From highly anticipated films that lived up to the hype, to unexpected gems that completely defied my expectations, 2024 had it all. It’s been a year of discovery, proving that cinema can still surprise, challenge, and delight us in ways we never saw coming.
Whilst reflecting on my favourite films from this year, it struck me how, in ways both lighthearted and profound, this collection of films speaks to two of our most fundamental needs: the importance of humour and the constant pursuit of self-growth. These themes appear, sometimes subtly, sometimes more overtly, across all the films on this list. It wasn’t always deliberate, but perhaps it reflects a deeper, subconscious recognition of how essential both laughter and personal growth are in representing the human experience.
Disclaimer: This ranking reflects my personal experiences and preferences, based solely on the films that I’ve had the chance to watch this year. It’s not an exhaustive list of every release, but rather a celebration of the ones that resonated with me the most. Your favourites might differ, and that’s the beauty of cinema!
Challengers reinvents the classic ménage-à-trois for a world where desire is as much about success as it is about intimacy. Set in the high-stakes world of tennis (which I don't think any of us realised was quite so high-stakes), director Luca Guadagnino creates a universe where Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) are bound not just by love, but by the drive for achievement. Love here is messy and entangled with competition, and the characters’ relationships are as much about domination and control as they are about affection. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s pulsating score heightens the tension with every serve and return, as the audience finds themselves on the edge of their seats, under the spell of a beating sun, sweat-soaked curls, and asphalt courts. In Guadagnino's world, every conversation is a game of tennis, and every game of tennis is a sex scene.
Charlotte's Letterboxd review: Carrie Soto is SO back. Could practically smell the sweat through the screen.
Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑½
Anora is Pretty Woman with the reality of sex work. Director Sean Baker's non-love story soars in the genre of tragedy meets comedy as Brooklyn sex worker Anora "Ani" Mikheeva (Mikey Madison) and the immature son of a Russian oligarch, Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn), begin a whirlwind, power-inbalanced "romance" that culminates in a green card-seeking elopement, à la Las Vegas, all unfolding masterfully with the oxymoronic speed and slow-motion of a tragic car crash, and the cause of the world's worst hangover. Mikey Madison's performance is a revelation in Anora's world, where emotions are secondary to transactions and survival. She masterfully blends vulnerability and strength, capturing the essence of a woman who is tough yet hopeful, disillusioned yet deeply human. Madison brings Ani to life with such nuance that you feel her inner conflict at every turn, making the character's journey all the more tragic and poignant. In Anora, reality bites harder than fantasy ever could.
Charlotte's Letterboxd review: Gagged (literally).
Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
The Fall Guy, based on the iconic 80s TV series, is a delightful throwback to the golden age of blockbuster filmmaking, where practical effects and real stunts took centre stage. The film is a love letter to the unsung heroes of cinema: stunt doubles, with its lighthearted charm, sharp humour, and undeniable star power. With sizzling chemistry between its leads (Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers and Emily Blunt as Jody Banks), plenty of hilarious industry jabs, and jaw-dropping stunts, The Fall Guy offers two hours of pure cinematic joy, embracing the magic of old-school moviemaking without pretence. It is undeniably, a simply feel-good film - with all of the action and humour needed to make you want to revisit with popcorn in hand, time and time again.
Charlotte's Letterboxd review: No notes. An unironic cinematic masterpiece. Will be returning. Thank you Ryan Gosling and goodnight. (I did, in fact, return)
Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑
The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat, takes a sharp, satirical, yet horrifying look at the pursuit of eternal youth and the entertainment industry's dark side. Centred on Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a former TV star desperate to reclaim her youthful appearance, the film masterfully fuses horror with sharp social commentary to critique society’s unhealthy fixation on female beauty and its inherent fear of ageing. By blending these elements, The Substance lays bare the disturbing lengths to which this obsession drives individuals, particularly in the entertainment industry, where youth is commodified and its inevitable decline is met with disdain. The film is visually striking, with Fargeat using bold colours and exaggerated set designs to amplify the surreal, nightmarish atmosphere of Hollywood's superficial culture. The Substance is a thought-provoking, disturbing look at the lengths to which people will go to maintain their relevance and beauty in an industry built on exploitation. With its blend of horror, dark humour, and social critique, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
Charlotte's Letterboxd review: Insane… ladies this is what cinema was MADE FOR. Yes I am walking out contemplating misogynistic ageism but above all else I am walking out amused, entertained, tearful, giggling, and joyful.
Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Wicked is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, blending spectacular visuals with powerful performances, where no aspect of the $150 million budget feels wasted. Ariana Grande shines as Glinda, bringing charm and vocal brilliance to the role whilst paying noticeable homage to original Broadway Glinda actress Kristin Chenoweth, while Cynthia Erivo delivers a commanding performance as Elphaba, infusing the character with new depth and vulnerability. The film’s breathtaking set designs, powerful vocals, and vibrant costumes bring the magical world of Oz to life, while its exploration of friendship, identity, and moral complexity adds emotional weight to the spectacle. Wicked ultimately exceeds its high expectations, and delivers a thrilling and heartwarming cinematic experience that will captivate fans and newcomers alike.
Charlotte's Letterboxd review: As someone with no prior knowledge of Wicked this was SPECTACULAR.
Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
In the cinematic world of overbearing remakes and sequels, Twisters stands strong on its own merits, delivering a riveting performance without needing to lean on its predecessor. The cast, led by the ever-charismatic Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Carter, brings fresh energy to the storm-chasing narrative, with the likes of Glen Powell as the storm-wrangling, thrill-junkie Tyler Owens adding a layer of charm and intensity to the thrilling action (and yes, the scene with Glen Powell walking through the rain in a soaked-through white t-shirt, though not essential, was certainly a highlight). The performances are grounded and human, offering an emotional depth that elevates the film beyond its high-octane set pieces and questionable science. Twisters reinvents the storm-chasing genre with both heart and spectacle.
Charlotte's Letterboxd review: Why was that unironically the film of the year… only Glen Powell could act as a cowboy tornado chaser with a Youtube channel and still end the film with me on my hands and knees clapping. Can’t believe I sat there gripping the seat, sexual chemistry through the roof and THEY DIDNT MAKE OUT??? Not to mention no one was topless. Not happy. 0 stars. Will be watching again.
Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑
From the emotional highs of Wicked to the dark satire of The Substance, each film on this list highlights the power of cinema to challenge, entertain, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you prefer grand-scale blockbusters or intimate dramas, this year’s cinematic offerings have something for every film lover. As we move into 2025, it’s clear that cinema continues to evolve and surprise, with bold voices and stories that shape the cultural conversation in ways both exciting and unexpected.
See you next year!