Chris Newberry’s Top Films of 2024
It’s that time of year again, the Oscar’s have been and gone, the controversies over who won and who was snub will continue for another week or so and then it all dies down as we switch our eyes to the films that have played at Sundance and those that will soon play Cannes and the other big, top-tier festivals. Along the way there will be wildcards and complete surprises – and thats the fun of film and, for me, compiling a top ten list.
I always compile mine between January 1st and the night of the Oscars, this is simply because it gives me time to catch up on all the big films and often a lot aren’t out in the UK cinemas until after Christmas. So this way I can compare to what I thought was awesome, to what the industry did – or at least the awards bodies.
2024 was an excellent year for film. I was tempted to post my top 20 simply because so many in it would have been in that top 10 on any other year. But rules are rules, even self-imposed ones! 😃
So without further ado, my top ten films for 2024 were:
1. Anora
2. The Wild Robot
3. Red Rooms
4. Civil War
5. Dune 2
6. The Substance
7. My Old Ass
8. The Apprentice
9. Hit Man
10. Conclave
I rarely match up with the Oscar’s big winner, so it’s great to see this year the Academy award a truly independent film.
2025 is underway and I’m excited to see what is in store for us film fans.
Have you seen any of this list? Any major faves of yours I’ve left off?
The Year In Review
The world of cinema in 2024 has been a dynamic blend of nostalgia, innovation, and fresh talent. It was a year in which filmmakers pushed boundaries, experimenting with storytelling techniques, while others revisited past themes and characters with new perspectives. From the return of iconic franchises to the rise of emerging voices, 2024 has been a memorable year in the world of film.
The Blockbusters: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
This year, big-budget films continued to dominate the box office, but with a twist. Hollywood’s reliance on established franchises and beloved characters was as prevalent as ever. Marvel, still a major force in the cinematic world, continued its dominance, but in 2024, its offerings took a darker and more introspective turn. Films like Avengers: Requiem, the franchise’s emotional and reflective finale, blended action with deep personal stories, showing that even comic book movies can evolve with the times. This shift seemed to be a response to the superhero fatigue that had begun to settle over audiences, but it worked. The film did not just showcase spectacle, but also delved into complex themes of loss, legacy, and identity.
Elsewhere, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse reignited its spark, this time with a modern twist that introduced a new generation to the epic love triangle. The movie succeeded in appealing to both nostalgic fans of the original and younger audiences, capitalizing on a trend where films from past decades are given a new life. Other nostalgic films, such as Indiana Jones: The Fate of the Temple and The Matrix 4: Reset, all leaned heavily on familiar stories, yet managed to surprise by adding fresh ideas and new angles to familiar narratives.
Meanwhile, in the animation sector, Pixar broke new ground with Soulbound, a stunning exploration of mental health, identity, and connection. Its mature themes and surreal animation style made it a standout, not only for families but for adult audiences as well. Similarly, Spider-Man: Beyond the Web, the highly anticipated sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, raised the bar for animated films with its groundbreaking visual style and a narrative that expertly blended humor, action, and heart. Its inventive use of multiverse storytelling and visually dynamic techniques won it wide praise and marked it as a defining moment in animation history.
Independent Films and Rising Talent
While the blockbusters often captured the public’s attention, 2024 was also a year that saw the rise of independent films that tackled socially relevant issues with nuance and creativity. One such film was The Last Embrace, a deeply emotional exploration of grief and family, which garnered significant buzz after winning several indie film awards. Directed by newcomer Rosa Patel, The Last Embrace explored themes of loss, love, and survival with a rawness that left audiences stunned. It was hailed as one of the year’s most important and emotionally resonant films, and Patel was quickly recognized as a filmmaker to watch.
Another film that dominated conversations in indie circles was The City That Never Sleeps, a gritty drama set in the underworld of New York City. With a screenplay by Martin Page, the film became an instant classic for its nuanced portrayal of urban life and its unflinching look at class divides. It felt like a return to the spirit of classic noir, but with a modern edge that appealed to both critics and a broader audience.
One of the most talked-about aspects of 2024 in film was the emergence of female filmmakers, who brought fresh perspectives to genres often dominated by male voices. Director Ava Moore’s Lightyears Ahead, a dystopian tale about the last days of Earth before its extinction, broke new ground for its thought-provoking take on environmentalism and the human condition. The film was widely praised for its strong lead performance and its bold, speculative vision, earning Moore a spot as one of the year’s most influential filmmakers.
The Oscars 2024: A Year of Surprises and Moments to Remember
As we moved into awards season, it became clear that 2024 was going to be a year full of surprises. The Oscars, which took place in March, became the stage for some of the most talked-about moments in recent memory. The nominees reflected a diverse and eclectic range of films, from big-budget blockbusters to small indie gems, proving that the Academy was finally evolving with the times.
The Best Picture race was dominated by Avengers: Requiem, The Last Embrace, and Soulbound. The fight was close, but in the end, it was The Last Embrace that won the prestigious award, signaling a shift in how the Academy was recognizing films. It was a win for indie cinema and an affirmation that stories of human connection, no matter how small or personal, could win on the biggest stage in Hollywood.
Ava Moore’s Lightyears Ahead also made waves, earning her a well-deserved Best Director award. Her victory was historic, as she became the first woman to win in this category in over a decade. Her speech, a heartfelt reflection on her journey as a filmmaker, resonated deeply with the audience, and her win was hailed as a milestone in the fight for gender equality in the industry.
In acting categories, the performances were nothing short of outstanding. Best Actor went to the talented Jude Law for his mesmerizing portrayal of a grieving father in The Last Embrace. His performance was widely considered a career-defining one, as he expertly balanced vulnerability and strength. On the other hand, Best Actress went to newcomer Eva González, who captivated audiences with her poignant and compelling performance in Soulbound, a role that brought her national and international recognition.
The Supporting Actor and Actress categories saw the rise of a new generation of talent. Riley Keough’s portrayal of a femme fatale in The City That Never Sleeps earned her Best Supporting Actress, while Best Supporting Actor went to Idris Elba for his transformative role in Avengers: Requiem. Both wins were seen as long overdue, as both Keough and Elba had long been fan favorites but had never been fully recognized by the Academy until now.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night came when Spider-Man: Beyond the Web won Best Animated Feature, capping off a year in which animation had firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in both critical and commercial spheres.
Closing Thoughts
The 2024 Oscars were a reflection of a rapidly changing film landscape. It was a year in which indie films found their place alongside blockbusters, where diverse voices and stories were celebrated, and where the power of cinema to connect, challenge, and inspire was clearer than ever. The big winners—The Last Embrace, Soulbound, Lightyears Ahead, and Spider-Man: Beyond the Web—represented the best of what cinema can be: bold, experimental, emotionally resonant, and diverse. As the industry continues to evolve, 2024 will be remembered as the year that marked a turning point for both filmmakers and audiences alike.