2024 has had quite an interesting mix of films to come out.Whether at the theaters or on streaming, there has been a lot to enjoy and be entertained by. Blockbuster sequels likeDenis Villeneuve’sDune II,or Ridley Scott’sGladiator IIbrought spectacular action with beautiful cinematography. Clever thrillers likeAnoraandThe Substanceshowcased some exceptionalbreakthrough performances from the likes of Mikey Madisonand Margaret Qualley.
With a sprinkling of romantic comedy, beloved family animation, and a highly anticipated musical, there have been movies to cater to any tastes.The way viewers take in their films is also something that can add more to the experience.Sitting in the comfort of one’s own home watching a streaming release can be a great experience. Others prefer to venture out to see the effect on the big screen, surrounded by other film buffs who share their passion. There’s no wrong option to take in a cinematic experience, and each film has a lot to say about the audiences it appeals to.
Cast
The second installment in the science fiction saga was a huge hit in 2024.Grossing over $700 million worldwide,Dune 2brought audiences back after the first installment and attracted new fans as well. There’s a lot to like about this world of mythology and political intrigue. With a host of captivating characters played by some of Hollywood’s most talented actors, the story is told with a lot of care and creativity. Anyone who loves to see an artistically shot film with a complex storyline would be transfixed by every shot in this epic movie.
The dynamic betweenPaul (Timothée Chalemet) and Chani (Zendaya)adds even more depth and color to the story that’s so deeply focused on the pursuit of power and domination.The score by Hans Zimmer is disturbingly beautiful, and the set design and costumes are some of the best of the year.Anyone who has pickedDune: Part Twoas their favorite movie of the year enjoys impressive cinematography, a stellar cast of up-and-coming stars, and, of course, sandworms.
Anora
Anora’s life takes a dramatic twist when she impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, catapulting her from the streets of Brooklyn to a world of opulence and scrutiny. As her new in-laws arrive with plans to dismantle the hasty union, Anora must navigate the cultural and social chasms between her past and her present. The film, directed by Sean Baker, masterfully blends sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity, and the unexpected consequences of a fairytale gone awry.
Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this witty comedy-drama has cemented Mikey Madison as one of the most exciting up-and-coming movie stars.For anyone who appreciated her scene-stealing turns inScreamandOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood, seeing her take center stage in such a strong and confident way, will be extremely exciting.The story of a New York sex worker who gets involved with the young son of a Russian oligarch is told with wit, humor, and a surprising amount of heart and depth.
Anora Is A Great Reminder To Watch Mikey Madison’s Breakout TV Role With 98% On RT
Mikey Madison is getting a lot of Oscar buzz for her turn in Anora, but she got her first big break playing Max in Pamela Adlon’s show Better Things.
For those who enjoyedPretty Woman, Silver Linings Playbook, orBefore Sunset, Anorawould hit the same spot.The focus is on a wild and complicated female protagonist, who lets her emotions take over, even if they lead her into trouble. It’s fascinating to explore how the search for a semblance of happiness in a reality that’s far from perfect can make people act in dangerous ways. With nominations in the biggest categories at the Golden Globes, this film is sure to appeal to those who want to keep their finger on the pulse of awards season.
The Idea of You
Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.
A sleeper hit on Amazon Prime, this romantic comedy starsAnne Hathaway and Nicolas Galitzine. 2024 has seen an influx of films that focus on May/December relationships, likeBabygirlandA Family Affair, and this one has a very charming take on the genre. Based on a fan fiction story of a pop star and glamorous gallery owner, the film navigates the pitfalls of dating one of the most famous heartthrobs on the planet.The chemistry between the two leads is enthralling, and the soundtrack is surprisingly great.
Any pop culture fan will enjoy trying to spot Easter eggs to any real-world inspirations, and any fashion connoisseur will have their fill of great costumes.
The film is right for anyone who enjoys a solid rom-com that’s not devoid of sensuality and tension.Any pop culture fan will enjoy trying to spot Easter eggs to any real-world inspirations, and any fashion connoisseur will have their fill of great costumes. Hathaway is feeling relaxed and confident in her role, and it’s great to see Galitzine’s star on the rise, thanks in some part toThe Idea of You.
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 original film, which starred a young girl named Riley with a head full of emotions. - literally. With Amy Pohler as Joy, Bill Hader as fear, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger, the all-star cast brought to life the emotions that adolescents face as they grow, change, and adapt to new situations. This sequel, currently in development, will bring Amy Pohler back as Joy, with Riley, now a teenager.
After theoriginalInside Outearned over $800 million worldwide and won an Academy Award, a sequel was inevitable. However, the quality of a sequel can vary, so it was a pleasant relief that this film met or even surpassed many people’s expectations. A hit with critics and audiences young and old, this charming animated film resonates with so many. Mixing some beloved characters with great new additions,Inside Out 2stirs up all the emotions.
Just as Joy (Amy Poehler) learned how to work together with Sadness (Phyllis Smith), it was time for Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and Envy (Ayo Edebiri) to enter the scene. As the emotions navigate Riley’s changing hormones and priorities,the movie does a great job of showing just how tumultuous of a time it can be in a person’s life.The audience for this film includes just about everyone, so whoever picked this as their top 2024 film, clearly enjoys a heartfelt story with a dose of top-notch Pixar humor.
The Substance
Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth by creating a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But splitting time between her original and new body leads to horrifying consequences as her alternate self, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a disturbing body-horror descent.
One of the more mind-bending films of the year,The Substanceis not for the faint of heart (or stomach).Addressing the topics of women’s aging and the pressure to stay a certain size and look a certain way, it takes the notion of “self-care” to new levels. It won the award for best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival and gave Demi Moore one of her most challenging roles to date. Margaret Qualley is also allowed to shine as the alter-ego Sue.
The concept of the film is convoluted and confusing in the best way.
Fans of a high-concept drama thriller with plenty of gore and something to say were drawn to this stylized production.Seeing the disdain and disregard grow, for the bodies that are meant to work together, is a clear yet effective metaphor for how the beauty industry affects people. Depicting it in such a shocking way serves as a warning not to go too far in the pursuit of perfection.
Deadpool & Wolverine
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Made for fans, by the fans, this endlessly fun film sees Deadpool step into the MCU in style and with a lot of friends.Filled with crossovers, Easter eggs, and a lot of naughty humor.The friendship between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is evident at every level, as the two eponymous characters tease each other, fight, and form an unbreakable bond that carries the story through various multiverses. The level of cameos is elite, with Chris Evans eliciting gasps, and a few set pieces causing a stir.
Those who pickedDeadpool & Wolverineas their favorite film of the year are obviously fans of superhero movies, but not just the MCU.The nostalgia over the early 2000s Marvel movies also madeDeadpool & Wolverinea must-see for those who grew up on the pre-MCU Marvel films.Deadpool & Wolverinewas full of action, comedy, and chemistry delivered by the two main actors, as well as the fan service paid with the homages to various fallen heroes of the many interconnected franchises.
Twisters
A follow-up to the 1996 original film Twister, Twisters is a sequel set years after the original, said to be fast-tracked by Steven Spielberg and Mark L. Smith, with Frank Marshal as producer. Little details exist about the film, but Helen Hunt is expected to reprise her role as Jo, with the film likely to pay homage to the late Bill Paxton.
Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar Jones sizzled as the two leads of this high-octane action movie.Serving as a sort of sequel to the 1996 classic,Twisterssees a group of adventurous meteorologists chasing tornadoes in the pursuit of knowledge. It takes all the best parts of the nostalgic original and reinserts it into the 21st century most naturally and comfortably. The technologically advanced CGI is so much more impressive, and thankfully it lost none of its comedic moments.
Fans of this movie, no doubt, appreciate a classic adventure film with a lot of high-speed chases and life-or-death situations.The young cast creates a lot of convincing chemistry, with viewers rooting for the team at every twist and turn.With climate change such a hot topic, it’s good to have films like this, that start the conversation but can entertain at the same time.
Challengers
Challengers follows tennis player-turned-coach Tashi as she transforms her husband Art into a Grand Slam champion. To revitalize his career, she enters him in a lower-tier tournament where he confronts his past, facing both his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend.
Packed with tension, lust, and a very stylistic depiction of a tennis match,Challengersis for fans of sports and romance.The score by Trent Reznor adds so much to the atmosphere, and Guadagnino follows the ball and the rackets with precision and purpose. Audiences feel immersed in the story on the court as much as all the love triangle drama behind the scenes. The three leads have a lot of palpable chemistry which is the cause of all the friction. It’s easy to get as caught up in their issues as it is on the score of the match itself.
Those who enjoyed this film the most this year undoubtedly enjoy intense romance stories.
In a humorous turn of events, Zendaya follows the lead of Kirsten Dunst and Emma Stone as a Spider-Man love interest to then star in a tennis-themed film.WhileWimbledonwas charming andThe Battle of the Sexeswas a compelling drama,Challengersis of a much higher quality altogether. Those who enjoyed this film the most this year undoubtedly enjoy intense romance stories.
Gladiator II
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
Made over 20 years after the originalGladiatorstarring Russell Crowe, this outing sees Paul Mescal enter the arena.The story is a continuation of the events in the 2000s film and follows a not-dissimilar trajectory.Mescal’s dedication to the role is impressive and his intensity makes the narrative soar. It’s clear how much technology has progressed since the first movie came out, with shots even more sweeping than before, and the fight scenes are as bloody as ever.
Gladiator IIwill most certainly appeal to anyone who enjoyed the first installment, but the cast of modern and legacy actors is a draw to younger audiences as well. With Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington bringing flair and flamboyance to this epic production,it remains to be seen whether this one will leave a lasting impression on viewers for the next 20 years.
Wicked
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Fans of the stage play flocked to this epic production which has already made nearly half a billion dollars at the worldwide box office.Cynthia Erivo perfectly embodies the struggles and plights of Elphaba, with a knockout voice. Ariana Grande delivers an unforgettable Galinda and both have already been nominated for Golden Globes with plenty of Oscar buzz. The dreamy cinematography takes viewers into Oz as they stop themselves from singing along out loud to every song.
Wicked Part 2’s Story Explained: What Happens After Part 1’s Ending
The fast-paced ending of Wicked: Part 1 serves as a midpoint to the overall narrative, setting up a compelling story for Wicked: Part 2.
Wickedhas undoubtedly topped many movie fans' favorite lists and, for those who enjoy a larger-than-life musical with a stellar cast, it’s not surprising. With a second part on the way next year, Wicked is sure to stay at the center of the cultural zeitgeist for a while. With beautiful costumes, a fairy tale set design, and an extremely catchy score, it’s no wonderWickedwas one of the most popular films of 2024.
