Top Ten Movies of 2024

1. Dune: Part 2

Director Denis Villeneuve is at the peak of his powers in a truly inspiring sequel that adapts the second half of Frank Herbert's seminal science fiction novel. It had fantastic performances from the entire cost, amazing direction, and action sequences. Austin Butler was a standout as an amazing villain the film just flat-out delivered and will go down as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time and one of the best films of the 2020s.

2. The Brutalist

Now this was something special a truly cinematic experience. Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce give some of the best performances of their careers in a film that encapsulates the ups and downs of the American Dream through the eyes of a tortured genius and holocaust survivor in post-WWII America.

3. Challengers

Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist all give fantastic performances in a film with a non-linear narrative that sees director Luca Guadagnino in his most stylish.

4. Wicked

Now this surprised me I thought Hollywood had waited to long to make a good Wicked film and yet this was fantastic. More songs, more story, and two Oscar-worthy performances from Cynthia Erivo, and Ariane Grande.

5. Nickel Boys

Directed by Ramell Ross, this film surprised me shot from a pov perspective and set in an abusive reform school in Florida this film was fantastic with standout performances from Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, and Daveed Diggs. It's a slow burn and I honestly didn't love it in the first half but by the end, anyone who has the pleasure of seeing this film will appreciate how special and unique it is and it's one I plan on revisiting on several rewatches in the future.

6. Deadpool & Wolverine

Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, and a massive return to form for the MCU. I'm very excited for their 2025 projects and beyond and this action comedy got them back on track.

7. Gladiator II

The highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's masterpiece did not disappoint. Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington were awesome, and the action scenes outshone the original. What held Gladiator II back from being higher on the list was a plot very similar to the first and relying heavily on viewers' nostalgia for the first film, doing less to separate itself than I would have liked. Nevertheless, it was the year's best pure action film.

8. My Old Ass

One of the biggest surprises for me this year was seeing this film. It blew away any expectations I had for it with clever writing, fantastic performances, and a deft balance of comedy and drama all wrapped in an interesting time-travel romp. Truly a film I think all movie goers will enjoy if they give it the chance.

9. The Apprentice

The early days of Donald Trump and his relationship with notable mob lawyer Roy Cohn. The film never felt like it was trying to get political it told a version of events that was both entertaining and believable and was anchored by oscar worthy performances by Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong who both landed golden globe noms for their performances.

10. Late Night With the Devil

Talk show host, the Devil, and a 1970s aesthetic make this underrated his that finally saw David Dastmalchian in a lead role in one of the year's most original and best films.

Honorable Mentions: The Fall Guy, Anora, A Complete Unknown, The Bikeriders, Look Back, The Order, Juror #2, Babygirl, Nosferatu