The Best Films of 2024
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the cinematic triumphs. From daring storytelling to groundbreaking performances, 2024 has been a year of bold creative visions. Here are the five films that stood out to me the most, pushing boundaries and redefining what cinema can achieve.
#5: The Substance by Coralie Fargeat
The Substance by Monolith Films / Working Title Films / Mubi
An eclectic, satirical, and extravagant exploration of our relentless attempts to turn back time (spoiler: it's impossible), The Substance delivers a brutal truth about society's (especially men's) treatment of women and the unrealistic standards imposed upon them.
This film delves into themes of anger, toxic ideals, self-loathing, and the fierce desire to be loved. Who hasn’t dreamed of becoming the best version of themselves? But what price are we willing to pay for it? Youth is beautiful in its ease and carelessness, but it is also senseless and naive—a truth that often dawns too late.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley shine in their roles, delivering performances that demand both emotional range and intensity. Moore’s quiet fury and desperation serve as a striking counterpoint to Qualley’s portrayal of greed and youthful naivety. Both actresses push themselves to new heights, making their characters feel raw, real, and utterly compelling.
#4: Jim’s Story by Arnaud and Jean-Marie Larrieu
Le Roman de Jim by Arte France Cinéma / SBS Productions / Pyramide Distribution
Sometimes, nothing captures the beauty of life better than its simplicity. Jim's Story is a heartfelt dramedy about fatherhood, mistakes, the complexity of human relationships, and a poignant reminder that as long as two people are alive, there's always room for a second chance—or even a third.
Karim Leklou delivers a nuanced and layered portrayal of a young underdog striving to redeem himself and become a better person. At first, he's uncertain about what he truly wants, but everything changes when an adopted son enters his life and feels like his own. When life takes a harsh turn and the boy's mother takes him abroad, Jim faces grief in all its forms—from anger to acceptance—and begins to work on being better, if only for himself.
This deeply moving and tender film reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there's always a glimmer of light to guide you toward change. Sometimes, that's all you need to keep going—for yourself, if no one else.
#3: Challengers by Luca Guadagnino
Challengers by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Warner Bros. Entertainment /Frenesy Film Company
You might think, how could tennis possibly get any sexier? Well, it turns out, it can.
Amidst the buzz of Twitter's thrust traps and the film's broad appeal, many overlook the fact that Luca Guadagnino offers not just a lush, vibrant, and undeniably sexy story about a trio of people, but also a deeply engaging portrait of human connection.
This is a story about the mental bond between two friends who, without exchanging a word, realize that their connection never truly went away—even after years of silence. I love the way it’s presented, the complex time jumps, and how Patrick and Art are real people with their own problems and quirks. I appreciate that they loathe each other. I also admire how they channel their energy on the court, and despite everything, come to an unspoken truce. Some may call it foolish, but I see nothing romantic in their story. From the very beginning, I watched (and rewatched) this film as an incredible portrait of platonic love, of a person holding on to their memories and cherishing them—even if their "other half" is a complete jerk (and you’re not much better).
Oh, and Zendaya is in it too.
#2: Wicked by Jon M. Chu
Wicked by United International Pictures / Universal Pictures / Marc Platt Productions
I was skeptical about this project from the moment it was announced until the moment I walked into the theater. But you can’t escape the truth.
Jon M. Chu approached this iconic story with such care and love that it’s impossible not to be charmed by his innocence, lightness, and numerous references. He delivers a cinematic experience that dares to balance nostalgia and reinvention.
We’re fully immersed in the Land of Oz, exploring all the intricacies of this magical place, which is far more complex and dark than it might first appear. This film timely reminds us of the unchanging societal issues—corruption, dictatorship, lies, and propaganda. We see the story through various shades, each one brightening or darkening based on the locations. This subtle progression enhances the film’s thematic depth, painting Oz as both a magical and morally complex world.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande give stunning performances, truly embodying their roles and delivering memorable work. The cast looks fantastic and feels perfectly placed, once again proving that all the hard work was worth the final result. Because Wicked is a success, and that’s wonderful.
#1: Anora by Sean Baker
Anora by United International Pictures / Neon / FilmNation Entertainment
This year, there was no real competition. Because this year, we had Anora.
It’s a masterpiece. Nothing less, nothing more. From the first time I saw it at the Cannes Film Festival to every rewatch after its wide release, it was clear to me: this is the best film of the year.
Sean Baker turned the story of stripper Annie into a lively, action-packed dramedy brimming with passion and zest for life. It’s an ode to those striving for a better future and a sharp critique of those who squander it. While some may see it as a tale about class inequality, at its core, the film is about something far more intimate—a rational yet naive Cinderella who momentarily believes in her own fairytale, forgetting that the pumpkin is already on a flight from Moscow to New York.
This is a story about immaturity and the refusal to grow up among those who have everything handed to them without effort. At its heart, it’s the psychological portrait of a young woman who, for the first time, realizes that someone is drawn to her—not because she’s a sex worker, but because she’s Anora.
Mikey Madison delivers the performance of the year, fully embodying the role with such astonishing consistency that you immediately recall the film’s poster: 'Mikey Madison is Anora.' Bravo to Mikey, bravo to Sean Baker, and bravo to everyone involved in this project. This was something truly special.
