10 Best Streaming Original Movies of 2024

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2024 has been an exceptional year for cinematography, wrapping up another memorable chapter in film history. It offered a diverse array of original and thought-provoking productions. Among them were the much-anticipated continuations like Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part II” and Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked: Part I,” along with innovative creations such as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and JT Mollner’s suspenseful film, “Strange Darling.” The year was particularly fruitful for horror and drama genres, following the unprecedented box office success of 2023’s Barbenheimer phenomenon that inspired cinema-goers in droves. As the momentum carried over, audiences flocked to their favorite films in 2024.

2024 was not only an exceptional year for films shown in theaters, but also for those released on popular streaming platforms. Similar to how some made-for-TV movies are overlooked and considered less than high-quality productions, many streaming originals were initially dismissed as unworthy of a wide theatrical release.

Although it’s undeniable that many subpar films find their way onto streaming platforms, much like in cinemas, it should also be noted that these platforms have been responsible for releasing exceptional films such as “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”. The past year has demonstrated that some of the most intriguing, entertaining, and thought-provoking movies are indeed streaming originals. Given this perspective, here are our top choices for the best original films released on streaming platforms in 2024.

10
‘You’ll Never Find Me’

Shudder

Titled “You’ll Never Find Me,” this chilling Australian horror film is helmed by directors Josiah Allen and Indianna Bell. The story unfolds in a solitary location – a small mobile home at the rear of a trailer park, inhabited by an older gentleman named Patrick (portrayed by Brendan Rock). On a tempestuous night marked by heavy rain and storm, a young lady (Jordan Cowan) knocks on his door seeking refuge. As the night progresses, the woman becomes increasingly wary of Patrick’s motives, while Patrick himself begins to doubt his own sanity.

An Eerie Slow-Burn

The movie skillfully constructs suspense throughout its 100-minute duration, constantly keeping viewers on edge as if disaster could strike at any moment within this man’s trailer home. Even amidst a violent storm, safety seems elusive. The narratives of Patrick and the woman sometimes contradict each other or introduce details only to later dismiss them, leaving audiences puzzled about who is truthful and what events are genuine.

9
‘Carry-On’

Netflix

As a movie enthusiast, I must say, “Carry-On” turned out to be an unexpected gem on Netflix, akin to the pulse-pounding action of “Die Hard.” Just in time for the festive season, this adrenaline-fueled thriller was dropped by the streamer. Directed by Jaume Collet-Sera, it’s the gripping tale of Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA agent yearning for more in life. His routine takes a dramatic turn when he receives an earpiece connected to an enigmatic domestic terrorist (Jason Bateman). This voice in his ear sets off a lethal cat-and-mouse game, as the stranger demands that Ethan let a bomb-laden package onto a Christmas Eve flight, or else his girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson) will face dire consequences.

An Action-Packed Christmas Thriller

Carry-On delivers nonstop thrilling entertainment amidst a festive Christmas setting. The action keeps rolling, and both Egerton and Bateman deliver solid performances, making their onscreen chemistry palpable. Despite some plot inconsistencies, the film remains consistently entertaining and leaves you on edge, wondering how you’d fare in Ethan’s predicament. With its potential to become a holiday tradition alongside movies like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, it earned its title as Netflix’s most-watched film of 2024.

8
‘My Old Ass’

Prime Video

2024 was a strong year for Prime in terms of television, with hit shows like “Fallout” and the fourth season of “The Boys”. However, the standout production from Prime that year might be Megan Park’s second feature film, titled “My Old Self“. This coming-of-age comedy centers around 18-year-old Elliot (Maisy Stella) in the summer before college. After a misadventure with mushrooms, she encounters her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza). When Elliot’s “older self” warns her about someone she’ll meet that summer, Elliot is forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about family, love, and life.

A Hilarious, Heartwarming Dramedy

The genre of ‘coming-of-age’ seamlessly combines humor and seriousness, and Park skillfully executes this formula while infusing a contemporary perspective for today’s young audience. There are scenes that will genuinely make you laugh, as well as moments that might inspire you to embrace your loved ones tightly. The humor is perfectly balanced with the more poignant storylines, and vice versa. This coming-of-age movie resonates with people of all ages due to its emphasis on living life authentically, regardless of age.

7
‘Rebel Ridge’

Netflix

In 2024, Jeremy Saulnier’s crime drama “Rebel Ridge,” directed by the man behind “Blue Ruin” and “The Green Room,” was hailed as one of Netflix’s top films. This gripping tale centers around a former Marine named Terry Richmond (portrayed by Aaron Pierre). Terry’s mission to free his wrongfully accused cousin sets him on a path, but soon he’s ensnared in a tangle of deceit and corruption orchestrated by a small-town police chief. A confrontation between the two triggers a perilous conflict that unfolds.

An Expertly Acted Crime Drama

One distinctive feature of this film that has caught the attention of viewers is its blend of intense action and crime drama, devoid of fatalities. The protagonist, Terry, who boasts an impressive background as a former Marine with combat expertise, deliberately avoids causing harm during his crusade against police misconduct. Instead, he cleverly employs his skills to outmaneuver the police force at every turn. Terry exudes charisma, intelligence, strength, and an unquestionable coolness, largely due to a captivating portrayal by Pierre. Director Saulnier, while drawing upon elements from his previous works, crafted a unique dark revenge story with this production.

6
‘Woman of the Hour’

Netflix

Anna Kendrick’s first directorial venture, titled “Woman of the Hour“, is inspired by a genuine crime story about the notorious Dating Game killer who committed murders throughout the ’60s and ’70s. This gripping film was initially screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, and it became available to the public on Netflix in October of 2024.

The movie chronicles Sheryl Bradshaw’s (Kendrick) journey as a budding actress in 1970s LA. In her quest for recognition from casting directors, she reluctantly participates on ABC’s The Dating Game. To display her wit and intellect, she alters the questions given to her. Unfortunately, she picks Bachelor #3, who turns out to be none other than the notorious serial killer, Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto).

A Respectful Adaptation of Real-Life Tragedy

In simple terms, “Woman of the Hour” represents an impressive directorial debut for Kendrick, demonstrating her versatility as she shines equally on both sides of the camera. Her firm direction skillfully presents this narrative in unique and unconventional ways.

Kendrick decided against depicting any of the violence that Alcala inflicted on his female victims, a common practice in such films. Instead, she subtly steered the camera aside at the brink of violence, thereby honoring the victims while making it clear to viewers that something horrific was still unfolding. By keeping the violent acts off-screen, Kendrick demonstrated exceptional respect for the real-life victims while effectively communicating Alcala’s heinous deeds to the audience.

5
‘Oddity’

Shudder

In a chilling supernatural horror setting, Damien McCarthy’s movie titled “Oddity” is nestled in an eerie and disquieting Irish countryside house with an unusual layout. This Shudder original starts with Dani (portrayed by Carolyn Bracken), a married woman who’s renovating the country home, being violently slain while her husband is occupied at the hospital. A year later on the anniversary of this tragic event, Dani’s twin sister Darcy (once again played by Bracken) employs her psychic powers to probe into the mystery surrounding her sister’s murder.

A Terrifying Slow-Burn

In this production, there are genuinely unsettling instances designed to startle viewers unexpectedly. While jump scares can occasionally become repetitive or lackluster in their fear-inducing capabilities, they are skillfully executed and timed here. They manage to keep the audience on edge for just the right amount of time, leaving them both alert and uncertain about what they’ve just witnessed on screen. At times, it builds tension slowly, but an atmosphere of unease pervades from start to finish. The film seems slightly askew in places, and some characters immediately raise suspicions. Certain scenes may linger in your nightmares for days to come.

4
‘Late Night With the Devil’

Shudder

In addition to Shudder’s lineup, “Late Night With the Devil,” directed by the Cairnes brothers in 2024, stands out as an exceptionally imaginative and visually captivating film. Set during a unique Halloween episode of the late-night program Night Owl in 1977, the host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), reeling from his wife’s untimely passing a year prior, feels compelled to outshine Johnny Carson. To achieve this, he invites a self-proclaimed medium, a skeptic, and a parapsychologist with her 13-year-old subject onto the show, unwittingly releasing malevolence into the homes of viewers nationwide.

A Visually Pleasing Nightmare

The movie’s production, costumes, camera work, and editing are so skillfully executed that it appears as if it was filmed during the 1970s, especially when Night Owls is broadcast. Scenes reminiscent of an actual ’70s late-night show could easily be mistaken for authentic. Although found footage is common in horror movies, the setting of a late-night talk show provides a unique twist to the genre. It also offers a fresh perspective on religious and supernatural horror, steering clear of cheap jump scares and focusing more on the perils of cults instead.

3
‘Hit Man’

Netflix

In 2024, the second team-up between director Richard Linklater and actor Glen Powell offers an amusing twist on action flicks, making it another excellent addition to Netflix’s catalog. The story revolves around a bumbling professor named Gary (played by Powell), who secretly works as a fake hitman to aid the local police in apprehending criminals before they carry out their nefarious deeds. By assuming various disguises for each undercover operation, Gary eventually becomes smitten with a woman contemplating having her abusive spouse eliminated. After assisting her in escaping her husband, Gary unwittingly steps into the role of his latest hitman persona.

An Intelligent Spin on Action Movies

In case anyone still harbored any doubts about Glen Powell’s undeniable charisma and cinematic presence, the movie “Hit Man” serves as a convincing rebuttal. In this film, Powell is both hilarious and intelligent, awkward yet smooth, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Following their collaboration on Richard Linklater’s 2016 college comedy “Everybody Wants Some!!”, it’s evident that they work together exceptionally well, a harmony that translates on screen. The movie takes an unexpected turn, leading the audience to anticipate a high-stakes action thriller, but instead offers a delightful dose of witty humor and endearing character traits.

2
‘Exhuma’

Shudder

South Korean cinema has a knack for horror, and movies like “Train to Busan” and “I Saw the Devil” are often cited as top-notch modern horror films in this genre. The supernatural folk horror film “Exhuma,” directed by Jang Jae-hyun, is another outstanding addition to South Korea’s horror collection. As they track down the source of a chilling supernatural event to the ancestral burial ground of a wealthy family, a group of paranormal investigators are enlisted for help in moving the remains. It doesn’t take long for them to learn about the repercussions of disturbing a sacred burial site.

A Haunting Twist on Supernatural Horror

Initially, it appears that Exhuma follows a typical pattern found in exorcism and possession films. However, it swiftly defies this assumption by expanding its narrative scope significantly. The seasoned actor Choi Min-sik, known for his work in Oldboy, masterfully guides the cast in this daring film, which simultaneously offers a fresh spin on traditional ghost stories and sheds light on Korea’s troubled past with Japan. Strong writing, compelling acting, and clever cinematography transform this supernatural tale into an eerie original production that ranks among Shudder’s top releases.

1
‘It’s What’s Inside’

Netflix

Greg Jardin’s directorial debut feature film It’s What’s Inside quickly climbed the Netflix rankings when it premiered in October 2024. The movie centers around a group of college friends gathering on the eve of one of their friend’s wedding. However, a shocking visitor brings an enigmatic suitcase filled with a game to play. As the reunion unfolds, this seemingly innocent game sends them on a psychologically and physically transformative journey that will forever alter their lives.

A Psychedelic Fever Dream

What’s Inside evokes a surreal, psychedelic experience reminiscent of a sci-fi movie. It’s a captivating, high-energy whodunit that doubles as a psychological thriller with hints of horror. Films like Bodies Bodies Bodies, Freaky Friday, and to some extent, Coherence, share similar themes and plots, but What’s Inside has a unique flavor that sets it apart. Despite the inevitable comparisons, it manages to carve its own niche. The innovative editing, stunning cinematography, and clever color grading add depth to the narrative. The film masterfully combines humor with suspense, making it an ideal choice for streaming platforms.

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2025-01-05 18:32