It’s been a very strange year for movies. The after effects of the writers strike seems to have made a much larger impact on 2024 than it many thought it would at the end of the year of 2023. You can feel the lack of future planning and increase in post production delays, and while that hasn’t translated into less films to see per se, it does have a drastic effect on the quality of releases. Even the festival buzz has been largely muted, with very few critical darlings coming out of Sundance and Cannes this year. Comparatively, by this time last year we were championing “Past Lives” and “Anatomy of a Fall” as frontrunners for awards, with “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie,” “The Holdovers” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” right around the corner. To say the releases have been muted would be an understatement, with nothing really standing out as the clear frontrunner contender in any category and most films being met with a sort of malaise and indifference.
That’s not to say there aren’t great films that have released this year, and some still slated for the fall season. Just that it was infinitely more difficult to find a top 10 at this pivotal mid year mark than it was last year. Maybe I’ve just seen too many movies over the last few years, or maybe because I’ve spent most of this year going back into the past of cinema instead of seeing everything that gets released, I’m not as up to speed with the best of the best. I’d venture to say I’ve seen enough to compile a decent mid year top 10, but I would also say that a majority of these films won’t carry over into the final results of the year. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best films we’ve seen this year so far! Always keep in mind I am only including films that have been released. The list does not include films that I loved but haven’t officially been released in the US yet. No point in championing a film no one can see! Also, this will include films that were released in 2023 at festivals or other countries, but weren’t available in the US until 2024.
10. “Challengers“

I was originally pretty middle of the road on “Challengers” in my first viewing. I found it to be engaging and sexy but also deeply problematic and off putting, unable to define their characters (particularly Toshi played by Zendaya) and doing a bit of a bait and switch with its marketing. Namely, this is a homoerotic love story between two dudes with a lady in a middle. A toxic throuple who simply can’t quit each other but do everything in their power to destroy their relationships. Though “Challengers” isn’t without its challenges, on a second viewing armed with the foreknowledge of what to expect, I found myself unable to disengage and wholly riveted by the pulse pounding score and strong performances. Once you know what “Challengers” is and what it’s trying to do, many of its flaws become forgivable and it becomes one of the most entertaining films of the year.
9. “Laapataa Ladies“

If you know anything about me, you know I adore and advocate international cinema. “Laapataa Ladies” enters into the top 10 as a seminal favorite, a modernized comedy of errors/satire of India that smartly uses the tropes of early 50s/60s Hindi cinema. I have developed a new found love for Bollywood, and while this doesn’t quite fit the bill – as it doesn’t include musical dance numbers nor does it have an intermission – it still captures all of the magic of Amir Khan Productions that works hard to pull from its foundational strengths and create a touching, sincere love story while always being mindful of what is wrong with its cultural systems and traditions. “Laapataa Ladies” never feels preachy or indulgent in its critiques, smartly opting to put its characters, comedy, and love story forward and its satire in the background. Something about this film just gets me in my emotions; its sincerity and earnestness and empowerment is just so touching, I found myself loved both times that I’ve watched it. Don’t be put off by subtitles. “Laapataa Ladies” is readily available on Netflix it is more than worth your time.
8. “Problemista“

Talk about film plagued by release dates. Debuting as SXSW in 2023 and set for a summer release, then fall release, then no release, then FINALLY hitting theaters at the tail end of spring, “Problemista” finally came to general audiences. Another vibes pick, you have to be completely into Juilo Torres‘ sense of humor and be totally dialed into his wavelength for “Problemista” to take hold and resonate. I was wholly invested in his satirical deconstruction of the American dream, and him vs the ever wonderful and completely unhinged Tilda Swinton makes this one of the best hidden gems of 2024. Torres’ leaves no stone unturned, tackling bureaucracy, hustle culture, internet culture, the art world, gentification, immigration, the American Dream, Bank of America, Widgets, and yes, Filemaker Pro. “Problemista” is an unabashed sledgehammer to our fabricated image of American life, but it is told with such sincerity and earnestness that it never feels nasty or mean sprited. I loved “Problemista,” and if you get a chance to check it out I highly recommend it.
7. “Thelma“

What an absolutely delightful film. “Thelma” is a beat-for-beat action comedy caper told through the most mundane of actions performed by senior citizens. June Squibb is exquisite, and dare I say a contender for Best Actress if the Academy is willing to dig a little deeper beyond showy, box office performances. She is so funny and wonderfully captured, able to convey the nuances of growing old and fighting for autonomy and independence while reflecting on the life she’s lived. “Thelma” is like the “The Beekeeper” without the government conspiracy and ridiculous premise, a singular revenge story against phone scammers told through rascal scooters and old folks homes instead of revving muscle cars and high octane carnage. Laugh out loud funny, heartwarming and sincere, “Thelma” is the kind of film that will having you cackling one minute then wanting to hug your grandma the next. It is a marvelous ode to cherishing the people in your life while you still have them, and appreciating the gift of life however long or short it may be. Sneaky heavy hitter you don’t want to miss!
6. “Hundreds of Beavers“

You just won’t see anything like “Hundreds of Beavers.” A wholly unique blend of a silent film era homage blended with as close as you’ll ever get to a live action looney toons, this is a film that stands alone as being truly one of a kind. “Hundreds of Beavers” runs a little too long, but it is so visually imaginative and wildly outlandish that it doesn’t really even matter if it somewhat overstays its welcome. It took me a little bit to come around on this one, and I don’t think it’s the best film of the year as many others have championed it to be. But I can’t stress enough how much you’ve never seen anything like this, and in sea of IP and remakes and reboots and unwanted reimaginings, “Hundreds of Beavers” is the kind of original cinema everyone swears they want but won’t leave their house to actually see. This is your chance, cinema justice warriors. Get off your ass, turn off your 10th viewing of the worst marvel movie, and fire up “Hundreds of Beavers.” We only get films like this every so often and will never get them if no one watches them. Time to put the VOD money where your mouth is and give this wild experience a chance.
5. “Kinds of Kindness“

Yorgos Lanthimos is back to form with an anthology film for the sickos. Far more in line with “Dogtooth” than say, “The Favourite” or even the critically acclaimed “Poor Things,” “Kinds of Kindness” sees the absurdist, bleak director return to his roots with one of his darkest, weirdest, most unsettling films to date. led by some of his favorites in Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Jessie Plemons, “Kinds of Kindness” is anthology of 3 distinct stories with recurring actors playing completely different roles. Each new entry is introduced by a title card, and often deals with control, free will, and other complex human connections. Lanthimos continues to establish himself as a singular voice in cinema, one that evokes comparisons to Lynchian or Cronenberg stylings; a voice that is so unique that within 5 minutes you know without a doubt you are watching a Lanthimos film.
Packed with deadpan delivery, bizarro worlds that are inhabited by characters that accept their surroundings with little questions, and some of the most fucked up scenarios and stories you’ll ever see, “Kinds of Kindness” is elevated by its ambiguity, impeccable cinematography by Robbie Ryan, and incredible cast that are wholly dialed in to the wavelength of Lanthimos and deliver some of their best work to date. This is not for the faint of heart. Do NOT go into “Kinds of Kindness” thinking you’re going to get the broad appeal, Tony McNamara film. No, this is Lanthimos unhinged, armed with the largest budget and clout to execute on his most daring and haunting sensibilities. If you haven’t seen his earlier work like the aforementioned “Dogtooth” or “Killing of a Scared Deer,” I’d recommend checking one of those out first to decide of Lanthimos is really for you. Someone hug that man.
4. “Daddio“

I know that intimate, conversation forward films aren’t for everyone, and the wavelength of “talky” only films don’t have broad audience appeal. But goddammit, “Daddio” is for me all the way. A expertly crafted two hander that digs deep into the power of human connection through unexpected and vulnerable conversations. An intimate portrait of flawed individuals, Christy Hall directs with assuredness and confidence in her performers, and script leaps off the page as Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn sink their teeth into their meaty, monologue heavy roles. “Madame Web” not withstanding, Johnson can do wrong in my eyes and Penn reminds us here that he can be great with the right material. He really does remind us that he can, in fact, ACT his ass off when he wants to, and all of the more outlandish, offscreen antics we’ve come to know him for melt away as he demonstrates his immense onscreen talent. “Daddio” is my speed, and while it takes a few beats to find its footing not knowing where it’s all leading to, the pay off is worth the cab fare, and I was wholly invested in this deeply emotional story of unlikely people discovering themselves with ever more unlikely people.
3. “Dune: Part 2“

Yes, I know. Ranking “Dune: Part 2” as number three is a travesty for most. But you have to understand that it’s an accomplishment to make my top 10 in the first place, as I am not nor have I ever been a “Dune” fan in any capacity. I’ve made this pretty clear, so that should tell you how much I enjoyed “Dune: Part 2.” This is just a masterclass in filmmaking; stunning visuals, a haunting score, and unbelievable cinematography are all some of the best you’ll see this year. “Dune: Part 2” made me almost like the entire series, and while I’m not going to go back and read all the books and “do my own research,” it did convert me into a fan of its current iteration, correcting many of the mistakes I felt the first film committed and delivering a jaw-dropping, awe inspiring war epic. This is as good as sci-fi epics get, and I think if there was ever a frontrunner for this year in some of the below the line categories at the Oscars, it’s “Dune: Part 2.”
2. “How To Have Sex“

This really should come as no surprise, since I’ve been talking about “How to Have Sex” all the way back in September of 2023. The US was essentially the last to have a release date of this impeccable film, and while it will be absent from awards season this year (releasing early enough to qualify for 2023), “How to Have Sex” is an unforgettable film about party culture and consent. I have not been able to get this film out of my head after nearly year since watching it, and Molly Manning Walker has created something truly special. In a less crowded year, Walker would be up for Best Director and Mia Mckenna-Bruce would be up for Best Actress. It is just a stunning piece of work, one that is unafraid to tackle the nuances and complexities of themes without ever feeling preachy or insincere. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, should sit down with their teens when you need to have this conversation and use “How to Have Sex” as the starter. There is genuine power in this film and its subject, and I cannot recommend it enough.
1. “Hitman“

By now you’re probably tired of my talking about “Hitman.” It’s been my favorite film of the year since September of 2023 and as of now that hasn’t changed. I’m going to continue to wax poetic about this film and also shout it from the rooftops how criminal it is that it released on Netflix instead of in theaters. “Hitman” deserves a theatrical release, and its a shame that most people will watch the best film of the year so far from the top portion of their phone while they scroll through Tiktoks and occasionally look up at their tv screen to see what’s happening. It’s criminal, it’s uncalled for, and I will forever be a man filled with regret that the majority of people saw “Hitman” this way. Streaming is slowly ruining theatrical films, and I know the doomsday alarm bells seem more backwoods conspiracy than actual claim, but this isn’t the first time a great film has been robbed of its best viewing experience and “Hitman” won’t be the last. So please, when you fire this one up on Netflix, put your goddamn phone down and let the charm and sexiness and riveting script waft over you. You won’t regret it.
Honorable Mentions:
There are of course a few films that almost made the list, and may actually find their way into the top ten the longer the year goes on. “I Saw the TV Glow” a great contender I’m still reckoning with, a film that I wasn’t high at first but hasn’t left my mind since. “The Contestant” is another riveting documentary that proves that reality television is a stain on our existence and a manipulate, destructive endeavor that only destroys lives. “Three Musketeers: M’Lady” is a fantastic follow up to last years’ “Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan,” and I’d also recommend “Femme,” “Love Lies Bleeding,” and “The Animal Kingdom.” I would also recommend “Queendom,” a fascinating documentary about performance art and queerness in a country where both are a punishable offense. Also “The Coffee Table” and “Monolith” (both films that were almost included in the top 10 before they were upended by some newer entries) if you’re looking for films that keep you up at night and get into your psyche, testing the limits of what you can stomach in a film.
[Editor’s Note: Dunno how “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” didn’t make this list, but, it absolutely should!]