The 25 Best Movies Of 2024, According To CinemaBlend

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The staff of CinemaBlend had a great time watching movies in 2024.

 

 

 

 

As you would expect/hope from an entertainment website, CinemaBlend has a staff full of devoted cinephiles, and not only do all of us try and see as many movies as we can in any given year, we also keep track of all the films that we have watched. A screening log spreadsheet is maintained from January through December, and one of the things we like to do with the data acquired is assess what our team consensus finds to be the best of the best. This process produced an eclectic ranking in 2023, with titles including the powerful drama of Past Lives, the horrors of Talk To Me and the weirdness of Poor Things (alongside critically acclaimed hits like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse), and 2024 has produced a similar smorgasbord.

Twenty-nine CinemaBlend staffers contributed to the screening log, grading new releases on a scale of one (awful) to five (perfect), and only films viewed by five or more people were kept in consideration for the ranking. With view count and vote distribution serving as tiebreakers in certain instances, below is our site’s ranking of the 25 best movies of 2024!

Nicholas Hoult in Nosferatu

#25. Nosferatu
Average Score: 3.95/5

A lot of great filmmakers today have dedicated themselves to the horror genre– but few have been more celebrated and few have demonstrated more talent than Robert Eggers. He has continued to build on that legacy with Nosferatu. The movie is successfully both revolting and horny, and the cinematography and use of natural lighting is transportive by itself. Perhaps best of all, Bill Skarsgård executes another phenomenal transformation as the blood-sucking living corpse Count Orlok.

" Nosferatu is one of the most artistically stunning films of 2024. Every frame looks like a painting, the score for the film is haunting and fills the room, and the cast is impeccable. Lily-Rose Depp gives life to a multi-layered role, and Bill Skarsgård further cements his place as a horror genre king thanks to his mind-blowing transformation into Count Orlock. His voice alone made me feel uneasy in my seat. With a tremendous supporting cast, it’s no surprise that this picture's masterful acting keeps the viewer’s attention. You feel the longing, aching, repulsion, and fear as the story unfolds, making Nosferatu a must-see theatrical experience. "

Tiffney Ma, Social Media Editor

 

Ultraman hugging the monster

#24. Ultraman: Rising
Average Score: 4/5

Not all of the excellent animated movies of 2024 (and there were a number of excellent ones) premiered on the big screen. Netflix delivered Shannon Tindle’s Ultraman Rising to living rooms around the world in June, and it’s a wonder. The animated feature delivers a terrific journey for the protagonist, who goes from selfish all-star athlete to a true hero (and super dad).

" In the current entertainment landscape, there are plenty of superhero movies, with most of them hailing from the likes of Marvel and DC. Amid all of that comes Ultraman: Rising, which offers up a fresh tale wrapped up in a familiar box. Spinning off from the beloved Japanese sci-fi franchise, Shannon Tindle’s film centers around Kenji Sato as he attempts to balance his roles as a professional baseball player and the titular hero. Ken’s world is really shaken up, though, when he finds himself in the position of watching over a baby Kaiju. Tindle’s beautifully animated, deftly written and effectively voice-acted feature is certainly a superhero story, but it’s also a tale about the complexities of parenthood and the notion of legacies. You may be tempted to believe this is simply a story about good versus evil, but it’s so much more than that." 

Erik Swann, Weekend Editor

 

Naomi Scott's run in with the entity in "Smile 2."

#23. Smile 2
Average Score: 4/5

Sequels come loaded with expectations, but few follow-up titles in 2024 managed to exceed them to a greater degree than Parker Finn’s Smile 2. The film not only nimbly avoids all of the classic traps of a part two, but goes even bigger with its intense scares, and Finn shows that he can do a lot more than just the excellent jump scares in the first Smile. Naomi Scott is brilliant, both embodying pop superstar Skye Riley and as a spinning-out victim of a sadistic supernatural force, and the ending is a candidate for most terrifying of the year.

" Parker Finn surprised horror fans with a film that could have been a gimmicky mess but turned out to be an effectively chilling and refreshingly potent meditation on trauma in Smile. The filmmaker continues to astonish with a bigger, scarier, and even more thought-provoking sequel. Naomi Scott gives her best performance yet as Skye Riley -- a pop star with a tragic past whose road to recovery is worsened by a malevolent, manipulative, shapeshifting demon that makes its presence known to her with a cruelly evil grin. Her struggle to rid her life and, hopefully, the world of this entity (along with her own psychological wounds) makes Smile 2 a relentlessly shocking, cleverly subversive, and stunningly profound ride from start to finish. "

Jason Wiese, Content Producer

 

Aaron Pierre in Rebel Ridge

#22. Rebel Ridge
Average Score: 4/5

Rebel Ridge is a less hardcore film than what fans are used to seeing from writer/director Jeremy Saulnier (Green Room, Blue Ruin), but it is an expert execution of a small-town hero story featuring a dynamic and unique protagonist in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program graduate Terry Richmond. Aaron Pierre is a revelation in the lead role and a thrill to watch go toe-to-toe against a corrupt police department exploiting real and unfair laws.

" Rebel Ridge answers a question I didn’t know anyone was asking: What if Rambo was a calm, collected, whipsmart veteran who was just as dangerous and determined for justice as the classic action-movie icon? Director Jeremy Saulnier brings the intrigue, violence, and fast-paced storytelling fans of his previous works know him for, but it’s the film’s star Aaron Pierre who brings the demure yet imposing presence of Terry Richmond to life, and you can’t overstate just how great Pierre is in this role. It’s a tight, action-packed flick with a satisfying end, and though its plot comes to a clean conclusion. I’ll take 100 more of them, please, and thank you. "

Gabe Kovacs, Video Producer & Podcast Lead

 

Anxiety with Envy, Anger, Fear, Sadness and Disgust in Inside Out 2

#21. Inside Out 2
Average Score: 4.04545/5

The original Inside Out ranks among the best Pixar movies, and while that’s a high bar for a sequel to hit, Kelly Marcel’s Inside Out 2 is a success. The story is relatable, with young protagonist Riley going through the throttling experience of puberty while attending a summer hockey camp, and that base narrative kick starts a wonderful main plot that sees the familiar emotions from the first film contend with the arrival of newcomers – the most prominent being Maya Hawke’s Anxiety. It’s not as good as the original, but it’s a worthy follow-up.

" If 2015’s Inside Out evoked all the feels that a young girl’s mind could handle at that point in her life, Pixar’s followup arrived with a slightly older Riley and even more emotions – quite literally. The sequel sees young-teen Riley, grappling with new emotions (Ennui, Embarrassment, Envy and Anxiety) as she faces more changes and challenges in her life. Growing up is hard, as many of us can attest, but the film’s depiction of the havoc anxiety (well-meaning though she may be) can wreak on the mind of a kid hits close to home for me and many others. Pixar had a lot to live up to after the outstanding, emotional and entertaining first film, and Inside Out 2 undoubtedly delivers. "

Kelly West, Assistant Managing Editor

 

John Williams discussing Schindler's List in Music by John Williams

#20. Music By John Williams
Average Score: 4.05/5

From Star Wars to Jaws to Jurassic Park and beyond, anyone even vaguely familiar with movies is aware of the magic of composer John Williams, but what’s particularly excellent about Laurent Bouzereau’s documentary Music By John Williams is that it not only explores his work beyond cinema (including various themes and with different symphonies), but also gives us an understanding of the man and his life, family and friendships beyond his legendary work.

" This winning documentary doesn’t reinvent the wheel, push any boundaries, or break any molds. Instead, filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau receives the enviable task of simply sitting down and listening to the maestro, John Williams, recount stories about composing some of the greatest film scores of our generation. Where does one even begin when digging into the magical legacy of WIlliams? Your jaw drops as you scan his resume, from Star Wars and Jurassic Park to Harry Potter and Indiana Jones. But it’s the personal anecdotes shared by a gracious Williams – as well as the tributes delivered by endless Hollywood greats – that make Music By John Williams one of the year’s most enjoyable cinematic experiences. "

Sean O’Connell, Managing Editor

 

Mark Eydelshteyn holding a vape pen in his left hand and Makey Madison sitting in his lap.

#19. Anora
Average Score: 4.07143/5

Some of the worst stereotypes about sex workers have been embedded in our culture because of decades of cinema history, and that makes Sean Baker’s Anora a fascinating sort of anomaly, as Mikey Madison’s Ani is realized as a multidimensional individual… and one who gets caught up in some wild family politics. It’s part romantic drama, part mystery comedy, and it’s a wild and emotional ride.

" In its basic components, Anora isn’t anything new. A more mature Cinderella story following a sex worker (Mikey Madison) and her love affair with a rich young Russian (Mark Eydelshteyn); that’s not where writer/director Sean Baker innovates. As we follow Ani’s wild ride through a particularly season in New York City, characters and events zig when you think they’re going to zag. Humor organically sneaks in without belittling the characters, all the while the story avoids gratuitous violence or sex. Much like Ani herself, Anora shines through the hidden depths that are plumbed, and the emotions we never expected to confront in this lived in world of romance-fueled chaos. "

Mike Reyes, Senior Movie Contributor
 

 

Xenomorph in Alien: Romulus

#18. Alien: Romulus
Average Score: 4.09091/5

There are a lot of misses in the long history of the Alien franchise, but Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus was a rare and welcomed win in 2024. The young ensemble is terrific – with David Jonsson’s android Andy being the standout – but what makes the movie particularly stand out is the way in which it finds a way to balance a lot of the best material from previous franchise chapters while maintaining the absolute horrors of Facehuggers and full-grown Xenomorphs.

" Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus is one of the scariest and most intense movies I’ve experienced on the big screen in years. Going back to the iconic sci-fi franchise’s horror roots, this visually stunning and emotionally gripping story of rebirth, survival, and family had me wiping tears from my eyes (but only after prying my fingers from my armrest). If this is the start of a new chapter in Alien movie history, then I cannot wait to see what Álvarez and company do with a second chapter. But if this was just a one-and-done story, I’m really glad I was able to experience this incredible and unforgettable sci-fi story. "

Philip Sledge, Content Producer
 

 

June Squibb in scooter chase sequence in Thelma

#17. Thelma
Average Score: 4.13636/5

It took 95 years for June Squibb to land the lead role in a film, but one could argue that the wait was well worth it, as she proves an absolute treasure in Josh Margolin’s Thelma. The eponymous protagonist finds herself in a position to prove herself as being not nearly as fragile as everyone in her life views her to be after she loses $10,000 to a con artist, and she goes on a terrific comedic adventure with a collection of fun twists and turns.

" There’s something special about going into a movie fairly blind, and there was something particularly special about doing it with Thelma, as its relentless, plucky and perpetually overwhelmed title character spends much of the film’s runtime at least partially clueless about what’s going on. I won’t spoil you on where any of it goes. Instead, I’ll just say watching the always delightful June Squibb and Richard Roundtree in his last role try to navigate the predicament they find themselves in while dealing with scooter problems, pop-up ads and scammers is delightful. I’m so happy I found this movie, and if you have too, then 'I think I know you!' "

Jessica Rawden, Managing Editor
 

 

Kirsten Dunst in Civil War

#16. Civil War
Average Score: 4.19565/5

Arriving at a very heated time in American politics, Alex Garland’s Civil War invited a lot of expectations prior to its release, with audiences pondering its left wing or right wing leanings… but the film doesn’t actually bother with that. What the film is really about is showcasing the horrors of war and the incredible importance that journalists have in society, and in both respects, the film is phenomenal.

" Civil War came early in the year, but I spent the greater part of 2024 telling everyone I know about how dumbfounded I was by the thriller. Going in, all I knew that the A24 movie was the latest from the mind behind Ex Machina. While I think it's easy to pass off Civil War as a dystopian war movie with a political agenda, it's really a love letter to journalism and a nail-bitingly immersive drama with two compelling characters at the center of it. Kirsten Dunst gives an all-time great performance as a hardened legend in her field, foiled by Cailee Spaeny's rookie character. Few movies change the way I look at the world, but Civil War feels like you experienced something monumental. "

Sarah El-Mahmoud, Staff Writer
 

 

Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson all dramatically sit on a couch together in A Different Man.

#15. A Different Man
Average Score: 4.2/5

Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man is a genius character study. What would happen if you were so unhappy that you abandoned your own life… but then found a person inhabiting your old life and living better than you ever have? That’s the uncanny conceit at the heart of the film, and it’s both darkly hilarious and a thrilling descent into madness. Sebastian Stan does some of the best work of his career thus far, but one could say that he is fittingly outshined by Adam Pearson as the charismatic and charming Oswald.

" A film that takes 'art imitating life' to wickedly unnatural conclusions, Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man truly lives up to its titular descriptor. Sebastian Stan is enjoyably unlikeable as Edward, an aspiring actor suffering from neurofibromatosis whose life is forever changed thanks to an experimental surgery. Temporarily content as an attractive and successful real estate agent, Edward’s performative side soon returns after discovering a play was written about his former life, fronted by a charismatic chap named Oswald (Adam Pearson) who also has neurofibromatosis. This twisted and unpredictable morality tale is like Charlie Kaufman’s Twin Peaks, and its themes of happiness and regret stay lodged in the brain long after the credits have rolled. Schimberg created a gem, but Pearson owns the pic with scene-stealing humor and charm." 

Nick Venable, Assistant Managing Editor

 

#14. Saturday Night

" Jason Reitman’s frenetically paced Saturday Night is a movie I keep coming back to in my brain, and not simply because it pays homage to some comedic greats or hits longtime fans of the sketch comedy series in the feels. Sure, seeing John Belushi break out of 30 Rock to go ice skating is thrilling, but Jason Reitman’s movie is largely successful because it shows the chaos of a fledgling TV format in the ‘70s and putting young, disruptice folk in charge of young, challenging talent who all want different things from the sketch comedy series. It's genius to track the 90 minutes before the airing of the first episode in near real-time, and it's exciting to see some actors playing out sketches we’ve seen in a completely different context for 50 years. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. "

Jessica Rawden, Managing Editor
 

 

Saturday Night cast

Average Score: 4.26923/5

Its release perfectly timed to the airing of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season/anniversary, Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night is an amazing tribute to what multiple generations have now acknowledged as a pop culture staple. There is a wonderful meld of comedy and drama as Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) runs around the NBC building trying to bring his special vision of a sketch show to life, and the fact that it unfolds nearly in real time is both a cinematic treat and a cool boon to the escalating tension as show time nears. 

 

 

Adrien Brody in The Brutalist

#13. The Brutalist
Average Score: 4.3/5

“Epic” is a word that gets tossed around a lot these days, but the true meaning of the word is meant to describe works like Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist – a film with awe-inspiring scale. The journey of Adrien Brody’s László Tóth is a classic immigrant tale, as he is forced to leave his family in war torn Europe so that he may try and forge a new life in the United States. The movie has earned notoriety for its intimidating 215 minute runtime (including a 15 minute intermission), but it’s successful enough telling an engaging story that the length becomes an afterthought.

" There Will Be Blood is one of my top five movies of all time, and I never thought I’d get another big screen experience like that ever again. Well, that all changed when I saw The Brutalist, Brady Corbet’s epic about László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Jewish Hungarian immigrant who comes to America after the end of World War II to carve out a life for himself in America. The sprawling story, which spans nearly 40 years over the course of the film’s 215-minute runtime, is full of wonder and detachment, ecstasy and agony, and the enduring human spirit in the face of indifference and evil. Shot using VistaVision, this is something I’m glad I saw in theaters this year. "

Philip Sledge, Content Producer
 

 

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

#12. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Average Score: 4.35/5

Christopher Reeve left an indelible mark on cinema history with his portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman in the 1970s/1980s Superman films, but Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an emotional examination of his awesome heroics as a human being. His story of recovery following the horse riding accident that left him a paraplegic is endlessly inspiring, and it’s a journey that is told with deep care and love in the independently produced documentary.

" Christopher Reeve is still considered to be one of the best actors to have played Superman, but there was more to the man than just his performance as one of pop culture’s greats superheroes – which is what Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story explores. The documentary goes an incredible job of both covering Reeve’s acting career and his work as an activist following the horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed for the final years of his life. While heartbreaking at times, this film is more so inspiring and effectively shows how Reeve served as a beacon of hope for many, just like the character he famously portrayed. "

Adam Holmes, Senior Content Producer
 

 

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in We Live in Time

#11. We Live In Time
Average Score: 4.36364/5

John Crowley’s We Live In Time is a fantastic cinematic achievement, in that what it accomplishes it not easy. The non-linear story ducks and weaves back and forth through time, chronicling the romance of Andrew Garfield’s Tobias Durand and Florence Pugh’s Almut Brühl, but it never loses the audience as the setting shifts, and it instead comes together like a puzzle that you best appreciate when the full picture comes together. It has affecting drama and delightful comedy, but what makes it special is the brilliant chemistry between the leads.

" When I heard there was going to be a movie starring two of my favorite actors, Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, I had a feeling it would be my cup of tea, but wow, I wasn't expecting to be so floored and swept away by We Live In Time. John Crowley's film is far from a by-the-numbers rom-dram. It feels like a love letter to being a partner to someone itself, and how it can be wildly exciting, completely hilarious, achingly heartbreaking and with warts of compromise. From it's powerful plotline about the ticking time clock of life, to its final moments, this one is going to stick with me for awhile. "

Sarah El-Mahmoud, Staff Writer
 

 

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in Will & Harper.

#T-9. Will & Harper
Average Score: 4.357/5

During a time when transgender people are being regularly targeted and harassed, Will & Harper tells a superb story about both the acceptance of one’s true self and the phenomenal power and impact of friendship. There is tension as Harper Steele introduces herself to the world and heartbreak as she recounts her emotional struggle to understand her gender, but there are also great laughs from two brilliant comedic minds and the hope that we might all have a buddy as wonderful as Will Ferrell.

" Framed as a buddy road trip movie, Will Ferrell and veteran SNL writer Harper Steele — who came out as transgender during the pandemic — set out on a trek across the U.S. in Will & Harper to see if it’s still safe for Steele to partake in her love of shitty dive bars and truck stops. At times laugh-out-loud funny, the documentary is strongest when everyone drops the act. Ferrell leads by example in support of his longtime friend as they encounter the kindness of strangers, open-mindedness in unexpected places and, unfortunately, reminders of just how hateful people can be of something they fear or don’t understand. Harper makes herself extremely vulnerable to help bridge that gap in one of the year’s most important watches. "

Heidi Venable, Content Producer
 

 

His Three Daughters

#T-9. His Three Daughters
Average Score: 4.375/5

Azazel Jacobs’ His Three Daughters promises a heavy emotional experience with its story of three sisters who reunite as their father dies from a terminal illness, but it’s never heavy handed or maudlin. The characters played by stars Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen are rich in nuance, and their sibling dynamic is both unique and universal. It has the scope of a stage play, as the action doesn’t venture much outside the walls of a New York City apartment, but the film makes it a natural, homey place that can feel both inviting and claustrophobic.

" Few films released this past year are as emotionally affecting as His Three Daughters. Writer/director Azazel Jacobs’ latest feature centers around a trio of estranged sisters who convene at their father’s apartment as he approaches the final days of his life amid hospice care. During the siblings’ stay, old wounds are re-opened, and the women hash out their issues in a way they surely never thought possible. This is an intimate piece of work from Jacobs, whose script dives deep into strained familial relationships and serves as a sharp meditation on grief. And, of course, the film is anchored by incredible performances from co-leads Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne. In short, it’s a raw, yet warm, movie that’ll surely strike a chord with viewers and sit with them long after the credits roll. "

Erik Swann, Weekend Editor
 

 

Timothee Chalamet in A Complete Unknown

#8. A Complete Unknown
Average Score: 4.375/5

James Mangold made one of the most celebrated music biopics of the 21st century with 2005’s Walk The Line, and he has made a bold return to that genre with a story about one of the most enigmatic pop culture figures of all time. A Complete Unknown continues Timothée Chalamet’s trend of proving himself as one of the most talented young actors on the big screen today, and the Bob Dylan-centric film will hopefully introduce the legendary folk singer to a whole new generation.

" If you go into A Complete Unknown looking for answers, you’ll be disappointed. James Mangold’s biopic about a young Bob Dylan’s rise to folk superstardom doesn’t try to explain where music’s most enigmatic lyricist comes from or why he’s long confounded fans, friends and love interests with his behavior. Instead, it just lets us hang out with him. It gives us pivotal moments, both personal and professional, during his meteoric ascendancy, and thanks to career best work from Timothee Chalamet and some dynamite supporting performances, it’s riveting enough just to be there, listen to the music and watch the hard rain fall. "

Mack Rawden, Editor-In-Chief
 

 

Ralph Fiennes in Conclave

#7. Conclave
Average Score: 4.38235/5

Edward Berger’s Conclave is an exceptionally well-constructed thriller on top of being one of the most beautiful films of 2024 (that special shade of red!). Just when you think you have an idea of the direction in which the papal election is going to go, it zigs and zags and drops bombshells that totally upend the proceedings. It’s gripping and delicious, and between the work of Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, and Carlos Diehz, there’s an argument to be made it sports the best ensemble cast of the year.

" Having actually been raised in the Catholic Church, the plot of Conclave – director Edward Berger’s adaptation of Robert Harris’ 2016 novel – certainly piqued my interest. However, I never anticipated just how thoroughly riveting watching the election of the new Pope could be. The key to the high-stakes drama’s engrossing power is not just in its blood-boiling commentary on faith and manipulation but, especially, in its astonishing performances by the likes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rosselini. While the twist ending of Conclave did not satisfy me like I hoped it might, the shocking, spellbinding road to the conclusion answered my prayers. "

Jason Wiese, SEO Content Writer
 

 

The Wild Robot, Roz and Fink

#6. The Wild Robot
Average Score: 4.46429/5

We will remember as 2024 as a standout year for cinematic animation, and there were a great number of titles in the medium appreciated by the CinemaBlend staff this year, but we reserved most of love for The Wild Robot. The film is absolutely gorgeous, as the delicate design makes the adventure look like a moving painting, but what’s truly genius about Chris Sanders’ movie is its dark, razor sharp comedic sensibilities and how they blend with a gorgeous story about a special animal family and the building of a wild community.

" 2024 was a great year for animation with blockbuster hits like Inside Out 2 and underrated gems like Transformers One, but without question, the best animated movie of 2024 was The Wild Robot. The story about a robot lost on an island of wilderness is actually a story about parenthood. It’s about the mistakes we make and the lessons we learn. It’s a heartwarming story about chosen families and about taking responsibility. Director Chris Sanders has crafted something truly special here. The animation is simply stunning, some of the best we’ve seen from Dreamworks to date. It’s also arguably their most mature movie. Kids looking for a bright and colorful story will find it while adults will embrace a deeper meaning. "

Dirk Libbey, Content Writer
 

 

Colman Domingo in Sing Sing

#5. Sing Sing
Average Score: 4.5/5

The debate about prisons being institutions of punishment versus rehabilitation is an important one, and director Greg Kwedar examines it in his critically acclaimed drama Sing Sing. The story follows a man imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit who finds a way to survive life at Sing Sing Correctional Facility by participating in the Rehabilitation Through The Arts program.

" Sing Sing is a beautiful story about the power of art and empathy. The film follows a group of men at the Sing Sing prison who are part of a theater troupe, and it brilliantly captures how life-changing support, friendship and art can be. Notably, Colman Domingo and Paul Raci are the only known actor in the ensemble, as the rest of the performers were all part of the Sing Sing program while they were incarcerated. So, along with this movie being a wonderful depiction of this real-life troupe, it’s also a highlight reel of the incredible talent these men got to cultivate during a difficult time. "

Riley Utley, Weekend Editor
 

 

Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba holding up her hands in Wicked: Part One

#4. Wicked
Average Score: 4.52632/5

After years and years of development, Wicked finally got the film adaptation that fans have long been begging for, and those who have enjoyed the musical on stage and listened to the soundtrack on a loop have been going gaga. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande respectively get to showcase their awesome vocal talents as Elphaba and Galinda in the alternative take on The Wizard Of Oz story, and audiences everywhere are now primed for the climactic second half of the story, Wicked: For Good, which arrives in November next year.

" For fans of the Wicked stage musical, 2024 was truly a year to rejoicify, as the long-anticipated movie adaptation – well, Part 1 of it – finally arrived. Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation flew into theaters (possibly via broom or bubble), and brought Oz back to life on the big screen in stunning fashion. Whether you’ve seen the stage production, listened to the soundtrack or went into the movie totally new to it, there’s so much to love about this musical. The film succeeds in making the most of its talented cast (particularly Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande), the outstanding songs of its soundtrack, and the truly magical place that is Oz. And quite frankly, it left me feeling very emotional and totally ready for Part 2. "

Kelly West, Assistant Managing Editor
 

 

Paul and Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part Two

#3. Dune: Part Two
Average Score: 4.65909/5

Denis Villeneuve blew our minds in 2021 adapting the first half of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction classic Dune, but the sequel is actually even better. Both the stunning, otherworldly design and the complex political machinations in the story are fascinating, and the characters are rich, dynamic, perfect interpretations of the heroes and villains from the novel. Anticipation for Dune: Messiah is at an extreme high – but no matter how that turns out, we will forever be grateful that Dune: Part Two gave us the experience of riding on the back of a sandworm.

" Even hyped up on the first half of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune adaptation, I feared another IT: Chapter Two style stumble when trying to stick the landing. Those fears were unfounded, as Dune: Part Two exceeded my love for its predecessor, delivering an epic event we haven’t seen in theaters since the Middle-earth Saga. Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides is a complicated anti-hero, and fleshed out as such in beautiful detail. The young man we thought we knew reluctantly becomes the tyrant we know he’ll become, and that journey is so satisfying to witness, I’m still sad that Denis Villeneuve is calling it quits after Dune: Messiah. With these two films as proof, I have an unshakable faith in that next chapter. "

Mike Reyes, Senior Movie Contributor
 

 

September 5

#2. September 5
Average Score: 4.7/5

At a time when the line between news and entertainment has been blurred like never before, Tim Fehlbaum’ September 5 arrives as a monumental gut punch that is hard to shake. The dedication to period accuracy is remarkable, and you admire the hustle of the ABC Sports broadcasting team pivoting to cover something as serious as a hostage crisis – but the high stakes of the situation is never lost in the journalistic enthusiasm, and it boils to a climax that hits like a sledgehammer.

" Journalism movies hold a soft spot in my heart. Give me two hours of reporters burrowing into a complicated story, and I’ll be glued to my seat. But director Tim Fehlbaum’s spellbinding September 5 most impressed me because it represents a turning point when television journalists were creating the rules regarding breaking news coverage, and doing it under the most intense scrutiny possible. Set at the Munich Olympics during a hostage crisis, September 5 follows network producers as they decide on the fly how to report a developing story to a nervous global audience. It’s a harrowing tightrope walk through the interpretation of facts, and one that shows we still have so much to learn about how news is told, and how it is received. "

Sean O’Connell, Managing Editor

 

Margaret Qualley does a split in front of a Demi Moore poster in The Substance

#1. The Substance
Average Score: 4.7/5

Of the 10 people on the CinemaBlend staff who have seen Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, six gave it a perfect five out of five, and that should give you a clue as to how loved the film is around these parts. The body horror is outrageous and disgusting, lending to a climax that is truly unforgettable, but even beyond the excellent nastiness, it’s a stellar and sharp satire about society’s beauty standards and treatment of women (not to mention the extreme self-loathing it inspires).

" I'm a big horror fan, but there are plenty of times where the film world doesn't seem to appreciate these projects as much as me. Luckily, The Substance as an exception, as Coralie Fargeat's satirical body horror flick got buzz as soon as it premiered at Cannes. The movie pivots between horror and comedy throughout its runtime, with some truly stellar performances coming from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. And while the body horror is initially unsettling, The Substance's final act is an over top gore fest that essentially takes the piss out of the genre itself. And somehow, despite all the blood and guts, the most disgusting sequence of the entire film features Dennis Quaid eating a giant bowl of shrimp. "

Corey Chichizola, Movies Editor