And just like that, yet another Year in Cinema is officially behind us.
I think this past year in the film industry will ultimately be remembered as a tumultuous one. From an early year box office slump, to the re-emergence of Disney as a box office powerhouse, to ongoing creative clashes and lawsuits, and to an Oscar’s race ultimately marred by raging wildfires. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster ride of emotions at the theatres.
I’ve been readily admitting that there hasn’t been as many movies this year that truly wowed me. But that said, there’s been a number of films still, particularly looking at the international market, that have become surprise new favourites of mine. This year I capped off my year watching 163 new releases, 132 of which I caught in theatres. I managed to catch 41 movies at TIFF 2024. And most importantly, I’ve continued to document my movie-watching escapades not only on this blog, but now on Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes. If you’ve been following my posts, I truly thank you for indulging me in my little hobby. It means a lot!
But now it’s time to finally reveal to you my annual Top 30 films of 2024. Here we go!
A few usual disclaimers:
This list is personal to my own taste. I acknowledge that movies at the top of my list may not be objectively the “best” movies, or the best movies for everyone, so take what I say with a grain of salt. There will notably be a lack of horror on this list. Horror is just a genre I don’t do well with, even though I acknowledge there are some incredibly smart and amazing horror movies out there. And this year I mustered up the courage to watch The Substance, Longlegs, Nosferatu, and Exhuma in theatres – and as much as I can appreciate these films, they just aren’t ever going to be my favourites (with one notable horror movie exception on the list).
Also as a note, and I totally appreciate this is an arbitrary cutoff, but I only include films that are in contention for the 2024 award cycle. There are a number of movies released in North America in 2024, particularly international films, that were part of the 2023 awards cycle that I very much so enjoyed (La Chimera, Totem, A Taste of Things to name a few). But just by the nature of the release and award cycle I did not include them in this list.
So with all that said, let’s jump into our list, starting with #30 to #21.
#30: Inside Out 2
Starting off our list at #30 is Disney / Pixar’s Inside Out 2, the movie that ultimately saved the 2024 box office. Even at the #30 spot, let me be clear and say that I did still thoroughly enjoy the movie. As someone who enjoyed, but didn’t love, the first Inside Out movie, the sequel exceeded my expectations. Where this movie surpasses the first, in my opinion, is in its narrative, telling a more fulsome story of Riley as a person as opposed to being more about the relationship between Joy and Sadness. But I’ll admit some of the novelty and ingenuity of the first movie has worn off a bit. That said, it’s still a solid follow-up to the original, and totally deserving of its box office success, and that’s why it’s landed here at spot #30.
#29: Juror #2
A bit of a surprise for me, coming in #29 is Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Clint Eastwood’s film, not for lack of quality but moreso due to their subject matter and general tone. But Juror #2, a film that follows a juror for a high-profile murder trial who finds himself in the middle of a serious moral dilemma, was utterly captivating in the way its mystery unfolded. Anchored by several stellar performances from Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette, Its premise is fairly simple and rather small in scope, but the questions it brings up are nonetheless challenging and thought provoking. It’s not the most groundbreaking film, but it’s entertaining and certainly well worth a watch.
#28: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
You know, I went into Furiosa with similar thoughts going into Inside Out 2 – did we really need these sequels? Who was truly asking for a follow-up to Mad Max: Fury Road, which is quite universally considered a masterpiece. But knowing that it was George Miller himself who wanted to return to the universe was definitely reassuring. And between its solid action, great performances, and just overall expansion of the lore, it’s very much so a worthwhile watch. But where I think this one falters is in its inevitable comparisons to Mad Max: Fury Road, where it doesn’t quite meet the same mark and achieve that same level of adrenaline pumping action. And for that reason this one lands at #28.
#27: Hit Man
Coming in at #27 is Glen Powell and Richard Linklater’s Netflix vehicle Hit Man, a film that unfortunately feels a bit buried in its rather muted Netflix release. Hit Man follows the story of Gary Johnson, who plays an undercover hitman who becomes enraptured by a woman trying to flee her abusive husband. Having watched the film at TIFF in 2023, Hit Man was such a pleasant surprise, particularly in the quality of the script but also the calibre of its acting. As writer and lead, Glen Powell really showcases his versatility as an actor, and the final confrontation scene between Powell and co-star Adria Arjona is truly electric. It’s overall not as memorable of a movie as I’d hope, compounded by its streaming release that went largely unnoticed. But if you’re looking for a fun romp to stream this one would be a good choice.
#26: Civil War
Alex Garland is such a compelling director, particularly in the sci-fi themes he chooses to tackle, and the way he forces the audience to be a neutral observer while absolutely crazy things unfold on screen. And coming in at #27, Civil War is no exception. Bringing this idea of a modern day American civil war to life, Civil War remains a completely unsettling and horrific cinematic experience. Kirsten Dunst is fantastic in the film as a grizzled war photojournalist. Mileage may vary, particularly for those looking for a much more politically oriented message, or for those expecting just pure insanity. But that’s not really Alex Garland’s style. But those who stick with it should expect a thoroughly well imagined vision.
#25: A Quiet Place: Day One
At #25 is A Quiet Place: Day One. Yes, a horror movie finally made it on my list. But I would argue that the Quiet Place franchise is much more of sci-fi than it is horror. And where the Quiet Place franchise shines is in its grounding of its high sci-fi concept in real human experience. Lupita N’yongo is an absolutely exceptional actress and can do no wrong in my mind. But in particular, she has some of the most expressive eyes in the industry, as exemplified in her horror take in Jordan Peele’s Us. So the genius of casting her in a Quiet Place film is astounding. The scale of this Quiet Place film is certainly much larger than past offerings, which makes this one a bit more of a blockbuster experience, but the relationship between N’yongo and co-star Joseph Quinn’s character is where the real magic happens. Not my usual cup of tea, but a great watch nonetheless.
#24: Thelma
Sitting at #24 is none other than Sundance darling Thelma. Helmed by the venerable June Squibb, Thelma is the story of the titular grandmother who, after getting scammed out of $10,000, goes on a journey across Los Angeles to get her money back. Yes, it’s not the most substantive film of the bunch, but the film is truly such a joy to watch, with its raucous humour and riveting “action” sequences. But beyond all that it’s also just so beautifully emotional in its portrayal of its relationship between grandmother and grandson, played by Fred Hechinger (who’s had an incredible year appearing in Thelma, Gladiator 2, Nickel Boys and Kraven the Hunter). Director Josh Margolin was inspired to write and direct this movie by his own grandmother. And that’s honestly that’s enough of a reason for you to go watch this film!
#23: Emilia Pérez
Coming in at #23 is the start of our Oscar’s Best Picture nominees, starting with Emilia Pérez. The film follows the story of a Mexican lawyer who is offered a job to help a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman, ultimately becoming the titular character of Emilia Pérez. I will start by addressing the fact that I agree, in many ways, the film is problematic. But I think there are still a number of strong elements in the film, in particularly Zoe Saldaña who I think in particular shines in this feature in what I would argue is the lead role of the film (and not the supporting role as the awards circuit will lead us to believe). At the end of the day, it’s an incredibly wild vision to see realized on screen, even if it misses the mark for many audience members, and so it lands at #23 on my list.
#22: The Brutalist
At #22 is another Oscars Best Picture hopeful, that being Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist. First off, Brady Corbet is an exceptional filmmaker – what he was able to create with such a small budget is such a testament to the power of visionary independent filmmaking. The Brutalist follows the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who escapes postwar Europe to rebuild his life. The first half of the movie, to me, is a masterpiece – the whole sequence of the crafting of the library, from conception to realization, is so beautifully done and absolutely mesmerizing. But the second half of the movie, the fall from grace, is where the movie sort of falls apart for me. And the intermission, while welcomed, just helps to reinforce the stark contrast between parts. I don’t feel as if the movie really sticks the landing, and for that reason this film lands at #22.
#21: We Live In Time
Rounding out the first part of our list at #21 is director John Crowley’s We Live In Time, helmed by two of the most incredible working actors today Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. What really makes this film work is its two stars who develop this amazing and honest chemistry that is a joy to watch unfold and come apart on film. While it’s a rather conventional love story at the end of the day, following this young couple from beginning meet-cute to end, what saves the film is the decision to cut between and interweave three different time periods. What results is a movie that ebbs and flows in an interesting and emotionally cohesive way. I’m not sure if the film would be nearly as memorable if it wasn’t for its leads, so for that reason it lands at #21.
Now for the middle of the pack, #20 to #11:
#20: Problemista
Starting off the middle of our list at #20 is writer Julio Torres’ directorial debut Problemista. Problemista follows the story of Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City, all while racing the clock as his work visa runs out. There he stumbles into the employ of an eccentric artist, played by the always impeccable Tilda Swinton, who becomes his only chance to stay in the country. There’s such a freshness to the immigrant experience story portrayed in Problemista, and such a charm to Julio Torres’ character in contrast to Swinton’s hurricane of a character. The humour, particularly the surrealist elements, won’t be for everyone. But what results is a film experience so unique, memorable and honest, you really can’t miss it!
#19: Saturday Night
Another film that might not be for everyone, coming in at #19, is Saturday Night. Documenting in real-time the chaotic lead up to the first episode of Saturday Night Live, director Jason Reitman perfectly captures that frenetic backstage energy. Coupled with pitch perfect casting, a lightning fast script, and a fantastic ramp up to its end, overall this one had me thoroughly spellbound. What prevents me from placing this any higher is that I acknowledge in retrospect, this film might not really work for those not as familiar with the SNL lore or those who aren’t fans of the SNL-style sketch comedy humour. The moments we spend with the cast are fantastic, but few and far between. So those looking for a more in depth look at the SNL behind the scenes will likely be disappointed.
#18: September 5
Coming at in #18 is September 5, a retelling of the events of the terrorist attack at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich but told from the perspective of the American sports broadcasters who provided coverage. There’s something deeply unsettling with being a fly on the wall for the horrific events unfolding, which is incredibly thematically on point for this captivating film. Every aspect of this film feels on point – from the acting, to the lightning fast script, and to the incredible production design. It all feels so real, which adds to the overall impact of the film. While you don’t get to spend much time with any of the characters, it gets a lot done in its short runtime, and will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
#17: Sing Sing
Coming in at #17 is Sing Sing. Sing Sing has all the components of an incredible film – from an outstanding lead performance from Colman Domingo, an amazing supporting cast (in particular Clarence Maclin who is unfortunately being overlooked in the acting race this year), and an incredibly deep and heartfelt message. Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at the Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, Sing Sing is unique in that the vast majority of actors are real inmates, or real alumni of the program. What unfolds is a deeply personal but deeply respectful experience, with director Greg Kwedar demonstrating a huge amount of deftness to his approach to the film. What keeps this out of the top #15 for me is not the quality of the film, but just my own personal distance from the film’s themes and emotion. Because it’s a fantastic film indeed.
#16: Touch
Coming in at #14 is a very me type of film, that being Baltasar Kormákur’s Touch, a romantic drama and Iceland’s entry for the Best International Feature Film. Touch follows the love story of Kristófer and Miko, who meet in the 1960s in London, England. While the two don’t end up together, the film cuts between the 1960s and present day, as we follow a now much older Kristófer attempt to find Miko by travelling to both London and Japan amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, with its warm and soft cinematography, contemplative piano-heavy score, and wistful pace. The film is a welcomed companion piece to 2023’s Past Lives, albeit not as emotionally resonant for me personally. Still it’s an incredible watch and a strong recommendation from me for anyone looking for a dreamy romantic piece.
#15: Challengers
At #15 is director Luca Guadagnino’s and writer Justin Kuritzke’s Challengers. There’s so much I love about this movie. First off, it has an incredibly smart script, that’s filled with so much intention in what is and is not said, which speaks to the collaborative nature of Kuritzke’s and Guadagnino’s approach. Second, is its stellar cast, helmed by the trio of Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, who absolutely nail the chemistry needed to pull off the script. Third, is its appropriately kinetic score from my personal favourite’s Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. And finally, of course, is its director who is as unapologetic as the film’s main character Tashi. The components of this film felt so well meshed together, moreso than what resulted in Guadagnino’s and Kuritze’s other collaboration of the year in Queer. This one just really worked for me.
#14: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
Our first of two documentaries on the list, at #14 is Netflix’s The Remarkable Life of Ibelin. Time to get the tissues out. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin tells the story of a Norwegian gamer who passed away at the age of 25, and his parents who mourned what they thought was a lonely life only to discover he had lived a multitude of lifetimes online in the World of Warcraft with his guild Starlight. Using transcripts from the World of Warcraft, the documentarians were able to reconstruct real moments from the game, including real genuine heartfelt moments between players and their characters. What unfolds is a starkly human experience, in a starkly virtual world. It’s essential viewing for any gamers out there, and even for any family members of gamers.
#13: My Old Ass
At #13 is a film that speaks to my usual sensibilities – a coming-of-age tale, premiering at Sundance – and that film is My Old Ass. My Old Ass tells the story of Elliott, played by Maisy Stella, who, on her 18th birthday following a bad mushroom trip, comes face-to-face with her 39-year-old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The two form an impossible connection, but causes younger Elliott to rethink her life, her relationships with her family, and her ideas about love, all while preparing to say goodbye to her childhood and go off to University. While conceptually out there, there’s something so deeply grounded and resonant in the themes tackled in this one. That feeling of being both hopeful and scared about the future, and being both so ready to speed through life but also longing for things to stay the same – it’s hard not to feel emotionally struck. And Aubrey Plaza in particular is phenomenal, especially at the emotional climax of the movie. A fantastic watch for any coming-of-age fans out there. Oh, and for all you Canadian’s, this one takes place in the Muskokas!
#12: Better Man
At #12 is probably the latest entry to this list, it’s the Robbie Williams musical biopic Better Man. And boy was this a surprise hit. I was a little skeptical when this premiered at TIFF – the concept seemed unnecessarily wild, taking a retrospective on Robbie Williams’ career but replacing him with a CGI monkey. But man did this one really work. What elevates this one above most other biopics of recent time is just how honest and vulnerable it feels, with Robbie Williams really allowing the filmmakers to capture the lows of his career and personal life. Added on top of that the movie-musical sensibilities of director Michael Gracey, who is known for his ability to pull off incredibly lively and incredibly emotional musical numbers from his experience making The Greatest Showman, and what you end up with is a deeply moving but honest portrayal. And the monkey bit, while it takes a while to get used to, actually pays off. A truly great film and truly sad that not so many people saw it.
#11: Flow
Rounding out our middle pack, at #11 we have the stellar animated feature, and Latvia’s entry to the Oscar’s international feature race, Flow. Flow follows the journey of an adorable black cat who’s home is devastated by a massive flood. From there, they must team up with other animals, including a dog, lemur, secretary bird, and a capybara, to survive. While the film is completely without dialogue, it remains surprisingly poignant, with each of the animals embodying certain roles, values, and ideals. The cast of characters is appropriately lovable, and the animation style is incredibly beautiful and visually interesting. It’s not the most emotionally riveting feature on this list, but there’s just a lot to love in this one. And I stand by that we could all learn a thing or two by being more like the capybara.
And now for the moment you have all been waiting for, the top 10.
#10: Daughters
Starting off our top 10 list, and our final documentary on the list, is Netflix’s Daughters. I was completely blown away by this documentary that follows the preparation of four young girls who are reuniting with their incarcerated fathers for a Daddy Daughter Dance put on by the Washington, D.C., jail. There’s so much to love between the story, the moving visuals, editing, and music, all of which enhance the experience. But what makes this one truly special is the focus on the perspective of the daughters, which was an absolutely refreshing take on the story. This is yet another one where you really need to make sure you have the tissue box handy. It’s a must watch documentary! Sad it missed out on the Oscar’s race.
#9: Anora
Coming in at #9 is Oscar’s hopeful Anora. Writer / Director Sean Baker is such an interesting filmmaker, with his focus on showcasing marginalized populations and creating real, human, and fleshed out characters. In Anora, the focus this time is on sex worker Ani, played by the remarkable Mikey Madison, who gets caught in the orbit of the son of a rich Russian oligarch. What unfolds is a story in two parts – the first half a beautiful ode to being young and foolish on the Vegas strip, and the second half an incredible action / comedy infused fall from grace. Mikey Madison really shines in this one as she embodies the whole character of Ani in all her heartbreaking nuance. A fantastic film through and through.
#8: All We Imagine As Light
At #8 is Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light. This is the type of film that you have to be on the right wavelength for, but if you can get there it is well worth it. Put simply, All We Imagine as Light follows the story of two nurses living together in Mumbai, both of whom are navigating the nuances and pitfalls of love in modern day India. There isn’t quite a strong narrative arc, but what the film lacks in narrative drive it makes up for in spades in cinematic beauty and a subtle yet profound thematic exploration. There’s a poetry to filmmaking that director Payal Kapadia is able to capture so well. It’s an incredibly beautiful film, and words can’t quite do it justice.
#7: DiDi
At #7 is yet another truly special film, DiDi. The directorial debut of Sean Wang, director of 2023s Oscar nominated short film Nai Nai & Wài Pó, DiDi is a semi-autobiographical coming of age story of growing up Asian American in the 2000s in Fremont, California. DiDi is a love-letter to anyone who grew up in that dawn-of-YouTube era, but touches on so many universally relatable themes. It’s a film about the strains of being a teenager in high school and that frustrating struggle to connect with family and friends. It’s a film about the decisions we make as a young person, even the stupid ones, and living with the consequences. And, most importantly, It’s a love letter to our Asian mom’s, who, despite feeling like they are hard on us, really just truly love us. This is filmmaking at its most authentic.
#6: Kneecap
Coming in at #6 is Kneecap, Ireland’s entry into the Best International Feature Oscar’s race. I’ve raved about Kneecap too many times already so bear with me. This film was such a pleasant surprise when I decided to go watch it on a random August night, and man was I blown away. Kneecap chronicles the formation of real life Irish rap group Kneecap, with the real members playing fictionalized versions of themselves. And truly, who would’ve thought that the story of these self-proclaimed “low life scum” could be so oddly endearing? Kneecap is an incredibly delightful watch, filled with fresh & frenetic film work, top-notch needle drops, and some real heart at its core. And in all the silliness there are some surprisingly deep themes that are tackled throughout the film. But word of warning – put those subtitles on and leave ‘em on.
#5: Wicked
At #5 is Wicked. First off, let me declare my biases – I am a bit of a theatre kid, and I lived through the age where the 2003 Original Broadway production permeated the psyche of every musical theatre and band nerd alive. I’ve seen the stage production 5 times now, and when asked I typically will say that Wicked is my favourite and most impactful musical for me. So I definitely went into this movie already a fan, but also with high expectations. So the fact that the movie met, if not exceeded, my expectations is a real testament to the film’s quality. Director Jon M. Chu has become an expert in capturing these larger than life musical numbers on screen, and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are perfectly cast and both incredibly talented vocalists. I’m cautiously optimistic about Wicked: For Good, where we will start to deviate from the musical with the addition of new content and new songs. But until then I will remain an incredibly satisfied Wicked fan.
#4: How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
Coming in at #4 is How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Thailand’s entry to the Oscar’s Best International Feature Film race, and yet another surprise of a movie I stumbled into this past year. The film follows the story of a grandson who, initially motivated by her property and fortune, decides to look after his dying grandmother to earn her favour. For me, this film is an important watch for almost every young person who has any sort of connection with their grandparents. The film’s themes, looking at how we honour and care for our older loved ones, is such an important and poignant message, and the film tackles it with such tact, humour and love. My warning for those not too acquainted with modern Asian TV and filmmaking, there will be some emotional beats that might feel a bit too melodramatic. But the overall experience is incredibly earnest and heartwarming, and well worth the watch. Definitely bring the tissues for this one too!
#3: The Wild Robot
With our #3 entry, the Dreamworks’ animation renaissance remains alive and well with The Wild Robot. The Wild Robot follows the story of Roz, a service robot, who is accidentally shipwrecked on a desolate island and forced to adapt to the wilderness and its animal inhabitants. Premiering at TIFF in September 2024, The Wild Robot, to me, represents everything great with modern big budget animation: a simple but universally meaningful narrative, a superb voice cast, and an absolutely stunning art style that deviates from the photo-realistic aesthetic of the 2000s & 2010s. For those who haven’t checked out a Dreamworks project as of late, I would highly recommend also watching 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Both films are animation classics in my book.
#2: Ghostlight
It’s always a little funny when making this list, trying to see where the more indie productions stack up in my head against the bigger blockbusters. Just the act of comparing tiny apples to massive apples is so interesting, because at the end of the day I just really like apples. So at #2 is probably the indiest of indie movies on this list – that one being Ghostlight. Ghostlight follows the story of a construction worker who, after experiencing his own family tragedy, finds comfort and understanding upon joining a local production of “Romeo and Juliet”. As an exploration of the complexities of grief and loss and its effect on a family, this one is unparalleled. But there’s also a welcomed mix of levity, humour and silliness that one can expect from watching a middle-aged man get his bearings while navigating the world of a small town theatre troupe. Actor Keith Kupferer delivers an astonishing lead performance alongside his real life daughter Katherine and wife Tara Mallen. Rounding out the cast is everyone’s favourite indie powerhouse Dolly De Leon. It remains so strange to compare this one to our #1 film, but to those who love grounded, simple but poignant filmmaking, this one is everything.
#1: Dune: Part Two
And finally, coming in at #1 is none other than Dune: Part Two. Where to even begin. There were so many moments for me in the film, while sitting in the sold out IMAX theatre, where I just became completely enraptured by the cinematic experience that is this movie. But the most subtle and poignant in my memory is oddly the scene where Paul and Chani are working together to destroy a spice harvester. There’s a specific moment where Chani uses a launcher to destroy an Ornithopter, it explodes, and she begins to run back towards Paul as the music completely cuts off and you hear the slightest of chuckles as she runs. I can’t explain why that scene in particular stuck with me, but the juxtaposition of the bombastic IMAX sound with the cutting silence was just truly epic. Every aspect of Dune: Part Two is such a well crafted masterpiece, and it does so much with its production design, edit, score and cast to enhance and elevate the experience. This is movie making magic on full display, and hence why it makes it to #1 on my list.
And that’s a wrap! One full year of cinema distilled down to a top 30 list.
And, just like that, yet another year of amazing movies and unforgettable cinema experiences is now officially behind us. And while I’ll admit, in retrospect, many of the Oscar Best Picture hopeful films didn’t really land all that high on my list, all that means is that the awards race likely has the potential to still be anyones game. So things are at least still interesting!
For those interested in my past posts, my #1 choices so far have been as follow:
2024 Top Pick: Dune: Part 2
2022 Top Pick: Everything Everywhere All at One
I’m truly excited to see what 2025 brings. Particularly as the film festival circuit starts fresh this weekend at Sundance, and while the 2024 awards circuit officially gets into high gear following today’s Oscar nominations. Not to mention that my local festival TIFF hits its 50th(!) anniversary this year as well! But until then, let me know – what was your favourite movie of 2024?
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