Top Movies Released in 2024
Get ready to explore the top movies of 2024! This year proved to be an eventful one for the film industry 1, with a diverse range of movies hitting theaters and captivating audiences worldwide. This article delves into the top-performing films of 2024, categorized by various metrics such as box office success, audience ratings, and critical acclaim. It was a year where filmmakers faced the challenge of capturing audience attention and even getting their films to the screen 1.
Box Office Hits
2024 witnessed record-breaking box office numbers, with animated films dominating the charts 2 and sequels/reboots proving their enduring appeal 1. Here are the top 10 highest-grossing films domestically:
| Rank | Movie Title | Domestic Gross (USD) | Worldwide Gross (USD) | Director | Writers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inside Out 2 (Release Date: June 14, 2024) | $652,980,194 | $1.7B 3 | Kelsey Mann | Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein |
| 2 | Deadpool & Wolverine (Release Date: July 26, 2024) | $636,745,858 | $1.3B 3 | Shawn Levy | Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells |
| 3 | Despicable Me 4 (Release Date: July 3, 2024) | $361,004,205 | $968M 3 | Chris Renaud | Mike White |
| 4 | Wicked (Release Date: November 22, 2024) | $330,120,080 | $465.5M 4 | Jon M. Chu | Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox |
| 5 | Moana 2 (Release Date: November 27, 2024) | $306,098,756 | $606.1M 5 | David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller | Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller |
| 6 | Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Release Date: September 6, 2024) | $294,100,435 | $451.1M 6 | Tim Burton | Alfred Gough, Miles Millar |
| 7 | Dune: Part Two (Release Date: March 1, 2024) | $282,144,358 | $714M 3 | Denis Villeneuve | Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts |
| 8 | Twisters (Release Date: July 19, 2024) | $267,762,265 | $371M 7 | Lee Isaac Chung | Mark L. Smith |
| 9 | Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Release Date: March 29, 2024) | $196,350,016 | $571M 3 | Adam Wingard | Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, Jeremy Slater |
| 10 | Kung Fu Panda 4 (Release Date: March 8, 2024) | $193,590,620 | $549.2M 8 | Mike Mitchell | Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger |
“Inside Out 2” emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year domestically, and it also broke records globally, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time 9. The animated sequel’s success can be attributed to its heartwarming story, relatable characters, and stunning animation. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the highly anticipated R-rated superhero flick, also shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time 10. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of superhero action, R-rated humor, and nostalgic references 10.
Looking at the worldwide performance, “Inside Out 2” still holds the top spot with a global gross of over $1.7 billion 3. “Deadpool & Wolverine” follows closely with $1.3 billion in worldwide earnings 3. These figures highlight the global appeal of these films and their ability to resonate with audiences across different cultures.
While commercial success is one measure of a film’s impact, critical acclaim offers a different perspective.
Critically Acclaimed Movies
This year saw a number of films garnering significant praise from critics for their artistic merit and storytelling. Here are some of the most critically acclaimed films of 2024:
- Dune: Part Two: Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic garnered widespread praise for its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and complex characters. It received a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes 12. The film’s release was delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes 13, but it ultimately proved to be worth the wait, delivering a cinematic experience that exceeded expectations.
- Wicked: Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical was lauded for its spectacular production numbers, tear-jerking performances, and faithful adaptation of the source material. Critics praised the film’s ability to capture the magic of the stage show while adding its own unique cinematic flourishes 14.
- Inside Out 2: Pixar’s animated sequel was praised for its exploration of complex emotions, relatable characters, and stunning animation. Critics commended the film for its ability to live up to its predecessor’s emotional intelligence while tackling the challenges of adolescence 15.
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel received positive reviews for its whimsical and eerie world, dark humor, and outrageous visuals. Critics noted that the film successfully captured the spirit of the original while pushing its self-aware humor and fourth-wall breaks to new heights 16.
- Twisters: Lee Isaac Chung’s disaster film sequel was praised for its thrilling action sequences, immersive visuals, and surprisingly heartfelt story. Critics commended the film’s ability to deliver a big-screen experience that captures the awe and destructive power of tornadoes 17. The film’s success also points to a resurgence of the disaster film genre 7.
Audience Favorites
In addition to box office figures and critical acclaim, audience ratings provide valuable insight into which films resonated most with viewers. Here are the top 10 movies of 2024 based on audience ratings:
| Rank | Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dune: Part Two | 8.5 18 | 93% 19 |
| 2 | The Brutalist | – | – |
| 3 | Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga | – | – |
| 4 | The Substance | 7.4 20 | 98% 21 |
| 5 | A Real Pain | – | – |
| 6 | His Three Daughters | – | – |
| 7 | The Outrun | – | – |
| 8 | Anora | 91 22 | 99% 23 |
| 9 | Nosferatu | – | – |
| 10 | Ghostlight | – | – |
“Dune: Part Two” emerged as a clear favorite among audiences, with high ratings on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s captivating story, stunning visuals, and strong performances resonated with viewers, solidifying its position as one of the year’s top movies.
Award-Winning Movies
2024 saw several films recognized for their excellence, receiving accolades and awards from various organizations. Here are the top 10 award-winning movies of the year:
| Rank | Movie Title | Awards Won |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inside Out 2 | 3 24 |
| 2 | Wicked | 5 25 |
| 3 | Dune: Part Two | 5 26 |
| 4 | Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | 5 27 |
| 5 | Twisters | 2 28 |
| 6 | Moana 2 | 1 29 |
| 7 | Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire | 1 30 |
| 8 | Kung Fu Panda 4 | 0 |
| 9 | Deadpool & Wolverine | 0 |
| 10 | Despicable Me 4 | 0 |
“Inside Out 2” and “Wicked” lead the pack with multiple awards, highlighting their exceptional storytelling, animation, and performances. “Dune: Part Two” also received significant recognition, further solidifying its status as a critical and commercial success.
Diverse Genres
2024 offered a diverse range of movies across various genres, catering to a wide spectrum of audience preferences. Here’s a table showcasing some of the top-performing films in their respective genres:
| Genre | Movie Title |
|---|---|
| Action | Deadpool & Wolverine |
| Action | The Fall Guy |
| Action | Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga |
| Action | The Beekeeper |
| Drama | The Substance |
| Drama | A Quiet Place: Day One |
| Drama | The Tearsmith |
| Drama | Sixty Minutes |
| Comedy | Anora |
| Comedy | The Substance |
| Comedy | It’s What’s Inside |
| Comedy | Kinds of Kindness |
| Thriller | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes |
| Thriller | Alien: Romulus |
| Thriller | A Quiet Place: Day One |
| Thriller | Trap |
| Sci-Fi | Dune: Part Two |
| Sci-Fi | Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga |
| Sci-Fi | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes |
| Sci-Fi | A Quiet Place: Day One |
Top 10 Movies in Detail
Inside Out 2
Director: Kelsey Mann 31
Cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman 31
Synopsis: Two years after moving to San Francisco, 13-year-old Riley is entering high school and facing the challenges of adolescence. Her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—must navigate new and complex feelings as Riley tries to adjust to her changing world9.
Awards: Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards – Best Animated Feature, Best Voice Performance (Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke) 24
Deadpool & Wolverine
Director: Shawn Levy 32
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin 33
Synopsis: Deadpool learns that the Time Variance Authority plans to destroy his universe and teams up with a reluctant Wolverine from another universe to stop them10.
Awards: Nominated for Saturn Awards – Best Fantasy Film, Best Supporting Actress (Emma Corrin) 34
Despicable Me 4
Director: Chris Renaud 35
Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin 35
Synopsis: Gru and Lucy welcome a new family member, Gru Jr., but their happiness is short-lived when a new villain, Maxime Le Mal, emerges, forcing the family to go on the run36.
Awards: None
Wicked
Director: Jon M. Chu 37
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey 38
Synopsis: Elphaba and Glinda, future witches of Oz, forge an unlikely friendship at Shiz University. Their bond is tested as they encounter the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and their lives take different paths39.
Awards: Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards – Best Editing (Myron Kerstein), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande), Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo), Best Director (Jon M. Chu); St. Louis Film…source 25
Moana 2
Director: David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller 40
Cast: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualālai Chung 40
Synopsis: Moana receives a vision from her ancestor, prompting her to journey to the far seas of Oceania to find the lost island of Motufetu and break its curse5.
Awards: Critics Choice Awards Celebration of Cinema & Television 29
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Director: Tim Burton 41
Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara 42
Synopsis: After a family tragedy, the Deetz family returns to Winter River. Lydia’s life is disrupted when her daughter accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife, and Beetlejuice returns to cause mayhem6.
Awards: Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA – Best Fantasy Film, Best Film Direction (Tim Burton), Best Film Makeup, Best Younger Actor in a Film (Jenna Ortega), Best Music in a Film (Danny Elfman) 27
Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve 43
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson 43
Synopsis: Paul Atreides unites with the Fremen to seek revenge against those who destroyed his family. He faces a crucial choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe44.
Awards: San Diego Film Critics Society Awards – Best Picture, Best Director (Denis Villeneuve), Best Editing (Joe Walker), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography (Greig Fraser); Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards – Best Editing (Joe Walker) 26
Twisters
Director: Lee Isaac Chung 45
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos 45
Synopsis: Former storm chaser Kate Carter returns to Oklahoma to test a new tracking system and faces a series of devastating tornadoes alongside rival storm chasers7.
Awards: Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) – Best Original Song – Feature Film (Luke Dick, Shane McAnally, Lainey Wilson; Song: “Out of Oklahoma”), Best Music Supervision – Film (Rachel Levy) 28
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Director: Adam Wingard 46
Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens 46
Synopsis: Kong encounters more of his species in the Hollow Earth and teams up with Godzilla to stop a colossal threat hidden within our world47.
Awards: Chinese American Film Festival (C.A.F.F.) – Golden Angel Award, Most Popular U.S. Film in China 30
Kung Fu Panda 4
Director: Mike Mitchell 48
Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis 48
Synopsis: Po must find and train a new Dragon Warrior while facing a wicked sorceress who plans to steal the kung fu abilities of all masters in China8.
Awards: None
Notable Performances
Several actors delivered standout performances in 2024, contributing to the success of their respective films. Here are a few notable mentions:
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in “Wicked”: Erivo and Grande brought the iconic witches Elphaba and Glinda to life with powerful vocals and captivating chemistry. Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba was both vulnerable and strong, while Grande infused Glinda with a charming and playful energy. Their performances were instrumental in capturing the magic of the stage production and translating it to the big screen49.
- Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in “Deadpool & Wolverine”: Reynolds and Jackman delivered a hilarious and action-packed superhero romp, playing off each other’s comedic strengths with perfect timing. Their performances captured the essence of the iconic characters while pushing the boundaries of superhero humor, contributing to the film’s record-breaking success11.
- Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell in “Twisters”: Edgar-Jones and Powell brought a refreshing dynamic to the disaster film genre, portraying a pair of rival storm chasers with undeniable chemistry. Edgar-Jones’ portrayal of a determined meteorologist and Powell’s charming and reckless persona created a compelling dynamic that added depth to the action-packed narrative17.
- Timothée Chalamet in “Dune: Part Two”: Chalamet delivered a nuanced and captivating performance as Paul Atreides, capturing the character’s internal struggles and evolution as a leader. His portrayal of a complex and conflicted hero facing immense pressure and responsibility was crucial to the film’s emotional depth and critical acclaim50.
Synthesis and Conclusion
2024 was a year of both blockbusters and artistic achievements in film. While established franchises like “Despicable Me” and “Kung Fu Panda” continued to entertain audiences, original stories like “Dune: Part Two” and adaptations like “Wicked” pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The year also saw a resurgence of the disaster film genre with “Twisters,” reminding audiences of the power of spectacle and immersive visuals on the big screen.
One notable trend was the dominance of animated films at the box office. “Inside Out 2” shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, while “Despicable Me 4” and “Moana 2” also performed exceptionally well. This success highlights the enduring appeal of animation and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Legacy sequels like “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Twisters” also proved their box office draw, demonstrating the enduring power of nostalgia and the desire to revisit beloved characters and worlds. These films successfully captured the spirit of their predecessors while adding new layers of storytelling and visual spectacle.
The impact of streaming services on the film industry was also evident in 2024. While some films opted for hybrid releases, others, like “Dune: Part Two,” prioritized a theatrical experience. This ongoing shift in distribution models continues to shape the landscape of film consumption and raises questions about the future of cinema.
Overall, 2024 offered a diverse and exciting slate of films, showcasing the creativity and resilience of the industry. From big-budget blockbusters to intimate character-driven stories, there was something for everyone at the movies this year. Despite the challenges faced, 2024 proved that cinema continues to be a powerful medium for entertainment, escapism, and emotional connection.
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