The festive season is a time for family, fun, and fantastic films. As 2024 comes to an end, there’s no better way to celebrate than by indulging in some of the top movies of the year, alongside a sprinkle of all-time festive classics.
In this article, we dive into 2024’s cinematic gems and a selection of beloved holiday favorites for a perfect movie marathon.
Top movies of 2024
Anora
Directed by Sean Baker, “Anora” is a gritty and compelling narrative that dives into the world of a young sex worker from Brooklyn.
When Anora marries the son of a powerful oligarch, she imagines herself living a Cinderella-like fairytale.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this seemingly perfect life is threatened when his family intervenes, determined to annul the marriage.
The film touches on themes of power, class, and the elusive nature of happiness. Baker’s characteristic focus on marginalized communities brings depth to the tale, making it a gripping and thought-provoking experience.
His Three Daughters
“His Three Daughters” brings together an impressive cast featuring Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen.
This poignant drama focuses on three sisters who, despite their estranged relationships, come together to care for their ailing father in his final days.
Set primarily in a New York apartment, the movie delicately explores how aging parents can complicate sibling dynamics, creating opportunities for both reconciliation and renewed conflict.
The film navigates family tensions, personal struggles, and the bittersweet nature of family bonds. It’s an emotionally rich portrayal of how loss and shared history can affect the way we relate to each other.
The Brutalist
Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe, “The Brutalist” is an expansive and visually striking film that centers on an architect, portrayed by Adrien Brody, who is grappling with the aftermath of the Holocaust while trying to establish his career in a rapidly modernizing United States.
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The film explores the complex intersection of personal ambition and the sweeping changes in architecture, identity, and culture during the 1940s.
With a running time of over three hours, it promises to be a meditative exploration of art, loss, and legacy.
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” continues the saga of Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny within the harsh desert world of Arrakis.
This sequel to the first part delves deeper into the moral complexities of power, survival, and revenge, as Paul unites with the Fremen to seek justice for the destruction of his family.
The film’s stunning visuals, massive desert battles, and the looming threat of the gigantic sandworms are set to deliver another cinematic masterpiece.
With an all-star cast and a compelling storyline, it remains one of the most highly anticipated films of the year 2024.
The Fall Guy
In this action-packed comedy, Ryan Gosling plays a stuntman who is tasked with tracking down a missing movie star.
The film blends elements of action and romance as the stuntman navigates the dangerous world of Hollywood while also trying to resolve his complicated relationship with his ex, played by Emily Blunt.
The movie promises a mix of adrenaline-pumping action sequences, humor, and a touch of heartfelt moments, offering a fun and dynamic experience for audiences looking for both thrills and laughs.
Wicked
“Wicked,” based on the beloved Broadway musical, tells the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman with green skin, and Galinda, the popular and bubbly girl.
Their friendship unfolds at Shiz University in the magical Land of Oz, set against the backdrop of the iconic “Wizard of Oz” universe.
This film adaptation explores the roots of the characters and their evolving relationship, setting the stage for a deep examination of friendship, power, and identity.
The film’s fantastical setting and powerful performances promise a captivating experience for fans of the musical and newcomers alike, making it feature in the list of top movies of 2024.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
“Furiosa,” the prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” explores the origins of the fierce and rebellious Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the film charts her journey before meeting Mad Max and taking on the dangerous world of the War Boys.
With Chris Hemsworth playing the villainous Dementus, the movie promises to expand the brutal universe first introduced in “Fury Road.”
While the film is packed with high-octane action and intense world-building, it also presents a deeper exploration of survival, power, and betrayal in a harsh dystopian landscape.
The Substance
In “The Substance,” Demi Moore stars as a faded starlet who, in a desperate attempt to reclaim her youth, takes a mysterious black-market serum.
The serum creates a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley, but things take a sinister turn when the younger version begins to defy the potion’s rules, leading to chaos.
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Coralie Fargeat’s direction combines body horror with deep societal commentary, exploring themes of vanity, the objectification of women, and the pressures of Hollywood.
The film is unsettling yet engaging, with shocking moments of body transformation and gory sequences that highlight the dangerous pursuit of perfection.
Additional Top Movies for 2024
To round up your viewing list, here are more fantastic films released this year that are perfect for the festive season:
The Wild Robot, A Real Pain, Conclave, A Different Man, The Outrun, Nosferatu, Love Lies Bleeding, and I Saw the TV Glow.
All-Time Christmas and New Year Classics
Also, these additional recommendations alongside the list of top movies of 2024 ensure there’s something for everyone, from festive laughs to stirring dramas and breathtaking animations.
Baby’s Day Out (1994), Home Alone (1990), The Polar Express (2004), Love Actually (2003), Elf (2003), The Santa Clause (1994), Jingle All the Way (1996), and Love Actually (2003).
Others include The Holiday (2006), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), The Polar Express (2004), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and Frozen (2013).
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