DAVID’S TOP TEN MOVIES OF 2024 (plus MORE!!)
The movies of 2024 played a “Wicked” trick on us. There was no “BARBENHEIMER” like 2023 served up. The worldwide box office ended with the top 16 grossing movies all being sequels or spinoffs, which unfortunately means that the lineup for 2025 will be more of the same. On the bright side, this also means that I get to tell you about some of the less well-known movies that I found entertaining, interesting, or in some other way, worth watching and mentioning. If you follow my reviews, you’ve figured out that my tastes lean towards the work of creative filmmakers and those who tell captivating stories. My hope is that you’ll find a few here that pique your interest … one or two that you might not have otherwise given a chance.
The below lists have been compiled from the 229 movies I watched during 2024. I’ve numbered my Top 10 (really 11), and then added “Best of the Rest” and a few specific categories to help you identify some others to watch. As always, the final category is reserved for the “Most Disappointing” movies, so that those who thrive on bad news have something to celebrate.
Annual Reminder: This list has nothing to do with predictions for the Academy Awards or any other awards. It’s simply my list of favorite movies from the year.
***NOTE: You may click on the blue film title which is hyperlinked to my full review of each individual movie. If a movie title is marked with asterisks (***), that means the review hasn’t yet been posted, but will be soon.
TOP 10 MOVIES OF THE YEAR
CONCLAVE – one would be hard pressed to name another movie that better explores the desire for power from those whose mission we often assume is altruistic. The subtle signs of ambition from these men of God prove to be a political chess match worthy of any political arena. It’s based on the Robert Harris book and features outstanding performances from familiar faces.
2. 
THE BRUTALIST – the longest movie I saw this year, and at 3 hours- 35 minutes, it was also the only one with an old-fashioned intermission (more snacks!). Brady Corbet’s film has a true epic feel and is a compelling story of a genius in one land finding a way for his talent to break through after immigrating to post-war USA as the nation expands. Adrien Brody won his Oscar more than 20 years ago, and he is outstanding as an architect striving to put his life, his family and his career back in order.
3. 
ANORA – Sean Baker has turned into a “must watch” director for me. He continually creates characters and tells stories from facets of society happening right under our noses. The breakout performance of the year goes to Mikey Madison as an exotic dancer who desperately wants to believe her Prince Charming is for real. It’s hilarious and heartbreaking and mesmerizing to watch.
4. 
WICKED – even my list has one spinoff/prequel … albeit from one of the greatest and most beloved films of all time. Fans of the stage show get an expanded presentation, while fans of THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) get Part 1 of the backstory. The sets are stunning, and the music is magical. Cynthia Erivo makes the green work, while Ariana Grande poses in pink. WICKED: FOR GOOD will release in November 2025, so until then, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
5. 
EMILIA PEREZ – for those who have been clamoring for a transgender drug-dealer musical, renowned French filmmaker Jacques Audiard has answered your prayers. For the rest of us, we had no idea how great this could be. It’s fun, frightening, and fantastic. Unconventional doesn’t begin to describe the work of Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez. Not only could I not look away, I couldn’t hardly blink as this unfolded.
6. 
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – we follow Bob Dylan from his arrival in NYC (19 years old from Minnesota) in 1961 until his ‘scandalous’ electric set on stage at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where he changed the face of music. Only the most ardent and hardcore Dylan fan will find much fault with the film (it takes a few dramatic liberties) or the performance of Timothy Chalamet, who sings and plays guitar. And I’m still in awe of how Edward Norton nailed his role as Pete Seeger.
7. 
ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT – only some political huffing and puffing prevented Payal Kapadia’s film from being India’s submission for Best Foreign Language Film. What a shame, as it’s a work of art detailing the story of three women in Mumbai. Loneliness seems inconceivalbe in a city of 20 million people, yet we witness it while also taking in the ever-changing relationship of three women. The third act is extraordinary.
8. 
NOSFERATU – when you’ve been anxious for a film for more than two years, a bit of a letdown is not just possible, but likely. Having been spellbound by Max Schreck as Orlok in the 1922 version, I was thrilled when Robert Eggers was announced as director for this most recent reincarnation. Despite my frustrations with the cast (not Skarsgard), the film has such an incredible atmosphere and aesthetic that it still lands among the best of the year.
9. 
NICKEL BOYS – based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Colson Whitehead, the film follows the unlikely journey of a smart young man whose one seemingly innocuous decision results in his being sent to a reform school where he befriends another boy. Director RaMell Ross wraps a tough story in a beautiful package – almost entirely from the perspective of a particular character in each scene.
10. 
THE WILD ROBOT – this isn’t the first time an animated movie has made my Top 10 list, and this one certainly earned its spot. What a terrific story with enchanting visuals. The lead charcter – a robot – is more charming and multifaceted than WALL-E was in 2008. With so many featured animals and an engaging story, this is definitely one that kids and parents can enjoy together. Just be warned that it doesn’t shy away from death in nature.
10. (tie)
SEPTEMBER 5 – so much tension! I was stressed out for the full 95 minutes, even though I knew the story and the historical facts. The 1972 Olympics is recalled for the amazing exploits of Mark Spitz in the pool, Olga Korbut in gymnastics, the U.S. vs Russia basketball game, and mostly for the tragedy involving 10 members of the Israeli team being taken hostage by a Palestine militant group. The film focuses on the ABC television crew and how they handle the developing news story.
BEST OF THE REST (14, alphabetical order)
BETWEEN THE TEMPLES (comedy)
***BLITZ (historical drama)
CHALLENGERS (romance, drama)
***CIVIL WAR (thriller)
DIDI (coming of age)
LEE (historical biopic)
MY OLD ASS (comedy, drama)
ODDITY (horror)
SING SING (drama)
THE OUTRUN (drama)
THELMA (comedy)
TUESDAY (fantasy)
WOMAN OF THE HOUR (crime drama)
DOCUMENTARIES (6, alphabetical order)
HORTON FOOTE: THE ROAD TO HOME
SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY
WORLD CINEMA (7, alphabetical order)
ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT (India, see Top 10)
EMILIA PEREZ (France, see Top 10)
EVIL DOES NOT EXIST (Japan)
I’M STILL HERE (Brazil)
THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (Germany)
THE TASTE OF THINGS (France, 2023)
THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE (Germany, 2023)
ANIMATION
THE WILD ROBOT (see Top 10)
WALLACE AND GROMIT: VENGEANCE SO FOWL
MOST SURPRISING MOVIES OF THE YEAR (2)
BETTER MAN – pop star Robbie Williams as a primate
THE LAST SHOWGIRL – Pamela Anderson dances and shines
STRANGEST/CRAZIEST/ZANIEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR
NIGHTBITCH – Amy Adams paws at the dirt and runs with the dawgs
MOST DISAPPOINTING MOVIE OF THE YEAR
HERE – I can’t recall the last time I had such a strong negative reaction to a movie. No plot, no story, no characters of interest. Plus it’s filmed in the most annoying way possible. In fact, I’m sorry I had to think about this one again just to write this little blurb.
Feel free to share the list with your movie-loving friends, and I hope to see you at the theater!
Movie Reviews from the Dark 