vision against driving forces of capitalism, and how ambition can turn into egotism.

All of this is shown through a sweeping character study that takes place over several years. At its center is Adrien Brody who is impeccable in the lead role, while Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce give award-caliber performances in supporting parts. The film is also a technical marvel, making the picture feel big in stature and importance, while also capturing the intimate story of its main character.