After a few years of movie lulls from COVID and Hollywood strikes, it seems like things might be bouncing back a bit this year. We’ve been treated to an amazing mix of films in 2024, from the sequels we’ve been eagerly awaiting to fresh, original stories that have genuinely sparked our imaginations. It’s not at the top of the popular list for other movie fans, but my favorite this year was Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the sequel to the iconic 1988 Tim Burton film.
Apart from Burton, we’ve seen some amazing directors at work. Denis Villeneuve, David Leitch, and Fede Álvarez have all brought their A-game. There’s mind-bending sci-fi, feel-good dramas, and edge-of-your-seat thrillers.
If you’ve heard someone say 2024 is a lackluster year for cinema, it’s time to set the record straight. Check out the fantastic movies generating a buzz on a recent message board—there’s a ton of great stuff to catch before the year ends!
The Substance
Imagine turning back the clock with a mysterious “youth serum.” That’s the wild offer facing Elisabeth Sparkle, an aerobics icon, who’s hit hard on her 50th birthday by a sudden job loss. Just as she’s reeling, a lab hands her a shot at becoming a newer, “better” version of herself. In a world crazy about fillers, botox, and youthful perfection, The Substance dives deep into whether a “new you” is really you.
If you’re into body horror, this movie nails it with intense visuals, great acting, and killer sound. Seriously, it’s not for the squeamish—I barely kept it together (and I’ve got a strong stomach)!
Oddity
If there was ever a movie with a perfect title, it’s this one. Oddity is easily one of 2024’s creepiest indie horror films. The story follows Darcy, who seeks revenge for her twin sister’s brutal murder by using haunted items as weapons against those responsible.
The film delivers pure, spine-tingling fun! It’s a creepy, entertaining morality tale that feels like a classic horror comic from the ’70s, with perfect jump scares and eerie use of sound and shadows. Go in blind—skip the trailers and reviews. It will haunt you for days.
The Wild Robot
Ever wonder how a robot bonds with an orphaned baby goose? If you’re curious, check out DreamWorks’ animated film The Wild Robot, based on the bestselling novel. In a world—and a country—so divided, this heartwarming story of characters embracing their differences and building a community is a breath of fresh air.
Many parents watching with their kids ended up shedding a few tears themselves. People say the voice acting is delightful, and the animation shines with a truly stunning art style. Take the family, and don’t forget the tissues!
Dune: Part Two
If you liked the first Dune, you’ll probably love this one even more. People are calling it the sci-fi, epic fantasy of our time—and with Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and an incredible cast, it’s easy to see why. Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen to avenge his family. Will he choose love, or will he save the universe?
People are loving the cinematography, the sound design, and the top-notch acting. The unique visual style perfectly brings Dune’s world to life. It’s beautiful, tragic, and keeps you hooked the whole way. But definitely watch Part One first—it sets up everything for this epic!
The Devil’s Bath
There’s nothing more chilling than true-life horror. The Devil’s Bath explores the grim reality of religious women’s roles in 1700s Austria, drawing from Kathy Stuart’s book Suicide by Proxy in Early Modern Germany and real trial records from 1704 and 1762. It opens with a shocking scene that sets up a haunting finale, where the suspense truly pays off.
The historical accuracy, from rituals to food, makes it fascinating and deeply unsettling. This isn’t a typical horror flick, but it’s a disturbing look at history and the harsh realities of marriage back then—you can’t help but feel for Agnes.
Inside Out 2
We’ve all loved the characters Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, but this year introduces Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui—and you don’t want to miss it! After nine long years, one of Pixar’s best films has returned with a sequel.
Inside Out 2 may be animated and intended for kids, but as an adult, it hits differently. The theme is so poignant, and I appreciated how they depicted anxiety during puberty. Personal feelings aside, this film is fantastic! The animation is well-made, and the plot is surprisingly strong.
Rebel Ridge
The writer claims he drew inspiration from 90s crime thrillers, but Rebel Ridge will definitely surprise you! I watched it on Netflix after being hooked by the trailer. It starts strong, featuring a likable main character and a villain you might hate sooner.
I won’t spoil too much but don’t expect typical action and violence. Instead, you get a gripping story about a former Marine taking on corruption in a small town. You can really feel the suffocation when the system turns against you, and the weight of that helplessness is more powerful than you think.
The Fall Guy
I love the movie-within-a-movie and stuntman-within-a-stuntman parallels in The Fall Guy. This film offers a mix of action, comedy, and romance, all featuring a pair of perfectly matched stars. It’s a classic popcorn flick that entertains audiences of all ages. The way everything fits together—like the stunt tropes, action, music, and cinematography—feels refreshingly cohesive.
Fans who appreciate in-camera action or enjoy romantic comedies will especially love this film. In a time when blockbusters often feel like homework, this movie celebrates Hollywood’s golden era. And come on, who doesn’t love Ryan Gosling?
Alien: Romulus
If you’re a fan of the Alien franchise, you’ll enjoy Alien: Romulus. This 2024 film serves as both a sequel and a prequel, delivering a well-crafted homage to the 1979 classic. While some viewers didn’t love the ending, it’s really about the journey rather than the destination. It captures the claustrophobic horror that made the original so great, with pulse-pounding action that keeps you on the edge of your seat for its swift two-hour runtime.
If you appreciate a solid horror-sci-fi thriller, you’ll likely find this film satisfying. However, if you’re expecting a groundbreaking addition to the series, you might end up a bit disappointed.
Abigail
When a group of criminals kidnaps a 12-year-old girl, they have no idea their captive is a bloodthirsty vampire! Abigail deserves more love than the recent horror movies. It’s a wild ride filled with cheesy blood and violence, featuring a great sense of humor that appeals to both younger fans and adults.
The fantastic cast brings memorable characters to life, with Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens really standing out. The movie needs time to develop its characters, giving us more than just their Rat Pack-inspired names. Just skip the trailer—it reveals way too much and spoils the best moments!
Snack Shack
What I love most about Snack Shack is how it captures that 90s throwback vibe while celebrating bro culture without the creepiness of those old comedies. The two leads are incredibly likable and easy to root for! Their schemes feel typical but never pretentious.
Despite some vulgar jokes, I found myself laughing hard—it reminded me of countless conversations with my friends. Sure, the conflict seems silly at first, but it hits home when you remember what life was like at 14.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person
If a vampire who’s too sensitive to kill isn’t enough to grab your attention, let me share more reasons why people love this film. It’s a dark comedy, rom-com, coming-of-age story full of heart. Sara Montpetit delivers a wonderful performance as the vampire, and she pairs beautifully with Félix-Antoine Bénard, who perfectly captures Paul, a depressed homebody contemplating suicide.
Fans of the flick rave about the cinematography, making this a must-see if you want a vampire movie with a twist! While I’m not sure it will stand the test of time, it definitely deserves a solid 10/10 this year.
Source: Reddit
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