24 for 2024: Our Favoritest Films That We Saw This Year
We saw a lot of movies this year. Here are the 24 we liked best.
24. Milk and Serial
Directed by Curry Barker
Starring Curry Barker, Chris Gibbs
Milk and Serial is a bold bowl of film fiber, proving that creativity and resourcefulness can breathe life into a stagnant industry. Written, directed, edited, and starring Curry Barker of That’s a Bad Idea, this $800 indie gem uses the found footage format to perfection. Part Blair Witch Project, part Paranormal Activity, the film’s eerie yellows and blue-greens, along with rapid jump cuts, create an unsettling yet cohesive experience.
Framed as a behind-the-scenes look at a prank show gone awry, the story flips power dynamics in thrilling and unexpected ways. Barker’s understanding of cinematic language shines here, demonstrating that bold ideas—not bloated budgets—are the future of filmmaking. Milk and Serial is proof that film isn’t dead; it’s just waiting to be rediscovered. – Peter Cameron
23. A Different Man
Directed by Aaron Schimberg
Starring Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson and Renate Reinsve
Why is it so satisfying to watch a protagonist spiral down the rabbit hole of their own terrible decisions? A Different Man serves up a heaping dose of that sweet, sweet self-inflicted suffering we all secretly love—right up there with Ari Aster’s Beau is Afraid (2023) and this year’s The Substance (2024).
Sebastian Stan brings a deliciously aloof charm to a guy so desperate to change his life he ends up in prison over it. Imagine The Substance but dialed down on the gore and cranked up on the existential cringe. Call it “protagonist frustration porn,” because this is schadenfreude cinema at its finest.
Aaron Schimberg follows up Chained for Life (2018) with an unpredictable script and pitch-perfect direction that walks a tightrope between comedy and drama. You’re never quite sure whether to laugh, cry, or cringe—and that’s what makes this one of the year’s most delightful surprises. – Tim Basaraba
22. Scorched Earth
Directed by Thomas Arslan
Starring Mišel Matičević, Marie Leuenberger, Alexander Fehling
In Scorched Earth, director Thomas Arslan crafts a methodical crime thriller that pays homage to Jean-Pierre Melville’s minimalist style. Mišel Matičević delivers a cool, laconic performance as Trojan, a burglar returning to Berlin for a high-stakes art heist. The film’s deliberate pacing and authentic depiction of planning, shakedowns, and shootouts eschew spectacle for grounded tension. Alexander Fehling’s portrayal of the villain, Victor, adds depth to the narrative. Fans of Le Samouraï (1967) will appreciate Scorched Earth’s high-stakes storytelling without over-the-top theatrics. – PC
Read Peter’s full review.
21. Santosh
Directed by Sandhya Suri
Starring Shahana Goswani and Sunita Rajwar
Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri, is a searing look at systemic police violence in rural northern India. The story follows a widow who joins her late husband’s corrupt police force and is mentored by a magnetic female inspector bent on challenging deeply ingrained patriarchy.
Backed by the BBC, the film deftly blends the tension of a police thriller with the unflinching perspective of a documentary. With layered characters and a narrative that leaves a lasting impression, Santosh is a quietly devastating exploration of power and resistance. – Matt Ashworth
20. Sketch
Directed by Seth Worley
Starring Tony Hale, D’Arcy Carden, Kue Lawrence, Bianca Bell, and Kalon Cox
In a world overrun with sequels and reboots, Sketch feels like a breath of fresh air—a throwback to the days of live-action family films that didn’t need a franchise to justify their existence. Seth Worley’s debut taps into genuine emotion, using clever CGI to bring children’s drawings to life without losing its grounded, heartfelt core.
Anchored by D’Arcy Carden’s warmth and Tony Hale’s comedic timing, the movie gets an extra spark from its young cast, who deliver the kind of natural, infectious energy that makes these stories work. Sketch balances whimsy and sincerity in a way that makes it memorable—not because it’s trying to be a “modern classic,” but because it’s the rare combination of smart and fun. – TB
Read Tim’s full review of Sketch.
19. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Turns out apocalyptic action is my jam, even though I’m not usually an action guy. I loved the original Mad Max films back in the day, and Mad Max: Fury Road surprised the shit out of me when it came out—especially since I usually expect reboots of movies I loved in my formative years to suck ass.
This prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, delivers everything I hoped for: feral world-building, high-octane drama, and characters who claw their way to survival with a mix of brutality and heart. What the haters writing it off as bro-y and base don’t get? The story and character development are just as sharp and riveting as the action—every bit as compelling as Dune’s epic gravitas. Fight me, spice nerds.
Anya Taylor-Joy is magnetic as Furiosa—fierce, complicated, and utterly captivating. Chris Hemsworth brings sharp comic relief without ever compromising the danger, striking a perfect balance in a world that’s equal parts terrifying and ridiculous. Yes, it’s a dirt-clouded, fuel-soaked spectacle, but there’s an elegance to its chaos and I loved seeing it all loud in the theatre. – MA
18. Saturday Night
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring a stellar ensemble capturing the magic of SNL’s original cast
Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night (2024) transports viewers to the chaotic, high-stakes lead-up to the debut episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975. With a sharp ensemble cast embodying icons like Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Garrett Morris, Reitman avoids the pitfalls of clichéd biopics, instead delivering a frenzied and electric portrayal of comedy history in the making.
The film’s dynamic pacing and percussive score mirror the chaos of launching a cultural phenomenon, making Saturday Night a thrill to watch. For those familiar with the original SNL cast, the experience is even richer—the actors capture the essence of these comedy legends with uncanny precision, despite limited screen time.
Reitman’s masterful direction ensures that every member of the sprawling ensemble gets a moment to shine, without anything feeling forced or disjointed. Fans of Saturday Night Live will feel like the iconic cast has sprung back to life. For others, the sheer energy and craftsmanship should offer plenty to enjoy, even if the emotional impact doesn’t hit as hard. – MA
17. Inside Out 2
Directed by Kelsey Mann
Starring Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Adele Exarchopoulos
How do you follow up one of Pixar’s greatest films? Should you even try? Turns out, all you need is a dash of anxiety—literally.
For the first two acts of Inside Out 2, I was content soaking in the well-written script, stellar voice cast, and the joy of revisiting Riley’s world several years later. Amy Poehler returns as Joy, while Maya Hawke nails it as the voice of Anxiety, the new addition to the team. Tony Hale, Lewis Black, and Phyllis Smith return as Fear, Anger, and Sadness, respectively, bringing the same charm they brought to the first film. Plus, the film adds a bonus treat: my current screen crush, Adele Exarchopoulos, voicing Ennui. Her gorgeous French accent in a major U.S. film stole my attention, and I’m crossing my fingers this paves the way for her live-action breakout on this side of the Atlantic.
I’ll admit, for a while I doubted whether this sequel could deliver the same emotional punch as the original. But then the third act hit. When the external realities of Riley’s life collide with the emotional chaos inside her mind, the film perfectly encapsulates those adolescent struggles: wanting to fit in, belong, be cool, and still do the right thing. It achieves something even the best coming-of-age films fail to do.
Pixar took a gamble revisiting this world, but Inside Out 2 proves it was a risk worth taking.
16. Ghostlight
Directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan
Starring Keith Kupferer, Katherine Kupferer
Ghostlight: Manipulative, melodramatic, and masterful.
This isn’t your typical coming-of-age story—it’s a dual coming-of-age story. A working-class father and his troubled daughter grow through their own adversities, first apart and then together. Keith Kupferer plays the dad, a gruff, blue-collar construction worker who stumbles into a local theater troupe. What starts as a secret hobby quickly becomes the emotional bridge between him and his daughter (played by Kupferer’s real-life daughter, Delia). Seeing this traditionally tough, reserved man embrace something so vulnerable allows his daughter to see another side of him—and opens the door for her to share her own struggles.
This film doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them, Douglas Sirk-style, until you’re physically moved by its beauty. Keith Kupferer delivers an Oscar-worthy performance (though let’s be real, he won’t get the nomination he deserves), and Delia Kupferer matches his depth with an authenticity that’s even more impressive knowing their familial connection.
Ghostlight is an emotional powerhouse that manipulates you with precision and sincerity—and somehow leaves you grateful for it. – TB
15. Kneecap
Directed by Rich Peppiatt
Starring Michael Fry, Ciarán Bartlett, Matt McGinn
Kneecap is a wild mash-up of the best music biopics and the frenetic energy of early Guy Ritchie films. It’s a drug-fueled, sexually charged, unapologetic whirlwind, with a kinetic camera style and bold lighting choices that constantly swirl and pulse like the band’s chaotic energy.
The story of Kneecap, a group that became a cultural lightning rod in Ireland, taps into the same spirit that bands like Beastie Boys and Public Enemy represented in the U.S.—a rallying cry for youth desperate for something to care about. Their music was raw, bold, and defiant, offering a powerful alternative to violence and a way to channel frustration into something transformative.
The film captures their rise not just as musicians, but as a movement—one that ignited a sense of independence and identity for a generation. It’s brash, messy, and exactly the injection of life that both the youth and this genre needed. – TB
14. Kinds of Kindness
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe
The best art is unique and weird, but also undeniably good. That’s a tough balance, because not everything unique and weird is of quality —and, frankly, most art that’s just familiar or average could stand to get a little weirder to justify its existence.
Which brings us to Kinds of Kindness, Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest puzzle-box of a film. It’s a triptych fable where an ensemble cast shapeshifts through three loosely connected stories, all dripping with his signature oddity and biting sense of humor. Lanthimos, the Greek director behind acclaimed films like The Favourite and Poor Things, has made at least four films that are wildly unique and really, really good. I love Dogtooth, Alps, The Lobster, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer with the same unreasonable passion I reserve for my favorite albums from bands before they signed to a major label.
I also enjoyed watching Kinds of Kindness, but I’m not sure it’s great. Maybe I just loved experiencing it—the way its mysteries beg you to interpret, how it feels like a strange secret you’re only half in on.
It’s entirely possible I missed a ton, too, lol but that’s part of the appeal. The film lingers in your mind, daring you to watch again, to pick up the clues Lanthimos has scattered like breadcrumbs for the obsessives, like me. Maybe it’ll reveal itself as a masterpiece on a second viewing. Or maybe not.
Either way, Kinds of Kindness is worth seeing, because Yorgos Lanthimos is the greatest living director we have. And his brand of insane, intricate, and gorgeous filmmaking deserves every dollar Hollywood throws at it. – MA
13. Toxic
Directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė
Starring Vesta Matulytė, Ieva Rupeikaitė
In her feature debut, Saulė Bliuvaitė delivers Toxic, a raw coming-of-age tale set in Lithuania. Opening with a Carrie-esque moment of humiliation, young Marija (Vesta Matulytė) forms an unlikely bond with Kristina (Ieva Rupeikaitė) as they navigate their impoverished town and the lure of a shady modeling agency.
Bliuvaitė’s meticulous direction emphasizes movement and color, evoking Thirteen (2003) and Gummo (1997). The unflinching realism probes issues like beauty, eating disorders, and fragile family dynamics. Both leads give compelling performances.
Toxic stands out as a bold exploration of adolescence’s darker side, earning its place among the likes of Kids (1995) and Waves (2019). – TB
Read Tim’s full review here.
12. Black Tea
Directed by Abderrahmane Sissako
Starring Nina Melo, Han Chang, Michael Chang
Abderrahmane Sissako’s Black Tea opens with a stark white room filled with wedding attire, the contrast of black skin against white fabric creating a stunning visual introduction. As the narrative unfolds, these whites give way to rich, lush colors and deep blacks, mirroring the protagonist Aya’s journey. Portrayed by Nina Melo, Aya transitions from a bride to a clerk in a Guangzhou tea export shop owned by Cai, played by Han Chang. Their performances anchor this quiet, meditative piece, with Michael Chang’s portrayal of Cai’s son, Li-Ben, providing pivotal moments that reveal him as the heart of the film.
The film’s sensuality is conveyed through its cinematography, which assaults the senses to a fever pitch without veering into overt sexuality. Every shot bursts with colorful beauty, and the fluid, grandiose transitional and establishing shots immerse the viewer in Aya’s world. Clocking in at a tight 1 hour and 50 minutes, Black Tea delivers a final scene that perfectly bookends this near-perfect film. It’s a feast for the eyes and a testament to Sissako’s directorial prowess. – TB
Read Tim’s full review here.
11. The Assessment
Directed by Fleur Fortuné
Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander
Fleur Fortuné’s The Assessment delivers a visually arresting sci-fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where only the elite are allowed to have children. Featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander in standout performances that harken back to their indie roots, the film pairs star power with a hauntingly crafted dystopian landscape.
Fortuné’s music video pedigree shines through in her striking visuals, but the film occasionally stumbles with heavy-handed exposition and melodrama, holding the audience’s hand where subtlety might have served better. Despite these hiccups, The Assessment is a compelling debut that suggests even greater things to come. Fans of moody sci-fi like Ex Machina (2014) and Under the Skin (2013) will find plenty to admire. – MA
10. Queer
Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Starring Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville
Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, set in 1950s Mexico City, follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), a man whose identity hinges on fleeting connections. When he meets Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), their journey shifts from urban streets to the South American jungle.
Guadagnino’s signature style shines through, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s subtle score and Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s stunning cinematography capturing Lee’s isolation. Craig delivers a raw, standout performance, bolstered by Starkey’s quiet strength and bizarrely engaging moments from Jason Schwartzman and Lesley Manville.
Sensual and introspective, Queer is a testament to Guadagnino’s ability to explore the complexities of human connection. – TB
Tim’s full review of Queer can be found RIGHT HERE.
9. Matt and Mara
Directed by Kazik Radwanski
Starring Matt Johnson, Deragh Campbell, Simon Reynolds
Matt and Mara delivers a sharp, Canadian twist on the romantic comedy genre. Directed by Kazik Radwanski, the film stars Matt Johnson and Deragh Campbell as estranged friends navigating a quirky and intellectual rekindling. Campbell shines as the disheveled and alienated Mara, especially in a painfully relatable dinner scene, while Johnson’s charm keeps their dynamic engaging and funny.
Balancing humor with thoughtful deconstruction of relationships, the film offers a fresh take reminiscent of Past Lives (2023) but with more laughs. A must-see for fans of unconventional rom-coms, Matt and Mara is both witty and refreshingly original. – TB
Check out Tim’s full review of Matt and Mara.
8. Deadpool & Wolverine
Directed by Shawn Levy
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman
Deadpool & Wolverine is truly a match made in Marvel movie heaven. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman deliver electric chemistry in a film that rocketed past expectations like a Shohei Ohtani grand slam. Packed with cheeky humor, jaw-dropping stunts, and nonstop action, their quick-witted banter and over-the-top shenanigans had audiences roaring with laughter.
With surprise cameos and clever writing that balances thrills and gut-busting humor, this highly anticipated team-up didn’t just meet the hype—it obliterated it, raking in $1.4 billion. A wild ride from start to finish, Deadpool & Wolverine is a hilarious, action-packed celebration of perfect pairings. Fans will be begging for more. – PC
7. The Wild Robot
Directed by Chris Sanders
Starring EVERYONE GOOD (Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames)
The Wild Robot feels like stepping into a gorgeous 3D painting for 1 hour and 42 minutes—a feast for the eyes with plenty of heart to match. Roz, the titular robot, is “more human than is human,” as Rob Zombie might say, adapting to the natural world and connecting with its quirky inhabitants. Those possum babies were funny as shit too.
Beneath the charm, the film delivers a surprisingly moving look at selfless love, blending technology and nature without ever feeling preachy. It’s sharp, soulful, and visually breathtaking. – MA
6. Piece By Piece
Directed by Morgan Neville
Starring Pharrell Williams
Directed by Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor), Piece By Piece frames the life and career of Pharrell Williams through the lens of LEGO artistry, offering a fascinating, heartfelt exploration of his relentless creativity and cultural impact.
From the first beat to the final note, Pharrell’s iconic songs sounded incredible on the theater’s pristine sound system, highlighting just how fresh and timeless his work remains. Built around an intimate interview with Pharrell, interwoven with insights from icons like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Gwen Stefani, the film paints a vivid picture of his unmatched influence. Even if you’re not a pop music aficionado, the soundtrack and storytelling will leave you in awe.
Piece By Piece is as inspiring as its subject—an uplifting, joy-filled reminder of the power of creativity, representation, and music. – MA
5. The Substance
Directed by Coralie Fargeat
Starring Demi Moore, Margret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Coralie Fargeat’s stomach-churning The Substance gets us high on a gory supply, earning its place as one of 2024’s best films. Demi Moore, in a career-reviving turn, plays Elisabeth, an aging fitness guru desperate to save her career from the clutches of her grotesque producer (a wonderfully revolting Dennis Quaid). When she discovers a miraculous cure, her journey spirals into a darkly comedic and horrifying exploration of beauty standards, ageism, and the male gaze.
Fargeat’s direction, paired with surreal, hyper-saturated visuals, distorts reality to reflect society’s warped obsessions with youth and glamour. Wide-angle shots and fragmented imagery force the audience into an uncomfortable confrontation with these ideals. Moore’s powerhouse performance captures the terror and absurdity of a woman battling her fading relevance in a world that prizes looks over substance.
Vivid, grotesque, and fiercely satirical, The Substance is a visually lush takedown of our societal vanity—a film that lingers long after the credits roll. – PC
4. Civil War
Directed by Alex Garland
Starring Wagner Moura, Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Jesse Plemons
In Civil War, director Alex Garland abandons his usual sci-fi flair to deliver a stark, visceral portrayal of a potential modern American conflict. The film follows journalists Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) as they navigate a fractured nation teetering on the edge of collapse. Their dynamic blend of tenacity and intellect adds authenticity to the narrative, with standout performances that intensify the film’s pace. Jesse Plemons’ brief appearance is destined for cult status, reminiscent of Alec Baldwin’s iconic seven-minute role in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992).
While some dialogue may elicit eye rolls—”freedom isn’t free, but it’s worth fighting for”—it adds a self-aware layer to the film’s texture. The immersive sound design and a soundtrack featuring bands like Suicide place viewers in the heart of urban combat scenes so intense, you might find yourself ducking for cover in your seat. Ultimately, Civil War commands attention not because it makes a political statement, but because it doesn’t. Garland’s brave pivot to a realistic depiction of a modern American civil war is both commendable and terrifyingly believable. – MA
Read Matt’s full review of Civil War.
3. Dune: Part 2
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two doesn’t just meet expectations—it soars over them like a spice-fueled sandworm. Following the success of Dune: Part One (2021), this sequel doubles the spectacle, delivering breathtaking battles, gladiatorial showdowns, and epic sandworms that finally get their star turn. When Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) masters riding one of these monstrous creatures, it’s pure sci-fi magic.
Villeneuve blends the cerebral edge of Arrival with the visual grandeur of Blade Runner 2049 to create a saga that’s as stunning as it is ambitious. The film crushed the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2024 and earned its place as a towering achievement in sci-fi cinema. Even on a dusty, desolate planet, Villeneuve ensures the visuals are anything but barren. – PC
2. Anora
Directed by Sean Baker
Starring Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn and Yura Borisov
After years of hearing my friend and Nada Film Critic Tim Basaraba rave about Sean Baker, I finally took his advice and dove into Tangerine (2015), The Florida Project (2017), and Red Rocket (2021) over the last year or so. Thank goodness I did, because that context only deepened my appreciation for Anora—Baker’s best film yet.
Anora is a masterpiece of contradictions: hilarious yet tragic, chaotic yet calm, with real characters navigating surreal situations. The astonishing dialogue and unpredictable story keep you glued, never tipping its hand about what’s coming next. Baker achieves a rare alchemy, balancing humor and heart in a way few filmmakers dare.
Tim’s been right all along—Sean Baker is one of the best directors working today, and Anora is his crowning achievement. – MA
1. I Saw the TV Glow
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
Starring Justice Smith, Ian Foreman, Brigette Lundy-Paine
With their sophomore effort, Jane Schoenbrun delivers a neon fever dream in I Saw the TV Glow—our number one film of the year. This mood-heavy, visually striking work blends sadness, adventure, and debilitating dread as Owen, played first with heart by young actor Ian Foreman and later with soul-crushing anxiety by Justice Smith, navigates an alienating existence.
Owen’s journey is anchored by Maddy, the slightly cooler older kid we all grew up idolizing. Brigette Lundy-Paine plays Maddy with aloof expertise, making her the perfect avatar for the Gen X and Y kids who waited each week for a new episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
While I Saw the TV Glow echoes the experimental style of Schoenbrun’s debut, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021), it’s more accessible in structure and execution. Every frame drips with neon, and even the most mundane moments are crafted with an obsessive eye for aesthetic detail. A24’s decision to market the film as horror might have helped sell tickets, but this isn’t a horror movie. It’s a surreal coming-of-age drama that deserves recognition for its innovation and artistry—not just its horror elements. – TB
Honorable mentions: Babes, Blink Twice, Little Jaffna, Hold Your Breath, Sebastian, The Shrouds, Smile 2.
Editor’s note: This list includes only films released widely in 2024.