Have you heard about some of the most anticipated movies coming out in 2024? With so many great films on the horizon, it can be tough to decide which ones are must-sees. Lucky for you, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 movies you absolutely cannot miss this year. These films span a variety of genres and feature some of the biggest names in Hollywood, promising an exciting year at the box office. So grab some popcorn and get ready to be entertained!
Lights, camera, action! Get ready to be transported into incredible cinematic worlds and experience unforgettable stories on the big screen. From long-awaited sequels to fresh directorial debuts, 2024 is shaping up to be an epic year for movies. Blockbuster event films will get your heart pounding, while poignant dramas will tug at your heartstrings. You might find yourself laughing hysterically one moment and screaming in terror the next. But one thing is certain – these are the top 10 must-see movies of 2024 that you absolutely won’t want to miss. So clear your calendar and prepare to be wowed! The show is about to begin…
This year brings a diverse selection of must-see films across numerous genres. From action-packed spectacles to thought-provoking dramas, these movies are destined to capture audience’s imaginations and dominate the cinematic conversation.
Action/Adventure: No Time to Die
For adrenaline-filled escapism, look no further than the latest James Bond flick, No Time to Die. As Daniel Craig’s final outing as the iconic 007 after 15 years in the role, expectations are sky-high for his swan song.
Overview
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga
Daniel Craig’s 5th and final appearance as James Bond
Co-starring Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek, Ana de Armas
25th installment in the long-running Bond franchise
Why It’s a Must-See
Craig’s farewell performance as the legendary super spy
Promises to be an action-packed thrill ride after several pandemic delays
Introduces new 00 agent Nomi (Lashana Lynch)
Rami Malek as new villain Safin
Exciting exotic locations like Italy, Jamaica, Norway
Feature’s Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5 car
This is James Bond like you’ve never seen before, with crazier stunts, exotic locales, and what’s sure to be an emotional goodbye to Daniel Craig’s 007. No Time to Die is the can’t-miss blockbuster of 2024.
Drama: The Power of the Dog
For thought-provoking, emotional storytelling, The Power of the Dog is at the top of the list. Director Jane Campion brings to life this gripping tale of love, grief, and redemption.
Overview
Directed by Jane Campion
Based on the 1967 novel by Thomas Savage
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons
Focuses on toxic masculinity in 1920s Montana ranch life
Why It’s a Must-See
Benedict Cumberbatch’s chilling performance as domineering rancher Phil Burbank
Kirsten Dunst acclaimed for her role as Rose, the widow newly married to Phil’s brother
Explores complex themes like gender roles, sexuality, love, grief
Jane Campion’s first film since acclaimed 2009’s Bright Star
Haunting, atmospheric cinematography of Montana landscapes
With its stellar cast and exploration of timeless themes, The Power of the Dog promises to be one of the most gripping and profound dramas of the year.
Comedy: Don’t Look Up
When you need a good laugh and biting satire, Don’t Look Up is the comedy to see. With its star-studded cast and offbeat humor, it’s a scathing cultural critique you won’t want to miss.
Overview
Directed and written by Adam McKay
Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Rob Morgan, Jonah Hill
Follows two astronomers who discover a comet will destroy Earth but struggle to warn anyone
Why It’s a Must-See
DiCaprio and Lawrence lead an all-star ensemble cast
McKay’s signature absurdist humor and social commentary
Satire of media, politics, and indifference to the climate crisis
Resonant message about believing in science
Watch the A-listers absolutely unhinged in wacky, goofy roles
Don’t Look Up brings the laughs while making a thoughtful point about modern society. It’s the can’t-miss comedy of the year with its endlessly meme-able moments.
4. Horror: The Northman
For bone-chilling, intense horror, The Northman will unleash vicious thrills. Director Robert Eggers of The Witch fame returns with this brutal Viking saga.
Overview
Directed by Robert Eggers
Stars Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke
Inspired by the Scandinavian legend of Amleth
Follows a Viking prince seeking revenge for his father’s murder
Why It’s a Must-See
Eggers’ meticulously researched recreation of Viking Age setting
Raw, primal brutality shown through Skarsgård’s transformation into a beast
Mythic themes of revenge, betrayal, and fate
Arresting cinematography and practical effects
Epic scope as Skarsgård’s character journeys across oceans for vengeance
With its atmospheric violence and mythic narrative, The Northman brings the Old Norse legends to chilling life in viscerally stunning fashion.
5. Science Fiction: Dune
For an immersive sci-fi spectacle, the sweeping epic Dune is the must-see film. Denis Villeneuve brings Frank Herbert’s seminal novel to the big screen in breathtaking fashion.
Overview
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel
Massive ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Follows the journey of Paul Atreides as his family rules the desert planet Arrakis
Why It’s a Must-See
Breathtaking cinematography and visual effects
Epic world-building of the desert planet and its culture
Thought-provoking themes about religion, politics, nature
Chalamet’s emotional performance as the messianic Paul
Hans Zimmer’s hypnotic score
Adventure storytelling on a grand sci-fi scale
With its grand scope, visual marvels, and resonating themes, Dune is the sci-fi opus not to miss this year.
Animated: Encanto
For delightful, magical family-friendly animation, Encanto brings the feels. This musical fantasy from Disney tells a poignant story about the bonds of family.
Overview
Directed by Byron Howard, Jared Bush
Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios
Set in Colombia, follows the magical Madrigal family
Features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Why It’s a Must-See
- Vibrant animation inspired by Colombian culture -Touching story about family, gifts, and being yourself -Infectious musical numbers by Lin-Manuel Miranda -Magical realism and whimsy in the enchanted Encanto -Messages about intergenerational trauma and healing
With its cultural authenticity, catchy tunes, and resonant story, Encanto casts an enchanting spell on audiences of all ages. It’s Disney magic at its finest.
Biopic: Spencer
For an intimate biopic of a beloved icon, don’t miss Spencer. Kristen Stewart’s raw performance anchors this portrait of Princess Diana at a crossroads in her marriage to Prince Charles.
Overview
Directed by Pablo Larraín
Centers on Princess Diana during a fateful 1991 Christmas holiday
Focuses on Diana’s strained relationship with Prince Charles
Imagines personal moments in Diana’s private experiences
Why It’s a Must-See
Stewart’s empathetic, awards-worthy turn as Princess Diana
Lyrical glimpses into Diana’s inner psyche and emotions
Gorgeous cinematography evoking Diana’s isolation
Insight into Diana’s world behind palace walls
Humanizes the beloved ‘People’s Princess’
Spencer provides a poignant perspective on Princess Diana’s story through an unforgettable transformative performance by Kristen Stewart.
Historical Drama: The Lost Daughter
For a thought-provoking historical drama, The Lost Daughter invites introspection. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut explores the intricacies of motherhood through the lens of a woman dissatisfied with her maternal role.
Overview
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novel
Stars Olivia Colman as Leda, a professor vacationing in Greece
Leda becomes obsessed with a young mother, Nina (Dakota Johnson)
Flashbacks show Leda’s past experiences as a mother
Why It’s a Must-See
Olivia Colman’s nuanced performance as the complex Leda
Beautifully-shot Greek island landscapes
Thematic exploration of societal expectations of women and motherhood
Parallel narratives between Leda’s past and present
Thoughtful study of maternal ambivalence, guilt, regret
Powerful reminder that motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all
With rich themes and an incredible lead performance, The Lost Daughter is an artful, melancholic drama that resonates deeply.
Musical: West Side Story
For a rousing musical extravaganza, Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story hits all the right notes. This electrifying new adaptation breathes life into a Broadway classic.
Overview
Directed by Steven Spielberg
New film version of 1957 Broadway musical
Stars Ansel Elgort and newcomer Rachel Zegler
Updated version of the Romeo & Juliet story between rival NYC gangs
Why It’s a Must-See
Spielberg’s masterful direction and vivid visual style
Dynamic choreography and performances
Beloved Leonard Bernstein score and Stephen Sondheim lyrics
Moving social commentary on immigration, prejudice, and gentrification
Radiant breakthrough performance by Rachel Zegler as Maria
Captures the magic of live theatre on the big screen
With exhilarating musical numbers and resonant themes, Spielberg’s West Side Story makes this iconic musical soar anew. Don’t miss it on the big screen.
Thriller: The French Dispatch
For a stylistic, offbeat thriller, look no further than Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch. This artful tribute to the New Yorker overflows with Anderson’s signature wit and visual flair.
Overview
Written and directed by Wes Anderson
Ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Tilda Swinton
Anthology film structured as a magazine profiling three stories
Eccentric vignettes centering on foreign journalists in France
Why It’s a Must-See
Anderson’s impeccable aesthetic, symmetrical framing, snappy editing
Deadpan comedic performances from Bill Murray, Benicio del Toro, Frances McDormand
Nostalgic celebration of print journalism and quirky stories
Three distinct tales showing different aspects of French culture
Artful production design bringing the magazine’s world to life
Anderson’s clever wordplay and idiosyncratic humor
With its distinct style, charming absurdity, and creative vision, The French Dispatch solidifies Wes Anderson’s status as a true auteur. It’s the most Anderson-y Anderson film yet, in the best way.
Conclusion
From pulse-pounding action to charming musicals, these top 10 must-see movies of 2024 offer something for every taste. Featuring new works from today’s most visionary directors and stories that run the emotional gamut, these films are destined to be the cinematic highlights of the year. So grab some friends or family, buy your tickets early, and get ready to experience the magic of the movies at their finest. Trust me, you’ll want to be part of the cultural conversation around these unforgettable titles. See you at the cinema!
