We have reached the end of the year, meaning you will see plenty of "best of" lists worldwide. It's my favorite time of the year to reflect on some of the best movies, performances, and even under-the-radar movies. With over 200 films watched, I share my top 10 movies of 2024.
As a voting member of several different critics organizations, I take pride in trying to watch as many movies as possible yearly to get an accurate pick of my favorites. This year, I clocked in a little over 200 movies and found myself going back to film from early in the year over and over again. We often get prisoner of the moment and forget the movies we watched in the first and second quarters of the year.
Top 10 Movies of 2024
10. Smile 2
Pop star Skye Riley is about to embark on her world tour when she starts to experience terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the horrors and pressures of the game, Skye is forced to face her past in an attempt to regain control of her life. As someone not enamored by the first movie, Smile 2 blew me away. The story structure was incredible, but it was Naomi Scott who gave an award-worthy performance.
9. Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie a Deux is by far the most underappreciated movie of 2024. This will stand the test of time because people wanted so much from the film that they felt let down by the results. Todd Phillips crafted a poignant script that dissected the world's obsession with people like Arthur Fleck. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga share great chemistry and deliver top-notch performances.
8. A Real Pain
I had the pleasure of seeing this buddy comedy at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It has stood the test of time, as it is number 8 on my list. Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed (and starred) this funny yet heartfelt journey of two family members rekindling. Kieran Culkin gives what most say is the best supporting performance of the year, and they are right.
7. A Complete Unknown
Quite possibly the biggest sleeper of 2024. I wasn't expecting to love this film, but it blew my socks off. James Mangold captures you with these esthetically pleasing vibes as he delivers the story of a music legend. Timothee Chalamet embodies Bob Dylan while supporting cast Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, and Ed Norton help elevate this masterful film.
6. Exhibiting Forgiveness
Another film that blew me away at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Titus Kaphar captured my attention from the opening credits and delivered one of the most beautiful films about overcoming our past we've seen in a long time. Andre Holland is EXCELLENT, and it is sad to see him not in the middle of the Best Actor race. Supporting cast Andra Day, John Earl Jelks and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor were remarkable.
5. Emilia Perez
Jacques Audiard's daring and bold movie is one of my most unique experiences in 2024. In the world of remakes and comic book movies, Audiard delivered something bold and original. It features a groundbreaking ensemble cast featuring four powerful women-led performances. Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz all won me over with the heart they put into this project. I really love this movie.
4. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers, my goodness, brought the heat later in the year to jump right into my top 5. The film isn't out yet, but I can't rave about it enough. I HIGHLY recommend checking it out on the big screen during Christmas. Lily-Rose Depp gave hands down the best performance of the year. Bill Skarsgard is unrecognizable and haunting as Count Orlok. Top to bottom a technical masterpiece.
3. Civil War
I've watched this movie four times and love it even more every time. The fact that Alex Garland isn't in the conversation for Best Director still blows me away. His script and direction are easily some of the year's best. Another great ensemble, including a star-making turn by Cailee Spaeny. Civil War is essential viewing.
2. Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross's Nickel Boys knocked me on my ass when I saw it. Ross is a bold visionary who delivers a spectacle with his masterclass direction. It's shot from the first person perspective, this movie is filled with heart and hope amid the backdrop of two young Black teenagers navigating the awful reform school in Flordia.
1. Dune: Part Two
Timothee Chalamet turns in one of the greatest performances I've ever seen as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two. I did not love Dune and wasn't excited about Part Two. However, Denis Villeneuve took all my complaints about the first film and delivered everything I wanted and more. Villeneuve is one of our best-working directors. I saw this movie on February 20th of this year, and it hasn't left my number-one spot since.