The Best Movies of 2024
A List by Victor DeBonis
I hope everyone is doing well. It is once again time for me to do one of the things I love the most as a film writer and talk about my favorite movies of this year. I would not see that this year was as amazing as 2023 was for film, mainly due to the limited options for movies and shows with them trying to get into production following the writers’ strike. With this being said, the year had plenty of great movies that I loved. I almost debated about doing a Top 15 list again, but I decided to settle for 10 for this year.
Before going to the list proper, I wanted to quickly give shout-outs to Honorable Mentions. I loved each of the movies mentioned below, and I highly recommend checking them out as well.
In no particular order, Honorable Mentions are:
“Conclave”
“Heretic”
“Blitz”
“Janet Planet”
“Memoir of a Snail”
“Nosferatu” (2024)
“The Wild Robot”
“Longlegs”
“The First Omen”
“Oddity”
I hope you enjoy these films. Now, let’s dive right into the “Best of” list itself. Without further ado…
10. “Hundreds of Beavers”
I’ve made it known often that humor is not something that comes to me as naturally as others. True, humor is objective, and what makes one person burst out of laughter will annoy another person. It takes something special to make me laugh on a harder level. So, among other things that it does wonderfully, “Hundreds of Beavers” holds a special crown in my eyes for making me laugh more than any other movie in recent memory has accomplished.
Setting aside this, though, the movie is sincerely remarkable in many other ways, one of which comes from the sheer innovation present in every frame. Just when you think that one joke or gag is going to go one way or be left alone, “Hundreds of Beavers” brilliantly plays around with it and takes it to a higher level that I previously didn’t think of. The movie is unabashedly low-budget, but it never feels like a lesser movie on any sense, thanks to the commitment of its comedic performers and its inventive slapstick and scenarios that steadily get wilder and more inventive as the comical hero of the movie has to concoct a myriad of ways to take on a wave of beavers and the wild, in general. I was in awe of this movie’s approach to humor and the variety of practical techniques on display with bringing this film to life involving people wobbling around in physical animal costumes and the physical commitment of the main actor as he voices hilarious expressions at what is front of him and races forward with the level of cockiness and foolishness that is reminiscent of the wordless, animated faces of the likes of Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
“Hundreds of Beavers” reminds me of the best of Chaplin and Adult Swim in its early peak era and, yes, the creativity and brazenness of the finest of Looney Tunes. I like to think that, similar to “Clerks” and “El Mariachi” this low-budget wonder will inspire others to make a movie regardless of what the limit of resources or other obstacles may be.
This movie is just awesome, and anyone who loves filmmaking needs to see it.
9. “Dune: Part Two”
The second chapter in Denis Villenueve’s movies that are based on Frank Herbert’s “Dune” books (And, I hope to Heaven that a third movie is made), “Dune: Part Two” is a brilliant example of a sequel that takes what made an original blockbuster great and further explores them in a number of ways. Ideas centering around the forming of a government and the lengths to which a greater force, such as religion, can take firmer hold on a society and try to shape it is discussed in this story, and it is done through the actions that the main hero, Paul, and others take in the face of the new source of power starting to shape this world. It is a stunning movie to behold on a visual level with marvelous cinematography from Greig Fraser, which made witnessing it on the biggest screen I could a treat in itself.
Yet, the fierce battles in the movie, sweeping score from Hans Zimmer, terrific performances from everyone (My favorites came from Chalamet, Zendaya, and Austin Butler), and the thought-provoking ideas and the exploration of them makes this movie epic in every meaning of the word. One of my favorite romances from a movie this year came from Chalamet and Zendaya who have awesome chemistry and are believable in their connection as outsiders finding solace and helping each other find greater strength in different methods. “Dune: Part Two” is a new example of a blockbuster movie that blends action and big ideas while never losing its aura of grandeur and flawless entertainment.
8. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”
When people talk about movies not feeling more like they used to, George Miller’s “Furiosa” is a prime example of a film that provides exactly what those people are talking about. Here is a remarkable action film with practical cars, plenty of practical effects, and several scenes in which dialogue is not utilized because the visual storytelling on the screen is telling us what is happening through the decisions of its people and the sense of character brought by the actors. Anya-Taylor Joy plays a convincing younger version of the titular heroine, and Chris Hemsworth is having a ball by playing a villain who is delightfully dumb and intimidating. It’s the story of the heroine trying to overcome past trauma and receiving inspiration from her mother from childhood that seals this movie more in my mind. George Miller is a bona fide filmmaker in every meaning of the word, and movies are so lucky to have him still working.
7. “Juror №2”
Director Clint Eastwood has always held a strong place in my heart as one of the earliest figures who played a decent role in encouraging me to further explore my love for movies from the time I first watched an action film with him when I was 11 with my father. So, to see him release what will most likely be his final directed film this year with “Juror №2” and to witness something as marvelously put together as it is was bittersweet and incredibly fulfilling all at once. Nicholas Hoult gives one of my favorite performances I’ve seen all year as a man who has his wits and is decent at the core of his heart but struggles to know what the right path is to take for something horrible he probably did as well as what the right deed even is.
Yet, it is the terrific screenplay and Eastwood’s masterful direction that conveys a sense of real humanity and uncertainty from a complicating situation. The conversations and debates in the movie regarding the crime at hand are handled beautifully as they are discussed by characters who are real, complex human beings trying to determine what right or wrong truly is when it comes to deciding what should happen to someone. And, the story is great at smartly debating about the reality of right and wrong not always being so easy to determine and the unfortunate faults in a system that can make things harder for everyone. This is easily one of the most thought-provoking movies I’ve seen all year, and I would honestly love others to see this film just to hear the conversations that they themselves might have from watching this. I will never not be annoyed by executives’ foolish choices to shelve this wonderful movie from finding a better place in theaters. It’s good to know that Eastwood ends his directorial career with one of his best.
6. “Wicked”
Musicals and musical movies are hard to win me over, so it’s a greater miracle when the first chapter of a two-part movie series impresses me on every level imaginable. With hand-crafted sets that one can physically see and diligent blocking and incredible energy encouraged from the guidance of the speaking and singing performances, director Jon M. Chu knocks this film out of the park. It is easily one of the best musical films I’ve seen in a very long time and even inspired me to think back to the musicals from both movies and shows that I have loved in the past. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo deserve huge kudos for their commitment to the humor and humanity that they bring to the screen. “Wicked” is also one of the rare theatrical movies from this year that made me misty-eyed more than once. The climax at the end, especially one significant scene involving Erivo’s character, is probably my favorite climax I’ve seen from a movie this year. At a time when it felt that joy was greatly needed, “Wicked” delivered and brought me the most joy that I felt from a recent film in some time.
5. “Anora”
Mikey Madison gives a brilliant performance that lends additional heart and heaviness to a story about a woman who thinks that she has things all planned out and happy with an irresponsible man that she unfortunately falls for…until things come crashing down. “Anora” is a whirlwind of insanity and ferocity as the titular character is whisked through New Jersey in an attempt to undo a marriage beyond her will. Incredible cinematography highlights the colorful beauty of the first half of the film and the anxious chaos filling the screen in the other half. Madison is so sincere about her emotions and talent and vulnerability that I felt for her heartbreak that happens down the line and the ache of what she goes through. As playful as things are in the beginning, the story is ultimately about someone trying to cope with the fact that what feels like a wonderful connection and relationship at the start is no more. “Anora” is a movie I won’t soon forget.
Full Disclosure: The film contains aggressive content and an abundance of profanity. Those that don’t enjoy either may want to sit this film out.
4. “The Substance”
Many of you know that I am a huge horror fan, and 2024 was a good year for horror movies with so many to choose from. Yet, the one that stands head and shoulders above the others in my eyes for this year has to be “The Substance.”
It is NOT a movie for the faint of heart or the squeamish, so you’ve been warned on that front.
Yet, if you love horror and have a strong stomach, this film will blow you away.
It is a very smart movie with themes grappling with society’s unhealthy obsession with who looks physically beautiful and the mental and personal toll that it takes others trying to look or act a certain way. Director Coralie Fargeat presents an uncompromising vision of a woman attempting to maintain her youthful appearance before a disgusting system that is insincere and only wants the people working for it to do just enough until they dispose of them like trash. The prosthetic effects are incredible, and they heavily enhance the ickiness of what happens on-screen. My jaw was on the floor like the Genie from “Aladdin” for the last 20 to 30 minutes that fit the definition of insane to a tee. Leaving the theater, I had that rare feeling that I almost didn’t believe that I’d seen what I did…in the best way. Watching “The Substance” was reminiscent to when I first saw Carpenter’s “The Thing” or Cronenberg’s “The Fly” in that I felt I was seeing a real-game changer for the genre of not just body horror but horror, in general.
3. “Love Lies Bleeding”
Director Rose Glass does impressive work in guiding Katy O’Brian and Kristen Stewart through a grimy, dark tale about love that happens to also involve gyms and violent action on the side. Everyone is committed to their performances and the warped environment pushing everything it can in their direction, but it’s the relationship between O’Brian and Stewart that especially makes this movie as special as it is. Through all of the rough obstacles and raw turns that they experience together and by themselves, I believe them when they say that they’re in love, and the sincerity with how far they’re willing to go for each other, even in the face of brutal consequences or death itself, made this one of my favorite relationships to see in a movie this year. It was an absolute treat to see the unpredictable chaos and the moments in which these two demonstrate how much they care about each other in between the roughness of their situation and surroundings. It’s a visually great and oddly moving and fascinating tale about two women who have had their share of hurt from the past and feel isolated from others in their own ways finding a surprising light in their relationship. “Love Lies Bleeding” was one of the best early reminders to me why I love movies as I do.
2. “Rebel Ridge”
I didn’t hear about this film until later in the year and that it was only available to see on Netflix. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure whether the huge buzz surrounding it would match the film despite Jeremy Saulnier being a brilliant filmmaker. Having sat through it, I was happily reassured because “Rebel Ridge” is very much a movie and an outstanding one for many reasons, but it also feels like a gift of sorts to anyone who loves movies and wants to see a modern example of what it means to make one and what can result from the time and craftsmanship done to make it happen.
Aaron Pierre is amazing from the very first frame in which he bikes into this tiny town subtly overwhelmed by a corrupt force, and he moves through his action sequences with electric force and shares blisteringly intense conversations with crooked people with the strength of an oak tree that can be wounded but never torn in the face of harshness. He is a bona fide action star, and he is one of my favorite types of heroes to see in a film. Pierre plays a hero who is quiet and selects his words carefully but expresses the intensity within him perfectly through action and visual expressions. AnnaSophia Robb gives probably her best performance to date as the kind-hearted and intelligent clerk who assists Pierre, and what they do to assist each other and the bond between them also resulted in one of my favorite relationships seen in a movie from this year. The action sequences are exceptionally shot and captured.
And, as I said before, Saulnier once more seals his name as a masterful filmmaker, since he writes, directs, and edits this movie to pretty much perfection. It was an absolute joy to read what interviews I could find from him because I was so eager to know the craft that went into making this movie.
“Rebel Ridge” is in the tradition of “First Blood” as many have pointed out, but it is also worth mentioning that it is an excellent movie about the faults of a system and the extent to which it can cause hurt to others and a bold soul going against that system in a daring and glorious manner. Anyone who loves a good story as I do about bad systems being exposed and taken on in satisfying fashion and a great movie, in general, definitely needs to check out “Rebel Ridge.”
I will never not love the brilliantly written scene with dialogue introducing acronyms that Pierre is familiar with, and it makes me smile just thinking about it.
When it comes to the number 1 movie on my “Best of” list, it can be a challenge for many years. On a personal level, 2024 was a year I had great moments and memories from, but, overall, it just didn’t feel like a good year for me. So, movies and art, in general, meant even more to me than usual with the light that it provided. And, I thought more about what the medium meant as a result, too. As much as I loved several of the films I saw this year, there was one movie that was released fairly early on in the spring, and I just kept coming back to it and thinking about it throughout 2024.
It was a movie that gave me pretty much everything I as a cinema lover and as a person could ever want.
- “I Saw the TV Glow”
Seeing this film in the theater was a marvelous experience in itself because every part of it felt that it was coming from one filmmaker’s distinct and wonderful vision. “I Saw the TV Glow” is a gorgeous film to look at with an impressive sense of space and plenty of eerie and silent shots to admire from afar with what’s being told on the screen. Excellent visual storytelling is on display here with many scenes showing little to no vocal dialogue but presenting the complicated emotions and ideas with great purpose, thanks in part to Jane Schoenbrun’s phenomenal direction. Every time I mentally thought about the film, I found myself not only wanting to re-visit it, but I found myself finding more to marvel and love about it.
I love the soundtrack and score that is compelling in its wistfulness and somber tone, and I am probably going to seek a physical copy of it in the future.
I loved finding whatever interview videos I could find of the actors and the director talking about making the movie and the process for bringing the characters and its ideas to life.
I loved listening to the discussion from both people and official film critics and writers sharing how much they loved the movie and talking about its ideas, too.
“I Saw the TV Glow” does something that can happen but is rare whenever I see a new movie, especially in the IP-obsessed culture we live in.
It inspires me.
It inspires me as a film lover. It inspires me as someone who loves going to the movies and looking for new stories and art to experience and think about and see how I feel when I watch it. It inspires me as someone who has thought about how my life might have been if I went to film school, instead, and had experimented more with a camera, earlier on, but still does everything in his power to show his love for film. And, it also inspires me as someone who loves to write, and the film is one of those things that has made me want to start committing more to writing stories again at the time of this list.
Admittedly, I might be partial to this film because I did grow up in the same era as the two characters in the film. I might also connect further with this movie than others because the themes of nostalgia and the solace it can bring and danger that can occur if we’re too obsessed with it are meaningfully explored but also carry some personal significance to me.
As mentioned earlier, 2024 was overall not a year that worked despite many great events that happened to me within it. I won’t get into details, but events in my world and the world beyond my own did leave a less-than-great taste.
My childhood had its bumpy spots to be sure, but it was overall very good, especially as I’ve come to see as I’ve gotten older, and, similar to how the characters in “I Saw the TV Glow” found their solace in the show that they watched as kids, I had my own shows that brought me joy from that era and had me feel comfort that makes that period of time feel all the more pleasant.
In my case, the shows from my youth that made me feel the most joy and played a big part in inspiring me, creatively, as someone who loved to work on writing stories back then were “The Powerpuff Girls” and especially “Digimon.” I still love those shows and many other parts of that era in the 90’s from which I grew up in, and, as the early 2020’s has gone on, I have made many great memories and found much to be joyful from in recent times, but, at the same time, it has also felt harder with what I have mentioned before.
In one of my happiest experiences from 2024, I re-visited my childhood home in Louisiana for the first time in over 15 years. I saw the house where I grew up in, the school where I went to, all that jazz…It was interesting and pleasant to go back to the house where I watched the shows and be inspired at that age and to briefly go back to a time when things felt easier in many respects and before I and others I care about witnessed the harder things that would later come into our lives on a personal and greater scale.
I thank this movie for playing a big part in reminding me that, while it is easy to reminisce and a great escape in itself, it is not wise and even dangerous to stay with our nostalgia and in the past instead of trying to move forward.
This is a topic that means so much to me that, if I get a chance to do a full essay about this movie and what it means to me and how it has helped me in greater detail, I would love to do that if given the opportunity.
I thank its director from the bottom of my heart for making this film and inspiring me and also being a rare film in that it has helped me, too.
I love this movie for being a sincere love letter to the shows that many from my generation that grew up in the 90’s and early 2000’s loved and found comfort in, but I also love it for reminding me and others to not get lost in the past for too long and to make one’s path ahead as best as one can and to appreciate the positive moments when they occur. In that sense, this film feels like the perfect one to wrap up this year and this part of this decade.
A ton has happened on a wider scale from the early 2020’s. It is uncertain where things will head when 2025 arrives. I’ve learned a ton and experienced much through this period of time and before it. Movies, shows, books, art, and the ones I care about will always bring goodness and hope to me, and I hope that I can continue to do what I see as acts of goodness for others with promoting movies and writing about them and bringing positivity to someone’s day from sharing what I’m passionate about.
No matter what comes in the latter half of the 2020’s and beyond, I hope more positive experiences and moments come, but I also hope to be the best friend, family, and person I can be for everyone I know and any new people I may encounter, from now and from my past and for going forward.
I feel that talking about movies and writing about them is one of my best gifts for others and for bringing good to others’ lives, and I like to think that, whatever happens in 2025 and ahead, it can still give light and hope to others, especially the friends and family who mean everything to me, because you all deserve nothing less than the best.
Keep making art. Keep telling stories. Keep showing what you love in the healthiest and most pleasant way imaginable.
I’ll still keep doing what I do best. I feel uncertain about what may come in the years ahead, but one thing that I can always count on and will always look forward to is cinema and what it has to offer.
Have a Happy New Year, everyone.