TOP 20 BEST FILMS OF 2024

Hi, everyone! Happy new year! It’s been a really long time since I last wrote on this blog. I know no one really reads this lol, but if you’re here, I’m genuinely happy to have you reading along.

Last year, I started writing an annual list of the best movies I watched. For 2024, I logged 257 films on my Letterboxd account—the exact same number as last year. That total includes rewatches, though, which I hadn’t logged since I first made my account. Out of those 257 movies, 32 were 2024 releases. To compare, that’s more than last year and, luckily, a lot better in terms of quality. Of course, I still ended up watching a few bad or disappointing films like Maxxxine and Trap. But without further delay, here are the 20 best 2024 releases I’ve seen.

Before we jump to number 20, let’s start with two honorable mentions:

• Grave Torture: This Indonesian horror film has a brilliant premise, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to my expectations. Still, I wouldn’t call it a bad film.
• Immaculate: Released close to The First Omen, this film admittedly pales in comparison. While it’s not very scary, it remains intriguing in its own right, featuring what might be Sydney Sweeney’s best horror performance of the year.

20. Speak No Evil | United States | Directed by James Watkins

A remake of the 2022 Danish horror phenomenon, Speak No Evil manages to keep the story compelling while adding a few unique touches. James McAvoy’s performance is a definite highlight. Even though I didn’t like the original, this remake stands out as one of the better modern horror remakes.

19. In A Violent Nature | Canada | Directed by Chris Nash

It’s always fascinating to see a slasher told from the killer’s perspective. While this isn’t entirely original, it still captured my interest—and I ended up enjoying it a lot. That said, its slow pacing might not appeal to everyone. For me, this is one of the best slasher films with this concept, alongside Maniac (2012).

18. Strange Darling | United States | Directed by JT Mollner

At first glance, this seemed like a typical thriller, and I expected nothing more than some tense moments. But halfway through, the film delivered a unique twist that made it not only more intense but downright insane. The two leads also have excellent chemistry, elevating the cat-and-mouse sequences.

17. A Quiet Place: Day One | United States | Directed by Michael Sarnoski

To be honest, this film doesn’t bring anything new to the table. If it hadn’t been made, it wouldn’t have impacted the franchise much. Still, I enjoyed watching it. Once again, Lupita Nyong’o delivers a solid performance, bringing life to the film. But let’s be real—the real star is Frodo, the adorable cat played by Nico and Schnitzel. Admit it: you’d care more about Frodo than Lupita, wouldn’t you?

16. Abigail | United States | Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett

The humor in this film didn’t work for me at all. Compared to the modern Scream duology, this didn’t feel like it was directed by the same duo. But let’s set that aside—this was still a fun ride, especially toward the chaotic final act.

15. Longlegs | United States | Directed by Osgood Perkins

While the slow pacing wasn’t my favorite, this film delivers solid horror with a strong mystery element. Nicolas Cage steals the show, making the opening scene shockingly creepy as his face suddenly appears just before the title card. I actually jumped.

14. Smile 2 | United States | Directed by Parker Finn

Who would’ve thought the sequel would surpass the original? Across the board—from acting to technical aspects—everything feels like an upgrade. And yes, it’s scarier too, though the first film’s final act still haunts me more.

13. The Wild Robot | United States | Directed by Chris Sanders

DreamWorks shouldn’t be underestimated by Disney. The Wild Robot proves that DreamWorks is a force to be reckoned with in modern animation. While I didn’t find it as exceptional as many others did, I appreciated its warmth. A strong contender for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards.

12. Twisters | United States | Directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Wow, this was such a fun watch. The story doesn’t stray far from the original, but I thoroughly enjoyed every tense sequence. It’s the perfect summer movie.

11. The First Omen | United States | Directed by Arkasha Stevenson

The Omen (1976) remains one of the few horror films that genuinely scared me. While I wasn’t terrified by this prequel, it exceeded my expectations with strong storytelling and disturbing imagery—especially that childbirth scene. Nell Tiger Free’s unhinged performance, particularly during the possession scene, is unforgettable.

10. The Shadow Strays | Indonesia | Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

It’s hard to surpass the insanity of The Raid duology, a brutal yet captivating martial arts series that left a mark internationally. The Shadow Strays doesn’t quite reach that level, but it still proudly adds to Indonesia’s lineup of impressive action films. I thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling brutality of its action sequences. Forget the logic of the story, and you’ll find yourself having a great time.

9. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies | Thailand | Directed by Pat Boonnitipat

Thailand should be proud of this film for becoming the country’s first-ever entry to make the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature Film. And honestly, I’m not surprised. This is a well-crafted drama where I felt warmth throughout its story. It didn’t move me to tears, but I could genuinely feel the sadness, especially in the ending. A beautiful film.

8. Dune: Part Two | United States | Directed by Denis Villeneuve

This sequel expands the story to a grander, more epic, and busier scale. I could still feel the cinematic experience, even though I didn’t watch it in theaters. However, compared to Dune (2021), I preferred the first film because this one felt slower to me. Even so, it’s undeniably one of the best films of the year.

7. Inside Out 2 | United States | Directed by Kelsey Mann

No sequel could ever surpass the brilliance of Inside Out (2015)—not even other Pixar films. That said, this is still a good follow-up to an animated masterpiece. The themes feel more personal and slightly more mature, leaving many viewers reflecting on their lives. The only downside is that it lacks the same imaginative spark and storytelling impact as the original. Still, it’s a solid movie.

6. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga | United States | Directed by George Miller

It’s heartbreaking to see this film flop at the box office. If I had lived closer to a theater, I would’ve watched it there. Furiosa is just as fun as Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). The intensity remains intact, and its action sequences are explosive. The only thing missing is the spark that made the previous film extraordinary. If it had that, this might’ve landed in my top three.

5. Anora | United States | Directed by Sean Baker

This Palme d’Or winner felt boring at first, but my opinion took a complete 180-degree turn once the story hit its core. The film is utterly chaotic—in the best way possible. I loved how raw and messy it felt. Mikey Madison was the perfect choice to play Anora, and I sincerely hope she wins an Oscar. And this time, she’s not on fire lol.

4. Harlot’s Prayer | Indonesia | Directed by Hanung Bramantyo

Upon release, this film sparked major controversy. In my opinion, the backlash came from people who felt personally attacked by its message. The film boldly exposes the hypocrisy, chaos, and corruption of important figures in Indonesia. Aghniny Haque’s performance is outstanding, showcasing a seamless transition from an innocent character to a bitchy one. Indonesia needs more films like this—ones that slap us with reality.

3. Alien: Romulus | United States | Directed by Fede Álvarez

This film successfully brings the legendary Alien franchise back to its horror roots. After several entries that shifted from horror to action, Alien: Romulus delivers the terror I felt when watching the original. While Alien (1979) leans toward atmospheric horror, this film blends action with horror as its driving force. I loved Álvarez’s creative sequences and that terrifying final act. Absolutely insane.

2. Civil War | United States | Directed by Alex Garland

After watching 172 Days (2023) last year as my first-ever theater experience, I went back to the cinema in late April 2024—and it was for this film. The experience was incredibly satisfying. I jumped out of my seat multiple times, thanks to its deafening, hyper-realistic sound design. Though not a horror film, it gave me some of the most chilling depictions of civil war. That dead body pit sequence? Easily one of the most nerve-wracking scenes I’ve ever watched. So glad I caught this in theaters.

1. The Substance | France, United Kingdom, United States | Directed by Coralie Fargeat

Body horror isn’t exactly my favorite genre, but I don’t actively avoid it either. The Substance might just become a prime example of how body horror should be done. Its satirical message is brilliantly delivered, criticizing society’s obsession with perfection. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley form a killer duo, giving what I think are the best performances in horror last year. Does this mean I should finally watch another body horror, such as The Fly (1986)? Maybe it’s time to give it a shot.

There are still many 2024 releases I haven’t watched yet, whether due to a lack of time or simply not being interested. Wicked, Blink Twice, and Flow are a few promising films I haven’t gotten to. Thank you for reading this! I hope you’ll keep coming back to my blog. Bye, everyone!