2024 has come and gone and the new year is underway. 2025 looks to be an interesting year for movies despite getting off to a slow start (though that is not surprising). However, before we get too far into the year, I think it is a good time to reflect on the past and the movies that made up 2024. 2024 had its high and lows when it came to cinema, though I believe it was more former than the latter. The year saw sequels, prequels, remakes and a few musicals. So which movies stood above the rest? Well after much consideration, I have come with twelve films that shaped 2024. Now, to be clear, there were several movies that I did not get a chance to see. So in the event you do not see a certain film on this list, that is likely the reason. Now, without further ado, here are my top 12 films of 2024.

12. Furiosa A Mad Max Saga
The Mad Max series is certainly a crazy set of films. George Miller’s dystopian future has led to some compelling cinematic experiences; though there are times where the series just went Beyond Thunderdome. In the case of the latest entry, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the prequel certainly plays to the series’ strengths. While the movie could be excessive in its delivery, it made up for its issues with its world-building, great leads (especially Chris Hemsworth) and stellar action sequences. The strongest aspect of Furiosa was how well it complemented its predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road, and it created a whole new experience to this crazy franchise.

11. A Quiet Place Day One
Of the horror films that have come out in the past decade, A Quiet Place is a standout in my opinion. The 2018 film (as well as its sequel) was inventive with its unique concept and delivery. While the third chapter is in development, the series decided to tell another story in A Quiet Place Day One. The movie is more of a spin-off than it is a prequel, but there was no denying that Day One had as much impact as the previous entries. The film featured thrilling moments and dynamic execution, but more compelling was the movie’s sense of humanity which was seen in the chemistry between Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn. This factor highlighted the true strength to the series which made it a welcoming side story to this horror franchise.

10. Transformers One
I have been a Transformers fan since I was kid, but the movies have been less than meets the eyes (though I did like Bumblebee and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts). Be that as it may, when I heard plans of an animated film that centered on the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron, I was interested-and Transformers One delivered. As an adventure, this film could be straightforward but that did not make it any less entertaining. Along with its fantastic animation, the movie excelled in capturing the series’ lore and its characterization of both Optimus and Megatron was among the best seen on the big screen. It is hard to say if this film is meant to be connected to a certain continuity, but regardless Transformers One stands out by being an enjoyable experience and arguably the best Transformers film to date.

9. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeves Story
While documentaries are not my thing, I could not deny that one about the legendary Christopher Reeves would be a compelling venture; and I think Super/Man: The Christopher Reeves Story was a stellar retrospective. The look into Reeves’ life and career was keen in both its perspective as well as presentation. Focusing on Reeves’ accident was expected, but seeing other moments such as his friendship with Robin Williams was great; and how the film utilized Reeves’ time as Superman was a solid plot device for the documentary. Super/Man gave a definitive look into an icon and allowed me to expand my horizon when it comes moviegoing.

8. Monkey Man
2024 was no stranger to action movies as the genre was fairly represented. Among the action–packed films was the directorial debut of Dev Patel: Monkey Man. Going into it, I expected a film with some grit, and it delivered in that area, but what surprised me was the movie’s thematic side and how this revenge story was more complex than I expected. In the case of action the film more than delivered as the fantastic choreography was matched by the film’s stylish execution. Between this as well as the film’s unique setting, I think Dev Patel crafted a standout action movie that brought some variety to the genre.

7. Twisters
I cannot say that I am a fan of the film Twister, or disaster movies for that matter. However when Twisters hit theaters in summer and was receiving praise, I cannot deny that I got curious. So, despite it taking some time, I got a chance to see this sequel and I was blown away. The movie turned out to be a fun adventure with two solid leads in Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell. When it came to the tornado sequences, the film more than delivered as each scene was thrilling and creative with its sense of destruction. Twisters captured the essence of a summer blockbuster and brought something refreshing to both disaster films and sequels.

6. Gladiator 2
I never believed Gladiator needed a sequel. The Ridley Scott classic spoke for itself so much that a continuation did not seem necessary. However the studio thought otherwise and though it took some time Gladiator 2 hit the scene around the holidays. I may not have been interested initially, but I was still curious to see how this sequel would play out; and the result was a surprise to be sure. While it took some time to get into, the movie exceeded my expectations thanks to the scale of the story and solid performances from the cast; with the most notable being none other than Denzel Washington. Along with great action sequences and a stellar sense of spectacle, Gladiator 2 was a fantastic experience that lived up to the legend of its predecessor.

5. The Fall Guy
The art of filmmaking has many aspects to it, and among them is none that than stunt work. Stunt performances are crucial to the likes of action films and blockbusters; and this was evident in the movie The Fall Guy. The movie loosely based on the television series looked to be an enjoyable blockbuster, but when it received critical praise my curiosity for this action film peaked. Needless to say I was impressed with what I saw. The movie featured an enjoyable adventure that allowed Ryan Gosling to flex his versatility as an actor. Yet the biggest takeaway from the movie was the perspective it gave to stunt work; not to mention filmmaking in general. Between its enjoyable nature and keen presentation, The Fall Guy was as much a dynamic blockbuster as it was a love letter to movie making.

4. Dune Part Two
In 2021, moviegoers were reintroduced to a sci-fi classic. Dune has been adapted several times with the most notable being the 1984 film, but I think Dennis Villenueve’s take truly captures the epic nature of the sci-fi story. So naturally I was excited to see this tale continue, and Dune Part Two did not disappoint. Where the first film was about establishing the story, the second part was capturing the scale behind Dune. The movie’s grandiose nature was seen in its storytelling which was filled with world-building and strong themes; as well as its spectacle which was pure cinema. Dennis Villenueve’s Dune continues to impress as its second part showed what it meant to be a cinematic experience.

3. The Wild Robot
Dreamworks has had its fair share of impressive animated films; and among them is none other than The Wild Robot. When the first preview was released, I was immediately enamored with the movie especially when it came to its animation; and after seeing it this animated feature was indeed something special. Along with its stunning animation the movie featured a wonderful story about parenthood and adaptation; and it featured an ensemble enriched with variety. With moments both stunning and heartfelt, The Wild Robot is not only among last year’s best. but it is also one of the best Dreamworks films to grace the silver screen.

2. Nosferatu
When a Robert Eggers film hits theaters, it gets my attention; but when that movie is a remake to one of the most iconic films in history-well that gets my undivided attention. Nosferatu is one of the most recognizable movies in both horror and films in general; and the idea of remaking it would certainly be a challenge, but Eggers was up to the task. The movie followed the story of the 1922 film but the execution made all of the difference as its tone made for a gripping experience. Along with this was the phenomenal cast led by a transformative performance from Bill Skarsgard. With its stellar spectacle and solid horror, Nosferatu was an astonishing reimagining that brought new life to a classic tale.

1. Wicked
I am a big fan of musicals, and among my favorites is none other than Wicked. Between growing up with the Wizard of Oz and seeing the musical live, Wicked has always been special to me. The idea of a Wicked movie has been suggested for many years, and it finally came into fruition last year with the adaptation directed by John M.Chu. Despite my appreciation for the musical, I was apprehensive about the movie as I found directions like the cast to be questionable. However all my concerns vanished after seeing the film as Wicked was simply wonderful. Between its refreshing take on Oz and its fantastic ensemble, this adaptation was impressive and its sense of spectacle was magical to say the least. When it came to the music, the songs more than delivered as each song stood out thanks to stellar direction from the filmmakers. Wicked was a wondrous rendition that captured the essence of what makes moviegoing so special, and that is why take my hat to it and award Wicked the best film of 2024.