If you have been wondering, what are the best movies of 2024, you are in the right place! This year has brought an impressive collection of cinematic experiences that span animation, drama, documentary, fantasy, and beyond. From heartfelt stories of survival and self-discovery to poignant explorations of activism and family, the 2024 film scene has truly delivered. Below, we’ll break down many of these films by category so you can decide which ones to watch next. Whether you prefer high-stakes drama or whimsical animation, the following guide answers what are the best movies of 2024 in an easy-to-digest format.
Why People Ask: What Are the Best Movies of 2024?
Movie lovers often ask what are the best movies of 2024 because they want an overview of the most notable titles without having to sift through every release. Critics and audiences alike have praised a variety of films this year for their storytelling, visual style, and thematic depth. Some movies set box office records, while others captured awards at major festivals around the world. By looking at these top picks, you can streamline your viewing list and delve into the creativity 2024 has to offer.
Animated Adventures That Stole Hearts
The Wild Robot
If you keep asking yourself what are the best movies of 2024 in the animation category, The Wild Robot is a standout. Directed by Chris Sanders, it adapts a 2016 children’s sci-fi novel by Peter Brown. The story focuses on Roz, a shipwrecked robot who must learn to survive on an isolated island by befriending the local wildlife—including a baby goose that needs care. Boasting a unique hand-painted look, The Wild Robot blends heartfelt emotion with striking visuals. It also became a surprise box office hit, raking in over $320 million worldwide.
Flow
Another animated gem that garnered critical acclaim is Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis. This visually inventive film follows a band of animals—a cat, a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog—who team up after a catastrophic flood. Not only is the animation style refreshingly different from mainstream offerings, but the movie also meditates on environmental themes. Its heartfelt story earned it recognition on the international stage, making it a must-see for fans of creative animated storytelling.
Meaningful Dramas and Must-See Stories
Close Your Eyes
If you are still wondering what are the best movies of 2024 in a more meditative, dramatic style, Close Your Eyes by director Víctor Erice offers a reflective narrative. The film focuses on a filmmaker haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his friend, an actor who vanished during a shoot. Decades later, a TV program sparks renewed interest in the case, leading the protagonist to uncover old truths and reconcile his guilt. Its slow-build tension and strong character focus have captivated viewers.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig provides a deeply moving drama that incorporates real-world events in Iran, specifically the Woman, Life, Freedom protests. After filming in secrecy and escaping legal threats, Rasoulof premiered this movie to critical acclaim. The film portrays a family torn apart by a father’s decisions as he navigates life within the Revolutionary Guard. Its intensity, relevance, and emotional resonance have positioned it as one of 2024’s most compelling entries.
Anora
For those seeking an unconventional dramedy with plenty of heart, Anora by Sean Baker stands out. Centered on a New York stripper who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, the film depicts culture clashes, comedic family confrontations, and tender personal growth. Its crowd-pleasing nature and unique storyline helped it secure several festival accolades, making it an excellent choice for viewers looking to branch out from typical Hollywood plots.
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell
Another film on many critics’ short lists for what are the best movies of 2024 is Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell. This Vietnamese drama by Thien An Pham tells the story of a man thrust into new responsibilities following a family tragedy. As he travels to his ancestral village, he grapples with faith, tradition, and grief—resulting in a reflective, three-hour exploration of familial bonds. Its thoughtful pacing and lush cinematography have earned it accolades at international festivals.
Documentary Highlights That Spark Conversation
Dahomey
Mati Diop’s Dahomey takes viewers on a historical journey, examining the return of stolen artifacts from France to present-day Benin. The film features the spirit of a statue narrating its passage from colonial plunder to rightful repatriation. Hailed for its powerful political undertones and imaginative storytelling techniques, it has become a favorite in the documentary arena.
Pictures of Ghosts
Director Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Pictures of Ghosts looks at the fading legacy of movie theaters in Recife, Brazil. Through archival footage, personal memories, and a strong sense of nostalgia, the movie showcases how places once central to community life have become relics. For documentary enthusiasts, it offers a captivating blend of history, personal reflection, and social commentary.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane, directed by Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat, investigates unmarked graves discovered at a former residential school in Canada. Both directors share personal connections to these stories, infusing the film with emotional depth. Audiences looking for a fact-based narrative that addresses historical injustice will find this documentary illuminating.
Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus
A tender tribute to the legendary musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus captures Sakamoto’s final performance before his passing in 2023. Eschewing typical documentary conventions, the film presents an intimate concert experience that celebrates his decades-long career without added narration. Anyone interested in music history or a moving farewell to a great composer will not want to miss it.
Additional Gems from 2024’s Lineup
Green Border
Directed by Agnieszka Holland, Green Border tackles the refugee crisis at the Poland-Belarus border. Shot in black-and-white, the film features multiple perspectives, including those of migrants, border guards, and activists. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates the human toll of displacement and conflicting loyalties, making it one of the year’s most intense humanitarian dramas.
La Chimera
Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera merges fantasy, adventure, and a dash of romantic comedy. Set in Tuscany during the 1980s, it follows an archaeologist recently released from jail, who joins tomb raiders in pursuit of Etruscan artifacts. Viewers and critics have praised its dreamy cinematography and folkloric storytelling, all of which set it apart from conventional genre films.
No Other Land
If you still need one more answer to what are the best movies of 2024, consider No Other Land. This documentary focuses on the dismantling of Palestinian villages in the West Bank, captured by a team of filmmakers navigating a precarious political environment. It has garnered significant attention for its raw vérité style and unwavering commitment to showing rarely documented realities.
Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World
Often labeled the top film when people ask what are the best movies of 2024, Radu Jude’s new dark comedy uses high-contrast black-and-white visuals and extended takes to make a statement on modern life. The plot revolves around Angela, a production assistant burdened by long work hours. She also invents an online persona that spouts offensive remarks. Despite the seemingly absurd premise, the film has received near-universal acclaim for its unfiltered take on cultural critique.
Why These Films Answer the Question: “What Are the Best Movies of 2024?”
People continually seek out what are the best movies of 2024 to discover which releases have made the strongest impact—whether culturally, critically, or financially. The films in this guide span various genres and narrative styles. Some focus on personal journeys in remote settings, while others examine global and political struggles. Documentaries address historical wrongdoings, returning stolen heritage, and rediscovering fading community places. Some even capture once-in-a-lifetime performances from iconic artists.
From The Wild Robot winning over families with its warmth to Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World challenging audiences with provocative satire, these titles collectively illustrate why 2024 stands out as a remarkable year for cinema. When the same titles regularly pop up in conversations about what are the best movies of 2024, it implies those films resonate with viewers on multiple levels—visually, intellectually, and emotionally.
Reviews and Choices
So, what are the best movies of 2024? Ultimately, that depends on your preferences. If you love animation that balances heartfelt moments and spectacle, The Wild Robot and Flow are likely to make your list. Should you crave profound human stories, Close Your Eyes, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, and The Seed of the Sacred Fig will offer deeply felt drama. If documentaries are more to your taste, Dahomey, Pictures of Ghosts, or Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus might be the perfect picks. For those wanting something offbeat, Anora or Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World will keep you engaged with unique storytelling and stylistic choices.
Regardless of which genre you choose, there is no shortage of remarkable cinema to explore this year. Each film discussed here has made waves in terms of critical acclaim, festival success, or audience popularity. The next time you find yourself asking, what are the best movies of 2024, revisit this comprehensive list, and you’ll be sure to find something that suits your cinematic cravings.
