Happy weekend, everyone! It’s been FlixChatter’s tradition for the past decade to post my top 10 list in mid-late January. It allows some time for me to catch up with FYC screeners and others I haven’t gotten around to seeing in December, especially since I was traveling around Christmas. I’m always glad I did because one of them did end up making my 10-best list (you gotta read below to see which one that is).

Naturally, everyone’s list is personal to them. For me, a film has to leave a lasting mark, blending entertainment with creativity, emotional depth, and something really thought-provoking. Replayability is a factor I take into consideration as well, though I don’t necessarily want to rewatch every single film on my list. So here we go:

TOP 10 FILMS of 2024

(in reverse numeric order)

10. Sing Sing (Full Review)

Director: Greg Kwedar

One of the most redeeming films of the year that shines thanks to Greg Kwedar’s sensitive direction. He really nails the balance between the theatrical flair of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts production and the struggles of the characters, brought to life by Colman Domingo, Clarence Macklin (a former inmate who’s an RTA alum), and Paul Raci, among others.

While the subject matter might seem a bit heavy, Sing Sing is actually a heartwarming film that showcases the beauty of friendship in the most surprising places. It totally shifted my perspective on prison, and it’s so uplifting to see that healing and redemption are possible, even in such a tough setting. It’s amazing to witness how art and creativity serve as a powerful outlet for these guys, giving them a chance to express themselves and work together.

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9. Juror #2 (Full Review)

Director: Clint Eastwood

After spending decades in the biz, Clint Eastwood is still going strong at 94! He has a knack for bringing incredible true stories to life, and the plot of Jurors #2 feels like it could be from a John Grisham book, but it’s actually an original screenplay by Jonathan Abrams.

Nicholas Hoult continues to impress as one of the most versatile yet underrated actors of his generation. Even with his good looks, the 34-year-old Brit has steered clear of just being just the pretty face. Plus, I’m a big fan of Toni Collette’s casting—she’s fantastic in everything she does. I really hope Eastwood has a couple more films in him, but if this turns out to be his final project, he’ll definitely go out on a high note.

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8. A Real Pain (Full Review)

Director: Jesse Eisenberg

Creating a buddy comedy about the Holocaust is a pretty audacious idea, but Jesse Eisenberg nailed it with A Real Pain. He managed to make a film that’s both heartwarming and funny, so it’s not at all painful to watch. Eisenberg cleverly avoids the heavy vibe by embracing those awkward moments.

Kieran Culkin is definitely the standout here, taking on a more eye-catching role and absolutely killing it as a tragic character. Eisenberg holds his own too, but since he often plays anxious roles, it doesn’t feel like a big stretch for him. This film is engaging, touching, hilarious, and surprisingly layered with real empathy.

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7. Wicked (Full Review)

Director: Jon M. Chu

If you had told me a year ago that Wicked would end up on my best-of-the-year list, I’d tell you flat out you’re off your knockers. I haven’t seen the Broadway show, and I just watched The Wizard of Oz (1939) for the first time to get ready for this film, so I wasn’t really caught up in the Wicked hype and didn’t even know this was just Part I. But honestly, I was really impressed by how much fun this movie is, which speaks volumes about Jon M. Chu‘s amazing direction and the stellar performances from the cast.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande absolutely nail their roles; I can’t picture anyone else in those parts. Their chemistry, both on and off-screen, is just lovely to watch. Jonathan Bailey also shines with his show-stopping performance of Dancing Through Life.

All in all, this movie lives up to the buzz, and I can totally see myself watching it again on streaming, so it definitely deserves a place in my top 10!

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6. I’m Still Here (full review)

Director: Walter Sales

This film has become a huge hit in Brazil, and I’m really happy to see it gaining recognition worldwide. Waiting to finalize my top 10 list was worth it because this movie definitely deserves a spot among the best of the year.

This story could have easily gone down the path of a military thriller, but director Walter Salles really focuses on the emotional journey and profound loss experienced by a grieving family. I love that he steers clear of showing the graphic details of Rubens’ death. The standout element of this film is definitely Fernanda Torres’s quietly powerful portrayal of the family matriarch. Eunice is one of the most uplifting characters I’ve come across on screen this year. Her resilience is truly remarkable; despite facing unimaginable pain, she gets up every day and keeps pushing forward. It’s an apologetically feminist film that perfectly embodies the ‘show don’t tell’ principle without coming off as preachy.

* full review coming soon

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5. Flow

Director: Gints Zilbalodis

Ah, the little animated movie that could!! I’m really blown away by what Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis and his crew have pulled off with just $4 million! That’s a tiny budget compared to most animated films in Hollywood. I was immediately charmed by the cute gray cat and totally engaged in its survival adventure. It’s a straightforward tale with no dialogue, yet it’s told beautifully in just 85 minutes—such a refreshing change of pace.

The 3D animation is bursting with vibrant textures, and some of the visuals are so stunning that I’d love to hang them on my wall. The detail and the magical underwater scenes are amazing, but it’s the gripping story that really sets this apart from typical kids’ animations. I really hope it hits streaming platforms soon so I can watch it again!

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4. Nickel Boys (Full Review)

Director: RaMell Ross

Nickel Boys offers a movie experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It’s quite a feat since it’s RaMell Ross‘ first feature film. The narrative dives deep into the harsh realities faced by Elwood Curtis and other black students at the Nickel Academy reform school. What I really appreciate is how Ross doesn’t dwell too much on the suffering of the characters; instead, he allows us to empathize and imagine what it’s like to walk in their shoes.

Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson did an amazing job as the two main characters, but Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor really shines as Elwood’s grandmother, making a strong impact even with her limited screen time.

The film’s bold choice to use a first-person perspective might not be for everyone, but I believe taking that risk pays off. It’s one of the most powerful and immersive films I’ve seen this year, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

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3. Dune Part Two (Full Review)

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Since this is a continuation of the first film rather than a traditional sequel, I was pretty confident I’d get the same epic filmmaking and immersive experience as Part One, and thankfully, Denis Villeneuve delivered on that promise. I praised Villeneuve for the pacing of the first film, and he nailed it again with Part Two.

He had mentioned that this installment would be more action-packed, and he definitely came through—there are plenty of fight scenes, shoot-outs, aerial attacks, and explosions to keep action lovers happy. It’s a true masterclass in worldbuilding, with every detail carefully designed to pull us into its rich mythology. I know it’s a bit of a cliché to call a movie epic or vast, but with DUNE, it’s absolutely true.

The three-year wait for the 2024 sci-fi cinematic event is totally worth it.

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2. Conclave (Full Review)

Director: Edward Berger

Director Edward Berger and screenwriter Peter Straughan took Robert Harris’ popular novel about an age-old Catholic ritual of electing a new Pope at the Vatican into something truly captivating.

Having a trio of Oscar nominees like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow definitely adds to the film’s appeal. Even the supporting cast, notably Isabella Rossellini and Carlos Diehz, leave a mark despite their limited screen time.

The film exudes a sense of grandeur and luxury, showcasing exceptional production design, costumes, sound, and music. I love the gorgeous cinematography by Stephane Fontaine, especially those dramatic wide shots. Hats off to Berger for transforming what could have been a dull, dialogue-heavy tradition set in one location into an engaging and immersive experience. Who would have thought a story about a papal election could be this exciting?

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1. The Brutalist (Full Review)

Director: Brady Corbet

Here’s a film that sort of sneaked up on me as I hadn’t heard about it until it became one of the most buzzed-about titles of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. Split into two chapters with a 15-minute intermission in between, The Brutalist stands out as a unique experience this year. Starting off in a pretty tight space inside a ship heading to America, director Brady Corbet keeps me hooked for the entire three-and-a-half hours.

Corbet’s high aspirations definitely match those of his protagonist László Tóth, creating a unique film experience packed with a strong storyline, captivating performances, and striking visuals. The production design is absolutely incredible, I was in awe of the state of the art library shown in the first act. It’s impressive what Corbet and his team managed to pull off with a budget of just $10 million. I was floored when I read that afterwards as the film certainly look more expensive than that. They also assembled a great cast. Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce give their career-best performances that I think are all Oscar-worthy.

The Brutalist absolutely lives up to its name in every way. Corbet pays a stunning tribute to brutalist architecture while also shedding light on the tough experiences of Jewish immigrants after WWII. The term ‘epic’ gets thrown around a lot, but calling this one the cinematic epic of the year feels totally justified.

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20 Honorable Mentions

(in alphabetical order)

There’s no ‘science’ in picking the Best List… mostly just gut instinct and personal preference. I’m expanding the number of honorable mentions to 20 instead of my usual 15. I really enjoy these 20 films, and a few of these (The Order, September 5) were thisclose to making it to my top 10 list.

1. A Complete Unknown
2. A Different Man
3. All We Imagine As Light*
4. Blink (documentary)*
5. Fall Guy
6. Ghostlight*
7. Inside Out 2
8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
9. Laapaata Ladies*
10. La Cocina
11. Music By John Williams
12. My Old Ass*
13. Rebel Ridge
14. September 5
15. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
16. Thelma
17. The Order
18. The Piano Lesson
19. The Wild Robot
20. Widow Cliquot

The films marked with * (asterisk) are directed by women – check out my top 10 list of female-directed films as part of the #52FilmsByWomen challenge.

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What do you think about my 2024 Top 10 list? Are any of your favorites on the list?
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