The last day of the year is the perfect time to take stock and remember the biggest movie premieres of 2024. I have compiled a top 10 list of films that not only collected impressive box office receipts, but also caused a lot of discussions, noise, and emotions. Let’s relive the moments that made this year unforgettable for all moviegoers!
1) Deadpool and Wolverine
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Duration: 2 hours 07 minutes
Genre: Action, Comedy
Original Title: Deadpool & Wolverine
Year: 2024
Country: USA
Director: Shawn Levy
Still from the film “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
“Deadpool and Wolverine” is probably one of the best Marvel movies in recent times! This one can be called a real comic book movie. The actors did a great job of breathing life into these iconic characters and perfectly conveying their essence. Hugh Jackman remains the one and only Wolverine, and Ryan Reynolds is as inimitable as Deadpool.
The film’s storyline was clear, well-thought out, and capable of surprising with unexpected twists. The especially pleasing comedy was funny this time—unlike Marvel’s recent attempts in this genre, which seemed forced. Everything felt fresh and natural.
I also can’t help but mention the soundtrack and sound design. Many of the melodies made you want to sing along while watching, and the musical accompaniment added the finishing touch to each moment. The sound design was impeccably clean and effective.
2) Dune: Part Two
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Duration: 2 hours 46 minutes
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Original Title: Dune: Part Two
Year: 2024
Country: USA, Canada
Director: Denis Villeneuve
This is not just a sequel; Villeneuve’s second film turns into an intellectual blockbuster of the highest order while maintaining the epic tragedy and attention to every detail. If the first part builds the foundation, telling the backstory, then the second one does not rush to speed up the events, remaining true to the mesmerizing and measured narrative.
The main character, played by Timothée Chalamet, becomes more complex and deeper. His internal conflict and struggle with the inevitability of fate are conveyed with incredible conviction. Chalamet shows an organic transition from a young man to a mature person. By the end, we have a completely different character. The interaction with Zendaya’s character at the beginning of the film demonstrates a rare combination of mutual understanding and sincere chemistry.
Zendaya finally gets the screen time she deserves. Her character becomes a true second central figure, maintaining a clear head during the most dramatic moments.
From the first major action scenes, it is clear to the viewer that Villeneuve has proven his skills once again. Stunning orange hues and Greig Fraser’s bold cinematography transform every scene into a visual masterpiece. The film’s scale surpasses even the first part, and its visual aesthetic leaves no doubt that this is a genuine cinematic event.
Hans Zimmer, when creating the soundtrack, did not rely on the tried-and-tested motifs of the first part. He reinvented the world of Dune in his music, adding fresh, transcendental melodies that further enhance the magic of this film.
Dune: Part Two is an impressive sequel that cements its place in cinematic history
3) Furiosa: The Mad Max Chronicles
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Duration: 2 hours 28 minutes
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Title: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Year: 2024
Country: Australia, USA
Director: George Miller
From the very first minutes, the film immerses viewers in a familiar yet still stunning universe of survival, madness, and apocalypse. Every detail, from the incredible machines to the vast desert, is carefully crafted, making this world even deeper and more tangible—like it was specially created for fans of the cult classics.
The film builds on the classic motorized action, but unlike the fast-paced and relentless Fury Road, the focus shifts to a richer, more thoughtful narrative that allows viewers to delve deeper into the world and its history.
The film introduces new locations, colorful characters, and unique elements of the world. It is no longer just a film about the wasteland but a foundation for further parts of the franchise.
Dr. Dementus is a charismatic and talkative antagonist whose heartfelt monologues provide dramatic contrast and recall the atmospheric eloquence of Tokkutter from the first game. The verbal expression enriches a franchise known for its laconic and minimalist dialogue.
Electronic artist Junkie XL proves his skills once again: his music emphasizes tension and dynamics, making each scene brighter and more intense.
“Furiosa” was not just a continuation of the story, but a new chapter for the Mad Max universe, combining spectacle, style, and depth of meaning.
4) Joker: Folie à Deux
IMDb Rating: 5.2
Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes
Genre: Crime, Drama, Musical
Original Title: Joker: Folie à Deux
Year: 2024
Country: USA
Director: Todd Phillips
The film does generate a lot of discussion due to its musical format, but for many, this turned out to be its greatest asset. The use of music as a storytelling device adds emotional depth and helps explore themes such as love and mental health. This is not just an entertaining film, but a work with deep meaning.
Lady Gaga’s performance stands out, as she was perfect for the role. She was able to hold the audience’s attention, keeping the plot intriguing and making the musical scenes truly exciting.
The criticism that the film may be linked to the promotion of Lady Gaga’s new album seems to be of little importance to true fans because even if it is, the depth of the story outweighs such aspects. The musical genre may indeed distract some viewers from the serious themes the film touches on. It is a sincere and sensitive film that deserves praise for its unconventional approach.
5) Alien: Romulus
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Original Title: Alien: Romulus
Year: 2024
Country: UK, USA
Director: Fede Alvarez
Alien: Romulus is a real treat for fans of the cult original from 1979. One of the key aspects that make Romulus special is its visual and stylistic fidelity to the original. The design of the technology and the general environment of 1979 have been recreated with extreme accuracy, which creates a feeling of organicity despite the time gap of more than 40 years. This is not just a sequel, but a logical expansion of the franchise, made with respect for its origins.
But the film also brings something new to the table, raising the bar. The story deepens our understanding of Weyland-Yutani’s corporate greed, their obsession with xenomorphs, and their impact on the characters’ lives. Intriguingly, it cleverly weaves together threads from Prometheus and Covenant, as well as the game masterpiece Alien: Isolation. This makes Romulus rich in franchise connections, which will be a boon for die-hard fans.
The film’s aesthetics are striking: incredibly elaborate sets, ominous lighting, and masterful use of sound create unbearable tension. The musical score perfectly enhances the effect, striking a balance between nostalgia and primal fear.
For fans of the franchise, this is not just a sequel but a truly important event that allows them to relive the feelings that first captured them more than four decades ago. Alien: Romulus shows that the journey into the alien universe is far from over, leaving behind a foretaste of new horror.
Substance
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Duration: 2 hours 21 minutes
Genre: Body Horror / Horror, Drama
Original Title: The Substance
Year: 2024
Country: UK, France
Director: Coralie Farjat
If you like body horror in the best Cronenberg tradition, then Substance is worth your attention. It is a film that, despite its apparent simplicity, leaves a powerful impression thanks to its witty satire on the cultural obsession with the ideal of youth and physical perfection.
What sets this film apart is its visual power. The cinematography is superb: each scene is an aesthetic triumph, combining unsettling charm with chilling horror. The bodies on screen transform from mesmerizing beauty to frightening mutation, walking a fine line between sexuality and outright anxiety. This visual contrast keeps the viewer on edge from start to finish.
Coralie Farjat has done an incredible job of creating a story that is not just scary but stays in your thoughts long after the end. She masterfully manipulates mood, smoothly moving from hypnotic aesthetics to frightening, unbearably disturbing images. This is a film that is not just watched; it is felt on the skin, in the mind, and the imagination.
“Substance” is not just a horror film but a real artistic exploration of human flesh and psychological boundaries of perception. If you are ready for a bold and provocative experience, this film will not disappoint you.
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The Fall of the Empire
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Duration: 1 hour 49 minutes
Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
Original Title: Civil War
Year: 2024
Country: USA, UK
Director: Alex Garland
This film by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation) touches on a timely and sensitive topic that echoes the current trials of the former/future American president. The United States has been drawn into a devastating war after the president, played by Nick Offerman, now in his third term, supports secessionist movements representing the states of Texas and California, which are campaigning to retake control of the nation.
The plot focuses on a group of four journalists (Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley, and Wagner Moura) who embark on a road trip to Washington, D.C., to join the siege of the White House. Along the way, they encounter a series of disturbing episodes that will leave viewers speechless. Of particular note is the scene in which soldiers appear, led by the hero played by Jesse Plemons (Kirsten Dunst’s real-life husband). This scene has become one of the most talked-about moments in the film.
Garland’s decision to leave the details of the conflict’s origins vague is apt, as it allows the focus to remain on the events that unfold and their chilling parallels with the current political climate. The film prompts reflection on how the rift between opposing sides today can transcend a cautionary tale to become a terrifying political drama.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
Genre: Black Comedy, Horror, Fantasy
Original Title: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Year: 2024
Country: USA
Director: Tim Burton
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a sequel to the 1988 cult classic directed by Tim Burton. The sequel successfully revives the “decaying corpses” of the original film, with Michael Keaton returning as Beetlejuice while remaining true to the spirit of the first film. The visual style, ornate shots, and decaying aesthetic of the original are evident.
Tim Burton’s new work is filled with his unique authorial ideas. While the film can feel derivative in places, it remains charming throughout.
Set in the present day, Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is now an adult but still retains her Victorian doll-like hairstyle from her teenage years. Hosting a TV show called The Haunted House about real-life ghosts, Lydia is vulnerable and depressed. Her boyfriend (Justin Theroux) hides his selfishness behind a façade of newfangled therapy. The story follows Lydia, her daughter Astrid, and Beetlejuice himself as he tries to escape the afterlife to marry Lydia. A family tragedy brings everyone back to the house where it all began.
The plot is enriched with unexpected twists, such as Monica Bellucci’s role as Beetlejuice’s spurned wife and Willem Dafoe’s role as a grim cop monitoring the violation of rules in the afterlife.
While the sequel is unlikely to achieve the cult status of the original, it offers a fun ride where the film unabashedly enjoys itself and its eccentric moments.
Planet of the Apes: New Kingdom
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Duration: 2 hours 25 minutes
Genre: Action, Adventure
Original Title: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Year: 2024
Country: USA, Australia
Director: Wes Ball
Planet of the Apes: New Kingdom is a magnificent cinematic spectacle that immerses viewers in the fascinating world of the franchise. This new chapter in the iconic series even surpasses the original 1972 film, becoming one of the best to date.
The film’s visuals are breathtaking, transporting viewers into a meticulously detailed and grand world. The masterful combination of cutting-edge technology and a strong, thoughtful story creates a captivating adventure that lingers in the memory. Every element is executed with exceptional craftsmanship, deserving high praise.
This film is a must-see for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers, with the big screen enhancing its already impressive effect.
Longlegs
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Duration: 1 hour 41 minutes
Genre: Crime, Horror
Original Title: Longlegs
Year: 2024
Country: Canada, USA
Director: Osgood Perkins
Frightening and disturbing, this film feels like a haunting dream that lingers in your mind. It leaves a heavy feeling in the back of your mind and stays with you long after watching.
Maika Monroe delivers a standout performance as Lee Harker, taking the viewer on a gripping journey. Nicolas Cage gets under your skin with his portrayal, keeping you riveted. Alicia Witt also impresses, delivering a truly powerful and devastating performance. Blair Underwood, often overlooked in critical reviews, shines as the film’s only source of warmth, deserving recognition for his nuanced portrayal.
With stunning cinematography, outstanding performances, and a brilliantly written script directed by Osgood Perkins, this film offers everything you would expect and want from a horror thriller.
