My 10 favorite films of 2024

Every year, viewers are introduced to stories that excite, inspire, terrify and move us in ways we would never expect. As someone who lives and breathes movies, 2024 was a solid year, full of films that pushed the boundaries of storytelling. From long-awaited sequels and reboots to hidden indie gems, this year had something for everyone.

That it was the heart-pounding tension of a Alien rebirth or the nostalgic magic of a Superman documentary, each film on this list left a distinct impression on me.

Some entertained with pure spectacle and fun, while others resonated deeply, making me think about life, identity, and humanity in new ways.

Of course, there were also some surprises: movies that I didn’t expect to like and that ended up being some of my all-time favorites. That’s the beauty of the film: it manages to surprise us, taking us on journeys we didn’t even realize we needed.

As a fan of genre films, 2024 offered all kinds of different films, from terrifying horror and explosive action to heartfelt comedies and epic sci-fi spectacles. Some films lived up to the immense hype surrounding them, while others quietly emerged as dark horses, catching my attention and earning their place on this list.

These are the films that defined the year for me, the ones I couldn’t stop thinking about after the credits rolled. Each brought its own unique flavor to 2024, reminding me why I love going to the movies.

1. Alien: Romulus

In the end, we got another thrilling Alien movie! Alien: Romulus takes us into the disturbing corridors of an abandoned space station where a group of young space colonizers face the most terrifying life form in the universe. The suspense, atmosphere and horror brought the franchise back to its roots, making it one of the most intense sci-fi experiences of the year.

2. Super/Man: A History of Christopher Reeve

As a lifelong fan of Christopher Reeve’s Superman, this heartfelt documentary melted my heart. Reeve’s rise to stardom and his resilience after the accident are nothing short of inspiring. From his iconic role as Superman to his advocacy for spinal cord injury research and disability rights, this film celebrates his legacy beautifully. It’s one of the most uplifting and heartwarming stories I’ve seen this year.

3. Deadpool and Wolverine

What’s not to like about seeing Deadpool and Wolverine team up? Sure, it wasn’t flawless, but it was one of the most enjoyable moviegoing experiences of the year. The chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman was off the charts, and the story about saving the Deadpool universe from TVA was a wild and hilarious ride.

4. Snack Baracca

For coming-of-age comedies, Snack Baracca hit the sweet spot. This indie gem set in the Nebraska town during the summer of 1991 is a hilarious and touching story of friendship, ambition, and teenage antics. It captured the nostalgia of youth perfectly, making it one of my favorite comedies of the year.

5. Furious

Despite the disappointing box office success, Furious it was damn awesome. The crazy action sequences and chaotic energy made it an unforgettable experience. Watching young Furiosa navigate a post-apocalyptic wasteland and clash with two tyrants vying for dominance was as epic as I hoped it would be.

6. Duna: second part

Denis Villeneuve continued his masterful adaptation of Dune with a visually stunning sequel that brought the epic sci-fi saga to life. The stakes were higher, the battles grander, and Paul Atreides’ journey more compelling than ever. It is a true work of art that left me speechless.

7. Nosferatu

The remake by Robert Eggers Nosferatu was absolutely terrifying and easily my favorite horror movie of the year. Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok was incredibly perfect and brought a grotesque intensity to the character. This reimagined tale of obsession and horror in 19th-century Germany is chillingly beautiful, with every frame dripping with gothic terror.

8. Land of Evil

I’m a sucker for military and special ops movies, and… Land of Evil it did not disappoint. This high-stakes thriller about an ambushed extraction team had me on the edge of my seat. Chris Hemsworth and Russell Crowe gave it their all, making this one of the most intense and unexpectedly great films I’ve seen this year.

9. The substance

Of all the movies I’ve seen, The substance stayed with me longer. This shocking body horror about a product that promises to make people their best selves has sparked such a strong reaction. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley were incredible in their dual roles, and the film’s disturbing exploration of identity and self-image was unforgettable.

10. The wild robot

The wild robot it was one of the most enjoyable films of the year, but it also had a strong emotional charge. The story follows ROZZUM 7134, voiced beautifully by Lupita Nyong’o, who is activated by wildlife after a storm strands her on a deserted island. Despite her initial struggles connecting with the wary animals, Roz’s journey of growth and redemption, especially her commitment to raising Brightbill the duck after a tragic accident, hit me straight in the heart.

Honorable Mention: Transformers One

It’s not in my top ten, but I had to add it to the list. I was back and fourth between this movie and The wild robot. I wasn’t expecting much from this movie, but Transformers One it completely surprised me. The origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron was exciting, action-packed, and engaging. It’s rare for a prequel to hit all the right notes, but this one did, earning it a spot on my favorites list.

These films delivered thrills, laughter, scares and awe in equal measure, making 2024 a fun year for cinema.

What are some of your favorite movies of 2024!?