2024 has been a paradoxical year in entertainment. The lingering effects of last year's union strikes reshaped release schedules, pushing some highly anticipated projects into 2025. Meanwhile, structural changes in the industry highlighted the widening gulf between blockbusters and indie films. Yet, despite these hurdles, both cinema and television had moments of brilliance. Metacritic's annual list of top-rated films and TV shows shines a spotlight on the year's finest offerings, as aggregated by critics worldwide.
While cinema faced challenges in delivering standout mid-budget films, the indie scene flourished. The top-rated movies of the year often hailed from under-the-radar filmmakers, creating works that resonated deeply with critics if not always with mainstream audiences. On television, however, the year was a resounding success. Returning series hit career-high seasons, and new cinematic series left viewers captivated.
Here's a deep dive into the titles that dominated 2024's critical conversation.
Best Films of 2024: A Cinematic Crossroads
The year's top-rated film, “Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World” (95/100), is a darkly satirical exploration of societal collapse and resilience. Directed by Radu Jude, the film's sharp humor and unflinching storytelling struck a chord with critics, offering a poignant commentary on the times.
Hot on its heels, “All We Imagine As Light” (94/100) delivered a poetic meditation on grief and memory. Directed by Ayisha Kuipers, the film's intimate performances and luminous cinematography turned it into an instant classic.
Other high scorers included:
- “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “La Chimera,” and “Totem” (91/100): Diverse in style but unified in their artistic ambition, these films explore themes ranging from architectural innovation to cultural displacement.
- “Green Border” (90/100): A stark portrayal of the refugee crisis, this film earned acclaim for its harrowing realism.
However, this year's slate also underscored a growing divide in cinema. Blockbusters dominated the box office but seldom reached the critical heights of years past. While films like Dune: Part Two and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga showed promise, they fell short of inclusion in Metacritic's top tier.
Best TV Series of 2024: A Banner Year for the Small Screen
Television in 2024 demonstrated that the medium remains fertile ground for storytelling innovation. Leading the pack were shows like:
- “Somebody Somewhere” Season 3 (92/100): A masterclass in humanistic storytelling, this series balanced poignant humor with emotional depth.
- “Hacks” Season 3 (90/100): Jean Smart's razor-sharp performance elevated this comedy-drama to new heights.
Genre series also made waves. “Shogun” (85/100) brought epic samurai storytelling back to the small screen, while “Arcane” Season 2 (86/100) solidified its place as a trailblazer in animated storytelling for adults.
Critics lauded the year's television landscape for its diversity, cinematic quality, and strong character work. Even in an era some claim is post-Golden Age, the sheer breadth of offerings suggests television's creative vitality remains robust.
Analysis: What 2024 Reveals About Entertainment
The 2024 Metacritic list underscores a shifting landscape. On one hand, television has embraced cinematic techniques and cross-genre experimentation, thriving in an era of streaming dominance. On the other, film struggles with its identity as it grapples with financial pressures and the decline of mid-budget productions.
This dichotomy raises questions about the future of storytelling. Can the theatrical experience survive the hegemony of franchises? Will television continue to absorb the qualities that once defined cinema?
My Impressions
As a critic, 2024 feels like a year of compromise. While television reached artistic peaks, cinema seemed caught in a holding pattern. The year's best films, like Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World, showcase what's possible when storytelling prioritizes authenticity over spectacle. Yet, I can't help but yearn for a more robust middle ground—films that balance accessibility with ambition.
Television, by contrast, delivered surprises at every turn. From the introspective charm of Somebody Somewhere to the visual splendor of Shogun, the medium's evolution remains awe-inspiring. It's a reminder that stories, no matter the format, have the power to connect us.
Which of Metacritic's top films and TV shows from 2024 have you seen? Do you think indie cinema can bridge the gap to mainstream audiences? Share your thoughts below!
