As the growing number of films I see each year grows, so does the challenge of creating a best of list. Even in years where it seems like there are a ton of 3.5 star films, it is still incredibly difficult to get the some 50+ films I really enjoyed down to 25. I was originally shooting for 20 films this year, a small increase over 2023, and decided to increase it even more for a few reasons. One, there were just too many films left on the honorable mentions list that it made more sense to just include them in the official rankings. and two, I’m not categorizing the lists by genre this year. Typically I’ll do a Best Documentary and Best Horror or Best Animated feature, but I just don’t have the time to do multiples so they’re all getting included into one, big best of list!
As always, this is a list comprised of my personal favorites based on the films I’ve seen this year. Even at 300+ new releases watched, I’m sure there are bound to be some you loved missing and some you hated included. That’s just show business, ya’ll. So let’s get into my list of the 25 best films of 2024!
25. “Kill“
You had me at “Die Hard” meets “Raid Redemption” on a train in India. “Kill” is a certified action banger from start to finish, a film I haven’t stopped thinking about for over a year since I saw it at Midnight Madness at TIFF 2023. A no holds barred, unrelentingly brutal action flick that never gives you a single second to catch your breath. It lulls you in with a false sense of romantic, Bollywood cheese and makes you say to yourself, “wait…this is it?” and then 40 minutes in everything turns and the title card drops. And THEN “Kill” delivered with high octane, nonstop carnage, enough to satisfy even the most depraved action violent lovers. “Kill” makes the case for one of the best action films of 2024, and I highly recommend you check this one out.
24. “Late Night With the Devil“
A surprise entry onto the horror list, “Late Night with the Devil” thrives on vibes and a terrific leading man performance from David Dastmalchian. I love a good aesthetic gimmick when done with earnestness, and the grainy, 70s visuals paired with a cultural time capsule makes “Late Night with the Devil” one of the most effective horror films of the year. It’s been a pretty rollercoaster ride for horror, with high highs and low lows, so this one really leaves its mark as one of the better ones. It might not be the most fun or even the best horror film of 2024, but “Late Night with the Devil” was certainly my favorite and makes the list. Full review here.
23. “Lost Ladies“
Academy selection controversy aside, “Lost Ladies” unexpectedly floored me with emotion. One of my favorites from TIFF 2023, this forgotten Netflix gem has stood the test of time and remained one of my favorite comedy of errors romance films of the year. It’s such a sweet film, one that is hard not to get wrapped in, and I found myself crying both times I watched it. “Lost Ladies” wears its heart and messaging on its sleeve, but does so proudly and crafts and emotional, sometimes humorous story about love, traditions, and dreams. It made my Mid Year 10 Best Films of 2024 i and managed to carry over all the way to the final 2024 list. It is currently playing on Netflix, so if you feel like you need a good cry, fire up “Lost Ladies” and keep the tissues handy.
22. “Wicked“
Unclutch your pearls, musical theater nerds. “Wicked” isn’t low because I didn’t like it. As a matter of fact, I absolutely loved it and haven’t stopped humming “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” to myself since my first screening. I’m all in on the campaigns of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and have no problem with both making the final cut for Oscar noms this year. “Wicked” is everything I could have wanted from the beloved musical turned film, and for all the ways this good have gone wrong it ends up getting way more right. I audibly sobbed at numerous scenes; ugly cry, gasping for breath, bad break up kind of crying, which is a testament to how terrific “Wicked” actually ended up being. For some stupid reason, “Wicked” will be available on digital Dec 31st despite still doing gangbusters at the theaters, but that’s the sad world we live in now so if you haven’t left your house to see it, you’ll get your chance sooner than later. Full review here.
21. “I Saw the TV Glow“
I am still wrestling with what to say about “I Saw the TV Glow,” one of the most unique and bold films on the list this year. Packed with unforgettable imagery and themes that I still don’t feel equipped to unpack or comment on, “I Saw the TV Glow” is a film that is sure to have an evergreen effect as the years go on and more and more revisits happen. The bright neon pink title cards and the opening sequence are two of my favorite scenes of the year, and “I Saw the TV Glow” is a truly special piece of cinema that probably speaks to others much more than me in ways I can’t relate to but wholly support. I encourage you to seek out reviews and pieces written by LGBTQ writers, but “I Saw the TV Glow” is a bastion of expression and understanding in ways very films are able to capture. This is a film we will be talking about for a long time. Full review here.
20. “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin“
My list is packed with unique visions and storytelling, and “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” is no different. One of the most unique documentaries I’ve seen in a long time, the film is an emotional journey of a life lived almost entirely in “World of Warcraft.” Recreated from real chat blogs and in game visuals, “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” is an emotional statement of community and acceptance that can come from the most unlikely places. We love to blame video games for their violence and toxic online trolls (all of which are true and mostly valid) but the softer side of the gaming world is beautifully expressed through Ibelin’s online life. There is such hope and love in “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” and you’ll be hard pressed not to get swept up in the life affirmation of it all. It is currently streaming on Netflix, so don’t miss this one.
19. “Memoir of a Snail“
Someone needs to give Adam Elliot a big giant hug and tell him everything will be okay. “Memoir of a Snail” is a stop motion animation marvel that dazzles as much as it devastates. It may be one of the saddest stories I’ve seen on screen all year, and I mean that as a compliment. Sarah Snook gives an incredible voice performance as the titular character, along with Eric Bana and Kodi Smith-Mcphee. “Memoir of a Snail” is about finding that small glimmer of hope in a sea of despair that life throws at us, and has one of the most emotionally resonant, devastating endings of the year. I was fine throughout most of the film, thinking it wasn’t as moving as many had claimed, and then BAM! the ending of “Memoir of a Snail” hit me like a ton of bricks and the waterworks started flying. “Memoir of a Snail” is an animated film for the most mature audiences, but one that you won’t soon forget.
18. “Heretic“
Hugh Grant in his give no fucks villain era is my absolute favorite, and man, is he absolutely cooking in “Heretic.” I struggled a lot with whether or not this should make the list because the third act really didn’t work for me, but Grant’s performance and razor sharp script for the first two acts more than makes up for any misgivings. As a former conservative Christian turned youth pastor turned foul mouthed comedian turn film critic who’s basically an atheist now, “Heretic” felt written specifically for me and I loved every single minute of this theological banter. Grant’s monopoly monologue enters the best scenes of the year this year, and I did not have Grant doing a Jar Jar Binks impression on my 2024 bingo card. “Heretic” is a special choice for me, and deserves its spot on the list for it. Full Review here.
17. “Queer“
It is incredible that both films by Luca Guadagnino have ended up in my top 25, and that both took some time for me to come around on. “Queer” is probably the most divisive film of his, and is by far and away his weirdest and most surreal. But upon reflection I found myself drawn to and overwhelmed by his undertaking and desperation of longing portrayed onscreen. “Queer” really took ahold of me, even in the stranger, more abstract third act, and I found its imagery inescapable over time. It is definitely not for everyone, and I won’t fault anyone for not jumping on the “Queer” train. It’s a LOT to process both thematically and visually, and is very much a vibes pick. I was dialed into its wavelength and transcendent performances, and it left an unexpected impression on me. Full review here.
16. “Dune: Part Two“
I know many people are screaming that this is way too low on the list, but for someone who couldn’t care less about “Dune” as a whole it is surprising even to me that “Dune: Part Two” even made it onto the list in the first place. I will say that the technical marvel of this sequel enraptured me from the first opening moments, and kept ahold of me entirely even though I went in resistant. “Dune: Part Two” actually made me appreciate “Dune Part One” even more, and while I have not been converted as a believer, I did enjoy the hell out of this gorgeously crafted action epic. It’s as good as these things can get, and while I have no interest in finishing the story or going back and reading 30 books, “Dune: Part Two” did enough to enter the best of 2024 list. Full review here.
15. “His Three Daughters“
A true hidden gem lost in the Netflix shuffle, “His Three Daughters” is a powerful 3 hander chamber piece packed with unbelievable performances from its leads. Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, and Natasha Lyonne and simply exquisite here, and it’s a powerful film not enough people are talking about. Azrael Jacobs writes and directs a deeply emotional story of family, grief, loss, and hope, bringing them all together in an explosive but purposeful reminder of how important our families can be in times of need. I loved “His Three Daughters,” and I wish so much that it wasn’t swallowed up by the streaming machine. It deserves more praise and eyes than it has gotten, and makes its way into my top 15 with ease. I can’t recommend this one enough. Grab that kleenex and hug your siblings.
14. “Will and Harper“
Who would’ve guessed it would be Will Ferrell at the forefront of allyship and empathy. “Will and Harper” is a touching road trip documentary about friendship, acceptance, understanding and transition. It reveals so much not just about Ferrell and his long time friendship with Harper, but about America and our relationship to the trans community. Surprisingly vulnerable and deeply touching, “Will and Harper” is one of the best documentaries of the year. You will see Ferrell in a whole different light, but more important you will understand what it truly means to be an ally to those who need them more than ever. We simply aren’t doing enough even when we think we are, and we aren’t doing it right either. “Will and Harper” is as much a story of friendship as it is a lesson to us all in a country that would rather remove theme entirely. Vital, funny, and heartfelt, “Will and Harper” is for everyone whether you think it is or want it to be. An absolute must watch, on Netflix right now.
13. “It’s What’s Inside“
This one’s for me, guys. An unceremonious Netflix release, “It’s What’s Inside” is all vibes and made for me specifically. The worst people you know get together and do sci-fi shrooms and then have to reap the consequences of their actions. That’s the shortest synopsis of “It’s What’s Inside” that I can give without spoiling it, and what transpires is so funny and wild and vibrant will leave you confused at first, but rewarded once it all comes together. It’s a film that rewards you with multiple viewings and changes entirely once you know what you’re looking for. I love movies like that, and “It’s What’s Inside” does it better than most. It plays with its tropes and owns its absurdity, as well as lends itself to over the top archetypes for the cast to get weird with. I had a blast with “It’s What’s Inside,” the second viewing better than the first, and once again the Netflix machine swallows up bangers you didn’t know about. I’m doing the lord’s work to shed light on these gems.
12. “Challengers“
I actually wasn’t all that high on “Challengers” after my first viewing. Sure, I found it exciting, the cinematography excellent and the Renzor/Ross score another home run to add to their mantle. But I just wasnt’ buying what it was originally selling, and came away pretty mid on it. But then I fired up “Challengers” again as background noise, and found myself completely enthralled this time around. I didn’t even finish the tasks I had set the movie to, and ended up bumping my rating up a whole star and entering it into the best of canon. “Challengers” is propulsive, electric, sleazy, campy, sexy and so overtly homoerotic it might as well be a companion piece to “Queer.” It’s a film that gets better the more you learn and the more you recall some of its best scenes, constantly recontextualizing them and marveling as the terrific performances from the film’s three leads. All criticisms of “Challengers” are valid, but as you can tell my list has a lot of vibes picks on it, and this one is among the best for me.
11. “Sing Sing“
I wanted so much for “Sing Sing” to be higher, because it is truly one of the best films of the year. It is the only film on the list so far that, if given enough time to think about it, would probably end up in the top 10 somewhere. But I can only tamper with the list for so long before you just have to commit and let them stand where they are. That’s how good “Sing Sing” is, so don’t let the ranking deceive you. From here on out, we’re getting into the certified excellence in cinema, and this one ushers in a new level. “Sing Sing” is simply stunning, a grounded, deeply earnest story of the power of theater, hope, friendship and freedom told by the men who lived it. I really want this to be Coleman Domingo’s year, and I wish it wasn’t so crowded in the Best Actor category again or I would crown him right now. Same goes for Clarence Macklin for supporting actor, who’s relationship with Domingo in “Sing Sing” is one of the most touching you’ll see all year. I can’t compliment this film enough, and I’m rooting for it to go all the way to the top 10 of the Best Picture list. I know it’s hard to find, but “Sing Sing” is must see cinema so if it is playing near you, make the effort and seek it out.
10. “Conclave“
Maybe I’m just getting too adult for my own good, but this pulpy, elevated airport thriller schlock rules and I was all about it. “Conclave” bursts with craft and intrigue, delivering one of my favorite scores of the year and some of the most stunning red colored cinematography, too. It is rousing and constantly entertaining, powered by a stellar cast and a career best Ralph Fiennes. I’ve been calling “Conclave” Pretty Little Friars for months, and it definitely fits that moniker. I rewatched it recently just to make sure it wasn’t just festival excitement, and confirmed that it didn’t lose any steam or one ounce of entertainment value. I loved “Conclave,” and I think it deserves to usher in the top 10. Full review here.
9. “Hitman“
My mind year number 1 is still holding strong in the top 10, and my love for “Hitman” hasn’t waned despite being an uneventful Netflix release. It’s probably the film I’ve rewatched the most this year, largely due to it being classic sexy, smart, and funny comfort cinema. Glenn Powell and Adria Arjona have some of the most electric chemistry ever put on screen, and Linklater brings his biting wit and sharp writing to an otherwise silly and kind of unbelievable story. Powell is a leading man for sure and Arjona isn’t in enough stuff. “Hitman” is still one of my favorite films to be released this year, and it sports my favorite scene in all of 2024. I’ve seen it multiple times and it never once fails to be the most well crafted, staged and performed scene in cinema this year. IYKYK, and if you don’t, check out “Hitman” on Netflix right to educate yourself. It’s worth it and you won’t be disappointed. Full review here.
8. “Flow“
Simply put, “Flow” floored me. Maybe it’s because I’m a certified cat daddy that this film was so effective, or maybe it’s a combination of that and this dialogue free film being something truly special. There have been a number of strong animated outings this year, and many almost made the list. But none had the profound emotion effect on myself as “Flow” did, and I am forever changed from it. A profoundly creative fable that follows a cat on a perilous adventure joined by a collection of misfit animals, “Flow” smartly chooses to let the animation tell the story instead of bogging it down with celebrity voices. There is no dialogue in the film, and yet it says so much all the time through meticulous attention to real life animal behavior. I adored “Flow,” and I think it is one of the best animated films of the year. Full review here.
7. “The Substance“
I won’t bore you with another rehashed championing of one of my favorite films this year. “The Substance” rules and it was one of the best Midnight Madness experiences of TIFF to date. Coralie Farget knows exactly what she’s doing and what she wants to say, and brings to life a not so subtle tale of beauty standards and body horror that takes blood and guts to a whole new level. “The Substance” is not only powered by incredible lead performances by Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore, but is also so beautifully shot and framed it rivals some of the best cinematography of year. In a just world, “The Substance” would in the Oscar conversation for numerous categories, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Hair and Makeup, Best Production Design, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design and yes, Best Director. “The Substance” doesn’t need to win in all of these categories, but it’s high time we reward the horror genre and if we were ever going to do it, this is the right film to do it for. Full review here.
6. “A Real Pain“
It’s always nice to see a Sundance film make it all the way to the end of the year in the awards race, and “A Real Pain” is that film in 2024. Jessie Eisenberg delivers a vast improvement over every single facet of filmmaking in his second feature, and delivers a deeply funny, deeply emotional, deeply relevant film that hit me right in the feels at all the right times. Eisenberg gives us his best performance since “The Social Network” and Kieran Culkin is an explosive firecracker who’s as grating as he is charming. The bromance dynamic between cousins on this generational road trip is so beautifully captured, the balance of humor and heart is nearly perfectly balanced here. I adored “A Real Pain,” and you should definitely check it out when it becomes available on VOD Dec 31st. Full review here.
5. “No Other Land“
I try really hard not to add films on the list that no one can really see yet, but “No Other Land” is such a vital, important film I could not in good faith leave it unmentioned. One of the most harrowing, infuriating, arresting documentaries of the year, “No Other Land” will recontextualize everything you think you know about pertinent global events. I’m not going to delve too deep into political stances here – largely because it would be too long and would open up a whole different can of worms – but “No Other Land” stands a required viewing to even have a voice on the subject matter, period. It is so vulnerable and devastating, yet demonstrates the resilence of oppressed people and the constant discovery of hope and love found in displaced communities. You will be changed by “No Other Land,” and you will be moved to the point of action both great and small. Right now, my action is telling anyone who will listen to find a way to see “No Other Land.” It has no distributor yet because most of Hollywood are cowards, so you probably won’t be able to find it anywhere yet. But if you even hear whispers of being able to see it, demand that “No Other Land” become available to everyone.
4. “The Brutalist“
I finished watching “The Substance” for the first time at TIFF around 2am, and didn’t get back to room until about 2:30am. My alarm went off at 6am, because it was time to get up and line up for the 9am screening of “The Brutalist,” a 3 and half our historical drama. I legitimately thought that no amount of coffee in the world could keep me awake through such a daunting undertaking being that sleep deprived. “The Brutalist” proved me wrong in the first 5 minutes, and by the time intermission happened I didn’t even need the coffee. I was locked in and wholly invested, with no moment wasted and not a single second uninteresting. It was worth every hour missing from sleep, and remains of the best films of the year. Don’t let the runtime of “The Brutalist” hold you back. This is a film that uses every single minute to its benefit and never once feels its length. This is cinema in the truest form, and is more than worth the long time you’ll spend. Trust me, “The Brutalist” lives up to every ounce of hype. It doesn’t get better than this. Full review here.
3. “Red Rooms“
No list of mine would be complete without a criminally underrated hidden gem. “Red Rooms” absolutely knocked me out; one of the most unsettling, gripping court room drama/thrillers I’ve seen in years. A stunning, bleak, dark, expertly crafted enigma that completely obliterates our true crime obsession culture and shines a floodlight on our own exploitative ideals that come from that. “Red Rooms” has so much on its mind, so many critical aspects executed perfectly to keep you so enthralled in the narrative you don’t even realize it’s YOU the film is talking about. Juliette Gariépy is mesmerizing and unpredictable in the best of ways, shrouding her intentions and motivations without ever feeling like you don’t know her but always waiting on the edge of your seat to see what she does next. There is imagery in “Red Rooms” I will never forget, and it is a film that sends chills down your spine without ever delving into the blood and guts nature of its brutal violence. “Red Rooms” is pure dread from start to finish, never knowing what’s coming, constantly wanting to look away but never quite being about to do so because it has you in its grip and won’t let go. Seek this one out.
2. “Anora“
Surprising no one, Sean Baker’s magnum opus “Anora” lands in the number 2 spot. A rare film that lived up to every single expectation and then some. One of the most anticipated films of TIFF and the year, Baker has crafted a genuine crowd pleaser full of laughter and excitement. A sort of drug and sex fueled “Pretty Woman” for the modern age with a twist, “Anora” is just a shot of pure cinematic joy. An impeccable script paired with beautiful cinematography excellent performances all around, the film just oozes entertainment value that culminates in one of the poignant final shots of 2024. Mikey Madison is an absolute powerhouse, a true discovery for the ages and a star making performance that is sure to make a household name. She is fearless, but Mark Eidelstein matches her energy and their chemistry is undeniable as the story unfolds. I knew right away that “Anora” was something special, and its emotionally charged conclusion will live with me indefinitely. I’m all aboard the Madison train, where ever it takes us all next. Full review here.
1. “Nickel Boys“
There is simply nothing out there like “Nickel Boys,” and its place in cinematic history and visual experience plants it firmly in the number one spot. RaMell Ross reshapes visual storytelling and cinema immersion in real time, making this a moment where everything changes. Ross isn’t the first director to use first person POV and dream like sequences to tell a story, but paired with Jomo Fray’s unmatched cinematography and the confidence in his vision, they are first to do it like THIS and it feels like we are watching something that changes everything forever. “Nickel Boys” won’t be for everyone, and its perspective takes some time to get used and even then it is a challenging film that asks a lot of its audience. But film is suppose to challenge us, and if you’re up for it you will be rewarded with one of the most singular experiences of movie going in your lifetime. “Nickel Boys” is a once in a generation experiment who’s risk pays off, and I am completely changed having now experienced the vision. It’s the best film of the year in a year of a great films. Full review here.
A very quick list of films that almost made the cut: “Nosferatu,” “The Wild Robot,” “Thelma,” “All We Imagine as Light,” “Hundreds of Beavers,” “The Shadow Strays,” “Didi,” “The Contestant,” “A Different Man,” “The Fire Inside,” “Strange Darling,” “Twighlight of the Warrior: Walled In,” “The Devil’s Bath,” “Problemista,” and “Femme.”
