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My Top 10 Films of 2024
- Mohnish Rajakumaran
- Dec 19, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the movies that defined the year for me. According to my Letterboxd account, I watched a hundred and ten films—which isn't the most, but it has given me a strong sense of what this year had to offer. While there wasn't a wealth of films that came out this year that we'd call classics, there was, however, an undeniably rich, diverse and ambitious list of films I saw. From reliving classics, contemplative dramas and thrilling blockbusters, 2024 delivered a wide range of experiences that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
10. The Substance - Directed by Coralie Fargeat
Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance was an electrifying mix of body horror, provocative imagery, and thematic depth. It tells the story of an ageing star who consumes a mysterious substance that creates a younger, more beautiful version of herself. While this film did not make its way to cinemas where I'm from, watching this in the comfort of my home was an unsettling experience; my reactions were more audible than I'd like to admit, amplifying this film's already no-holds-barred approach. But beyond the visceral viewing experience, The Substance is a poignant, unsettling exploration of societal beauty standards, the fear of ageing, and the lengths to which people will go to preserve youth and their own ideal self-image. It’s daring, it’s audacious and definitely unforgettable.
9. Juror #2 - Directed by Clint Eastwood
At 94, Clint Eastwood is not slowing down, bringing us Juror #2, a tightly-written legal thriller that doubles as a meditation on the nature of morality and conscience. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of a juror grappling with his conscience after realizing his own actions might have been related to the crime in question is a masterfully executed vision that deserves to be seen on the big screen. The film’s restrained pacing, moral ambiguity and brilliantly visceral performances feel like Clint Eastwood bringing us back to the heyday of legal dramas, proving that even in his twilight years, he remains as sharp as ever and an example to storytellers everywhere.
8. To Mom, With Love - Directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi
Hashiguchi’s To Mom, With Love, is an understated yet deeply moving portrait of family, regret, and reconciliation. I got the opportunity to watch this on the big screen at the Japanese Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur this year and that cinematic communal experience was exactly how you should watch this film. It follows a young man’s journey back to his estranged mother’s home in the countryside, this Japanese drama is filled with quiet moments of heartbreak and healing. Its tender exploration of love and forgiveness resonated with me on a deeply personal level, making it one of the most emotionally impactful films of the year.
7. We Live in Time - Directed by John Crowley
This romantic drama, starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, is a bittersweet tale of love, loss, and the passage of time. Crowley’s delicate direction and the beautiful chemistry between his leading actors make We Live in Time a hauntingly emotional experience. Its exploration of those fleeting moments and the fragility of human connection felt like a deep dive into a sea of emotions that I definitely was not prepared for.
6. Deadpool & Wolverine - Directed by Shawn Levy
How do you top two films that were these hilariously bloody R-rated affairs that also happened to be box-office hits? Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine strikes a perfect balance between irreverent humour and heartfelt character moments despite their integration into the MCU. If nothing else it is precisely that integration that this film draws on for its wildly humorous moments. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s chemistry is electric, and the meta-humour is the sharpest it's ever been. Yet, the film’s deeper exploration of legacy and friendship is what truly elevates it above the typical superhero flick.
5. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies - Directed by Pat Boonnitipat
Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a profoundly moving exploration of family dynamics, grief, and the unexpected ways love manifests. Though it begins with a satirical edge, the film gradually reveals its emotional core, unravelling a bittersweet narrative that captures the tension between material desires and heartfelt connections. Its inventive storytelling and emotionally charged moments made it one of the most emotionally resonant films that I've seen in the cinema, leaving an indelible mark on my memory and making me tear up more than I'll ever admit.
4. Challengers - Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers is a sexually and emotionally charged drama set against the backdrop of the competitive tennis world. Zendaya’s commanding and magnetic performance as a former prodigy navigating love and ambition anchors the film, while Luca Guadagnino’s beautifully choreographed visuals and intimate storytelling make every scene feel alive with passion and tension. It’s a film that’s as much about the intensity of human relationships as it is about tennis.
3. Conclave - Directed by Edward Berger
Conclave is a masterfully crafted drama/thriller bringing a fusion of philosophical reflection coupled with a gripping mystery. Edward Berger’s direction brings a restrained elegance to this story of intrigue within the Vatican, as cardinals gather to elect a new pope. Ralph Fiennes is a revelation, pardon the pun in a film with a stacked ensemble of dramatic actors that would make any drama fiend drool with envy and anticipation. The film’s themes of fate and power are handled with intelligence and nuance, making it one of the most thought-provoking and tense films I have seen this year.
2. Civil War - Directed by Alex Garland
At the beginning of the year, I made a video essay on Alex Garland’s Civil War and how it might be 2024's best film. The film still feels relevant, visceral, and amazing to watch. Civil War is an ambitious and unsettling vision of a fractured future. Blending dystopian elements with those of reality and what may or may not be a possible future, Alex Garland is perhaps one of the boldest directors working today and has crafted a film that’s as visually striking as it is emotionally powerful. It’s a bold and uncompromising vision that will linger for as long as it needs to.
1. Dune: Part Two - Directed by Denis Villeneuve
I remember a conversation I had with a friend after we watched Dune Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve early this year. We talked about how it was the best film so far in 2024 but little did we know how well it would stand the test of time. Picking up where the first film left off, Dune: Part Two delivers a sweeping conclusion to Frank Herbert’s epic tale from the original novel. From its breathtaking visuals to Hans Zimmer’s momentous score, every element of Dune: Part Two is a meticulously crafted masterpiece. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya shine in their roles alongside the rest of the amazing ensemble, and Denis Villeneuve’s ability to balance intimate character moments with epic spectacle cements his status as one of the greatest filmmakers working today. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience.
A small caveat, I am still horribly undecided on my number 1 pick.
Honorable Mentions
While these ten films stood out the most, 2024 was filled with other noteworthy works that deserve recognition.
M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap is a masterclass in tension and narrative twists, reminding us why he is who he is in the world of psychological thrillers.
Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus has doubtlessly reinvigorated the iconic sci-fi horror franchise with a fresh, terrifying vision that pays homage to its roots while carving out its own identity.
Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters delivered both a heart-pounding spectacle and a surprisingly heartfelt narrative, proving that disaster films still have a place in cinema despite the universe-ending catastrophes now dominating the box office.
George Miller’s Furiosa expanded the Mad Max universe with even more breathtaking action sequences and a compelling, high-octane origin story for its titular character, solidifying Miller’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Dev Patel’s Monkey Man marked an exciting directorial debut. It blended action, social commentary, and a unique cultural perspective into a singular action-packed cinematic package that I had the best time experiencing.
Last but not least, Francis Ford Coppola’s long-awaited Megalopolis despite the conversations around it was a sprawling, ambitious epic made in a refreshing way that tackled themes of ambition, utopia, and human frailty. To me personally, it was a challenge to watch especially in a cinema where there is no place to stop or take a breather in between this tough, unyielding, acid trip of a film. Megalopolis was a testament to Coppola’s enduring passion and creative bravado and a film that currently does not sit in the masterpiece category but it will remain to be seen if it becomes a cult classic or fades away.
Conclusion
You will no doubt note some films are missing from my list like Anora or Queer and the reason is simply that I haven't seen them yet as they're not available digitally just yet. But 2024 was a year of cinematic diversity and nostalgia.
The films I watched this year reminded me of the power of storytelling to entertain, provoke, and inspire. 2024 also taught me that films being re-made are making a comeback in a way that may just be detrimental to Hollywood in the long run as it just makes it that much easier to miss the diamonds in the rough and to give newer names a chance to break through.
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