2024 was quite the year for movies. From massive spectacles to quaint dramas, there was truly something for everyone. It also wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that the horror genre had a banner year. With a mix of artistic masterpieces and grueling bloodbaths, horror showed up and showed out. Action movies took a step forward as well, with studios like Marvel and MGM delivering strong entries. And Broadway? Well, they brought some magic to the big screen that fans have been waiting for years to see.
But enough preamble. You’re here for the list! Without further ado, here are my top 24 movies of 2024, starting with number 24 and counting down to the best of the year!
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Steve Lawson’s 24 Best Movies of 2024 | End-of-Year Rankings
24. “The Beekeeper”
Jason Statham (Adam Clay) brought his signature grit and charm to this revenge thriller with a twist. This is an action movie in the purest form. No frills, no hiding from the fact that an enormous amount of anonymous henchmen were going to die, and in some very creative ways! A strong way to start our list!
23. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”
Will Smith (Mike Lowrey) and Martin Lawrence (Marcus Burnett) reunited for another action-packed, wisecracking adventure. A return to form for the franchise, Smith and Lawrence are as good as ever, and they deliver what all “Bad Boys” fans wanted!
22. “Queer”
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This unapologetically bold drama explored identity, love and community through a powerful ensemble cast. LGBTQ films are still too few and far between. However, this was a step in the right direction, with Daniel Craig (Lee) taking the lead role and showing that queer love can be deep, tense and compelling!
21. “Woman of the Hour”
Anna Kendrick (Sheryl Bradshaw) delivered a stellar performance both behind and in front of the camera in this dark, true-crime drama about “The Dating Game Killer.” It was a chilling and captivating watch.
20. “Anora”
This is just an acting clinic. Where the plot falls a bit flat, the performances carry. “Anora” is for the film fans, but it knows it and delivers on that promise well.
19. “The First Omen”
A prequel to the classic “Omen” series, this film explored the chilling origins of “The Antichrist.” Scarier than expected and surprisingly beautifully shot, this film outperformed what I expected it to do!
18. “Babygirl”
This movie is fucked up in the best ways! Nicole Kidman (Romy) is elite in her role as the film explores power dynamics and the cost of satisfaction. How far will you go to feel good? “Babygirl” answers that question.
17. “Smile 2”
The sequel to 2022’s surprise horror hit delivered on its promise of bigger scares and deeper psychological thrills. A star turn for Naomi Scott (Skye Riley) that should permanently keep her on our screens, “Smile 2” made sure to terrify us enough that it topped the original!
16. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
Tim Burton’s sequel brought the ghost with the most back to life, delighting fans of the original while introducing a new generation to the delightfully macabre world of “Beetlejuice.” It has all the things people love from “Beetlejuice” and Burton. Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice) hasn’t missed a beat. Winona Ryder steps back in seamlessly to a grown-up Lydia Deetz, and Catherine O’Hara (Deli Deetz) is as hilarious as ever! I wanted this to be great, and it was!
15. “Longlegs”
Nicholas Cage (Longlegs) plays a lunatic in a way that only Nicholas Cage can. I thought this one would be a potential No. 1, but landing in the top 24 movies of 2024 at all is still a strong accomplishment. It didn’t deliver all of its promise, but it really worked with its cast and story well!
14. “Challengers”
Zendaya (Tashi Donaldson) wowed audiences in this love triangle drama set against the high-stakes world of professional tennis. Equal parts sexy and emotional, the stakes feel high in a movie that really had no business being this good. Who knew that sex and tennis went so well together?
13. “The Substance”
An experimental sci-fi horror film that delved into the dangers of unchecked ambition. Demi Moore (Elisabeth Sparkle) returned with a bang and showed us that she isn’t done dominating our headspaces. Disgusting in a way that you can’t look away from, this is a must-watch for all horror fans!
12. “Heretic”
This horror story transported viewers to a world of superstition, plague, and religious fervor. Certainly a polarizing film, with its full-frontal assault on blind faith, “Heretic” may just be Hugh Grant’s (Mr. Reed) best acting performance of all time!
11. “Snack Shack”
This is a heartfelt comedy-drama about community, food and finding purpose in the unlikeliest places. A shockingly hard-hitting look at adolescence and the trials and tribulations of growing up, “Snack Shack” delivers on its goals and shows the value of friendship and self-worth.
10. “Cuckoo”
“Cuckoo” is a high-concept horror film that blurs the lines between dreams and reality. While amazing in its own way, there was a path to the top five for this flick. But, for what it missed, it also landed heavy hits!
9. “Inside Out 2”
Pixar returned to the world inside Riley’s mind, exploring the complex emotions of adolescence. For kids and adults alike, this one is worth the watch. Get your emotionally stunted friends together, and learn how to feel together!
8. “Blink Twice”
A psychological horror that thrived on suspense and misdirection, this film kept audiences guessing until the very end. Channing Tatum (Slater King) has never been better, and the overall delivery from the cast is unreal. This is a must-watch film in a world where perception is so often a misleading reality.
7. “Nosferatu”
Robert Eggers reimagined the classic vampire tale with haunting visuals and a chilling atmosphere. Even with some unfortunate mustache work, this movie has everything horror fans want. It’s tense, terrifying and sexy all at once. The MVP of this one has to be Nicholas Holt (Thomas Hutter), who delivers terror to our screens and makes us feel it with him!
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6. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”
George Miller returned to the wastelands of “Mad Max,” and “Furiosa” delivered. Anya Taylor-Joy (Imperator Furiosa) proved she has the action movie chops and Chris Hemsworth (Dr. Dementus) may have unlocked a whole new role for himself. With epic car chases and a deeper dive into the world of Fury Road, this prequel was worth the wait.
5. “My Old Ass”
“My Old Ass” is a bold, hilarious and surprisingly poignant comedy that tackles aging, relationships and self-discovery. I won’t lie; I cried watching this. Like, cried. For those looking for a quick, deep and lovely movie experience, look no further.
4. “Stange Darling”
This psychological thriller flipped the genre on its head with its unique structure and breathtaking performances. I didn’t know what was coming next as the out-of-order style really made this film something to talk about. Add in some amazing performances, and you have a real piece of art.
3. “The Wild Robot”
Based on Peter Brown’s beloved book, this animated gem brought heartwarming and breathtaking visuals to the tale of Roz, a robot trying to survive and understand life in the wild. With Lupita Nyong’o (Roz) delivering an unforgettable performance paired with Kit Connor (Brightbill), Pedro Pascal (Fink), Catherine O’Hara (Pinktail) and Matt Berry (Paddler), “The Wild Robot” is shockingly deep and emotional.
2. “Deadpool & Wolverine”
Oh, hey Ryan and Hugh, I didn’t know you would be blessing us with the R-rated mega-hit that we all needed. Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) has never been better than he was in this one, and Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) hasn’t missed an assignment in over two decades. Hilarious, fun and with insane rewatch value, “Deadpool and Wolverine” had to be at least second on this list of the best 2024 movies!
1. “Wicked”
Broadway lovers rejoiced as the long-awaited adaptation of “Wicked” finally hit theaters. Starring Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), “Wicked” delivered the greatest musical adaptation of all time. My personal pick for multiple Oscars, including one for each of our stars, “Wicked,” left all of us singing (or screaming, depending on how musically inclined you are) along with Elphaba and Glinda… the “guh” is silent.
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Thanks for reading my “24 Best Movies of 2024.” I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself, and keep an eye out for more movies, music and show recommendations! For more entertainment and sports takes, find me on Twitter @Steve_Lawson93.
