Top 10 Films of 2024

Another year has come and gone and, with it, a set of truly incredible films. Compiling a list of the very best is no simple task but, in a year of tremendous efforts, these 10 films rose above the rest:

10. Nosferatu

Coming in at the very end of the year, Robert Eggers’ fresh take on a classic is brimming with excellence throughout. Lily Rose-Depp delivers a staggering performance as the victim of a demonic spell at the hands of Bill Skarsgård’s Count Orlok. Skarsgård disappears into the role, and the movie itself transfixes the audience for a gothic and horrifying fable.

9. The Substance

One part satirical comedy, one part body horror, put together makes a one-of-a-kind movie with a strong message about beauty standards and femininity in Hollywood. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are electric in the film, which has a stomach-turning ending that won’t be easy to forget.

8. Blink Twice

The directorial début of Zoe Kravitz was a tense and gripping affair that tackles the complex issue of sexual assault with a masterful grasp of tone. Somehow finding humour in tragedy, Blink Twice emphasises the strength that can be found when those who are oppressed rely on each other to overcome the forces against them.

7. The Wild Robot

Lupita Nyong’o has played many roles, but her take on a robot who unexpectedly becomes a mother to an orphaned duck may be one of her most memorable. The emotional journey of Roz and Bright Bill is a testament to the power of animation, complete with exquisite visuals that will stand the test of time.

6. Anora

The story of a sex worker whose life gets flipped and turned upside down by a whirlwind romance with a wealthy Russian heir is hilarious, endearing, depressing, and one of the more human stories told in cinema this year. Mikey Madison captivates the audience in a depiction of a modern-day fairy tale that’s part Pretty Woman and part Uncut Gems.

5. Challengers

Challengers belongs on the list for no other reason other than the fact that it managed to make a game of tennis look exciting. Outside of its visual swings, the movie has an incredible ensemble with Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, playing a toxic love triangle with complex characters, thrilling dialogue, and an unbelievably good score.

4. Inside Out 2

Where the first film made strides in showing the difficulty of growing up, the sequel takes things to a whole new level. By tackling complex emotions like anxiety, Inside Out 2 delivers an entertaining film that goes above and beyond a simple night at the cinema and becomes a crucial resource for anyone with feelings they don’t quite understand.

3. Sing Sing

An emotional and inspiring film that’s wall to wall with heartfelt performances. Colman Domingo’s performance is a beacon of positivity that reminds us that the right outlook can make even the worst days a little easier to bear, but, when we hit our breaking points, we can always look to others for support.

2. Wicked

The musical phenomenon of the year is one of the best experiences you could have at the cinema in 2024. The return to the world of Oz proved magical, especially with the winning combination of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, with the latter flooring the audience with her stupefying final performance.

1. Dune Part 2

Improving upon the predecessor in every way, Dune Part 2 is a true sci-fi epic. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Paul Atreides and his rise to power will be remembered forever, especially when packaged with state-of-the-art visual effects, and impeccable sound design. Director Denis Villeneuve delivered a technical wonder that made an unfilmable story into an instant classic.