The year has been and gone, and there have been plenty of excellent films. From horrors and thrillers to animations and family movies, across all the streaming platforms and in the cinema, it's been an incredibly strong year.
So this is your opportunity to pick one film that released in 2024 and review it! Remember, a review is meant to analyse, not just describe. Tell us what worked, what didn't, and why it was your favourite film of the year to win.
Probably this would change when I watch "Nosferatu" by Rpbert Eggers, but so far my favorite movie of 2024 is "The substance":
It takes things, references, details, from a lot of movies and directors, specially from Kubrick - and of course Cronenberg, but it is body horror at its best.
A well know actress starts to fell that she does not fit anymore because of her age and finds a "company" that offers a product, "the substance", that will create a "better version of her"...which means another person (but they are the same, one of the rules is that they cannot be "awake" at the same time). It does not talk about the obsession for being "perfect", at the point of losing control over our own body, but also about the consequences of a society that glorifies the external beauty at any cost.
A true rollercoaster of a bloody, gruesome, violent and visceral critic to modern society, beauty standards, the obsession with...and also to the entertainment industry. Of course it is not for everybody, specially if you don't stand gore, and the end is one of the most controversial of the last year, but for me it is a must see for every cinephile.
I have rediscovered going to the movie theatre this year and have enjoyed the experience. Recently I saw Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This is the third installment on what I would consider a good franchise. Jim Carrey brings the humor and physical comedy that we know and love him for to a new audience and it was cool to see the reactions from kids in the theatre. It must be difficult to act along side digitally created beings but Jim and James Marsden did a great job of keeping us immersed in the world. We got to experience Keanu Reeves as the Hedgehog Shadow, whom is arguably more badass and supercharged than Sonic. The villians Dr. Robotnik and his sidekick Agent Stone played by Lee Majdoub are interesting to say the least. Agent Stone shaves Robotnik's head and it has been said that Jim Carrey grew his hair out specifically to be shaved for real for the movie.
It seems like they introduce a new hedgehog from the video game universe in each installment and without spoiling it they do show another hedgehog that we have yet to meet at the end of this movie as well. I have heard that this would be Jim Carrey's last. I wonder if the Sonic movies will remain a trilogy or if they will continue to expand on the story. It felt like the first movie was a slow introduction to only Sonic and it ramped up with other characters in the next 2 movies.
The futuristic technology, machines and vehicles used by Eggman are pretty wild and deserve recognition. Some of the things used resemble tech used by him in the video game. Any references to the source material (Sonic from the video games) is always appreciated by the audience. This franchise actually had an insane launch as the design for Sonic, specifically his face and eyes, were so widely hated and criticized initially that the studio had to go back to the drawing board (literally) and they pushed back production so that they could change Sonic's face to appease the fanbase.
The action was pretty constant and it was outrageous in a good way. They tried to pull on your heart strings a couple of times but it was a good movie overall and I would recommend it.
This fantastic animation from Latvia offers far more depth than its initial impression might suggest. It tells the story of a black cat and his... well, ship crew, but it’s not your typical “talking-animals” tale like Madagascar or The Lion King. I’d describe it as a believable magical relationship story, where different species unite their efforts to survive a looming disaster.
I won’t spoil the plot - this is a movie you need to experience yourself. In fact, I’d recommend stopping the trailer as soon as you decide it’s something to add to your watchlist to preserve the surprises.
What made Flow resonate with me was its ability to provoke deep thoughts about human relationships. Yes, it sounds ironic—a purely animal-centric animation made me reflect on human collaboration, love, and the importance of sharing. These themes are the film’s heart and what makes it so special.
Framefrom Kiki'sDelivery Service 1989
What could be done differently? While I appreciate the artistic 3D low-detail style, I can’t help but imagine how Flow could become a masterpiece for the ages if it were drawn in a style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. That level of hand-drawn artistry could elevate it to an entirely new level.
I know this was an early release, but in the UK, we had The Iron Claw this year, and honestly, it's my favourite film of 2024. It's the kind of movie that gets you by the heart and doesn't let you go.
It's about the wrestling family dynasty of the Von Erichs, and I went in expecting a decent biopic, but I got a gut punch of emotion and storytelling. Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich was a revelation, I mean, who knew Troy Bolton could pull off such raw and powerful performances? The rest of the cast, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson added much depth to the character. The film didn't just focus on the glory of wrestling but concentrated on the family's struggle, tragedies, and resilience, and it never felt over-the-top or melodramatic. The cinematography was grainy and raw, which worked perfectly with the tone of the story. The wrestling scenes were even so well-choreographed that you felt every slam and hit. That said, the pacing lagged a bit in the middle. Honestly, though, I barely minded since the emotional heft of the story didn't let me look elsewhere. What made it my favourite wasn't just the performances or the direction; it felt so real. You need not be a fan of wrestling to like this story because it talks about family, loss, and fighting through. Days later, still thinking about it says it all.
The Iron Claw is not just a movie; it is an experience, and I can't recommend it enough.
The Wild Robot is an absolute gem of a movie! It’s not just a story about a robot trying to survive in the wilderness—it’s a beautifully crafted metaphor for adaptation, community, and finding one’s place in an unfamiliar world. Roz, the robot, learns to live in harmony with nature, building relationships with the animals around her. Her journey feels surprisingly human and full of heart. What really sets this opera apart is the amazing art style. The illustrations are simple yet incredibly expressive, with half 2d and 3d techinques. They add so much depth to the story, making Roz’s world feel alive and vivid, but also feeling like a painting. The writing mirrors this simplicity, yet it’s filled with meaning about resilience, connection, and coexistence. This movie isn’t just for kids, it’s for anyone who loves stories that make you think while warming your heart. It’s a quiet reminder that even the most unlikely beings can make a difference and find their place in the world, and that family is who you are grown up with. Truly unforgettable, and I really hope this gem will win an Oscar. In my opinion, the Wall-E of this generation. One of the greatest Dreamworks Movies ever.
I worked at a movie theater, and I had the opportunity to watch several films and observe people's reactions firsthand. For me, one of the movies that managed to emphasize emotions and truly make people (including myself) feel something was Deadpool & Wolverine. Its iconic moments, such as when Deadpool inherits Dogpool and how they manage to escape the room where they were supposedly destined to die, stood out. There were plenty of random scenes, even confusing viewers with the appearance of "Captain America." The movie wrapped up with end credits that sparked nostalgia, showing Hugh Jackman in his early appearances as Wolverine alongside the X-Men cast.
Lastly, the post-credit scene was hilarious. It was absolutely worth working at the theater during that time and appreciating this movie both as an employee and a viewer. Watching the audience's reactions made the experience even more memorable. People laughed, gasped, and cheered at various moments, which highlighted how much the film resonated with them. Seeing Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds share the screen in such an energetic and comedic way was a treat for fans who had been waiting years for this collaboration.
The special effects were top-notch, and the fight scenes were choreographed brilliantly, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The humor blended perfectly with the action, providing a balance that kept the story engaging from start to finish. Even the soundtrack complemented the scenes, adding emotional depth to key moments and making certain sequences even more impactful.
Overall, this movie delivered on multiple levels, from nostalgia to action and comedy. It’s the kind of film that leaves a lasting impression and reminds audiences why these characters have become so iconic over the years. For any Marvel fan, it felt like a celebration of everything they love about the franchise.
Back in 2016, I enjoyed The Young Pope, a TV show that, despite its quirks, delved into Vatican secrets with impressive detail. Having lived near Vatican City for a time, the familiar streets and parks gave me a personal connection to the story.
Conclave took this connection to the next level, exploring the human struggles and conflicts of the cardinals. Issues of faith and politics are intricately woven into the plot, making it a gripping narrative.
Visually, the film is stunning. Director Edward Berger masterfully crafted every element: camera angles, colors, and even moments of silence - to contribute to the storytelling.
Ralph Fiennes delivers an extraordinary performance as the lead, with every action and expression feeling motivated and authentic. The movie avoids the repetitive “discovery-channel-style” narration, relying instead on Ralph’s expressive gaze to convey emotion and depth.
One of my favorite aspects was the first 20 minutes, which felt like a chess puzzle. Each "piece" was carefully positioned on a board, setting the stage, and when the doors of the Sistine Chapel closed, the game truly began. It’s an experience that left me in awe!
I genuinely struggle to find any imperfections in this movie, except perhaps, I want more of it. Expanding this into a TV show could offer even deeper exploration of its themes and characters. One can only hope!
In my opinion, among the best films of 2024, I feel like putting the Platform 2 on the podium. In recent years, Spanish Film Directors have been able to distinguish themselves in the way they tell horror stories and especially in this case they present us a horror film that does not at all reflect the usual clichés of scary films based on jump scares and explosive sound effects as the only source of fear. Hole 2 in fact disturbs much more with its setting, where the real horror is represented by the behavior of people who, in conditions of extreme difficulty, tend for the most part to assume violent, selfish and shamelessly unscrupulous behaviors. the film turns out to be a profound reflection of the human race. Unfortunately this second chapter is not as exciting and strong as the first, but it follows the theme and expands its meaning, leading the viewer to disturbing moments of strong tension even in the total absence of the classic and too present jump scares of the movies of the recent past.
For me i didnt get a chance to watch alot of films this year, however deadpool and wolverine was a great treat when that was released on disney+
Ryan reynolds once again pulled of a cracker in the character deadpool, and hugh jackman still owns the character wolverine.
The comedic banter of hatred to one of another (characters hatred ofcourse) was used sufficiently to allow it to lead to lead to the two epic showdown between them from the duel and the car brawl without it being used too much, both of which were did not fall flat. The car brawl had a comedic side to watch.
Introducing wolverine after his death was dealt with smoothly, thanks to the introduction of the multiverse earlier in loki.
The cameos of past Marvel characters/actors was also appreciated rather than filling all with todays big hit cause it felt like a nod to the overall history of marvel movies over the past 30 years.
The question now is, where does marvel go from here, does the MCU introduce deadpool more into the MCU with some and if so how will that play out. Will they bring him in through as a side character over the next few phases, or try to introduce him as a main character in lets say a spiderman movie, all of which will be interesting to see.
Beverly Hills Cop Axel F it's the film I was most eagerly awaiting because I was already coming off the disappointment of Eddie Murphy's other return with The Prince of Zamunda, I was curious to know if he had ruined everything with one of the most iconic childhood films. Luckily this not happen and i found in Axel F a good revive. The mood is not so distant from the original, the actors of Taggart and Roswood give me fun vibes like the first movie even if Taggart is too much foolish for what happened in the movie, he seems corrupt like the villain but the final battle redeem him in the best way possible. SO i loved this movie because every vibes remind me of nostalgia from my younghood, even the remixed ost.
what worked: -Eddie Murphie is born to be Axel, nothing change from the past. -Roswood is always the best shoulder with his personality -The ost sounds very good -The story is fitted for the saga -The nostalgia vibes
what not worked: -Taggart is too much fool in this movie. He stay in the movie only for annoy Axel all the time until the final battle, but coul be more helpful for him. -Villain: he just die too stupidly bad at the end.
Humane was such a pleasant surprise. First, I hadn't heard of it until it came to streaming. It had a fairly quiet release and lead up. Second, given the premise, I didn't expect it to have the excellent sense of humor it does.
The plot is that a man has his family over to announce that he has decided to participate in the government's program for humane euthanasia in order to depopulate the United States (and all UN member countries) by 20%. Then, some wildness takes place.
The humor is pitch black. Blacker than pitch black. So black it eats light. But that's probably my favorite flavor of humor. It's also parodical of right wing US politics, which are my favorite proverbial sprinkles over that flavor.
However, it isn't what I would call a "horror comedy" in the same sense most people would relate the phrase--Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Dead by Dawn, Shuan of the Dead, etc. The sense of foreboding is very real and there are moments of genuine shock and horror.
Also, it was directed by the heir to horror royalty, Caitlyn Cronenberg. She takes her father's proclivity for practical effects and feasible situations (David Cronenberg famously would not make films without basis in science, avoiding the purely supernatural) and runs with it.
It is an excellent watch and definitely my favorite film of 2024.
Honorable mention to Smile 2, though. The first Smile was so incredible, a sequel had huge shoes to fill and did so handily.
“Dune: Part Two” continues the epic saga from where the first film left off, diving deeper into the political intrigue, cultural clashes, and personal struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. Denis Villeneuve's vision for Arrakis is even more expansive in this sequel. The landscapes are vast and breathtaking, with the desert's beauty and brutality captured in stunning detail. The production design, especially the sandworms and the architecture of the Fremen, feels authentic and lived-in.
The narrative follows Paul Atreides' transformation from a noble heir to a messianic figure among the Fremen. This journey is both literal, as they navigate the desert, and metaphorical, as Paul grapples with his destiny. However, the film's length sometimes feels stretched, particularly in the middle act where the pacing slows to build character moments that don't always resonate as intended.
Character development is central to this sequel. Timothée Chalamet's Paul matures significantly, dealing with leadership, love, and the weight of prophecy. His relationship with Chani, portrayed by Zendaya, deepens, providing a core emotional thread. Rebecca Ferguson returns as Lady Jessica, evolving into a more complex figure with her Bene Gesserit teachings. Austin Butler's introduction as the psychopathic Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen adds a fresh, menacing energy to the antagonist side, although his character could have been explored more thoroughly for additional depth.
The cinematography by Greig Fraser is masterful, utilizing IMAX cameras to capture the scale of Arrakis and the intimacy of character moments. Hans Zimmer's score is both haunting and exhilarating, perfectly complementing the film's tone and action.
There are criticisms. Some fans of the book might feel that certain plot points or character motivations are glossed over for the sake of spectacle or to streamline the narrative for a broader audience. The film's emphasis on visual storytelling occasionally comes at the expense of the intricate political machinations and philosophical undertones of Herbert's work.
"Dune: Part Two" is a cinematic triumph in terms of scale, visuals, and the raw power of its action sequences. It's a feast for the senses but might leave viewers wanting more in terms of character exploration and narrative depth. It sets up for a potential third installment with intrigue, leaving many story threads dangling, making it both satisfying and frustrating in equal measure. In essence, "Dune: Part Two" is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts and those invested in this epic tale, though it might not satisfy all fans of the original novel in its adaptation choices.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie 5 stars! Especially the ending different from the book.
One of the films that struck me the most is One Love, based on the life of Bob Marley, which I saw at the cinema and also own on Blu-ray. As a fan of the late artist, I already had some background knowledge of his life, but the film went into great detail about Bob's career, from his beginnings to his final moments, highlighting the challenges he faced along the way.
I loved the songs featured in the film, which were the ones I know best and often hum and listen to. They were perfectly integrated into the right moments, adding emotional depth. The actor did an excellent job portraying Bob, not only resembling him but also capturing his gestures and unique way of acting.
The film doesn’t focus solely on Bob's concerts but delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects of his life. It shows the preparation of both the band and Bob himself as they aimed to give their best and deliver a clear message to those who listened. The movie didn’t have any slow moments or boring scenes; it kept me engaged from start to finish. One Love truly brought Bob Marley’s spirit to life, and I found it to be an inspiring and powerful experience.
For me, Terrifier 3 is the best film of 2024 because it represents a unique cinematic experience, capable of overcoming the boundaries of the horror genre in a way that is rarely seen today. It is not just a film, but a raw and visceral exploration of fear, which manages to combine psychological tension, gore and visual aesthetics in a masterful way.
Art the Clown, the protagonist, is not only a terrifying character, but a force in the contemporary horror imagination. Each of his appearances is disturbing, both for his unpredictability and for his macabre creativity. He is a figure who embodies pure chaos, but without ever being banal or excessively caricatural.
What struck me the most is Damien Leone's direction. The film does not limit itself to shocking with violence, but constructs an intense narrative, made of chilling silences, studied shots and a rhythm that keeps you glued to your seat. The soundtrack, then, amplifies every emotion, transforming every scene into a real nightmare.
But the real strength of Terrifier 3 is its ability to dare. It is not afraid to push the limits of what is acceptable in mainstream horror cinema, while maintaining a narrative coherence that makes every brutal moment functional to the story. It is not just a "splatter movie"; it is an experience that remains in your memory, that makes you reflect on your relationship with fear and the morbid attraction towards horror.
In short, for me it is the best film of 2024 because it is not satisfied with being "just" horror, but becomes a disturbing and unforgettable work of art, capable of leaving its mark.
This movie is sick, third season movie with Tom Hardy as the main character since i heard it was his last movie as the main character here, the elements and CGI that they made so wonderful and made me goosebumps and having rollercoaster emotions while watching this.
The unique relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom remains the main attraction, with chaotic humor and fresh and varied action scenes.
There so many scenes that very memorable for me that makes me decided to pick this movie on my Favorite Movie Lists,
When Tom and Venom met the Traveler Family and singing together in a van while driving heading the city.
One of the things that stole my attention was when Venom used his powers to become a horse and a fish in an adrenaline-pumping chase scene.
And the other scenes when Venom with other symbiotes, Tom, and Some Silitary soldiers fighting with Xenophages,
With the ending Venom Sacrifices Himself while holding some Xenophages with him.
The film feels more emotional and deep, but its biggest flaw is the absence of a villain who is truly balanced with Venom.
And now I'm still waiting for Knull (Father of Symbiotes) Shows himself in the next movie :)
If you like the true-to-formula Jason Statham action films then The Bee Keeper won't disappoint. I've heard that some critics don't like the American accent he puts on for this role but it doesn't bother me. The scam call centres are a bit over-sensualised to be believable for something in real life but it works for the movie. Overall, there's heaps of action and it has a reasonable story with tones of revenge.
It's already been confirmed they are making a Beekeeper 2 movie so looking forward to that one also.
I'm Brazilian and I have to praise the movie “Ainda estou aqui” (I'm still here), especially for being able to project national cinema to the world, showing people that there is film beyond Hollywood. Director Walter Salles adapts the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, delving into the story of Rubens Paiva, a congressman who was imprisoned by the military dictatorship, and his family. To understand what the movie is about, it's important to understand that Brazil went through a military dictatorship of extreme repression.
In terms of acting, the highlight is Fernanda Torres' absurd emotional weight, facing the struggle and her loss. The fact that she is Fernanda Torres is another highlight, since she is the daughter of a great Brazilian actress, Fernanda Montenegro, who was also a national representative of international projection with the film “Central Station”, so she is continuing her mother's incredible legacy.
On the technical side, the art direction and sound make for an incredible drama, which really captivated me.
I don't recommend it just because it's a national representation, but because it presents a story based on realities lived in the historical context of a country that you may only know from samba and Rio de Janeiro, so give this masterpiece a chance.
