The close of the year is time to reflect on the best movies of 2024- the most original, most audacious, most thoroughly entertaining. Read on below for the best of the year, and catch up on previous years: the best movies of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Dune 2: Seeing this epic sequel in a big, packed theater in March, with that soaring score by Hans Zimmer and stunning visuals (and getting the promotional glass seen above) was a thrill. It’s the rare movie that becomes an experience. Dune 2 immerses you in a world of intergalactic intrigue; it’s the rare sequel that may surpass the original. Not made to simply make the studio richer, it furthers the story of Paul Atreides and Arrakis. The 2+ hour run time? It flies by.
Thelma: Older people are rarely seen in the movies beyond supporting roles as loving grandparent. Thelma is that rarest thing, an edge-of-your-seat thriller with a nonagenarian protagonist played by June Squibb. Thelma is determined to seek revenge against a scammer. Like any well-told story about revenge-seeking good guys against bad guys, Thelma is ably supported by a ragtag band of friends, along with her loyal grandson. This one is entertaining and a breath of fresh air.
Hitman: Glen Powell plays multiple hitmen in this comedy/action movie/sex romp. In addition to the many hitmen he portrays in his work as a freelance law enforcement officer ensnaring wannabe criminals, Powell also plays the protagonist, an ordinary community college professor who relished playing the role of a dashing hitman. He looks like he’s having a lot of fun, and it shows.
Woman of the Hour: If Woman of the Hour looks and feels a lot like Zodiac, it’s because of the expert hand of first-time director Anna Kendrick. She also stars in this feminist take on the incredible true story of the serial killer who evaded authorities long enough to appear as a contestant on “The Dating Game”. Kendrick takes the fear women feel walking to their car late at night and amps it up for the duration of this terrific, well-acted thriller. I hope to see more movies directed by her.
The Substance: I had to watch this one at home, with all the lights on, because the term “body horror” creeped me out. I’m squeamish. But although The Substance is absolutely horrifying at times, it’s worth it. What a bold vision from Coralie Fargeat. Visually stunning (it really feels like a Benny Benassi music video), it’s a fierce statement about aging, youth, and the importance of both in Hollywood, but also to women everywhere. What would you do to regain lost youth? Demi Moore shows us to devastating effect.
Dishonorable mention to Gladiator II, which, unlike Dune: II, proves that some sequels only exist as cash grabs by the studios. If it has nothing to say, why make it? Denzel Washington was the only saving grace.
The Lebanexican 
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