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The best movies of 2024

A collage of the best movies of 2024.

Neon; Searchlight Pictures; MUBI; DreamWorks Animation; Universal Pictures; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

  • 2024 was full of great movies.
  • Big spectacles like "Wicked" and "Dune: Part Two" captured viewers' and critics' attention.
  • Smaller dramas like "Civil War" and "The Substance" also packed a punch and prompted discourse online.

Giant sandworms! Singing witches! Horny tennis players! The best movies of 2024 offered a wide array of cinematic pleasures — and a double dose of Zendaya.

Below are Business Insider's best movies of 2024. Scroll to the end to see entertainment correspondent Jason Guerrasio and senior editor Caralynn Matassa's personal top five movies of the year.

"A Complete Unknown"
A still from "A Complete Unknown" showing Timothée Chalamet wearing a denim shirt and holding a guitar and harmonica in front of two mics.
Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown."

Macall Polay

Almost twenty years after director James Mangold gave us the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line," he's returned to the space with a look at Bob Dylan's transition from acoustic to electric.

As much as the music will dazzle Dylan fans, it's the acting that's the highlight. Timothée Chalamet delivers one of the best performances burgeoning career, getting Dylan's voice and mannerisms down perfectly. — Jason Guerrasio

"A Different Man"
sebastian stan in a different man
Sebastian Stan in "A Different Man."

A24

Sebastian Stan gives one of two standout performances this year in "A Different Man." The surreal, twisty psychological thriller follows Stan as Edward, an introverted, struggling actor with neurofibromatosis (a disorder causing facial differences) who is cured through an experimental procedure. Reinventing himself as "Guy" doesn't quite give him the dream life he'd hoped for, though.

The darkly comic film from writer-director Aaron Schimberg also features great supporting performances from Renate Reinsve (who had her breakthrough in 2021's "The Worst Person in the World") and Adam Pearson as Oswald, a confident and charismatic man who also has neurofibromatosis. — Caralynn Matassa

"Alien: Romulus"
Alien going after human
Cailee Spaeny in "Alien: Romulus."

20th Century Studios

For this latest trek back into the sci-fi world of "Alien," director Fede Álvarez takes full advantage of the IP by weaving a story that touches on the original movie and the world of "Prometheus." The result is a thrill ride that will satisfy fans of the franchise and scare the hell out of the newbies who have never seen an "Alien" movie. — JG

"Anora"
Mikey Madison in "Anora."
Mikey Madison in "Anora."

Cannes Film Festival

Sean Baker made a name for himself as one of the most acclaimed independent filmmakers, and for good reason. He excels at slice-of-life movies (2017's "The Florida Project" and 2021's criminally underrated "Red Rocket") that spotlight marginalized communities.

His latest, "Anora," centers on the titular sex worker played by "Scream 5" standout Mikey Madison. The film landed the Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's highest honor, thanks to Madison's subtly powerful performance and Baker's propulsive script. — CM

"The Apprentice"
Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan walking a dog
Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in "The Apprentice."

Pief Weyman

It shouldn't come as a shock that the most polarizing movie of the year was one about Donald Trump's rise to power as a New York City real estate tycoon.

But take away your political views and opinions on Trump (which, I know, is hard), and this movie from director Ali Abbasi is a fascinating exploration of how those with power and influence move through the world.

And then there are the performances by Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Trump's fixer and mentor Roy Cohn, both of which should be recognized during award season. — JG

"Babygirl"
Harris Dickinson, Nicole Kidman in "Babygirl"
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson have a steamy affair in "Babygirl."

Niko Tavernise/A24

Nicole Kidman gives one of the best and boldest performances of her decadeslong career in "Babygirl." The erotic thriller, written and directed by "Bodies Bodies Bodies" filmmaker Halina Reijn, puts the female gaze on a distinctly male, often-problematic genre, tackling female sexuality, gender, and power dynamics as Kidman's Romy Mathis, a high-powered CEO, pursues a secret affair with her intern (Harris Dickinson). — CM

"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F"
Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."
Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

Melinda Sue Gordon / Netflix

I wasn't expecting a "Beverly Hills Cop" sequel made on Netflix to give me some of the biggest laugh-out-loud moments this year, but that's exactly what happened.

Director Mark Molloy certainly understood the assignment: lean in to what made the first two movies so beloved (let's not talk about the third one).

Focusing on Eddie Murphy's jokes, big action sequences, and that memorable soundtrack, the fourth movie in the franchise became one of the surprise delights at the movies this year. — JG

"The Brutalist"
Adrien Brody smoking a cigarette
Adrien Brody in "The Brutalist."

A24

One of the boldest epics made in some time, this three-and-a-half-hour drama shot on VistaVision is an exquisite exploration of one immigrant's drive for the American Dream in post-World War II America.

Directed and co-written by Brady Corbet ("Vox Lux"), "The Brutalist" follows fictional character László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-born Jew who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the US in the late 1940s. Over three decades, Tóth, a talented architect, struggles to make a living and get his wife (Felicity Jones) to the States. Then a wealthy man (Guy Pearce) changes his life.

With masterful production design, photography, score, and performances, this is a movie that will stay with you long after you've seen it. — JG

“Challengers”
Zendaya as Tashi Duncan in "Challengers."
Zendaya in "Challengers."

Niko Tavernise/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc.

Zendaya dazzles in Luca Guadagnino's sporty, steamy drama.

As a former tennis great thrust into a love triangle with two other players, her now-husband Art (Mike Faist) and her ex-boyfriend Patrick (Josh O'Connor), Zendaya delivers one of the most layered performances of her career as she navigates love, lust, and mind games. — JG

“Civil War”
Kirsten Dunst as Lee in "Civil War"
Kirsten Dunst in "Civil War."

A24

Alex Garland's latest showcases a United States that has been ravaged by civil unrest.

Kirsten Dunst is magnificent as a hardened war journalist in an existential crisis who travels from New York City to Washington, D.C. to cover the story. The war scenes are brutal and devastating, but that's the point. — JG

"Conclave"
Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci in "Conclave."
Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci in "Conclave."

Focus Features

Ralph Fiennes leads a drama filled with Shakespearian-level mystery, backstabbing, and intrigue as the Cardinal-Dean in charge of the papal conclave. In the process, he finds himself investigating scandals and secrets as the choices narrow for who will become the next pope.

Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini are also outstanding in supporting roles. — JG

"Deadpool & Wolverine"
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in "Deadpool & Wolverine."
(L-R) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios

After a bevy of delays that included Fox being bought by Disney, COVID, and the strikes by the writers and actors in Hollywood, we finally got the third "Deadpool" movie. And it was worth the wait.

From the brawls with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the endless Disney IP jokes, and a fight with countless Deadpools, the movie is the rare payoff for fans of superhero movies in the post-"Endgame" era of the MCU. — JG

“Dune: Part Two”
Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler fighting
Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler in "Dune: Part Two."

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros.

Denis Villeneuve's continuation of his adaptation of Frank Herbert's beloved sci-fi novel takes us back to Arrakis, where Paul (Timothée Chalamet) goes from the hunted to the hunter as he teams with the Fremen to fight his enemies and becomes a Messiah in the process.

Like the first movie, the visuals are stunning, but the sequel also features more Zendaya as Paul's love interest, heightening the stakes by the end. — JG

"The Fall Guy"
Ryan Gosling standing next to Emily Blunt
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in "The Fall Guy."

Universal

Though "The Fall Guy" underperformed at the box office, David Leitch's love letter to stunt performers is one of the most enjoyable movie-watching experiences of the year.

A big reason for that is the performances from Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, whose chemistry as they navigate an on-and-off relationship while coping with movie-making madness is off the charts. — JG

"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga"
Anya Taylor-Joy driving the war rig
Anya Taylor-Joy in "Furiosa."

Warner Bros.

George Miller's latest trek into the Wasteland may not be as jaw-dropping as his magnum opus "Mad Max: Fury Road," but the auteur of action still dazzles with breathtaking shots of desolate sandy vistas and ultra-violent car chases.

The major highlight is Anya Taylor-Joy as Imperator Furiosa (originally played by Charlize Theron in "Fury Road"). With very little dialogue, Taylor-Joy must use facial expressions and a multitude of stunts to convey her character's origin story and complex emotional arc. It's well worth the ride. — JG

"Gladiator II"
paul mescal as lucius in gladiator two. he's crouching on the dirt floor of the colosseum, his sword stuck in the ground, as he rubs dirt between his hands
Paul Mescal as Lucius in "Gladiator II."

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

Twenty-four years after the Oscar-winning original, Ridley Scott returns to the Coliseum with a new star (Paul Mescal) and bigger fights. The result is an enjoyable mix of blockbuster thrills and nostalgic callbacks to the first movie.

But what sets "Gladiator II" apart is Denzel Washington, whose devilish, scenery-chewing performance as a gladiator owner with plans of getting his hooks into the Roman Senate elevates the movie whenever he's on the screen. — JG

“The Greatest Night in Pop”
We Are The World Musicians smiling
The legendary musicians involved in "We Are The World."

Netflix

The song "We Are The World" brought together the greatest musicians in pop and rock, but the story of how it came together makes the song even more remarkable.

This Netflix documentary from Bao Nguyen features never-before-seen footage and candid interviews recounting a single evening in Los Angeles that would become a defining moment for pop culture in the 1980s.

The documentary is replete with fascinating details about how the song and its ensuing celebrity spectacle came to be. From seeing how Michael Jackson created the hook to watching musicians like Cyndi Lauper and Huey Lewis give it their all recording long into the night, "The Greatest Night in Pop" is a must-see for anyone who lived through or loved the '80s music scene. — JG

"Hard Truths"
Marianne Jean-Baptiste in "Hard Truths"
Marianne Jean-Baptiste in "Hard Truths."

Thin Man Films Ltd

On a surface level, Pansy Deacon, the lead character of "Hard Truths," isn't someone you'd root for. She's a deeply depressed, angry middle-aged British woman who takes her fury out on anyone and everyone around her, from fellow shoppers at the supermarket to her own browbeaten husband and adult son.

The film starts out almost comically, as Pansy finds every imaginable reason to rant and rave at everything from babies with pockets (what do babies need pockets for anyway?) to the salesperson attempting to help her buy a couch. Marianne Jean-Baptiste infuses Pansy with so much heart and deep-seated pain that you can't help but feel for her, even as you're horrified by her behavior.

Writer-director Mike Leigh's unique filmmaking process (he and his cast start off without a script and collaboratively develop the characters) results in one of the most stunning performances of the year. — CM

"Incoming"
kids by a school bus
Raphael Alejandro, Mason Thames, and Ramon Reed in "Incoming."

Netflix

Hollywood is still trying to perfect this generation's high school movie. "Incoming" gets pretty close.

Following a group of friends who are the only freshmen invited to a party thrown by a senior, this raunchy comedy uses staples from the high school genre and mixes them with today's culture to concoct a hilarious movie. — JG

"Inside Out 2"
Inside Out 2 characters looking at red button
"Inside Out 2."

Disney/Pixar

After a lot of confusion and frustration within the walls of Pixar over its COVID-era release strategy, the beloved animation house is having a much-deserved big-screen resurgence thanks to "Inside Out 2."

In the sequel to the Oscar-winning 2015 original, we catch up with Riley's key emotions like Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) right when Riley hits puberty. And just like that, new emotions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser) show up wanting to be in control of Riley's feelings.

The movie is a funny and emotionally charged journey that highlights those impressionable years when we can no longer lean on our parents to make the right choices; it's now on us. — JG

"Longlegs"
Maika Monroe in "Longlegs"
Maika Monroe in "Longlegs."

NEON

Beyond having the most brilliant marketing campaign of the year, "Longlegs" is also genuinely freaky.

Osgood Perkins channels "Silence of the Lambs," mixed with devil worship and possessed dolls for good measure, for a crazy genre mashup: a police procedural horror movie. Maika Monroe gives an understated performance as traumatized FBI agent Lee Harker, who's investigating a series of murder-suicides that all point back to one mysterious figure: Longlegs.

The eventual reveal of what's going on — and the physical reveal of Nicolas Cage's Longlegs, a noteworthy entry in the actor's list of batshit roles — is disturbing and memorable. — CM

"The Last Showgirl"
Pamela Anderson wearing a jeweled, feathered headpiece in 'The Last Showgirl."
Pamela Anderson in 'The Last Showgirl."

Roadside Attractions

Pamela Anderson gives a career best performance as an aging Las Vegas showgirl who must come to terms with losing her job when her revue abruptly closes.

Anderson holds nothing back as she plays a character who still is intoxicated by the glitz and glamour of the strip of yesteryear but comes to the harsh realization that show business has nothing left for a woman her age.

Ironically, after decades in the limelight, this is the role that is finally getting Anderson the recognition for her acting that she deserves. — JG

"Moana 2"
Moana holding an oar
"Moana 2."

Disney

Originally planned as a TV series, Disney made the right move by turning this instead into a feature-length sequel to the beloved 2016 original.

This time, Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) must defeat an evil God who controls an island so that all islands across the sea can be reconnected.

The higher stakes, new characters, and catchy songs make the movie a worthwhile continuation of a story audiences couldn't wait to return to. — JG

"Nickel Boys"
Ethan Herisse stars as Elwood and Brandon Wilson as Turner in director RaMell Ross's "Nickel Boys"
Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson in RaMell Ross' "Nickel Boys."

Orion Pictures

Some viewers criticized RaMell Ross's bold decision to shoot "Nickel Boys," an adaptation of Colson Whitehead's 2019 novel, in a first-person point-of-view, where we see through the eyes of the character speaking. To that, I politely say: You're wrong, sorry.

The immersive filming style works perfectly to put the audience right in the mix as Elwood and Turner, two Black boys sent to a reform school called the Nickel Academy (based on an actual school in Florida), struggle to survive amid the racist institution's many often deadly abuses.

Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson give a pair of breakout performances as Elwood and Turner, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is devastating as Hattie, Elwood's devoted grandmother. It's a tough watch, but a worthy one. — CM

"Nosferatu"
Lily-Rose Depp with a shadow of a hand over her
Lily-Rose Depp in "Nosferatu."

Focus Features

Looking back on the work of Robert Eggers, his obsession with telling stories set long ago has led up to this: an adaptation of the iconic gothic vampire tale.

With exquisite production design, makeup, and effects to transform Bill Skarsgård into the creature of the night, and a tour-de-force performance by Lily-Rose Depp as a woman overcome by a spell that fills her with desire and fear, this is Eggers' masterwork. — JG

"Queer"
A still from "Queer" showing Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey at a beach, both are wearing sunglasses and covered by one big mustard towel
"Queer" stars Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey as two lovers.

Yannis Drakoulidis / Yannis Drakoulidis

Yep, both of Luca Guadagnino's 2024 releases made this list. "Queer" is a very different film from "Challengers" in many ways, but both cement Guadagnino as a filmmaker with an innate understanding of desire and a master at evoking it onscreen.

Based on William S. Burroughs' 1985 novella, the movie follows William Lee, a gay American expat living in 1950s Mexico City, who becomes obsessively infatuated with the much younger Eugene Allerton. Daniel Craig's no-holds-barred performance as Lee, a stand-in for Burroughs himself, establishes him as one of the most talented and versatile working actors today. It's also gorgeously shot, courtesy of Guadagnino's go-to cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom. — CM

"Rebel Ridge"
Aaron Pierre standing in front of cops
Aaron Pierre in "Rebel Ridge."

Netflix

There's always one Netflix movie that comes out of the blue every year and grabs attention. This year, it was "Rebel Ridge."

Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier ("Blue Ruin"), this impressive action movie gives a jolt to the genre with its gritty take. It's also a showcase for Aaron Pierre, who is on his way to big-screen stardom (he also voiced the title character in Disney's end-of-year release, "Mufasa.") — JG

"Strange Darling"
Willa Fitzgerald in "Strange Darling"
Willa Fitzgerald in "Strange Darling."

Magenta Light Studios

JT Mollner's thriller "Strange Darling" flew under the radar this year, but boy, is it a trip.

The story is told in a destabilizing nonlinear format; it's a clever narrative trick to make you think the movie is something it's not. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are knockouts as the two leads, keeping viewers transfixed and with our hearts in our throats. It's also beautifully shot by Giovanni Ribisi (yes, the actor) in his feature debut as a cinematographer. — CM

"The Substance"
Margaret Qualley standing over Demi Moore in The Substance
"The Substance" is an instant body horror classic.

Christine Tamalet/MUBI

"The Substance" is not for the faint of heart. French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat established herself as a genius of phantasmagoria with her debut feature, 2017's "Revenge," but she takes things up several notches in her follow-up.

The satirical feminist body-horror movie is completely insane, in the best way. It's a disgusting, disturbing, and extremely real fable of female self-hatred that goes off the rails (complimentary) like few movies I've seen before.

Demi Moore grounds it all as Elisabeth Sparkle, a washed-up middle-aged celebrity who's driven to try the mysterious drug dubbed The Substance after being fired from her aerobics show on her 50th birthday. Margaret Qualley is positively demonic as Elisabeth's younger and more perfect self Sue, the product of that black market serum fated to be Elisabeth's downfall. — CM

"Twisters"
Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Tyler (Glen Powell) in "Twisters."
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell in "Twisters."

Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment

This summer, we learned that if you mix Glen Powell and tornadoes, you've got yourself a hit.

This sequel to the 1996 hit "Twister" features more GGI-fueled storms and chemistry so hot between Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones that audiences were bummed they didn't kiss at the end — everything you need from a hit summer blockbuster. — JG

"Wicked"
cynthia erivo and ariana grande as elphaba and glinda in wicked. erivo is painted green and wearing a black dress and hat, while grande has blonde hair and is wearing a pink dress
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in "Wicked."

Universal Pictures

I was prepared to be a hater heading into "Wicked." After all, how could someone successfully adapt one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time? After being blown away by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's performances, I'll gladly admit I was wrong.

As the movie's seemingly endless press tour has demonstrated, Erivo and Grande have incredible chemistry as Elphaba and Glinda, two witches who were once best friends before their paths diverged. Erivo is devastating as the lost, deeply lonely but resolute Elphaba, while Grande imbues so many layers into her performance as Glinda. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable movie experience with a showstopping finale, even if it's not the most technically impressive film on this list. — CM

"The Wild Robot"
Roz the robot holding the duckling
Lupita Nyong'o voices Roz in "The Wild Robot."

DreamWorks Animation

Based on Peter Brown's popular books, "The Wild Robot" weaves one of the most emotional yarns of the year. The movie tells the story of Roz (Lupita Nyong'o), a robot who washes up on a deserted island and learns the ways of the wildlife that inhabits it, leading to her becoming the guardian of an orphaned gosling.

Beautiful to look at, with animation that has a watercolor quality, it's the uplifting story that elevates this movie from an impressive fantasy tale to a work that will be cherished by audiences for years to come. — JG

Jason's top five of 2024
Roz the robot in front of a ship
"The Wild Robot."

DreamWorks Animation

  1. "The Wild Robot"
  2. "The Apprentice"
  3. "The Brutalist"
  4. "The Substance"
  5. "Conclave"
Caralynn's top 5 of 2024
Demi Moore in The Substance
Demi Moore in "The Substance."

MUBI

  1. "The Substance"
  2. "Hard Truths"
  3. "Queer"
  4. "Anora"
  5. "Nickel Boys"
Read the original article on Business Insider

10 of the best and 10 of the worst movies of the year, so far

composite image of timothée chalamet in dune part 2 and dakota johnson in madame web
Some of Hollywood's biggest actors appeared in both the best and worst movies of the year.

Warner Bros. Pictures; Sony

  • It was another blockbuster year for movies, but they couldn't all be Oscar-worthy.
  • "Will & Harper" and "The Wild Robot" were at the top of critics' lists this year.
  • Unfortunately, "Borderlands" and "Madame Web" were box-office blunders and critical failures.

From comedies and dramas to terrifying horrors, there were a number of big movies released this year.

Here are the best and worst films of 2024 so far, according to critics.

"Will & Harper" left critics laughing and wiping away tears.
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in "Will & Harper"
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele in "Will & Harper."

Courtesy of Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

Summary: When actor Will Ferrell learns that his best friend — and fellow "Saturday Night Live" alum — Harper Steele has come out as a trans woman, he suggests that they take a road trip across the country together as they reconnect in deeper ways than they thought possible.

The documentary was a critical hit from the day it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, with critics praising the sincerity, humor, and heart at the center of the film.

"Ferrell and Steele have earned their livings by making other people laugh, and their banter has plenty of drollery sprinkled among the truth nuggets," Robert W. Butler wrote for Butler's Cinema Scene. " I believe I'm a better person for having watched it."

"His Three Daughters" was a showcase of unparalleled acting talent.
Natasha Lyonne as Rachel, Elizabeth Olsen as Christina and Carrie Coon as Katie in His Three Daughters.
Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in "His Three Daughters."

Sam Levy/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

Summary: Estranged sisters Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), Katie (Carrie Coon), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) reunite as their father reaches the end of hospice care. However, the reunion devolves into anger as they argue over how to live and grieve.

The family drama earned rave reviews across the board from critics.

"'His Three Daughters' is messy in a way that reflects all of our families," Tina Kakadelis wrote for Beyond the Cinerama Dome. "The way we fight, the way we grieve, and, hopefully, the way we love."

Critics said "The Wild Robot" was DreamWorks' best film in years.
Roz the robot
"The Wild Robot" is based on a novel by Peter Brown.

DreamWorks Animation

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Summary: Based on the 2016 novel by Peter Brown, "The Wild Robot" follows ROZZUM unit 7134, aka "Roz" (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o), a curious robot stranded on an island.

Over time, Roz learns to adapt to their surroundings, as well as their new animal friends (voiced by Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal, and more).

Rendered with dazzling animation and voiced by a noteworthy cast, the family-adventure film was a favorite among critics.

"Not to be hyperbolic, but this might be DreamWorks Animation's best since Shrek," Cory Woodroof wrote for USA Today's For the Win.

"Late Night With the Devil" was hailed as a throwback to '70s horror.
A still from "Late Night With the Devil."
"Late Night With the Devil" takes place in the late 1970s.

Shudder / IFC Films

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Summary: During the taping of a Halloween episode in the 1970s, late-night-talk-show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) finds that old secrets have come back to haunt him.

Critics loved seeing Dastmalchian take the spotlight in this clever horror throwback after decades of acting in supporting roles.

"Dastmalchian conveys the creeping unease Jack feels as his TV career is circling the drain, which is nearly as terrifying as the horrors his show is about to unleash on America," Sean P. Means wrote for The Movie Cricket.

Critics said "A Real Pain" has the makings of a modern classic.
A still of "A Real Pain" featuring Kieran Culkin in a red hoddie looking up and Jesse Eisenberg in a blue hoodie looking up.
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in "A Real Pain."

Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Summary: After their grandmother dies, cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) take a guided tour through Poland to honor her. As they journey, old family dynamics bubble up to the surface.

Between Eisenberg deftly playing triple duty as actor, writer, and director and Culkin's "Oscar-worthy" performance, critics said "A Real Pain" has the staying power of a modern classic.

"Jesse Eisenberg successfully carves out its niche as one of the best dramedies of the year," Elliott Collins said on his YouTube channel Movie Files. "The film's ability to intertwine humor with profound themes surrounding grief, identity, and historical context leaves you with a lasting impression."

"Dune: Part Two" proved to be a worthy successor to the first film.
Timothee Chalamet in Dune Part 2
Timothée Chalamet in "Dune: Part 2."

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Summary: In the sequel to Denis Villeneuve's "Dune," Paul (Timothée Chalamet) learns to adapt to life with the Fremen warriors — including the rebellious Chani (Zendaya) — after the downfall of his house.

Villeneuve was praised for making "Dune" his own without falling victim to the pitfalls of other tentpole franchises.

"It almost feels like a miracle that Denis Villeneuve got to make a 'Dune' adaptation this bold and daring in the current studio system," Andrew J. Salazar wrote for Discussing Film.

Many critics felt changed after watching "A Different Man."
sebastian stan in a different man
Sebastian Stan in "A Different Man."

A24

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Summary: After an experimental procedure successfully removes his facial tumors from neurofibromatosis, Edward Lemuel (Sebastian Stan) is approached to have his life adapted into a play. Soon, however, he finds himself upstaged by an actor with the same condition (Adam Pearson).

Critics called the film unsettling, absurdist, and chaotic — and they loved every second of it.

"Adam Pearson really shows range here," Aaron Neuwirth wrote for We Live Entertainment. "Having this actor, who has neurofibromatosis, arrive on the scene as the most charming, affable character in the film is such a blast."

"The Substance" served up high-quality horror.
Margaret Qualley in "The Substance"
Margaret Qualley in "The Substance."

MUBI

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Summary: Feeling like a has-been, Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is persuaded into trying an experimental drug that allows her to revert into a younger, more beautiful version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley).

However, the drug's side effects become increasingly grotesque.

Critics said audiences were in for a masterclass in feminist horror — if they could stomach the film's "David Cronenberg"-esque visuals.

"This is a film unlike any other you will see right now," Stephen Romei wrote for The Australian. "It will not be to everyone's taste. For this reviewer, who craves originality, it is a winner.

Critics called "My Old Ass" a trippy comedy with a lot of heart.
Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in "My Old Ass"
Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in "My Old Ass"

Marni Grossman/Amazon

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Summary: On the night of her 18th birthday, Elliott (Maisy Stella) takes hallucinogenic mushrooms and finds herself talking to her older self (played by Aubrey Plaza), who tries to give her advice for the future.

Critics said "My Old Ass" could've easily veered into hokey territory. However, writer-director Megan Park kept the film on track, anchoring it with Stella and Plaza's memorable performances.

"The talented cast, paired with a well-crafted and humorous script, creates a delightful time-travel paradox pic that can sit along with other teen comedies as a timeless treasure," Erin Maxwell wrote for Bust.

"Inside Out 2" was another winning sequel this year.
inside out 2 movie still showing anxiety character waving to the characters
Anxiety is one of the new emotions in "Inside Out 2."

Disney

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Summary: When Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman) hits puberty at 13, new emotions join the "control panel" in her head. Soon after their arrival, it's clear that Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler) and Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) have different ideas of what's right for Riley.

It was a tall order for Pixar animators to surpass the critical success of the original "Inside Out," but critics said the sequel came pretty close.

"While the original remains the gold standard for modern animation, this sequel more than justifies its existence via its empathetic themes, strong humor, and engrossing animation style," Calum Cooper wrote for Cinerama Film.

On the other hand, "Argylle" was too goofy to take seriously.
Henry Cavill as Agent Argylle in "Argylle."
Henry Cavill as Agent Argylle in "Argylle."

Peter Mountain/Universal Pictures, Apple Original Films, and MARV

Rotten Tomatoes score: 33%

Summary: Reclusive author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) is on the brink of finishing the fifth book in her famed "Aubrey Argylle" series when she's drawn into a world of real-life spies, evil plots, and secret identities.

The film had a ton of press leading up to its release — namely due to a misguided rumor that Taylor Swift was behind it — but the story itself failed to live up to the hype in critics' eyes.

"'Argylle' is deeply unpleasant to watch and also deeply sad as a query of what exactly studio executives think audiences are meant to glean from a film like this, other than training us to expect less from our films," Andrew Kendall wrote for Stabroek News.

"Joker: Folie à Deux" was met with scattered applause.
Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix standing next to each other
Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in "Joker: Folie à Deux."

Warner Bros.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 32%

Summary: As Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) awaits trial for murder at Arkham State Hospital, fellow psych-ward patient Harleen "Lee" Quinzel (Lady Gaga) forms an obsession with him and dreams up an escape plan.

Critics largely agreed that the second installment paled in comparison to the first "Joker."

"Longer than it should be (it clocks in at 138 minutes), 'Joker: Folie à Deux' is toilet paper on the shoe of a film that had a unique rhythm and an original point of view," Bruce R. Miller wrote for the Sioux City Journal.

"Time Cut" was deemed a lazy time-travel flick.
main characters from time cut looking out the windshield of a blue car
Antonia Gentry, Madison Bailey, and Griffin Gluck in "Time Cut."

Allen Fraser/Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

Summary: Lucy Field (Madison Bailey) accidentally travels back in time to 2003. Then, she realizes that she might be able to save her older sister Summer (Antonia Gentry) before she's murdered.

Overall, critics said "Time Cut" failed to be truly scary or funny.

"Unlike other horror comedies, 'Time Cut' has nothing unique to say about creating satire about the differences between the past and the present or the tropes of predictable events in horror films," Lindsay Press wrote for Culturess.

Critics thought "The Strangers: Chapter 1" was unnecessary.
The Strangers: Chapter One film still
The film came after "The Strangers" and "The Strangers: Prey at Night."

John Armour for Lionsgate

Rotten Tomatoes score: 21%

Summary: Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and her boyfriend (Froy Gutierrez) go to a secluded cabin in the woods for their five-year anniversary — only to be visited by sadistic trespassers.

Critics largely agreed that the legacy of "The Strangers" and "The Strangers: Prey at Night" should've stopped at two.

"The latest entry is an uninspired, ineffective retelling of the original, with a narrative that strives to give us answers to questions we never asked for," Emma Vine wrote for Loud and Clear Reviews.

"Night Swim" failed to inspire genuine scares.
Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller in "Night Swim"
Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller in "Night Swim"

Universal Pictures

Rotten Tomatoes score: 20%

Summary: Ray (Wyatt Russell), Eve (Kerry Condon), and their children move into a new house and soon discover that the swimming pool in the backyard harbors a deadly presence.

Positive reviews for "Night Swim" were few and far between — with some critics being outright bored by the muted horror.

"'Night Swim' is a shallow genre exercise that goes in one ear, out the other," James Preston Poole wrote for Cosmic Circus.

"Tarot" didn't provide much fright.
lead character of tarot picking up a card in an attic lit with candles
Larsen Thompson in "Tarot."

Sony

Rotten Tomatoes score: 17%

Summary: A group of college friends violates a cardinal rule of Tarot by using someone else's deck — and they soon face the consequences.

Critics said it amounted to little more than a movie cobbled together with recycled tropes from better horror films.

"'Tarot' is a creatively bankrupt and passionless horror movie that clearly has studio interference written all over it, from its formulaic and blood-free scares to a surprising cheapness that dilutes any potential it may have otherwise had," Jack Martin wrote for Film Feeder.

"Uglies" wasn't a pretty sight for critics.
Joey King, Chase Stokes in "Uglies"
Chase Stokes and Joey King in "Uglies."

Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 16%

Summary: Based on the book by Scott Westerfeld, "Uglies" takes place in a seemingly utopian future where everyone's worries melt away once they're given cosmetic surgery at the age of 16.

Young Tally (Joey King), however, learns that her world is built on lies.

Critics generally agreed that the Netflix adaptation reeked of low production value.

"'Uglies' is so carelessly made, it feels like an active gesture of contempt toward the readers of Scott Westerfeld's 2005 source novel and to anyone who watches the small-screen result," Steve Murray wrote for ArtsATL.

"Mother of the Bride" was a laughable romantic comedy — but not in a good way.
Miranda Cosgrove and Brooke Shields in "Mother of the Bride."
Miranda Cosgrove and Brooke Shields in "Mother of the Bride."

Sasidis Sasisakulporn / Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes score: 13%

Summary: Lana (Brooke Shields) is shocked when her daughter (Miranda Cosgrove) announces that she's getting married in Thailand in less than a month. That shock only grows when she learns that the groom is the son of her old flame from college (Benjamin Bratt).

Most critics said "Mother of the Bride" wasn't even bad enough to be "funny bad" — it was simply forgettable.

"These superficially 'pretty people' are all bland, underdeveloped stereotypes, and each shallow, awkward scene turns out to be more predictable than the one preceding it," Susan Granger wrote for Susan Granger Reviews.

"Madame Web" proved to be another fruitless superhero offshoot.
Dakota Johnson looking at a spider web
Dakota Johnson in "Madame Web."

Sony

Rotten Tomatoes score: 11%

Summary: After New York City paramedic Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson) begins to experience clairvoyant visions, she sets out to save three young women from their certain deaths.

"Madame Web" appeared to lose itself in a fog of bad dialogue and bland acting, leaving critics begging for more original storytelling.

"'Madame Web' is not fun and not entertaining," Ayla Ruby wrote for Loud and Clear Reviews. Most of all, it's disappointing, because it teases you with possibilities that never come to bear."

Critics thought "Borderlands" wasted its talented cast.
A still from "Borderlands" featuring Ariana Greenblatt in bunny ears, Cate Blanchett with red-dyed hair, Kevin Hart in military uniform, a robot voiced by Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis in red uniform and Florian Munteanu wearing a gas mask.
Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, and Cate Blanchett in "Borderlands."

Courtesy of Lionsgate

Rotten Tomatoes score: 10%

Summary: Bounty hunter Lilith (Cate Blanchett) reluctantly sets off on a rescue mission with a ragtag group of misfits to save a teenager named Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt).

Critics didn't have many kind words for the video-game adaptation, which featured goofy CGI and underwhelming acting performances despite the stacked cast.

"This is the worst movie I have seen in years," Julia Swift wrote for My Champlain Valley. "Lots of top talent looking very uncomfortable. I'm assuming they didn't read the script before signing on for this mess."

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