The 10 Best Movies of 2024

Best Movies

✦

Best Movies ✦

The year 2024 has delivered an impressive array of films, each offering unique stories and unforgettable cinematic experiences. From the psychological thrills of The Substance and Caddo Lake to the superhero antics of Deadpool & Wolverine, or even the gothic horror of Nosferatu, this year’s lineup showcases the diverse and rich storytelling that defines great cinema. Whether you're a fan of blockbuster action, drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, or even historical epics, there’s literally something for everyone in this selection of 2024's best movies.

Red Rooms

Director: Pascal Plante

Cast: Juliette Gariépy, Laurie Babin

Red Rooms is a gripping thriller that daringly steps into the dark world of modern true crime obsessions. Anchored by star Juliette Gariépy's chilling performance, the movie follows Kelly-Anne, a woman who becomes disturbingly fixated on a serial killer's trial — forging an unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension that ensures audiences will undergo a thought-provoking experience.

The Substance

Director: Coralie Fargeat

Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley

The Substance is a mesmerizing and eerily relevant thriller that delves into unsettling futuristic advancements of a pharmaceutical company for those interested in reliving their youth. With Coralie Fargeat at the helm, known for her work on Revenge, the mind-blowing sci-fi film combines psychological suspense with visually stunning cinematography. As expected, stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver top-tier work, portraying complex characters entangled in a web of deceit and ambition. The movie's gripping narrative and atmospheric tension make it a standout in the sci-fi genre (as well as horror and thriller releases).

Anora

Director: Michael Sarnoski

Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn

Anora is a visionary romantic comedy/drama hybrid directed by Sean Baker, known for his work on The Florida Project and Red Rocket. Starring Mikey Madison as the titular character Anora, the film follows the tumultuous relationship between a Brooklyn exotic dancer and the son of a Russian oligarch, played by Mark Eydelshteyn. Baker's stunning direction and Madison's undeniably captivating performance takes Anora’s already solid script to the next level, resulting in a delightful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, identity, and cultural clash.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Director: Shawn Levy

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman

The much-anticipated collaboration between Deadpool and Wolverine brings together the charismatic Ryan Reynolds and the iconic Hugh Jackman in a film that commits itself to non-stop action and humor. Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine blends the irreverent tone of the beloved (and long-lasting) Deadpool series with the gritty intensity of Wolverine's X-Men character. The film provides plenty of witty dialogue, explosive action sequences, and an undeniable chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman — proving that this long-awaited film lives up to the hype.

Slingshot

Director: Mikael Håfström

Cast: Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishburne, Tomer Capone

As a more subtle take on mind-bending sci-fi, Slingshot is a riveting psychological space thriller that follows a trio of astronauts on a perilous mission to Mars. Directed by Mikael Håfström, the film combines the claustrophobic tension of Gravity with the existential questions of Interstellar to generate something that feels familiar and fresh. Casey Affleck and Laurence Fishburne deliver compelling performances as crew members facing both external dangers and internal conflicts — all culminating in a final act that will make you question every choice being made. In a time where space exploration films aren’t being heavily pursued, Slingshot is a solid reminder of why it’s extremely necessary.

MaXXXine

Director: Ti West

Cast: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Bobby Cannavale

MaXXXine is the final installment in Ti West's acclaimed horror trilogy, following X and Pearl. Starring Mia Goth, the film concludes the dark and twisted journey of its protagonist with a narrative that spotlights resilience, brutality, and a deadly pursuit of fame. West's direction and Goth's dedication to the role are both crucial highlights, creating a horror film that is as emotionally impactful as it is tense. On a larger scale, MaXXXine successfully ties together the thematic threads of the trilogy, offering a satisfying and chilling conclusion for horror enthusiasts.

The Last Showgirl

Director: Gia Coppola

Cast: Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis

The Last Showgirl shines as one of the year's most poignant films, thanks to Pamela Anderson's captivating performance as a dancer from the golden age of Vegas. Anderson perfectly captures the essence of a woman fighting to keep her passion alive in a changing world, beautifully conveying the character’s struggle and resilience as she faces the end of her long-running show on the Vegas Strip. Anderson's portrayal is both heartfelt and understated, making The Last Showgirl a memorable and moving cinematic endeavor.

Nosferatu

Director: Robert Eggers

Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a gothic horror masterpiece that daringly reimagines the classic vampire tale for modern audiences. Starring Bill Skarsgård as the eerie Count Orlok and Lily-Rose Depp as his tragic obsession, the film thrusts viewers into a dangerous world of dread and dark romance. Additionally, Eggers' meticulous attention to period detail and immersive cinematography creates a well-rounded experience that perfectly pays homage to the original 1922 film while bringing new layers of psychological horror.

Caddo Lake

Director: Celine Held, Logan George

Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Eliza Scanlen

Caddo Lake is a haunting mystery that explores the disappearance of a young girl and the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful community. Directed by the duo Celine Held and Logan George, the Max original film is a masterclass in building suspense and maintaining a foreboding ambiance that explodes with unexpected genre revelation during its final act. More importantly, both Dylan O'Brien and Eliza Scanlen deliver emotionally nuanced performances that capture the emotional weight of their characters' tragic journeys.

Furiosa

Director: George Miller

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth

Furiosa is the highly anticipated prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular character and Chris Hemsworth as the antagonist, the film explores the origins of fan-favorite Furiosa in a dangerous post-apocalyptic world. Miller's visionary style of filmmaking combines breathtaking action sequences with a deep dive into Furiosa's backstory, creating a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Though, overall, Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Furiosa captures the character's strength and complexity, making it a powerful addition to the Mad Max saga.