Top 10 Best Movies of 2024

4 min read

Here are the Top 10 Movies of 2024:

As 2024 comes to a close, one thing is clear: this has been a remarkably strong year for film. From the return of major franchises to the quiet power of intimate dramas, cinema has once again proven its ability to surprise, challenge, and move us. Audiences were treated to a wide range of stories—some massive in scale, others deeply personal—all driven by fearless performances and bold creative vision. Whether streaming at home or watching on the big screen, these ten films stood above the rest, leaving a lasting impression as the year’s finest.

10. The Substance

This bold, body-horror feminist fable from director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) is not for the faint of heart—but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Featuring a fearless performance from Demi Moore, The Substance uses grotesque transformation as a metaphor for aging, fame, and societal expectations of women. It earns its spot for pushing the boundaries of genre and delivering something visceral, daring, and disturbingly relevant.

9. Wicked (Part One)

The long-awaited cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical finally hits the screen, and while some were skeptical, Wicked more than delivers. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo dazzle in this lush, emotional retelling of The Wizard of Oz from an entirely new angle. From production design to vocals, it soars with heart and spectacle. It’s placed here not only for its cultural significance but also to prove that a big studio musical can still enchant in the modern age.

8. Deadpool & Wolverine

Dev Patel’s directorial debut hits like a gut punch. Monkey Man is a gritty, kinetic revenge thriller set in India, blending myth, politics, and jaw-dropping action. Patel commands both the screen and the director’s chair with confidence, creating a movie that’s equal parts cathartic and culturally rich. Its raw energy and relevance make it one of the most exciting and urgent action films of the year.

7. Monkey Man

What starts as a satire of influencer culture soon spirals into something much darker. Danni (Zoey Deutch) fakes being a victim of a terrorist attack to gain clout, only to find herself drowning in the consequences of her lie. Not Okay skewers the toxic side of cancel culture, performative activism, and the viral hunger for victimhood, holding up a mirror to a society obsessed with being seen, no matter the cost.

6. We Grown Now

Set in 1992 Chicago, this moving coming-of-age story follows two Black boys navigating the joys and heartbreaks of friendship in the Cabrini-Green housing projects. Tender, poetic, and grounded in reality, We Grown Now captures fleeting childhood innocence amidst systemic challenges. It earns its place for its deeply human storytelling, powerful performances, and its ability to find beauty in struggle.

5. The Wild Robot

In an era of franchise fatigue, this adaptation of Peter Brown’s beloved novel offers something rare: a quiet, emotionally resonant animated film that appeals to both children and adults. Gorgeously animated and thematically rich, The Wild Robot explores identity, isolation, and connection through the journey of a robot learning to survive—and care—in the wilderness. It’s a modern classic in the making.

4. Ghostlight

This indie gem flew under the radar but left a lasting impact. Ghostlight is a quiet, powerful film about grief, healing, and the redemptive power of community theater. Anchored by a subtle, devastating performance from Keith Kupferer, the film becomes an ode to the transformative magic of performance. It ranks this high for how deeply it touches on the emotional truths so many other films merely gesture at.

3. Conclave

A taut, cerebral thriller set in the Vatican, Conclave unfolds like House of Cards behind closed doors of the Catholic Church. Ralph Fiennes leads a phenomenal cast in this gripping adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel. With themes of power, secrecy, and faith, it’s a riveting and intelligent political drama that proves slow-burn storytelling is still alive and well. It deserves its place for being as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful.

2. Sing Sing

This heartfelt drama, based on a real prison arts program, features a stunning performance by Colman Domingo and even includes formerly incarcerated actors. Sing Sing is a masterclass in empathy, breaking stereotypes about prison life and showing the liberating power of creativity. It’s ranked so high not only for its storytelling but also for its impact—it's the kind of film that reminds you of cinema’s ability to restore dignity and humanity.

1. Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve delivers a sci-fi epic for the ages with Dune: Part Two. Expanding on the foundation of the first film, this sequel explodes with scale, spectacle, and Shakespearean tragedy. From Austin Butler’s terrifying turn as Feyd-Rautha to the haunting visuals and Hans Zimmer’s thunderous score, every frame is meticulously crafted. It lands at #1 not just for being a blockbuster done right, but for being a sweeping cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Conclusion

Looking back on 2024, this was a year that reminded us why movies matter. It wasn’t just about spectacle, though we had plenty of that—it was about connection, craft, and stories that cut through the noise. Films like Dune: Part Two redefined blockbuster storytelling, while Sing Sing and Ghostlight quietly broke our hearts in the best way. From deeply human tales to genre-defying surprises, these ten films represent the best of what this year had to offer. And if this lineup is any sign, the future of cinema is not just secure—it’s thriving.