The Best Movies of 2024, Ranked

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2024 stands out as an exceptional year for less mainstream, more innovative films compared to previous years. While blockbusters like “The Fall Guy,” “Twisters,” “Inside Out 2,” “Furiosa,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Deadpool” and “Wolverine” have provided great entertainment, it’s the smaller indie films, mid-budget productions, and international movies that have truly shone this year. What’s particularly noteworthy is the abundance of exceptional Westerns released in 2024 (and one sprawling multi-part letdown). Furthermore, this year has seen a wealth of remarkable documentary films, making it one of the strongest years for the genre.

As we’ve reached the midpoint of the year 2024, let’s explore the top 35 films that have left a lasting impression. Please note that there are undoubtedly many excellent movies that haven’t made this list, including documentaries which have their own separate rankings. This compilation represents the most captivating, thought-provoking, enjoyable, impactful, and exceptionally crafted films of the year, all neatly arranged in order.

35
Aisha

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As a cinephile, I must share my thoughts on the understated yet profound film titled Aisha. This quiet gem follows two individuals, each grappling with their own solitude, who hail from vastly distinct backgrounds. Despite its star-studded cast featuring Letitia Wright (from the blockbuster Black Panther) and Josh O’Connor (known for his work in Challengers), it managed to evade the notice of many moviegoers.

In this heartfelt indie drama, a Nigerian refugee embarks on a challenging journey to navigate the complexities of seeking asylum in Ireland. Along the way, she forges an unexpected friendship with a young ex-convict, each of them providing a beacon of hope for the other in their lives. Wright and O’Connor deliver captivating performances that will leave you moved by this poignant tale.

34
The Last Stop in Yuma County

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Francis Galluppi garnered significant attention with his first full-length movie titled “The Last Stop in Yuma County“, which caught enough attention to land him the director role for an upcoming Evil Dead production. The exceptional, unforeseen Western comedy thriller showcases Jim Cummings as a knife vendor who finds himself in a perilous predicament at a remote diner. Packed with unexpected twists, this engaging film boasts a talented ensemble cast (with Jocelin Donahue and Richard Brake delivering standout performances that are hard to forget).

33
Orion and the Dark

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The thought-provoking animated movie “Orion and the Dark” by Charlie Kaufman (“Being John Malkovich”, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”) was expected to be one of the year’s standout films due to its exceptional screenplay, but it seems to have slipped under the radar of many film enthusiasts. This is unfortunate as this Netflix production is brimming with creativity and originality. Much like an edgy alternative rock version of “Inside Out”, the film follows a neurotic young boy who encounters personified ideas such as darkness, stillness, and sleeplessness on his quest to conquer his fears.

32
I Used to Be Funny

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Rachel Sennott has experienced a remarkable ascent in her acting career, particularly through roles in movies such as Shiva Baby, Tahara, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and Bottoms. However, she delivers her most exceptional performance to date in the poignant dramedy titled “I Used to Be Funny.” In this film, Sennott portrays a stand-up comedian grappling with PTSD, who is plunged into an existential crisis when a girl she previously babysat goes missing. The performance is one of the year’s finest, and the movie offers a deeply introspective exploration of character, making it a must-watch.

31
Seagrass

In a simple yet eloquent manner, let me rephrase the given text for better understanding:

The film titled “Seagrass” boasts a mesmerizing beauty reminiscent of ocean waves that harmonize with its beach vacation backdrop. It skillfully conveys profound emotions without relying heavily on dialogue, acknowledging its inadequacy in fully expressing certain feelings. This movie recognizes the boundaries of language and the silent struggles that relationships may encounter, which can’t always be resolved or comprehended through words. Ally Maki, known for her role in “The Big Door Prize“, delivers an outstanding performance as a woman mourning the loss of her mother, feeling progressively suffocated during a family getaway with her husband and children. “Seagrass” is a subtly intense, emotionally charged film that undeniably speaks volumes beyond its surface.

30
LaRoy, Texas

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Instead of categorizing it as just another Western from this year, “LaRoy, Texas” can be seen as a Western neo-noir comedy thriller, reminiscent of the Coen Brothers’ style. It occasionally resembles a fusion between “No Country for Old Men,” “Blood Simple,” and “Raising Arizona.” The film is an impressive debut for Shane Atkinson, with John Magaro and Steve Zahn delivering spot-on performances as the main characters. These two characters intersect with a hit man, portrayed exceptionally well by Dylan Baker in one of the standout supporting roles this year. Despite its humor, “LaRoy, Texas” is both funny and ominous, making it a captivating and unique little film.

29
In a Violent Nature

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An exceptionally innovative horror movie titled “Intruding on Nature’s Wrath” from director Chris Nash, challenges the conventional slasher genre by focusing on the silent tormentor as he pursues his prey. In a unique approach, the film employs lengthy, shoulder-height tracking shots similar to those of Alan Clarke and Gus Van Sant, keeping the audience right behind the spectral murderer as he treks through the woods for approximately 24 hours. The unsettling atmosphere is occasionally broken by genuinely shocking and revolting gore, while a peculiar, symbolic finale lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

28
A Real Pain

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Aki Kaurismäki’s classic description of his work could be applied to Jesse Eisenberg’s movie, A Real Pain. It’s a dramedy that manages to be both sad and funny, making you laugh one moment and cry the next. The story follows two cousins on a journey to Poland to learn about their Jewish heritage. With an engaging script and strong characters, this film is a comedy with a loose narrative style. Jesse Eisenberg delivers a solid performance, but it’s Keiran Culkin who steals the show as a troublesome character with a heart of gold. The rest of the cast, including Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, and Liza Sadovy, are also noteworthy.

27
Longlegs

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Similar to a supernaturally chilling version of “Silence of the Lambs”, “Longlegs” stands out as a deeply impactful horror-thriller that largely meets the extravagant expectations set for it. Featuring exceptional acting performances across the board (establishing Maika Monroe as a scream queen, delivering another creative turn from Nicolas Cage, and offering Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood their finest roles to date), the movie immerses viewers in an unrelenting gloom. Monroe portrays an FBI agent with a murky past and potentially psychic powers who becomes entangled in a seemingly insoluble serial killer case within this harrowing cinematic nightmare.

26
I Saw the TV Glow

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Jane Schoenbrun built upon the success of her critically praised film “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” with a more complex and visually striking horror drama that retained a similar atmosphere. Titled “I Saw the TV Glow“, this work delves into the realm of David Lynch, offering an introspective examination of nostalgia, and in numerous aspects, serves as a trans metaphor. The narrative follows two devoted fans of the fictional TV series “The Pink Opaque” and their intertwined lives as the show acts as a bond throughout their existence. A blend of darkness, melancholy, and surrealism, this film is another poignant portrayal of teenage apathy and the vulnerability of identity in a world post-digital age, by Schoenbrun.

25
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell

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Embarking on a reflective, contemplative odyssey through solitude and grief, the movie titled “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell” might not appeal to everyone, but those who appreciate the nuances of slow cinema will find it richly rewarding. The narrative revolves around a Vietnamese protagonist on a quest to find his long-lost brother, who had vanished years ago, leaving behind a spouse and child. Tragedy strikes again when the wife meets an untimely death in an accident. This solitary man forms a bond with his nephew, and eventually embarks on a mission to locate his brother to care for the boy. The lengthy and visually captivating film can be seen as a critique of modern society, portraying life as increasingly monotonous and consumer-driven.

24
Kinds of Kindness

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Yorgos Lanthimos, riding high from the success of “Poor Things,” swiftly moved on to direct this sprawling, eccentric anthology comedy-drama filled with many familiar faces from that film. The movie is visually smooth yet creatively disconcerting, and it reuses its talented ensemble (Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau) across three bizarre tales loosely united by the enigmatic “R.M.F.” Jesse Plemons shines brightly in this production, but every actor leaves a captivating impression in this bleakly humorous, nihilistic tale that explores people ensnared by their own desires.

23
The Dead Don’t Hurt

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In simple terms, “The Dead Don’t Hurt” is a remarkably authentic and contemporary Western. Viggo Mortensen’s movie brilliantly portrays the complexity, harshness, and even the romance of the untamed frontier. The film’s central relationship, played by Mortensen and Vicky Krieps, beautifully depicts the boundless potential embodied in the American Dream during its peak. Their chemistry as a mismatched couple, whose lives are disrupted by the Civil War, provides an insightful reflection of America at that time. Mortensen also composes the film’s score, making “The Dead Don’t Hurt” a unique representation of a director’s vision and an unexpectedly feminist masterpiece.

22
Club Zero

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The controversial and provocative film titled “Club Zero” hasn’t been universally adored. That’s perfectly fine, given its peculiar nature which mirrors the avant-garde, experimental music of composers like Krzysztof Penderecki. The movie focuses on a novelty school and an unconventional elective course called “Conscious Eating,” taught by a new teacher. Throughout the academic year, she covertly converts her handful of students into a starvation cult, who believe in achieving immortality by abstaining from food. This film offers a dark spin on the classic Pied Piper tale and serves as an unsettling yet comical critique on issues such as bodily autonomy, education, parenting, and much more.

21
The Settlers

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This year has seen a surge of Western movies, and among them, “The Settlers” stands out as the most gruesome and unsettling. This film delves deep into the reality of expansion, colonization, and conquest, particularly in the context of the evolving world and civilization we recognize today. With a global perspective, the movie chronicles the journeys of three distinct individuals assigned to reclaim and fortify Indigenous Selk’nam land that was bought by a Spanish entrepreneur for commercial development in late 19th century Chile. A harrowing film that implicates almost everyone in shaping history, “The Settlers” is not a comfortable watch, but it provides a fundamental understanding.

20
Rebel Ridge

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In a fresh take on classic action cinema, Jeremy Saulnier’s movie titled “Rebel Ridge” reimagines a typical “Rambo” narrative with a politically charged twist. The standout performance by Aaron Pierre as a former Marine, trying to help his cousin escape legal troubles, takes center stage. However, when the corrupt small-town police seize his bond money unlawfully through civil forfeiture, this solitary figure with nothing left to lose embarks on a battle against the town’s rotten authorities (the police and the judicial system). Featuring thrilling action sequences, a potent message, and an entertainingly wicked portrayal by Don Johnson as the police chief, “Rebel Ridge” offers an exhilarating, fist-pumping experience.

19
Hundreds of Beavers

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A five-year labor of love, titled “Hundreds of Beavers“, has finally found its audience, boasting a zaniness scarcely matched by other films. This film embodies the style of an offbeat, physical comedy reminiscent of a live-action, black-and-white cartoon from the 1930s. It chronicles a man’s comedic struggle against nature, filled with confrontations ranging from battles with wolves and beavers to raccoons and fish. The whimsical and dreamlike movie offers a humorous depiction of 19th-century rural life, painting a portrait of survival in the most amusing manner possible.

18
About Dry Grasses

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Nuri Bilge Ceylan is recognized as one of the outstanding film directors currently active, and even his lesser works are superior and worthy of viewing. Although it doesn’t reach the caliber of films like Distant, Winter Sleep, or Once Upon a Time in Anatolia, About Dry Grasses is still an excellent movie and one of Ceylan’s most relevant. The story centers around two teachers who have been accused of misconduct by their students. As they console each other, they gradually become embroiled in a romantic entanglement with a woman who was injured in a terrorist attack (the outstanding Merve Dizdar). A thought-provoking, dialogue-driven film, About Dry Grasses invites deep contemplation.

17
Tótem

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A delightful little gem of a movie, “Tótem” showcases Lila Avilés as an emerging force in cinema five years after her impressive debut, “The Chambermaid“. This visually stunning and seemingly relaxed film follows seven-year-old Sol and her family during the preparations for a surprise party for her father. The plot weaves in various family members to offer diverse perspectives and experiences throughout the day. Brimming with life and a wide spectrum of human emotions, “Tótem” is a poignant film that authentically elicits its feelings.

16
Green Border

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Renowned director Agnieszka Holland (known for “In Darkness,” “Europa Europa”) brings us her latest powerful production titled “Green Border.” This film delivers a documentary-like realism and urgency, focusing on the European immigration crisis, particularly the actions of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. However, it also presents a broader, universal image of what it means to be a desperate yet unwanted refugee in a world where borders are growing more indistinct. The narrative weaves through various characters, offering insightful perspectives on the crisis from both sides, all while maintaining an element of suspense, humor, and profound emotion.

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2025-01-05 01:05