The Best & Worst Movies I Watched in 2024
There are a lot of bad movies out there.....
This year was not a good one for movies. Frankly, my enthusiasm to venture to the theater or even plop on the living room couch (and forfeit my valuable time to 2024 films) was slim-to-none. Overall, I saw only 105 movies — compared to 120 from last year.
Among those, approximately 60 were new to me. And of those, 17 were from 2024. So, rookie numbers. Why did I not watch as many films from 2024? There are a few explanations: life intervened (i.e., not enough time to go to the movies); the quality of movies failed to gin up my interest; and there are too many dang streaming services! “To watch this film, you need Paramount+…or is that Netflix?….or is that AppleTV….or is that Max?….or is that Prime?…”
The movie industry is making it harder for consumers to actually watch their drivel. And it mostly looks like drivel — or worse. Why would I see Conclave, which seems on-brand for yours truly, if it promulgates non-Catholic teaching when its subject is about the Catholic Church? Why would I schlep to the theater to see Mufasa: The Lion King, which ret-cons its own intellectual property? I would watch Carry On, but I have to pay for yet another streaming service.
Essentially, 2024 made me apathetic to new releases, so I watched older ones; some of which I have been intending to watch for years.
Moreover, as of writing this, I have not seen Wicked, Lord of the Rings: War of Rohirrim, A Complete Unknown, Nosferatu or The Brutalist — so it’s possible one of those could have etched themselves on my list of favorites (or among the worst).
With that, here are my awardees for 2024…
The Best 2024 Movies I Saw This Year
Dune: Part II secures the top spot almost by default. The other 2024 movies I’ve seen that I enjoyed enough were Wolfs, Deadpool & Wolverine, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
Wolfs’ strength lies with George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s chemistry. Its story, however, is slightly lacking in ingenuity and, honestly, I wish it were funnier. Perhaps it needed more of a Coen Brothers-edge to it. But, still, it was a fun watch.
Deadpool & Wolverine was a nice send-off for the 20th Century Fox superhero franchises, and at times I did laugh-out-loud. However, it’s a ‘sugar rush’ movie, meaning the film was fun while I watched it — but I don’t suspect I will revisit it anytime soon or at all.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga takes second place for 2024 movies; however, the film is simply way too long. Furiosa is no ‘Mary Sue’: she is vulnerable, she makes mistakes, finds love (albeit briefly), and grows as a character. But, ultimately, for a franchise primarily based on fast-paced action, the movie slogs in parts. Nevertheless, Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth both fit perfectly in the Wasteland, and I wouldn’t protest watching this one again.
Meanwhile, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare was a nice throwback to 1960s and 70s World War II action flicks. It was a fun premise (based on a real mission), and I wish there were more films like this. But, frankly, the acting could’ve been better, as well as my level of investment in all the characters.
Other films I saw in 2024 were The Fall Guy, which had a few laughs, but went off the rails in the third act; Gladiator II was better than I expected, but still didn’t justify its existence; and Moana 2 was alright enough, but the main character essentially ends where she begins — plus there were no catchy tunes, unlike the first one.
Back to Dune: Part II. The sequel is better than the first entry on almost every front: the scale, writing, action, cinematography, and acting. There were truly thrilling sequences, especially in the third act. Austin Butler’s performance, as the menacing Feyd-Rautha, was a particular standout. Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides — the Messiah-like leader — is, however, still the weakest character in the story (at least in my estimation).
Nevertheless, Dune: Part II feels like a movie made with love, orchestrated by a singular vision. Denis Villeneuve continues to be one of the “reliable” auteurs in filmmaking, and may be the last of a dying breed.
The Worst 2024 Movie
Have you ever seen something and asked, “Does that even have a soul?” That is Madame Web, a miserable adaptation of an obscure Spiderman-universe character. Comparatively, this movie made 2022’s Morbius — which starred the dead-eyed Jared Leto — look competent and even decent. The only person who seems to give a damn is Adam Scott. Do not waste your time. Just watch John Mulaney’s Oscar joke about it; you’ll get more joy and laughs out of it.
The Top 5 Best Movies I Saw This Year
This list below are movies, not necessarily from 2024, that I’ve seen this year for the first time. Otherwise, this would include The Godfather, The Third Man, Lawrence of Arabia, Singin’ in the Rain, Gladiator, and so on…
Calvary (2014)
I’ve been meaning to see this film since its 2014 release — and I’m only sorry I waited for so long to do so. Calvary follows the story of a Irish priest who is told in the confessional booth he’ll be executed in seven days. The crime: the confessor was raped by a priest. However, Brendan Gleeson’s Father James Lavelle is targeted because he is a good priest. As the confessor/assassin states, “There’s no point in killing a bad priest. But killing a good one? That’d be a shock now. They wouldn’t know what to make of that.” Throughout the tense film, he still tries to minister to the community rife with pride, cynicism, adultery and cowardice, although with not much success. His calls for conversion fall on deaf ears. Yet he persists through the tragedy and comedy (and there is plenty) of life; moreover, he is not timid, but he is also not overbearing. He recognizes his humanity and fallen state. As Word on Fire aptly writes, Calvary is a “uniquely compelling exploration of Christ’s atonement.” The film emotionally struck me more than any other from this past year. It’s one every age-appropriate Christian and Catholic must see.
The Day of the Jackal (1973)
This 1973 thriller was certainly more potent after the near-assassination of Donald Trump on July 13 in Butler, Penn. (I watched this Aug. 17). It follows an assassin, code-named “Jackal,” who is assigned to kill French President Charles de Gaulle. The nearly two-and-a-half-hour rollercoaster flies by at a brisk, exhilarating, break-neck speed, as French authorities try to discover Jackal’s identity before he completes his deadly mission. Coincidentally, NBC remade the movie into a series, which aired Nov. 14. However, I doubt it will be as good as the 1973 movie — but its timing is uncanny.
Manhunter (1986)
Michael Mann’s adaptation of Red Dragon, the first in Thomas Harris’ Hannibal Lecter series, does not necessarily break new ground in the crime drama — but oozes with his unique style and tone. William Petersen’s Will Graham is an expert FBI profiler who is brought back to track a new killer. His issue, however, is that he often becomes “too close” to his subjects in trying to think like psychos, losing himself and his humanity. While the investigation is captivating, Manhunter has a distinctive flair with colors (that actually correspond to deeper themes) and cinematography, producing a refreshing experience in an overtrodden and overcrowded category of films.
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)
The war starts at midnight! It’s a memorable line in one of the 100 greatest British movies ever produced — or so says Empire. Epic, satirical, yet, at times, deeply emotional and philosophical, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp is a beautiful film to look at. Made during the throes of World War II, the movie follows not a British fellow named ‘Colonel Blimp’ (as one might expect from the title), but Clive Wynne-Candy (played by Roger Livesey) and his life from prior to the First World War to the Battle of Britain. The movie is quintessentially British in its manner and style, yet its spirit of resilience, heroism and perseverance can resonate to any viewer — and no doubt, did to its British audience in 1943.
Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)
Werner Herzog’s conquistador tale is not pristinely gorgeous as the others on this list. In fact, Aguirre, the Wrath of God is quite the opposite: grungy, sinister, dirty, chaotic, and cynical. Yet art through adversity shines forth, and Herzog provides it in spades. The film follows a band of Spanish conquistadors trudging through the Amazonian rainforest in search of the Lost City of Gold. Instead of glory, the band falls into madness, misery and death. It’s a cautionary, spiritual tale about the evil lurking in men’s heart. My full reflection for RealClearReligion can be found here.
Honorable Mentions: Diary of a Country Priest, Aliens, Philadelphia Story, Sound of Freedom, The Swimming Pool
The Worst Movies I Saw This Year
The Marvels (2023)
Second only to Madame Web, this dumpster fire of a film (can it be called that?) has numerous plot-holes, bland and/or annoying acting (courtesy of Brie Larson, who definitely didn’t want to do this), and tonal whiplash that make for a nauseating, brain-rotting experience. For instance, let’s have a musical number while the universe’s existence hangs in the balance (although I forget how or why — it made no sense anyway). The Marvels only lost the top spot because it happened to be shorter than Madame Web, so my pain was not as prolonged. But gosh, this is one I wish I could unsee.
Dune (1984)
David Lynch’s Dune was another painful experience, but not totally of his own doing. There are truncated sequences and character arcs evidently mangled by studio heavy-handedness. Still, even without studio interference, Dune (1984) is not — and would not have been — a good movie. It’s gross, the acting is poor, the pace is horrendous, especially when compared to Denis Villeneuve’s foray into Frank Herbert’s universe. It lacks any cohesiveness and heart. Some of the production design is alright, but even then, there are flawed effects. (Reminder: this was released after 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars: A New Hope.)
Love Again (2023)
Bland. Dull. Uninteresting. I shouldn’t have been shocked, though. This was chosen for a ‘bad movie night’ — and it fit the bill. But Priyanka Chopra Jonas has no charisma; and the premise is ethically questionable to the point where the love story and resolution are problematic.
Morbius (2022)
Another Jared Leto attempt to break into the superhero genre (after his disastrous portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad), and another attempt gone awry. Morbius is a glimpse into what Batman Begins could have been in the hands of an incompetent director and creative team. It tries to hit similar story beats, but fails in every regard. What salvages the movie from a film-watching experience is that it’s relatively short and ridiculous. It’s nearly ‘so bad it’s good’ — emphasis on nearly.
Honorable Mentions: Irish Wish, Aquaman, F9
The Best ‘Worst’ Movie I Saw This Year
I was in Savers trying to find the worst movie among its shelves, and stumbled upon The Bronx Executioner (1989). The movie — again, if one can call it that — is inept to the point it surpasses all reason, which makes it a fun experience (for the most part). Firstly, the sets and locations are clearly no where near the Bronx or the American continent, aside from some obvious home video, tourist footage in the opening shots. There are gangs, cops, people shooting, a cyborg, and other elements thrown together; but the production is earnest. It feels like someone trying to make something reminiscent of ‘big American action movie’ but utterly and completely failing. One section drags a tad, but, other than that, The Bronx Executioner is filled with the often exclaimed “whats,” “hows” and “whys” to make a viewing with friends fun.
The Movie I Need to Revisit
Aliens (1986) is a movie one has virtually seen through cultural osmosis — but, this year, I intentionally watched James Cameron’s action, sci-fi flick. Often hailed as one of the best sequels and action films ever made, my viewing suffered from the hype. To be sure, there are great set pieces, scares and thrills, but the theatrical version seems to be missing scenes, accompanied by underdeveloped themes. From my understanding, the near-three hour Director’s Cut explores the theme of mother-daughter relationships in greater detail and effect. So, this might have been a moviegoing faux pas.
Honorable Mention: Patriot Games
The Most Overrated Movie(s) I Saw This Year
A communist and a feminist movie walk into a bar…
Alexander Nevksy (1938) is a Soviet Union propaganda movie about the eponymous Russian hero who repelled German crusaders from invading the motherland. It’s story is very ‘on the nose’ in terms of its geopolitical commentary; but filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have referenced Alexander Nevsky as an inspirational film for its scale and striking imagery (for instance, compare the “Battle on the Ice” and the Battle of Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back). And it’s true: the movie employs a ton of extras, giving its battle sequences an epic quality long-forgotten in modern Hollywood; and the cinematography, at times, is beautiful. But the famous “Battle on the Ice” sequence loses its luster quite early — and it continues….and continues…..and continues. Essentially, the battle becomes boring. Accompanied by its obvious anti-Christian, anti-West propaganda, Alexander Nevsky is underwhelming.
Meanwhile, Barbie (2023) is a hodgepodge of movie influences, cultural commentary, gimmicks and themes mashed and garbled together with no clear direction. The acting is fine — Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are good as Barbie and Ken, respectively. The production design is also well-crafted, particularly Barbie Land, which looks like the toys and Dream Houses. However, the plot is muddled and confused. It’s essentially a much-worse version of The Lego Movie (2014), a tighter, well-conceived, and funnier movie. For it being such a super hit and Academy Award-nominated darling, Barbie has a few bright spots, but is ADHD fueled, cramming in references and callbacks that leaves viewers’ brains scrambled.
The Most Disappointing and/or Frustrating Movie(s) I Saw This Year
Cabrini (2024) was both disappointing and frustrating because the production design surpassed the level of other faith-based movies; however, the film lacked the spiritual examination of an American saint who lived a heroically virtuous life. Instead, Cabrini tried to appease a secular audience, thus shoving to the backburner her love for Jesus Christ (who is almost entirely absent from the movie). There is a better movie lurking in Cabrini — and those are the most frustrating moviegoing experiences. Here is my full review.
Honorable Mentions: Reagan (2024), The Outlaw King (2018)
The Most Surprising Movie I Saw This Year
Dante’s Peak (1997), starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton, tries to capitalize on Jurassic Park’s success, and falls incredibly short while doing so — however, the disaster-film is an enjoyable, thrilling venture. There is plenty to admire, particularly the special effects that utilizes every tool of the trade — from miniatures, elaborate sets, and matte paintings — without the heavy dose of CGI often employed in modern movies. It gives the movie a surprising level of grit and practicality and, therefore, tension. Dante’s Peak is certainly not a great movie, and indeed was not considered so when released. However, time’s passage and today’s blasé effects may raise the esteem of this film in years to come.
Honorable Mention: The Swimming Pool, Find Me Falling (2024)
The Freakiest Movie I Saw This Year
Late Night with the Devil (2023) is a horror movie revolving around a down-and-out late night talk show host and the filming of one episode. He hopes for his ratings to rebound by showcasing a girl possessed by a demon. At times, the movie is lackluster in its acting chops — several characters are reminiscent of the Waiting for Guffman troupe; but there are genuinely terrifying moments sprinkled throughout the runtime, intensifying in the ‘balls-to-the-walls’ third act. But, more terrifying, is the film’s subplot on celebrity sex cults. Late Night with the Devil premiered before the P. Diddy mayhem broke, making it a prescient movie in some respects. There is something very, very rotten in showbusiness, and Late Night with the Devil taps into that horror in a tight, freakish story. (Plus, whoever led the production design obviously loved old late night talk shows, which is on full display.)
The ‘What the Heck Was That?’ Movie I Saw This Year
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) is a strange movie. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage and a young-Jim Carrey, this film is a love letter to the 1950s, yet a cautionary tale. Peggy Sue was the high school beauty queen and popular girl — but, by her 25th reunion, she is a broken woman on the verge of divorce from her husband (Cage). Like Back to the Future, which has similar themes and only released a year before, Peggy Sue is miraculously whisked to her high school days to right the wrongs of yesteryear. To be honest, I watched this back in June and I still don’t know what to make of its ludicrous ending (which involves the Freemasons and strange rituals…).
Anyway, Peggy Sue Got Married is no Back to the Future or even American Graffiti (which Ford’s friend, George Lucas, directed). Turner is alright as the lead, but Cage comes off as a wild man, acting in a different movie.
Other Movies to Highlight
The Zone of Interest (2023): This Best Picture-nominated film centers on the family life of Rudolf Höss, Auschwitz’s Nazi commandant. The movie is an exploration of the evil’s banality. We don’t see the torture and extermination of the thousands upon thousands of Jewish persons, aside from ash falling from the sky and distant screams. Meanwhile, the Höss family seems oblivious to the crimes against humanity which they are spearheading, going about their daily lives. A well-crafted and effective movie, The Zone of Interest, nevertheless, is an incomplete film. Later in life, Höss returned to the Catholic faith of his youth, and even received absolution before his own execution. Everyone has seen a “Nazis are Bad” movie — but the more intriguing film, as the Catholic Herald proposes, would have explored humanity’s capacity to forgive: what is unforgiveable? Did not Jesus Christ die for Höss’ sins too? Those are the more troubling, spiritually engaging questions we must ask and explore.
Summertime (1955): A David Lean film not three hours long and not a wartime epic? Impossible! But it’s real. Katharine Hepburn stars in this charming movie about a older woman who has not had a real, genuine love, until her Venetian vacation. While the cinematography is stunning and the performances are sincere, the film’s morality is questionable. Hepburn’s character falls in love with a married man, and the pair conduct an affair. In the end, the right course is chosen, but it’s hard to root for adultery…
Real Life (1979): Albert Brooks’ comedy is not only hilarious, but also — like Late Night with the Devil — prescient. His character devises a reality show intending to showcase the ‘real’ life of a normal American family. The family is always on camera, but, to be an entertaining show, Brooks uses some creative licenses that, predictably, cause havoc. For a nearly 50-year-old movie, Real Life seems more relevant than ever.
Mister Roberts (1955): I was a little underwhelmed by John Ford’s Best Picture nominated movie about life on a U.S. Navy cargo ship. The film is certainly telling a cohesive story about the inter-personal dynamics (or struggles) between officers and subordinates; and the acting, particularly Jack Lemmon (who won an Academy Award), is all-well-and-good — but there is something lacking in this 1955 classic. Perhaps its Lt. Roberts’ (Henry Fonda) death wish that veers toward suicide rather than heroism.
Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Smokey and the Bandit was a sensation, becoming the second-highest grossing film of 1977, only trailing Star Wars: A New Hope. I had to know why — and, well, it’s a fun-enough movie. It’s not great, but it thankfully doesn’t take itself too seriously; there are cool car sequences; and, most importantly, Burt Reynolds and Sally Fields have a good rapport. Jackie Gleason’s Sheriff Buford T. Justice steals the show. However, the film could’ve been cut by 10-15 minutes and still have been good.
Hot Frosty (2024): …you know, it wasn’t as terrible as I imagined it would be. There were several laugh-out-loud moments. The movie is self-aware at the ridiculousness of its premise, which helps immensely. It’s not good, but it’s a fun watch at times.
The Movies I Revisited…On the Big & Small Screen!
Yep, these movies are still good. Just had to check…
The Godfather
Lawrence of Arabia
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
A Fish Called Wanda
Logan
Ghostbusters
The Bourne Supremacy
Double Indemnity
The Third Man
Howl’s Moving Castle
Braveheart
Die Hard with a Vengeance
Field of Dreams
Rebecca
Laura
Doctor Zhivago
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Groundhog Day
And there are plenty others! Let’s hope 2025 is far more memorable and engaging than this year. What were your favorites? What movies did you hate? What movie were you most surprised that you liked? Comment below!
Yay, Doctor Zivahgo made the list!