Every year, critics and cinephiles alike brace themselves for the end-of-year deluge of “best of” lists. In 2024, a unique twist emerged—a meta-poll aggregating insights from 415 individual critics' top-ten lists. The results, spearheaded by World of Reel correspondent Theo LaVelle, reveal a fascinating interplay between highbrow picks and crowd-pleasing gems. From Sean Baker's poignant “Anora” to George Miller's action-packed “Furiosa,” these rankings encapsulate a year defined by cinematic diversity.
The Top 10 Films of 2024: A Breakdown
- “Anora” (Sean Baker) — 158 lists
Sean Baker, celebrated for his deep empathy for society's margins, delivers a heart-wrenching tale of resilience in Anora. The film's minimalist aesthetic, coupled with Baker's signature humanity, captivated critics across the spectrum. - “The Substance” (Coralie Fargeat) — 114 lists
A visceral exploration of power dynamics and transformation, Fargeat's thriller stunned with its audacious storytelling and razor-sharp commentary. - “Challengers” (Luca Guadagnino) — 110 lists
With Challengers, Guadagnino ventures into the world of competitive tennis, crafting a sensuous, layered narrative that's equal parts romance and psychological drama. - “Dune: Part Two” (Denis Villeneuve) — 90 lists
Villeneuve's epic continuation of Dune solidified his reputation as a master of spectacle, delivering stunning visuals and intricate character arcs. - “The Brutalist” (Brady Corbet) — 89 lists
This ambitious drama dives into the trials of an immigrant architect, offering a poignant meditation on art, identity, and the American Dream. - “Nickel Boys” (RaMell Ross) — 81 lists
Adapted from Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Ross's film is a haunting portrayal of systemic injustice, with nuanced performances anchoring its emotional heft. - “I Saw the TV Glow” (Jane Schoenbrun) — 77 lists
Schoenbrun's surreal horror evokes the unsettling intersection of technology and identity, leaving viewers in reflective awe. - “All We Imagine As Light” (Payala Kapadia) — 70 lists
A visual poem steeped in cultural introspection, Kapadia's film resonates with quiet power. - “Conclave” (Edward Berger) — 58 lists
Berger delves into Vatican intrigue with this taut, character-driven drama, boasting a stellar ensemble cast. - “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (George Miller) — 57 lists
The much-anticipated Mad Max prequel lives up to the hype, delivering kinetic action and an unforgettable performance by Anya Taylor-Joy. - “Hard Truths” (Mike Leigh) — 56
- “A Real Pain” (Jesse Eisenberg) — 54
- “Sing Sing” (Greh Kwedar) — 48
- “Love Lies Bleeding” (Rose Glass) — 41
- “Do Not Expect the End of the World” (Radu Jude) — 41
- “Wicked” (John M. Chu) — 40
- “Evil Does Not Exist” (Ryusuke Hamaguchi) — 40
- “Nosferatu” (Robert Eggers) — 38
- “The Wild Robot” (Chris Sanders) —- 38
- “Civil War” (Alex Garland) — 37
- “The Beast” (Bertrand Bonello) — 36
- “A Complete Unknown” (James Mangold) — 32
- “A Different Man” (Aaron Schimberg) — 32
- “La Chimera” (Alice Rohrwacher) — 32
- “Juror #2” (Clint Eastwood) — 27
- “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Mohammad Rasoulof) — 25
- “Hit Man” (Richard Linklater) — 26
- “Emilia Perez” (Jacques Audiard) — 26
- “Babygirl” (Halina Reijn) — 25
- “My Old Ass” (Megan Park) — 24
The Broader Landscape: Surprises and Omissions
While these films dominated, many festival favorites fell short of the top 30. Notably absent were critical darlings such as Last Summer and Janet Planet, suggesting a shift toward accessibility and broader appeal. The eclectic mix highlights cinema's evolving dynamic—bridging art-house masterpieces with blockbuster brilliance.
My Impressions
2024 reminded us why cinema remains the ultimate art form. Films like Anora and The Substance reach into the depths of human experience, while blockbusters like Furiosa prove that spectacle can have substance. Personally, I was most moved by Nickel Boys, a harrowing yet necessary film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. These works affirm the enduring power of storytelling to challenge, comfort, and connect us.
What were your top films of 2024? Did the critics' consensus align with your own cinematic journey this year? Share your thoughts and join the conversation—our Readers' Poll results will be unveiled January 6!
