The EiC of 615 Film looks back at the best cinema had to offer in the year 2024.
It’s hard to believe 2024 came and went as quickly as it seemingly did. But here we are, days into the new year, and I’m ready for what 2025 has in store for us at the cinema after conjuring up this annual list.
One statement I see annually from very few colleagues, or those connected to my colleagues, that has popped up more often about 2024 than in previous years, is something along the lines of “this year is a bad year” for film—and it couldn’t be further from the truth, if you ask me. In fact, I found myself having more difficulty and rewatching more films while finalizing my best-of-the-year film list for 2024 than I experienced for any other year in recent memory.
Initially, I thought 2024 would look a little barren due to the studios dragging things out last year with the dual strikes. But thankfully, that was not the case, and the year in film ended very, very strong.
2024 was a very good year for film and one that also provided much more delight for me than previous years.
Without further ado, and with a handful of films to lead off that just missed my list, it’s time for my list of the best films of 2024. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my stuff throughout the year. As I have said in years past: You have no idea how much I appreciate it.
Honorable Mention: The Substance, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Conclave, The Wild Robot, The Order
10. Nosferatu
The culmination of director Robert Egger’s career may age into the filmmaker’s best film to date (with time, of course). But as it stands now, this gothic-inducing nightmare is already a very fine film, thanks to its outstanding ensemble and by knocking it out of the park in all the technical aspects. If you’re looking for the film that came as close to transporting us to another world and made us forget about the realities of what’s going on outside the theater, look no further.
9. Hundreds of Beavers
It’s hard to imagine a film that is both black and white and almost entirely silent exists in a post-COVID world. But this ingenious slapstick comedy that harkens to multiple eras of the genre never gets tiresome and always keeps you entertained. Stay for the hunt and enjoy the Sherlock and Watson beavers as they investigate the applejack salesman turned hunter.
8. No Other Land
Very few films have left me speechless in the past few years, but this vital documentary joins the small list. Making for the year’s most difficult watch, this documentary is also 2024’s most essential viewing. It stirs so many emotions that no one could possibly cover them in an entire article. However, this expertly made film demands your attention regarding the injustice going on across the pond.
7. Rebel Ridge
It’s hard to believe that a film released on Netflix gave us one of the very few films that delivered a star-making performance in 2024, but it did, thanks to Aaron Pierre. Well-respected director Jeremy Saulnier’s action thriller hooks you in within five minutes and doesn’t let go until the credits role, thanks to its twists and turns, relevancy with its story, and action that will make you think you’re watching First Blood for a new generation.
6. A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg’s exceptional road trip dramedy packs a powerful punch in just 85 minutes, thanks to its two lead performances, excellent script, and strong direction that make for a film that many, including myself, can relate to. A cathartic journey in many respects, it’s also one that doesn’t forget it’s often funny as well.
5. Sing Sing
2024’s most hopeful film came in the form of this prison drama that features the year’s best ensemble. While Colman Domingo gives a career-best performance in this darling from A24, it’s the cast around him that truly makes this film sing and reminds us of the power of theatre and its impact on those trying to show us their humility within. Also: the credits sequence may leave you in tears as well. Be prepared.
4. Anora
Director Sean Baker delivers his best effort to date in this wildly unpredictable and funny film led by an awards-worthy Mikey Madison. You might have an idea of where this film may be going within 10 minutes, but you actually have no idea how things will ratchet up so quickly, leading to an ending that no one could have guessed.
3. Challengers
This intoxicating love triangle story serves up an ace thanks to its back-and-forth flashbacks from the past and to current day events that keep you on the edge of your seat. And with a breakthrough performance from Zendaya, pulsating score, and precision editing, director Luca Guadagnino’s latest is as irresistible as those that strive to get better at any sport they compete in.
2. Dune: Part Two
The spice overflows with awe in this bigger, better sequel that makes for one of the very best blockbusters in the past decade. Sure, this may come as no surprise to anyone when you see director Denis Villeneuve’s name attached to the film. But it’s Timothée Chalamet’s commanding performance as Paul Atreides that drives home this fully realized sequel on an even grander scale than its predecessor. Sci-fi films (and blockbusters in general) don’t get any better than this for an adaption that was once thought to be unadaptable. Bravo, Denis, Timothée, and the entire cast and crew.
1. The Brutalist
“None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe themselves free.”
Between the imagery playing out on screen and the score accompanying it, I cannot begin to describe how overwhelmed I felt by the opening scene of director Brady Corbet’s three-and-a-half-hour journey (with an intermission, thankfully) I was about to embark on.
This sweeping epic about the pursuit of the American dream through the eyes of Adrien Brody’s immigrant character, a renowned architect, shows us the imperfections of those seeking perfection at the risk of losing everything. This film also serves as another unforgettable example of the foundation this country laid at the expense of others. And while the destination(s) in life matters, we cannot ignore the journey many took before us that led to have what we have now – both good and bad.