As 2024 comes to an end, so does its amazing selection of movies. Some of the most anticipated movies were produced this year, but did they all live up to their name? From singing witch roommates to a children’s movie about the inner workings of a teenage girl’s brain, 2024 had very different genres of movies. I think some on the following list could have been adjusted but that’s just my opinion. The highest-grossing films this year according to Boxofficemojo.com were…
- Inside Out 2
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Despicable Me 4
- Moana 2
- Dune: Part Two
- Wicked
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
- Kung Fu Panda 4
- Venom: The Last Dance
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
After watching all the following movies and many others, I created my list. Here are my top 10 movies of 2024
- Mufasa: The Lion King
Directed by Barry Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King is and musical/adventure backstory to its original, The Lion King. The movie came out recently, December 20th, but is still one of the best movies made this year. It follows a young Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, through his childhood years and how he became the king he was. It also had an amazing soundtrack written by Lin-Manuel Miranda who is famous for his other soundtracks in Hamilton, In The Heights, and Encanto. As of now, this movie is out in theaters and I would recommend this nostalgic movie to anyone.
- The Stranger: Chapter 1
This prequel, directed by Renny Harlin, is a slasher film that is sure to get everyone on the edge of their seats. When a young couple’s car breaks down in the middle of a small town far from civilization, they decide to rent a house to stay in for the night. Similar to its other movies, 3 knocks come to the door. We follow the couple as they try to save their own lives in this house in the middle of the woods. If you would like to learn more about this movie read The Oakmonitor article “Movie Review: The Strangers: Chapter 1.”
- A Quiet Place: Day One
Also a prequel, A Quiet Place: Day One is a Horror/Sci-fi about the origins of the first movie. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, this movie is set in New York City when the world went quiet. As the alien creatures landed people quickly realized staying silent was the only way to survive. We follow a few unlike people and their cat as they travel through this new mute society.
- Despicable Me 4
Despicable Me 4, directed by Chris Renaud, once again follows its character Gru, as he is put in another hilarious situation. This time we follow Gru as he tries to bond with his newborn son who torments him. Gru’s family ends up needing to live in secret because of the recent escape of Maxime Le Mal. This Family/Comedy is fun to watch and was a really good addition to the series.
- Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2, directed by Kelsey Mann, was the highest-grossing film this year. We follow the familiar character Riley as she experiences life as a teenager. Inside Riley’s brain we are introduced to four new emotions, Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. This movie was good but I don’t believe that it should have gotten the number 1 spot. There were some funny and relatable moments but it wasn’t my favorite this year.
- Longlegs
One of the best and most unexpected movies of the year was Longlegs. This Horror/Crime movie, directed by Oz Perkins, will frighten you to the highest extent. As an avid horror movie watcher, I definitely felt uneasy about this one for the next couple of days. The film follows an FBI agent named Lee Harper as she attempts to solve unsolved murders done by a serial killer. During her investigation, she discovers a connection to the occult and a personal connection. This movie didn’t need cheap jumpscares like most current-day horror movies do, the vibes of the movie itself will leave you terrified.
- Dune: Part Two
In this fantastic Sci-fi/Adventure, directed by Denis Villeneuve, we follow Paul Atreides as he unites with Fremen to seek revenge on the people who ruined his family. Its amazing cast includes Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. This out-of-this-world movie lived up to its original and is a great watch for any Sci-fi fan.
- Twisters
This sequel, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, follows Kate Cooper as she returns to chasing tornadoes after years of keeping her distance after a traumatic event. Along the way, she encounters a group of reckless social media stars who are also chasing tornados for their personal pleasure. This movie provoked emotion and laughs throughout the audience and did its original justice.
- Wicked
When I looked up the highest-grossing movies of 2024, I was fully expecting this movie at the top. Seeing this musical/fantasy directed by Jon M. Chu was a full experience. It was the most popular movie put out this year and that’s why I placed it in second place. We follow the teen versions of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and Glinda the Good. We see them argue, joke and sing the whole 2 hours and 40 minutes of this hilarious movie. This movie was probably the most fan-favorite this year but it was not mine.
- Deadpool & Wolverine
This comical action/comedy, directed by Shawn Levy, was the third of Deadpool’s movies. We watch Deadpool again encounter hilarious situations but now with Wolverine. This time however he is encountering trouble with the Time Variance Authority. This movie was entertaining from beginning to end and is a great movie for both superhero and comedy fans. This was easily my favorite movie put out this year. I have seen it multiple times since it came out and I still laugh every time. I highly recommend everyone to see this movie.
Whether you are looking for a horror, action, or comedy movie, 2024 has it all. This of course was just my opinion but I recommend it to anyone interested to see the movies I have listed. Some of you may agree, and some of you may think this list is really off, but we can all agree that some amazing movies came out this year.
