2024 has been a landmark year for cinema, offering a diverse slate of films that have not only entertained but also challenged and captivated audiences. From searing biopics and haunting thrillers to intense dramas and ambitious adaptations, here are 10 films you definitely shouldn’t have missed in 2024.
1. The Apprentice
Director Ali Abbasi and writer Gabriel Sherman craft a gripping origin story about Donald Trump’s rise as a young real estate mogul in New York City. Featuring a stunning performance by Sebastian Stan as Trump and a chilling turn by Jeremy Strong as his mentor Roy M. Cohn, the movie is a much-anticipated exploration of the forces that shaped a pivotal figure in modern American history. Far from a political polemic, the film delves into the roots of power, ambition, and manipulation, leaving viewers haunted long after the credits roll.
2. Challengers
Luca Guadagnino proves once again that he is a master of sensual, layered storytelling with Challengers. Set against the world of professional tennis, this sizzling drama explores a love triangle between Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. With a sharp screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes and Guadagnino’s exquisite direction, Challengers is a scathingly amusing and profound piece of entertainment that transcends its sports backdrop.
3. Conclave
Edward Berger’s Conclave elevates the political thriller to new heights with its stunning depiction of Vatican intrigue. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, this gorgeously filmed story about the secretive election of a new Pope manages to feel both timely and timeless. Berger captures the intensity of the political games played behind the sacred walls and delivers a film that recalls the elegance of classic Hollywood cinema.
4. The Substance
Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance is an audacious blend of comedy, horror, and satire, centering on society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Demi Moore delivers a career-defining performance as a fitness guru grappling with the grotesque consequences of a miracle drug. “Ozempic: The Movie” masterfully critiques modern vanity through its witty script, which won Best Screenplay at Cannes.
5. Wicked
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked brings the beloved Broadway musical to life in spectacular fashion with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leading the cast. This visually stunning reimagining of the classic Oz tale adds emotional depth and social commentary to the magical story. Wicked: Part One is a cinematic triumph that sets the stage for its eagerly awaited sequel.
6. Joker: Folie à Deux
Todd Phillips boldly explores creative risks in Joker: Folie à Deux, a striking sequel that defies expectations at every step. With its provocative musical sequences and scathing critique of society’s fascination with criminal infamy, the film recalls the punk energy of G.G. Allin and the bleak fatalism of Dancer in the Dark. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga deliver unforgettable performances in a darkly thrilling indictment of cultural obsession.
7. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers redefines Gothic horror with his atmospheric remake of Nosferatu. Combining dreamlike visuals with chilling performances, Eggers creates an immersive world that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. Paying homage to F.W. Murnau’s original while forging its own identity, Nosferatu stands as a haunting masterpiece of modern filmmaking.
8. Emilia Pérez
Jacques Audiard’s first musical, Emilia Pérez, is a dazzlingly inventive tale of transformation and redemption. Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña shine, but it is Karla Sofía Gascón who steals the show as a Mexican drug lord-turned-housewife in this exuberant, genre-blurring triumph. With its vibrant mix of drama, comedy, and music, Audiard’s spangled vision is an unforgettable experience.
9. Hit Man
Richard Linklater’s Hit Man is a deliciously clever neo-noir comedy that cements Glen Powell as one of Hollywood’s most charismatic leading men. Powell, a geeky college lecturer moonlighting as an undercover hitman, finds himself entangled in a web of deception and romance with Adria Arjona’s spirited Madison. With razor-sharp twists and probing themes of identity, Linklater’s film is both wildly entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.
10. A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain delivers humor and heartbreak in equal measure. The film follows two cousins, played by Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, as they confront their family’s Holocaust history on a poignant journey to Poland. Balancing comedic beats with emotional depth, Eisenberg’s sophomore directorial effort is a testament to his growing prowess behind the camera.
These films have not only defined 2024 but also elevated the art of storytelling across a plethora of genres. Whether it’s the biting satire of The Substance, the emotional journey of A Real Pain, or the sweeping drama of Conclave, each film leaves an indelible mark, reminding us of cinema’s enduring power to entertain, provoke, and inspire.
