We did it! We made through another entire year! Good for us, and good for you too.
For all the ups and downs we faced in 2024, at least the movie theater featured its fair share of fun. Blockbusters were epic and furious, horror had its share of little creeps and big boogeymen, and there were beavers. Lots and lots of beavers, but we’ll get to that.
The writers of InBetweenDrafts gathered their picks for the best movies of 2024. If you want something to do this holiday break, scroll through the picks below and see what you missed at the cinema.
15. Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross reconfigures what cinema can be with his sublime adaptation, Nickel Boys. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Colson Whitehead, the film immerses viewers fully into the dual perspectives of its two leads through first-person filmmaking. The beauty of life is seen through their eyes, from green fields to warm sunsets. But with that beauty comes absolute tragedy as Elwood (Ethan Herisse), due to racial bias in 1960s Florida, is forced into a regime-style “school” that acts as a brutal prison for the Black boys who are forced to attend. Through this experience and his friendship with Turner (Brandon Wilson), we watch the light extinguishes from his gaze as he faces relentless cruelties. Despite the abhorrent treatment he and Turner endure, Ross delivers a true miracle in maintaining that sun-touched glow from the start, as the characters seek to find humanity even in the most inhumane scenarios. Film has always been a window for empathy, and Nickel Boys pushes the glass out even further. – Ally Johnson
14. Alien: Romulus
When the announcement of the first Alien film after the Disney/Fox merger came out, fans were skeptical of what this could possibly look like. Then we found out that Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe) would be directing and suddenly things began looking up. What we got was Alien: Romulus, which was a mix of nostalgic elements of the original Alien films and some gruesome, terrifying horror elements that Alvarez has become known for. The story is set between the events of the first and second films, but does a good job of being its own entity. While this film doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to what an Alien movie is capable of, it does leave its mark on the series with some memorable moments and a “unique” final alien design. With a diverse cast of characters (new and returning), some wild alien models, and the claustrophobic atmosphere that this series does so well, this film will bring you to the edge of your seat. – Tyler Carlsen
13. The People’s Joker
The irony of Vera Drew’s breathtaking directorial debut is that it likely would’ve gone by unnoticed had Warner Bros. not attempted to stymie the film’s release for its parodic take on the DC Comics universe. Thank heavens the studio did, because the resulting delay caused enough publicity to bring such a bold vision the cult audience it deserves.
To even describe this as a parody feels hyperbolic. Yes, it mocks Batman and co. more than enough to fulfill any and all legal requirements required to qualify for fair use. And yes, comic fans will enjoy all the deep cuts and easter eggs Drew manages to squeeze in. But The People’s Joker is first and foremost a deeply moving and incredibly personal tale of the trans experience. The unflinching portrayal of the misogyny that pervades the comedy industry creates a powerful backdrop for the hero’s struggle as a closeted trans woman in a field that rewards her for presenting as male. And Drew’s powerful and unique voice ensures there’s just as many devastating dramatic moments as there are comedic gut busters. I can’t wait to see what she does next. – Brogan Luke Bouwhuis
12. Love Lies Bleeding
2024 was a great year for horny cinema, and Rose Glass’s Love Lies Bleeding was one of the first of the year. In her sophomore feature, Glass steps away from religious horror to bring us her take on the erotic thriller. Lou (Kristen Stewart) is a reclusive gym manager who falls for Jackie (Katy M. O’Brian), an aspiring bodybuilder who wants to achieve her dream of winning a competition. But after Jackie accidentally gets involved with Lou’s crime family, Lou will do anything to keep her lover safe from her dark past.
Love Lies Bleeding is hot, suspenseful, and overall a stunning showcase for Stewart and O’Brian. They are captivating as two women who are desperate to find ways out of their current circumstances but keep getting pushed back by their own mistakes. In Lou’s case, it’s staying in her crappy town to protect her sister in an abusive relationship, and for Jackie, it’s the addiction to steroids in the pursuit her dream.
Glass channels David Lynch and the Coen brothers by mixing body horror and neo-noir in a story about lesbian love that defies all odds. And if that description alone doesn’t interest you, I don’t know what will. – Yasmin Kleinbart
11. The Wild Robot
Film critics throw the word “revelation” around a lot in these best-of lists. But what other word is there when one of the best performances of the year is a vocal performance in a children’s film? In The Wild Robot, Lupita Nyong’o voices Roz, a robot shipwrecked on a remote island. Adapting as much as a robot can to her surroundings, Roz becomes the unlikely mother to an orphaned goose. Their mismatched natures surprise and subvert the expectations of the skeptical animals around them (including Pedro Pascal as a sardonic fox). A fable of motherhood, dismantling false assumptions, and personal evolution, The Wild Robot is far more than it seems on the surface. The gorgeous animation and Kris Bowers’s sweeping score add to its charms, but it all hinges on the success of Nyong’o’s performance. Roz’s robotic tone never wavers, but softens. Her voice is still recognizably that of a robot throughout the film, but evolves into a voice that, though artificial and mechanical, is one of genuine love and care. If you’ll forgive the use of an entirely overused, yet totally appropriate, word: it’s nothing short of a revelation. – Claire Di Maio
10. Hundreds of Beavers
At a time when the theatrical experience for both indies and comedies alike hangs on a tentative balance, Hundreds of Beavers proves to be an absolute balm. A joke-a-second barrage of old-timey slapstick, new-age visuals, and lots and lots and lots of anthropomorphic castor Candensises, Mike Cheslik’s deeply inspired, wondrously silly little-movie-that-could has become an unlikely big-screen sensation — the likes of which, in our streaming era especially, are increasingly rare. Even beyond its commercial success, however, Hundreds of Beavers is a rousing delight in its own right. A righteously witty and patently absurd yuk-fest that graciously leaves your cheeks hurting from smiling and laughing so much. We rarely get these types of movies anymore — be it good modern film comedies, or even theatrical comedy events in general. In that respect, Hundreds of Beavers is a singular gratification that would (or I should say, wood) please even the most dour of cynics. – Will Ashton
9. Inside Out 2
Subtly, Pixar’s 2015 classic Inside Out has had an enormous impact on popular culture. Phrases like “core memories,” once staples in the realm of psychology, suddenly became everyday expressions, and people began using the characters as references in conversations about their own mental health. Therefore, when Inside Out 2 was announced, it was clear that the film had a monumental task: following up one of Pixar’s most influential films while also offering a fresh narrative contribution. Thankfully, the sequel delivers. Inside Out 2 expands on the already imaginative world-building of its predecessor and, by introducing memorable characters like Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), continues to serve as a powerful tool for audiences to articulate their mental health struggles and build empathy. It also poignantly reminds viewers how challenging it is to navigate the teenage years. For all these reasons, Pixar’s latest film earns a well-deserved spot on our best-of-the-year list. – Pedro Graterol
8. Deadpool & Wolverine
In Deadpool & Wolverine, the X-Men universe gets a thrilling revival with the return of two of its most iconic antiheroes. This high-octane, irreverent team-up, directed by Shawn Levy, blends action, humor, and heart in a way that both honors the legacy of these beloved characters and reinvents them for a new generation. Ryan Reynolds’s Deadpool, as unpredictable and quick-witted as ever, pairs effortlessly with Hugh Jackman’s grizzled Wolverine, whose return to the claws brings a raw intensity to the film.
Their dynamic (part comedy, part chaos) sizzles with sharp dialogue and explosive action, while the stakes escalate to a level that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s script cleverly balances the trademark humor and mayhem of Deadpool with Wolverine’s darker, more tortured journey, creating a film that feels fresh yet familiar.
With stunning special effects and fight choreography that rivals the best in superhero cinema, Deadpool & Wolverine also dives deep into the emotional core of its characters, exploring themes of redemption, loss, and identity. The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is undeniable, making this a must-see blockbuster that ranks as one of 2024’s top films. – Alyshia Kelly
7. Anora
In a divided world, everyone can agree that Sean Baker’s Anora is one of the best movies in 2024 even with recent controversy over behind the scenes decisions. Instead of dehumanizing or marginalizing sex workers, Baker elevates and centers their stories as relatable people attempting to achieve the American dream. Ani (Mikey Madison), a Russian-speaking, Uzbek American escort, gets assigned a big spender, Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), an oligarch’s son, at a high-end Manhattan gentlemen’s club. When Ivan proposes marriage, she agrees, enjoys life with her husband and lets her guard down. When his parents send in a trio to force the two to annul their marriage, Ani realizes that she may be the only one who takes her marriage vows seriously. Baker takes a situation that is objectively horrifying for Ani and turns into an uproarious screwball comedy where Ani holds her own against stacked odds. The frenetic paced dramedy never lags even with a long runtime. Without being didactic, each scene illustrates lessons about immigrants, gender, and an impermeable class structure that functions like an invisible forcefield. Still clinging to her dignity, Ani’s quiet, intimate ending packs an unexpected, cathartic gut punch after an emotional rollercoaster. – Sarah G. Vincent
6. Wicked
A dash of magic, a powerful singing duo, and a soundtrack full of catchy blockbuster songs created one of the best movie musicals this year. Of course, we’re talking about Joker: Fol… just kidding! It’s Wicked. The movie adaptation of the Broadway smash hit was a breathtakingly beautiful film that successfully translated the show’s Act 1 onto the big screen. The set designs were elaborate and detailed, capturing the full wonderment of Oz and bringing us deeper into this world. Plus, Wicked’s mix of special effects are so well done that it fulfilled what theater kids hoped for most: the true cinematic magic of their beloved show.
Wicked shines not just for its visuals but for its superstar cast too. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who played Elphaba and Galinda respectively, channeled their characters effortlessly and the emotions behind their stories. And with a dynamic cast like Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater to name a few, we were blown away by their stellar acting and singing performances. We’re ready for the intermission to be over – bring on Wicked: For Good now. We can’t wait! – Justin Carreiro
5. The Substance
This Cannes favorite by Coralie Fargeat broke out of the festival scene with an enticing trailer that excited horror fans. From first glance, The Substance appears to be a creepy feature that would become an instant cult classic for its subtext and flashy appeal. Audiences quickly discovered that presumed subtext was mere text, and the flashy glamor is core to the themes. The Substance breaks through into the culture with the subtlety of chainsaw as the film depicts blights upon our society. At its core, the film is interested in showing the psychological torment and conditioning women go through to stay young and beautiful, and how the system of fame and fortune that run Hollywood use that to cycle women through their doors in such a way that these women are forced to dehumanize themselves. The Substance depicts the chasing of the fountain of youth through products, surgeries, and hating any woman who dare to age past thirty, and Fargeat’s screenplay masterfully throws a brick through the absurdity of these standards with even more absurdity, particularly as it reaches the iconic status of “splatstick” in its third act. – Evan Griffin
4. I Saw the TV Glow
A ruthless, existential beauty brings I Saw the TV Glow to intoxicating life. To reach the end of Jane Schoenbrun’s film is to be wrung dry. We’re left hollow from the suffocation the lead character, played by Justice Smith, feels while lit aflame by the sheer creativity and visceral, emotional wallop Schoenbrun delivers. A story that mixes the pains of nostalgia, the looming destruction of what it means not to honor your true self (“there is still time,”) and the devastating ways in which we cling to what we know rather than face complex realities, the film burns then blisters. Smith delivers a haunting performance, punctuated by one last excruciating wail that encompasses the character’s tremulous journey. From the simmering score from Alex G to the vibrant cinematography that distinguishes the real world from the fictional The Pink Opaque (and the intersection they meet at,) the artistry bolsters an already electric story. When we think back on 2024, I Saw the TV Glow will remain a definitive entry. – Ally Johnson
3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
This prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road and fifth film in the franchise was a box office bomb, but George Miller’s latest cinematic achievement still sets any screen on fire. The neo-Western epic delves into the origin story of Furiosa, the one-armed Imperator in Immortan Joe’s army who attempted to return to her Edenic home with Joe’s Five Wives. Instead of Charlize Theron, Alyla Browne and Anya Taylor-Joy take turns crafting the soul of the titular character. Ripped from her post-apocalyptic utopia and brought to a brutal, distorted world, Furiosa is determined to return home and wreak vengeance on her kidnapper, Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), a rival to Immortan Joe and ruthless warlord shocked at his unrelenting mercilessness and ambition. For fans of Mad Max, this film held no charm, but for those enamored with this mythology, it illustrated shocking similarities to our own socio-political landscape teetering on environmental collapse, ignoring the lessons of egalitarian, matriarchal abundance in favor of a male dominated, violent one-upmanship death cult. With little dialogue, Miller manages to make an unflinching, desolate world while showing restraint from glorification of violence through highlighting the rage and sorrow over life lost. – Sarah G. Vincent
2. Challengers
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Justin Kuritzkes, and Luca Guadagnino are on a roll this year, having released two films together eight months apart. In April was Challengers, and in December, Queer— two fascinating films that showcase the struggle when a hot person ruins your life.
Challengers is the more boisterous of the two, using vibrant cinematography, an intrusive score, and a stunning ensemble to illustrate a messy relationship between three friends. The film is framed around a tennis challenger event, where former best friends Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) reunite years after a big falling out. The reason for the falling out? Art’s wife, Tashi (Zendaya), a former child prodigy who becomes the obsession of the two boys.
Zendaya, O’Connor, and Faist ooze chaotic energy when they’re on screen, and every scene is like a car crash you can’t look away from. Cunningness and manipulation drip from every word as much as their sweat, and you know that everything that’s coming out of their mouth is BS, but you don’t care. You just want them to play a good f*cking game of tennis. – Yasmin Kleinbart
1. Dune: Part Two
This year is Paul Atreides’s year, baby! Dune: Part Two came out in March of this year and while it feels like I’ve lived several lifetimes since then, the movie has lived in my head rent-free ever since I saw it. First and foremost, Hans Zimmer pulled out all the stops for the second installment of the series. His atmospheric score flows throughout the movie, making the Dune universe feel all the more real. Every actor pulled out all the stops for Dune: Part Two. Zendaya is, as always, amazing as Chani and channeled so much emotion throughout the entire movie while Florence Pugh was the perfect cast as Chani’s opposite, Princess Irulan. Don’t even get me started on Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem as Lady Jessica and Stilgar. The two of them stole every scene they were in even when they weren’t speaking. If there was one thing I would’ve liked to see more of in the movie, it would be more sandworms. I’m a sucker for those guys and I love seeing them up close and personal when they’re on the screen. I fully expect more sandworms in the next movie and if not, I have a whole folder of memes prepared to show my grief. – Kayla Chu
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