## The Best Movies of 2024: From *The Substance* to *Deadpool & Wolverine*!
2024 proved to be a challenging year for cinema, significantly impacted by the WGA/SAG strikes. The resulting scarcity of theatrical releases meant a smaller pool of films to choose from for our annual best-of list. However, some truly excellent movies still managed to shine through.
Before revealing our top ten, a few honorable mentions are in order. *Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story*, though snubbed by the Academy Awards, offered a nuanced and honest biography. *Better Man*, a Robbie Williams biopic featuring a surprisingly brilliant CGI chimpanzee, also deserves recognition. Jeff Nichols’ *The Bikeriders*, while not quite reaching its full potential, was still enjoyable, and *Longlegs* undeniably claimed the title of scariest film of the year. Finally, George Miller’s *Furiosa*, despite its box office disappointment, was a strong addition to the franchise.
Here are our top 10 best movies of 2024:
1. Deadpool & Wolverine: Marvel’s R-rated superhero team-up delivered a much-needed dose of fun, thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The film’s cameos were a delightful bonus, and Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade was arguably the comeback of the year.
2. Beetlejuice 2: Initially slated for HBO Max, this sequel became a massive hit, proving Michael Keaton’s enduring charm and revitalizing Tim Burton’s career. The film’s playful spirit and the undeniable chemistry between Burton and Jenna Ortega made it a joyous experience.
3. The Substance: A24’s biggest film of the year sparked significant debate, reflecting the anxieties of the current news cycle. Kirsten Dunst delivers a career-defining performance, but Jesse Plemons steals the show in one unforgettable scene.
4. Conclave: Who knew a movie about arguing priests could be so thrilling? This Vatican drama boasts an incredible cast (Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow) delivering explosive performances, proving that compelling adult stories can thrive in theaters.
5. A Complete Unknown: This Bob Dylan biopic focuses on a crucial four-year period, capturing his journey from discovery to his embrace of electric music. Timothée Chalamet delivers a magnificent performance as Dylan, complemented by Edward Norton’s excellent portrayal of Pete Seeger.
6. Dune: Part Two: Denis Villeneuve’s spectacular continuation of the Frank Herbert classic is a visual masterpiece, unmatched in terms of spectacle. Josh Brolin’s passionate support for the film highlights its impact.
7. The Stripper: Sean Baker’s racy film, featuring a phenomenal Mikey Madison, is surprisingly hilarious. Madison delivers arguably the performance of the year in this crowd-pleasing comedy-drama.
8. Nosferatu: Robert Eggers follows up *The Northman* with another visually stunning period piece, this time a vampire film. The impeccable casting and Eggers’ masterful direction cement his place amongst the new generation of filmmaking masters.
9. The Immigrant: Brady Corbett’s 3.5-hour epic is a stunning achievement, showcasing Adrien Brody’s best performance since *The Pianist*, alongside exceptional work from Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones.
10. The Substance: Coralie Fargeat’s electrifying body horror film is both gruesome and hilarious, featuring career-redefining performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.
What were your favorite movies of 2024? Let us know in the comments!