My Favourite Films of 2024 Ranked

2024 was a fantastic year for films. Whether it was the excitement of watching wicked witches composing iconic music or aging actresses using substances that are catastrophic, the year offered diverse films appealing to every demographic. Given the sheer number of movies that I watched this year, making a top 10 list wasn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films of 2024 which deserve to be celebrated.

Honorable Mentions:

• Challengers
• Deadpool & Wolverine
• The Fall Guy
• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
• Twisters

1. The Substance

Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a bold girl that was concerned about body image. Called drop-dead gorgeous, she was a girl that my entire school would consider precious. However, she never believed that she was an attractive woman that had a bright future. Lacking self-confidence, she was deeply concerned about what people thought about her public appearance. She desired to use a substance that could transform her into a younger version of herself changing appearance. Few films I’ve seen have captured experience of women seeking to change appearance as powerfully as “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie captured aging actresses concerned about body image. With the most feminist film of her career, Fargeat captured lives of aging actresses concerned about their body image causing despair. Fargeat has always had an aptitude for making movies about the lives of women in danger, and “The Substance” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. Fargeat used captivating unreliable narration to capture an aging actress concerned about body image whose mental health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Elisabeth discovers dangerous consequences of using the substance that causes her skin to become frail causing despair is one of the greatest scenes of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Demi Moore, who embodied an aging actress that’s affected by a dangerous substance. Ultimately, what made “The Substance” my favourite film of the year was its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about body image that are targeted exclusively towards women, it tackled themes everyone could relate to. A bold portrait of aging actresses that lack self-confidence using a dangerous substance in order to enhance appearance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great year that manufactured memorable movies earning a huge audience.

2. A Real Pain

Cousins are powerful figures that play crucial roles in families. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a great cousin that shaped my persona in Canada. Fond of wearing women’s attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. Through his desire to assist my grandparents, he became a person my family would value. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a cousin without pain, I adored “A Real Pain”. Released in 2024, Jesse Eisenberg’s movie depicted the painful bonds between a pair of Jewish cousins. Eisenberg used captivating montages to capture strong bonds between a pair of cousins embarking on a road trip. For instance, the sequence in which David and Benji have a tense argument at a restaurant causing despair is one of the finest scenes of the year. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Kieran Culkin, who embodies a Jewish man seeking to reconnect with his cousin. Ultimately, what makes “A Real Pain” a real masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about bonds between cousins which would resonate with everyone. Watching David bond with Benji brought back joyous memories of a cousin that I love dearly. A powerful portrait of bonds between cousins that are Jewish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a year that produced memorable movies which audiences cherish.

3. Anora

Prostitution is a sensitive subject that’s seldom portrayed in movies with respect. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a girl showing courage.  A tomboy, she aimed to destroy stereotypes engaging in activities which the opposite sex would enjoy. A promising young woman, she sought to fight societal oppression. As someone treasuring fond memories of a feminist girl with nostalgia, I appreciated “Anora”. Sean Baker’s masterpiece offered a beautiful portrait of a prostitute. Baker has always had an aptitude for making movies about marginalized women, and “Anora” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Baker effectively uses montages capturing a prostitute embarking on a journey to discover her identity. For instance, the scene in which Anora and Vanya embark on a luxurious trip to Las Vegas causing his family to face despair is one of the greatest moments of the year. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Mikey Madison, who embodied a prostitute with strong dedication. Ultimately, what makes “Anora” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of sex work which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Anora’s desire to become a successful hooker, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated year that produced memorable movies which audiences treasure.

4. The Brutalist

The Holocaust is a disaster that always fascinated my teacher. Several years ago, I was taught about the Holocaust by a Jewish professor whose parents died in the ghetto. My teacher took pride teaching students about genocide in which his people died. He believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture a genocide that tore lives apart. As someone treasuring a teacher that loved to list facts about the Holocaust, I appreciated “The Brutalist”. Brady Corbet’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Jewish Holocaust survival. Corbet used flashbacks to capture a Jewish architect haunted by memories of genocide tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Lazslo is humiliated by his manager for being a Jew during warfare causing despair is one of the finest moments of the year. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Adrien Brody, who embodied a Jewish architect surviving genocide tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “The Brutalist” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking portrait of a brutal genocide in which innocent Jews died, it’s a riveting reminder of a year that made powerful movies which left audiences satisfied.

5. Conclave

Religion is a sensitive subject that always earned by grandfather appreciation. I fondly recall with nostalgia a grandpa that was fascinated with popes facing a dilemma. He would always speak fondly about the pope as a figure that gave him hope. As someone treasuring a grandfather that was fascinated with the way popes behave, I appreciated “Conclave”. Edward Berger’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a religious pope facing a dilemma. Berger used captivating production-design of churches to capture a pope under intense pressure whose reputation is on the line. For instance, the sequence in which Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with the challenging tasks of selecting a new pope causing despair is one of the greatest scenes of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied a pope facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Conclave” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies about religion targeted towards a limited audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about religion which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of popes facing a dilemma, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a year that produced memorable Cinema.

6. Wicked

Few Broadway musicals about wicked wizards are as beloved as “Wicked”. Since its creation in 2003, Stephen Schwartz’s musical has earned a huge following. In 2024, John M. Chu honoured the stage musical about wicked witches in his movie “Wicked”. The Oscar-nominated movie honoured a commemorated Broadway play about frightening witches. Unlike most movies in the year, what made “Wicked” stand out is its strong sense of joy. Chu created joyous musical numbers to create compelling witches audiences can easily relate to. Assisted by Cynthia Erivo who is extraordinary in the lead role, Chu honoured a legendary stage musical created years ago. As precious as the land of Oz, it’s a wonderful reminder of a commemorated year that manufactured memorable movies without flaws that deserve a loud round of applause.

7. Longlegs

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I formed a fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered in crime causing damage. As someone fearing serial killers that have long legs, I adored “Longlegs”. Released in 2024, Oz Perkins’ movie captured serial killers terrorizing a small town. Unlike most movies released in the year, what made “Longlegs” stand out is its scariness. Perkins used captivating flashbacks to capture a detective haunted by serial killers in her childhood causing trauma. Assisted by Nicolas Cage who is exceptional in the lead role, Perkins created a captivating serial killer thriller. A spectacular portrait of frightening serial killers which detectives seek to investigate, it’s a superb reminder of a year that produced commemorated movies which audiences appreciate.

8. Inside Out 2

Anxiety is a powerful emotion shaping my personality. This anxiety first began in high school. Unable to cope with pressure posed by studies, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my mental health adversely. As someone that has faced hardships anxious teenagers go through, I adored “Inside Out 2”. Kelsey Mann’s animated sequel offered a powerful portrait of anxiety. Unlike most movies released in 2024, what made “Inside Out 2” stand out is its emotion. Kelsey Mann used awe-inspiring animation to capture anxiety impacting teen girls. Assisted by Amy Poehler who is amazing in the lead role, Mann created an amazing animated movie. An awe-inspiring depiction of teens whose emotions are turned inside out, it’s a riveting reminder of a year that made movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

9. A Complete Unknown

Bob Dylan is a legendary musician that composed timeless melodies earning recognition. Achieving fame in the 1950’s, Dylan composed commemorated melodies. Like a Rolling Stone, Dylan was a well-known musician in a league of his own. In 2024, James Mangold honoured the well-known singer in his movie “A Complete Unknown”. Unlike most movies released during the year, what makes “A Complete Unknown” stand out is its musical numbers. Mangold stages captivating musical numbers honouring a musician that had a lifelong love for singing. Assisted by Timothee Chalamet who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mangold celebrating Bob Dylan’s enduring legacy. As precious as Bob Dylan’s music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated year that manufactured unforgettable films which always captivated the public.

10. Dune: Part Two

When it comes to the best books ever written that won’t be forgotten soon, it’s worth discussing Dune. Since its publication in 1965, Frank Herbert’s book has become a sci-fi classic. In 2024, Denis Villeneuve paid tribute to the book in his movie “Dune: Part Two”. Villeneuve used captivating real-life locations in the Middle East to honour a book about Arabian culture. Assisted by Timothee Chalamet who is extraordinary in the lead role, Villeneuve honoured legendary literature. Although it falls short of its superior predecessor, “Dune: Part Two” was a strong addition to a fantastic year for films. As strong as Paul Atreides’ desire to guide the Fremen people, it’s a powerful reminder of a year that produced memorable films which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to believe my dreams of film criticism are attainable.