The Best Movies Of 2024
From spectacular musical adaptations to eerie horror thrillers, the writers of Pop Culture Planet are sharing the Best Of 2024.
Abigail
A classic heist movie turns into a bloody vampire horror in Abigail. Alisha Weir is a revelation as she balances the dualities of being both a wide-eyed little girl and a manipulative creature of the night. Between literal explosions of blood, campy humor, and ballet pirouettes, Abigail establishes Weir as a young horror icon.
- Kristen Maldonado
Anora
I had always known Mikey Madison was a force of nature, given her intoxicating allure and demanding screen presence in her previous films like Scream and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but she gives a career best performance in Anora. The film is truly an electrifying experience for any movie goer. The film boasted critical acclaim across the globe and was just nominated for Best Picture at the 2025 Golden Globes.
- Danielle Forte
Challengers
Luca Guadagnino is known for his somewhat unconventional love stories, and Challengers is no different. Zendaya at the epicenter of this sports-fueled love triangle is what draws you in, but Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist are the actors that keep you locked until the very last scene. Betrayal, competition, lust, love, and athleticism solidify this movie as one of the year’s best.
- Jordan Bohan
Civil War
Alex Garland gave us a war story through the lens of photojournalists in the gripping thriller Civil War. Kirsten Dunst stuns as a tough acclaimed war-torn journalist, while Cailee Spaeny and Wagner Moura offer a fresh excitement and humor despite their surroundings. The heart of the film lies with Stephen McKinley Henderson as the oldest of the group who you just can’t help but wish the best for. The visuals and storytelling are compelling throughout making it a must-watch film of the year.
- Paola Cardenas
Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine features one of Marvel’s most anticipated team-ups — and Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds did not disappoint. They deliver fast-paced, action-packed, hilarious scenes while staying true to their characters.
The movie is packed with fan service, staying true to what the Deadpool franchise does best —breaking the fourth wall. It gives fans a chance to say goodbye to the X-Men while smoothly transitioning Deadpool into the MCU, or as he puts it, “Suck it, Fox, I’m going to Disney.” Kevin Feige let loose with this one, ensuring Deadpool fans feel safe with the switch.
- Makkedah Ramsey
Fresh Kills
Jennifer Esposito has a lot to say in her powerful directorial debut with Fresh Kills. She beautifully brings to life a mafia story from the perspective of young women trying to figure out who they are in a patriarchal society that only expects them to be one thing. Powerhouse rising stars Odessa A’Zion and Emily Bader bring all of themselves to their roles, leaving so much rage and emotion for viewers to connect with.
- Kristen Maldonado
Inside Out 2
Growing up is scary, and that’s exactly what we went through with Riley’s story in Inside Out 2. Introduced to new emotions such as Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Envy, we follow Riley’s new journey as a pre-teen and the waterworks almost never stop. The film never fails to resonate with younger and older audiences and act as a safe haven to know everything will be okay in the end. The portrayal of Riley’s anxiety attack towards the end is the most impactful scene and still makes us cry.
- Paola Cardenas
Longlegs
Longlegs may not be as gore filled as audiences expected, but it was still incredibly disturbing thanks to Nicolas Cage as the titular character. Horror movie icon Maika Monroe continues to shine with her performance as Lee Harker, while Cage offers a bone-chilling vibe that gets under your skin. The built-up lore, storytelling, and cinematography will pull you in and keep you at the very edge of your seat.
- Paola Cardenas
Mean Girls
Mean Girls was a Broadway success and Tina Fey brought her musical masterpiece to the silver screen... again. Did audiences love this iteration? The jury is still out on that one. The general consensus is, if you went to the movie fully aware it was a musical, you were happy with it. However, many patrons purchased tickets for this film unaware it was a musical. It wasn’t until they were sitting in the theater, they realized they were in for a Broadway show. Nevertheless, Renee Rapp is the perfect Regina George and it was a joy seeing this fetch story return.
- Ally Bonsall
My Old Ass
The coming-of-age story has been told time and time again, but not quite like how My Old Ass does it. Aubrey Plaza may be the reason you are pulled into this drug induced chat between versions of oneself, but Maisy Stella gives a stellar performance that is equally comedic and heartfelt.
- Jordan Bohan
Never Let Go
Never Let Go is my favorite type of thriller that keeps you guessing and makes you analyze everything. I love all the hidden details in this dark fairytale as you’re torn trying to figure out if Halle Berry’s character is crazy or if there’s actually an evil out there. Chilling, unsettling, creepy… this is the most stressed I’ve been in a movie theater in years.
- Kristen Maldonado
Piece by Piece
Pharrell Williams tells his life story through LEGO bricks in Piece by Piece. This vibrant and whimsical documentary is unconventional in the best way as it takes you through the life of the hitmaker from his childhood in Virginia through to his success in music. A highlight is Williams taking us through meeting Snoop Dogg for the first time and the making of “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”
- Kristen Maldonado
Smile 2
Smile 2 brings a fresh twist to the horror franchise with Naomi Scott as Skye Riley, a pop star recovering from a tragic accident and the latest victim of the cursed “Smile Entity.” What sets Smile 2 apart is how it intertwines the entity’s curse with Skye’s personal struggles, focusing heavily on themes of fame, guilt, and addiction.
Scott’s performance offers a raw and intense portrayal of a woman facing both external and internal demons. Her emotional depth adds layers to the film, which goes beyond traditional horror to explore the pressures of public life and the psychological toll of addiction. The film doesn’t shy away from brutality, with scenes that blend gore with an exploration of mental health, providing a unique narrative in the horror genre.
- Katharine Santos
The First Omen
The First Omen is a chilling prequel to the 1976 film that follows a young novitiate (Nell Tiger Free) in Rome who uncovers a horrifying conspiracy surrounding the birth of the Antichrist.
The film masterfully builds tension through atmospheric horror and eerie visuals. Free’s standout performance drives the film, capturing the vulnerability and internal conflict of her character as she spirals into a web of terror. Supported by a strong cast, The First Omen is a worthy addition to the Omen franchise, delivers a timeless tale of supernatural dread, mixing slow-burn horror with sharp commentary on religion, power, and bodily autonomy.
- Katharine Santos
The Idea Of You
The Idea of You brings together Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in a captivating romance that blends the fantasy of a pop star falling for a regular woman with the complexity of ageism and sexism in modern relationships.
Hathaway’s chemistry with Galitzine, who brings a charming yet youthful energy to the role, enhances the emotional depth of the story. While The Idea of You plays with familiar rom-com tropes, it offers a refreshing take on a beloved genre, reminding viewers that sometimes love doesn’t always follow the script.
- Katharine Santos
The Substance
If you like ominous and disturbing horror films, The Substance is just for you! The body horror film wound up being one of the most captivating and talked about films by the end of the year. From Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s outstanding performances to the twisted gore, it does not disappoint for horror fans.
- Danielle Forte
The Wild Robot
In a space where sequels and reboots are all too common, especially in the animation space, The Wild Robot breathes fresh life into the genre. This film has incredible voice acting, original animation, and a storyline that is so emotionally pure yet universal it will likely draw tears.
- Jordan Bohan
Transformers One
Taking it back to the beginning was the best thing that could’ve happened for this struggling franchise. Transformers One reawakens the series, tugging at heartstrings while delivering an energized story full of fun and excitement.
Brian Tyree Henry and Chris Hemsworth bring the star power this film desperately needed. We witness the brotherhood of D-16 and Orion Pax transform into the enemies we know and love — Megatron and Optimus Prime. What’s next for these two? We’ll just have to wait and see.
- Makkedah Ramsey
Twisters
There’s a lot of speculation that the theatrical experience is a dying thing, but watching Twisters in a packed theater on the big screen is a reminder of why movie theaters exist. Packed with action, stunts, heartache, and crushes, Twisters packs in everything that you would hope for in a summer blockbuster.
- Jordan Bohan
We Live In Time
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield were sure to make an incredible duo and we weren’t disappointed. We Live In Time delivers a story about legacy, grief, and the fragility of life. The structure is a bit jumbled making this a unique movie, but the messages and emotions come through crystal clear.
- Jordan Bohan
Wicked
The movie adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande has been the shock of the year. Erivo and Grande give earth-shattering performances as Elphaba and Glinda, not only honoring the heart of the characters but bringing their own truths to create a culturally emotional experience. Jon M. Chu is a master of spectacle and world-building, and he perfectly captures Oz on screen.
If Wicked has taught the film industry anything, it’s how to stay true to a classic while giving it new life. This is clearly a true passion project and these performances prove we were given the very best.
- Makkedah Ramsey
