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The top 20 best movies of 2024

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - December 16th 2024, 17:30 GMT+1

Cropped Ab1 — About this gallery:

For this list, we focused on all the movies that premiered in 2024 and that we believe are the crème de la crème of the year. Of course, this ranking is totally subjective, so think of it more as a must-watch list for this year rather than a definitive hierarchy of greatness.

Think we missed an essential movie that absolutely deserves a spot here? Well, don’t just sit there – let us know in the comments! After all, everyone’s a critic, right?

| © DreamWorks Animation

Cropped Girls Will Be Girls — 20. Girls Will Be Girls

Kicking off this list with a bang (or should we say, a rebellious teenager's sassy retort), *Girls Will Be Girls* is a coming-of-age story set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Mira, a 16-year-old girl with an attitude, navigates the joys and pitfalls of self-discovery – all while her mom awkwardly tries to relive the adolescence she never had. Directed by Shuchi Talati, this Indian-Norwegian-French-American co-production serves equal parts humor and heartache, proving that growing up (and parenting) is never easy but always entertaining. | © Future East Film

Cropped On Becoming a Guinea Fowl — 19. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

Landing at number 19 is Rungano Nyoni's deliciously dark comedy, *On Becoming a Guinea Fowl*. This Ireland-UK-US-Zambia co-production takes a hilariously twisted turn when Shula stumbles upon her uncle's body on a desolate road in the middle of the night. Equal parts absurd and poignant, the film navigates themes of family and identity with Nyoni’s signature sharp humor. Let’s just say, it’s a tale that’s anything but chicken-hearted. | © Janus Films

Cropped The Count of Monte Cristo — 18. The Count of Monte Cristo

Coming in strong at number 18 is a classic tale reimagined. *The Count of Monte Cristo*, directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, delivers all the betrayal, revenge, and triumph we love about Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece. Pierre Niney stuns as Edmond Dantès in this lavish French production that proves that a 19th-century revenge plot can still pack a punch in 2024. Revenge, as always, is a dish best served très magnifique. | © Chapter 2

Cropped The Wild Robot — 17. The Wild Robot

Sliding into the 17th spot, *The Wild Robot* takes us on an unexpectedly touching journey with Roz, a service robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island. This DreamWorks Animation gem, directed by Chris Sanders, blends stunning watercolor visuals with an emotional depth that rivals some of Pixar’s best. Watching Roz learn the ways of the wild and adopt a gosling as her own is enough to warm even the iciest of circuits. Truly, it’s a story with both heart and hardware. | © DreamWorks Animation

Cropped All We Imagine as Light — 16. All We Imagine as Light

Claiming its rightful place at number 16 is Payal Kapadia’s *All We Imagine as Light*. This quietly profound drama unfolds in Mumbai, where nurse Prabha receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, throwing her predictable life into emotional chaos. Beautifully shot and deeply introspective, this film offers a contemplative look at human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. If slow-burn dramas are your thing, this one is a luminous must-watch. | © Goethe-Institut Mumbai

Cropped Ghostlight — 15. Ghostlight

*Ghostlight* shines a tender light on the life of Dan, a grieving construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of *Romeo and Juliet*. Directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson, this poignant drama intertwines the magic of theater with Dan’s personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Keith Kupferer delivers a standout performance as Dan, balancing raw emotion with subtle humor. The film’s heartfelt exploration of art, loss, and the power of community has left audiences and critics alike captivated. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or simply someone who loves a good underdog story, this indie gem is sure to resonate. | © Little Engine, Runaway Train

Cropped The Girl with the Needle — 14. The Girl with the Needle

*The Girl with the Needle* stitches together a haunting tale set in post-World War I Copenhagen. Directed by Magnus von Horn, the story follows Karoline, a young factory worker who becomes entangled with Dagmar, a woman running an underground adoption agency disguised as a candy shop. What begins as a hopeful connection quickly unravels into a nightmarish reality. This Danish-Polish-Swedish co-production, inspired by true events, is both chilling and profoundly moving. The atmospheric cinematography and standout performances from Vic Carmen Sonne and Trine Dyrholm ensure that this psychological horror lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. | © Nordisk Film Denmark, Lava Films, Nordisk Film Sweden

Cropped Kneecap — 13. Kneecap

*Kneecap* brings unapologetic energy to the screen with its vibrant portrayal of the rise of the Belfast-based rap trio of the same name. Directed by Rich Peppiatt, the film is a wild ride of wit, rebellion, and cultural pride, celebrating the group’s Irish-language rap roots. Michael Fassbender makes a notable appearance, adding star power to this already electric narrative. From its infectious soundtrack to its bold storytelling, this comedy-drama is an ode to creativity and cultural identity. Whether you’re a music fan or just love a good underdog success story, *Kneecap* is guaranteed to leave you hyped. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped A Real Pain — 12. A Real Pain

*A Real Pain* dives deep into questions of heritage, identity, and family. Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars alongside Kieran Culkin, this touching drama follows two cousins on a trip to Poland to reconnect with their Jewish roots. Their journey, filled with humor and heartbreak, becomes a mirror for personal and historical reckonings. Eisenberg’s direction masterfully balances comedy and introspection, while his on-screen chemistry with Culkin elevates this tale of self-discovery. With its rich narrative and nuanced performances, the film has cemented its place as a standout drama of the year. | © Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Dìdi — 11. Dìdi

*Dìdi* offers a poignant look at modern urban life through the perspective of a Beijing ride-hailing driver. Directed by the legendary Zhang Yimou, this beautifully shot drama weaves together the lives of passengers and their fleeting, yet meaningful, connections with the driver. Each ride reveals a new story, painting a vivid portrait of contemporary Chinese society and the human need for connection. With its intricate storytelling and stunning cinematography, *Dìdi* reminds us that even the smallest encounters can leave a lasting impact. Zhang Yimou proves once again why he’s one of the greatest directors of our time. | © Focus Features

Dune part two date plot cast — 10. Dune: Part Two

*Dune: Part Two* sweeps audiences back into the sprawling sands of Arrakis, continuing Paul Atreides’ journey as he allies with Chani and the Fremen to claim vengeance and fulfill his destiny. Under Denis Villeneuve’s visionary direction, the film raises the stakes with its dazzling visuals, intense battles, and layers of political intrigue. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya shine in their expanded roles, anchoring a story of epic proportions with genuine emotion. With the addition of Florence Pugh and Austin Butler, the ensemble cast delivers powerhouse performances that captivate from start to finish. This stunning sequel cements Villeneuve’s *Dune* saga as a sci-fi masterpiece destined for the stars. | © Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Entertainment

Cropped Im Still Here — 9. I'm Still Here

Set during Brazil’s turbulent military dictatorship of the 1970s, *I’m Still Here* tells a deeply personal story of resilience and reinvention. Directed by Walter Salles, this emotional drama centers on Eunice, a mother forced to adapt and survive after her family is torn apart by political violence. Fernanda Torres delivers a gut-wrenching performance, embodying the strength and vulnerability of a woman navigating loss and systemic oppression. The film’s haunting score and evocative visuals immerse viewers in its poignant exploration of love, courage, and the power of endurance. It’s a cinematic triumph that lingers in the heart long after the screen fades to black. | © Globoplay, Conspiração Filmes

Cropped The Room Next Door — 8. The Room Next Door

In *The Room Next Door*, director Pedro Almodóvar crafts an intimate exploration of rekindled friendship and the passage of time. Starring Tilda Swinton as a war reporter and Julianne Moore as an autofiction writer, the film captures their poignant reunion after years apart. Almodóvar’s signature vibrant style adds warmth and depth to this reflective narrative, seamlessly blending wit and emotional sincerity. Swinton and Moore’s on-screen chemistry is magnetic, drawing viewers into the intricacies of their bond. With its focus on complex, mature relationships, the film offers a deeply resonant story that feels both universal and achingly personal. | © El Deseo

Cropped Kinds of Kindness — 7. Kinds of Kindness

*Kinds of Kindness* delivers a deliciously dark anthology of intertwined tales that explore destiny, identity, and human connection. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this film is as quirky as it is profound, weaving together absurd scenarios with razor-sharp commentary on the complexities of kindness. Featuring a powerhouse cast – Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley – the film balances humor, unease, and emotional resonance with masterful precision. Lanthimos’ signature surreal style transforms each story into a mesmerizing exploration of the human condition, proving that even the smallest acts of compassion can have rippling consequences. | © Searchlight Pictures

Cropped The Seed of the Sacred Fig — 6. The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Mohammad Rasoulof’s *The Seed of the Sacred Fig* is a gripping drama that captures the paranoia and moral dilemmas faced by Iman, a judge grappling with his role in a politically oppressive system. When Iman loses his weapon, the cracks in his personal and professional life deepen, leading to strained relationships and a confrontation with his own culpability. Rasoulof’s direction is a masterclass in tension, capturing the suffocating weight of political unrest and its devastating impact on the human psyche. The film’s raw performances and intricate storytelling deliver a deeply moving critique of authority and the fragility of trust. | © Run Way Pictures, Parallel45

Cropped The Brutalist — 5. The Brutalist

*The Brutalist* is a towering achievement in cinematic storytelling, directed by Brady Corbet. This visually arresting film follows the life of architect László Toth, played by Adrien Brody, as he strives to leave his mark on post-war America through the stark yet powerful beauty of Brutalist architecture. The film explores ambition, resilience, and artistic vision against a backdrop of personal and societal challenges. With a stellar supporting cast including Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce, *The Brutalist* resonates as a deeply human story of legacy and perseverance. Corbet’s precise direction and striking visual style make this film both a feast for the eyes and a poignant exploration of the creative spirit. | © Vox Media Studios

Cropped Inside Out 2 — 4. Inside Out 2

Pixar’s *Inside Out 2* dives back into Riley’s mind, but this time, adolescence throws her emotions into delightful chaos. New emotions, including Anxiety and Embarrassment, join the fray, bringing hilarious yet heartfelt complications to the mix. The animation dazzles with even more creativity as the inner workings of the teenage brain unfold in unexpected ways. The voice cast brings their A-game, capturing the universal highs and lows of growing up. Balancing humor and emotional depth, this sequel is a worthy successor to its predecessor, reminding us all that every stage of life is an emotional rollercoaster. | © Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios

Cropped Challengers — 3. Challengers

In *Challengers*, Luca Guadagnino serves up a sultry blend of romance and sports drama set in the electrifying world of professional tennis. Zendaya delivers a career-defining performance as Tashi, a former tennis star turned coach, entangled in a love triangle with her husband, Art (Mike Faist), and his rival, Patrick (Josh O’Connor). The film explores ambition, desire, and the fine line between competition and connection, all with Guadagnino’s signature visual flair and emotional intensity. With compelling characters and edge-of-your-seat court drama, *Challengers* is a game, set, and match for one of the year’s best films. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped The Substance — 2. The Substance

*The Substance* is a razor-sharp satire from director Coralie Fargeat that critiques society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film centers on the development of a revolutionary anti-aging treatment, spiraling into darkly comedic chaos. Fargeat’s bold visual style pairs perfectly with the biting humor and layered performances of the cast. Moore and Qualley shine as they navigate a story that skewers the absurdities and dangers of vanity and ambition. With its audacious tone and thought-provoking narrative, *The Substance* is a cinematic cocktail of style, wit, and substance. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Anora — 1. Anora

Sean Baker’s *Anora* is a searing, intimate drama that captures the struggles of its titular character, a sex worker in Manhattan, played with breathtaking depth by Mikey Madison. The film explores themes of survival, self-worth, and redemption with Baker’s signature raw authenticity and empathy. Madison’s transformative performance is nothing short of extraordinary, drawing viewers deeply into Anora’s world. Baker’s direction crafts a vivid, unvarnished portrayal of life on society’s margins, paired with an unflinching yet tender exploration of human resilience. *Anora* is a triumph of storytelling and character work, a deserving highlight of 2024’s cinematic landscape. | © NEON

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In 2024, the film industry delivered an unforgettable mix of cinematic brilliance, from groundbreaking blockbusters to deeply moving indie masterpieces. With a diverse range of genres and stories, this year has something for every type of moviegoer. We've curated a list of the top 20 best movies of 2024 – films that have dazzled audiences and critics alike. Whether you're in search of edge-of-your-seat thrills, heartwarming tales, or visually stunning epics, this countdown is your guide to the must-watch movies of the year. Let’s dive into the very best that 2024 has to offer!

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In 2024, the film industry delivered an unforgettable mix of cinematic brilliance, from groundbreaking blockbusters to deeply moving indie masterpieces. With a diverse range of genres and stories, this year has something for every type of moviegoer. We've curated a list of the top 20 best movies of 2024 – films that have dazzled audiences and critics alike. Whether you're in search of edge-of-your-seat thrills, heartwarming tales, or visually stunning epics, this countdown is your guide to the must-watch movies of the year. Let’s dive into the very best that 2024 has to offer!