As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear we’ve been spoiled with some incredible films. From the windswept dunes of Arrakis in Dune: Part Two to The Substance’s lumpy, bumpy Monstro Elisa-Sue, this year’s most memorable films were the ones that weren’t afraid to push the envelope and stretch the boundaries of genre. Whether it was through jaw-dropping visuals, complex narratives, or groundbreaking performances (we’re looking at you Mikey Madison), 2024’s cinematic landscape was defined by fearless creativity. Here, the films we loved most this year.
‘Anora’
The Oscar-nominated comedy-slash-romance was directed by Sean Baker. Starring Mikey Madison as the titular Anora (Ani), an exotic dancer who gets betrothed to the son of a billionaire Russian oligarch, the film won Cannes’ 2024 Palme d’Or.
‘Thank You For Banking With Us’
Directed by Palestinian filmmaker Laila Abbas, this drama tells the story of two sisters who must put their differences aside and join forces against Sharia law after their father passed away, leaving behind a large sum of money. The hour-and-a-half-long film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, and also screened at the El Gouna, AFI Fest, Thessaloniki and Golden Rooster film festivals.
‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s searing drama won a Special Prize from the jury and three other awards on its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Shot entirely in secret, the slow-burning movie garnered acclaim for its bravery in tackling themes of political oppression.
‘The Substance’
Our list couldn’t be complete without The Substance, the satirical body horror film directed, co-edited, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat. Starring Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a washed-up Hollywood star, and Margaret Qualley as Sue, her younger and hotter alter, the film is equal parts brilliant and bonkers.
‘Dune: Part Two’
Dune: Part Two continues the epic saga of Paul Atreides as he joins forces with the Fremen to avenge the betrayal against his family. With intricately crafted set designs and a compelling use of light and shadow, director Denis Villeneuve creates a sci-fi epic that is both grand in scale and intimate in its portrayal of Paul Atreides’ transformative journey.
‘Ghost Trail’
Based on a true story, filmmaker Jonathan Millet’s feature-length debut centers on Hamid (Adam Bessa), a Syrian refugee-turned-spy who comes face-to-face with his former torturer in a riveting narrative of suspense and redemption. The film won the Louis Delluc Prize in the Best First Film category.
‘Challengers’
Set against the high-stakes world of competitive tennis, the Luca Guadagnino-directed film stars Zendaya as Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, who finds herself in a complex emotional triangle when her husband and his greatest rival face off in a crucial match.
‘From Ground Zero’
Palestine’s Oscar’s entry is an urgent cinematic work that aims to capture the lived realities of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Led by renowned Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, the film is a collection of 22 short films, each created by a Gazan filmmaker. It has been shortlisted for an Academy Award in the International Feature Film category.
