The Ten Best Movies of 2024

Nathan Swank January 31st, 2025

Like any year, I found some solid movies worth championing in 2024. However, I did not feel passionately about too many of the year’s flicks, which made it more difficult than usual to compose a top ten. It was a diverse year. And I thought both genres of horror and animation were particularly strong. But this also meant another rather weak crop of Oscar nominees. You’ll see some of the nominees on my list, but even as my favorites of the year, I don’t think they should be worthy of being bestowed with Best Picture. This might be more of a “me” problem. Still, I did enjoy a lot of movies even if they were mostly flawed. I do appreciate the variety of original movies and continue to see ones that I missed from other people’s lists. As usual, my Ten Best Movies are never “Ten.” I went to 13, but I included another 15 or so as honorable mentions that also have some incredible filmmaking moments. Anyway, here are my favorite movies from 2024.

13. ANORA – Funny, frightening, and sad, ANORA runs the gambit of emotions as a masterfully crafted 3 act story that keeps you on your heels all along the way. A Cinderella story of sorts dealing with the life of a stripper, ANORA is not an easily recommendable movie due to its graphic nature. But the story and characters are true and heartfelt with an ending scene that I went from hating to loving as the camera lingered on Mikey Madison’s incredible performance.

12. HORIZON: CHAPTER ONE – Kevin Costner once again putting his money where his mouth is to fund a passion project set in the old west. The studio flinched big time after it bombed in its first week. I actually thought it was amazing and can’t wait to see Chapter Two.

11. SING SING – A touching portrayal of how the performing arts might be the best cure for prison rehabilitation. This is the type of movie that Hollywood usually loves to pat themselves on the back for, but in this case, it’s actually really good. Great direction, led by two central performances by Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin. A high recommendation for anyone in the arts.

10. SATURDAY NIGHT – I’m still not sure why this wasn’t a bigger hit. But as a huge Saturday Night Live fan, I loved every embellished, tension-filled, comedic minute leading up to the iconic show’s first episode.

9. LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL – A talk show format that attempts a playful interview process, led by an incredible performance by David Dastmalchian, with a young girl believed to be possessed, which turns horrifically wrong. Another movie that I’m shocked didn’t get more recognition. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

8. CIVIL WAR – A powerful examination of the dark path this nation is taking, CIVIL WAR gave me too much anxiety in its haunting depiction of hateful political aftermath. Hitting a bit too close to home, I’m not sure I will return to it anytime soon. CIVIL WAR doesn’t always work, but it has perhaps the most impactful scene of the year by a brief, knock out performance from Jesse Plemons.

7. HIS THREE DAUGHTERS – An underrated film about 3 adult daughters taking care of their terminal father. The family dynamic and the personality roles each play in one another’s lives is frustrating, tender and everything in between. Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olson, and Natasha Lyonne give three of the best performances of the year.

6. CONCLAVE – This is one of those intimate political dramas that really blew me away. The setting this time is within the closed doors of the catholic church as they vote on a new pope. Masterfully edited, a tension-filled score, and an incredible ensemble cast led by Ralph Fiennes, CONCLAVE is an exciting thriller built in small rooms and conversations.

5. FLOW – What a year for animation. FLOW has only grown in my admiration. Themes of inclusivity and kindness mixed with morality, the parallels to spiritual growth made for a wonderful conversation as a family.

4. THE SUBSTANCE – A body horror, science fiction film with a wonderful commentary about aging and attitude. When I saw THE SUBSTANCE, I thought for sure this would be the little film I would need to champion. Thankfully, according to its awards run, others agree about its greatness. I’m proud to be a member of the Kansas City Film Critic Circle who crowned this the best picture of the year.

3. THE WILD ROBOT – Sometimes animation is so beautiful and the story is so moving that one cannot deny its impact. Once again, watching with my children gives a nice emotional bump to the experience.

2. INSIDE OUT 2 – I love INSIDE OUT and INSIDE OUT 2 perfectly captures all the awkward experiences and emotions that come with becoming a teenager. Having a child close to our protagonist’s age clearly heightens my emotional connection, but I laughed and cried throughout INSIDE OUT 2.

1. DUNE: PART 2 – Seeing DUNE: PART 2 in IMAX was easily my favorite theater experience of the year. Not since LORD OF THE RINGS has a picture this epic wowed my visual senses. A grand spectacle for the big screen with an all-star cast in a movie that simply rocks, DUNE: PART 2 is my runaway winner for favorite film of the year.

BONUS: TRAP – I know it’s ridiculous, but man did I have fun watching this film. I think M. Night has a unique storytelling perspective that I’m on board with through nearly every one of his films. I love Josh Hartnett’s odd, over-the-top performance. The set-up is amazing and understanding the deliberate sense of humor about the dark nature of a serial killer trying not to get caught while at a concert with his daughter, only adds to the enjoyment of this silly yet engaging thriller.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

ALIEN: ROMULUS, THE BRUTALIST, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, FURIOSA, HERE, HERETIC, HIT MAN, JUROR #2, LONGLEGS, NOSFERATU, THE ORDER, A REAL PAIN, I SAW THE TV GLOW, TRANSFORMERS ONE