My Top 5 Movies of 2024 So Far

2024 has delivered a blockbuster year of cinema, with unforgettable releases lighting up screens worldwide. But what are my top 5 must watch films of the year so far?

Aug 28, 2024

2024 has quickly become one of my favourite years for cinema, offering a spectacular array of film releases. Movie enthusiasts have been treated to incredible experiences, from Luca Guadagnino’s wonderful Challengers to the impressive directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz with Blink Twice, and the exceptional, masterful filmmaking of Denis Villeneuve in Dune: Part Two. These films have played a pivotal role in reviving the magic of the cinema, drawing crowds back for their weekly dose of cinematic wonder. But the real question is, which of these films have been my personal favourites?

5. Civil War - Directed by Alex Garland

Arguably one of the most compelling and eye-opening films of 2024, Civil War has firmly earned its place among my favourites this year. My partner and I left the cinema with our minds completely transformed by its impact. I was thoroughly impressed by every aspect of this movie and the craftsmanship that brought it to life.

This movie confronts the harsh realities of war, making it incredibly engaging and thought-provoking for the audience. One particular shot that left a lasting impact on me when I left the cinema was of Cailee Spaeny’s character, Jessie, lying on top of a pit of dead bodies, trapped with no escape. Her desperate climb into a car, screaming in horror at what she had witnessed, shook me to my core.

The casting was spot on, with Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny delivering standout performances that electrified the screen. Their talent was perfectly complemented by a stellar story, stunning cinematography, and a fantastic directorial vision. What truly sets this movie apart is Alex Garland’s fearless approach to tackling sensitive topics, portrayed with unflinching detail and intensity. He creates a harrowing story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

4. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - Directed by George Miller

This film might have divided opinions, especially when compared to the rest of the Mad Max franchise, but I absolutely loved it. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga brings something fresh to the series that is engaging, fun, and action-packed, like everyMad Max movie—while seamlessly tying together the other George Miller installments.

Anya Taylor-Joy is flawless as Furiosa, fully embodying the role of a “traumatised heroine” with depth and personality, adding a chaotic energy to the action scenes. Watching her character evolve throughout the film is truly something special. Chris Hemsworth also delivers a standout performance, stepping into a role unlike anything we’ve seen from him before. His charisma and spot-on comedic timing make his character unforgettable.

Beyond the stellar performances from Taylor-Joy and Hemsworth, Furiosa is a masterfully crafted film by George Miller. The cinematography is breathtaking, the story is compelling, and the action scenes are some of the best in the entire franchise—especially the epic final car chase. This is a must-watch for all action lovers!

3. Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes - Directed by Wes Ball

For the longest time, these movies freaked me out. The hyper-realistic monkeys were terrifying—an impressive feat by the CGI team, but the facial movements really got under my skin. That all changed when I watched Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes—and I loved it. It’s incredible to see this franchise take a new direction, with a new cast, and still be just as compelling, even half a century later.

This movie was a fantastic watch. The story unfolded exceptionally well, though the final minutes left me a bit frustrated. The casting was spot-on, with Owen Teague and Kevin Durand brilliantly embodying Noa and Proximus Caesar, respectively. Freya Allen’s portrayal of Mae is also outstanding—she truly owns the role of a "strong female action character" and has great chemistry with Noa.

The cinematography and world-building are among the best I’ve seen in a while, and the score is superb, enhancing the film’s atmosphere. The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular, which helps to make this movie such an enjoyable watch.

2. Challengers - Directed by Luca Guadagnino

The churro scene alone was enough to cement this movie in my top 5 of the year. Challengers took the world by storm in 2024, sparking a surge of interest in tennis like never before. It’s no surprise this film was such a massive success, crafted with the signature brilliance of Luca Guadagnino. With Challengers, Luca not only tells a story that’s brilliantly portrayed but also creates a film that has left a lasting mark on pop culture.

The movie is exceptionally well-paced, especially considering its shifts between past and present. The score is phenomenal, perfectly setting the tone for each scene, particularly during the tennis matches, which are absolutely breathtaking. Luca’s creative vision shines through in these sequences between Art and Patrick, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Zendaya as Tashi, Mike Faist as Art, and Josh O’Connor as Patrick form the perfect love triangle dynamic, working seamlessly together as a trio. Their individual performances elevate this film to a whole new level. More maneater roles for Zendaya, please!

1. Dune Part Two - Directed by Denis Villeneuve

It’s no surprise this movie landed the top spot on my list, especially since it shot straight into my top 4 on Letterboxd after watching it on opening day—and considering I saw it five times in the cinema. Dune: Part Two is, and I don’t say this lightly, a masterpiece. Denis Villeneuve has crafted something truly special with his adaptation of the Dune franchise, conquering the challenge that dogged David Lynch years ago. The story picks up flawlessly from where the first film left off and, over its nearly three-hour runtime, delivers an exceptional adaptation of the second half of the novel.

From the opening scene, where we hear Princess Irulan recounting the downfall of the Atreides bloodline against a backdrop of mind-blowing visuals, you immediately sense that the entire movie will unfold in a stunning sci-fi style—and it works brilliantly. The cinematography throughout is some of the best I’ve ever seen, particularly within the sci-fi genre. Every scene is meticulously crafted, from the framing to the masterful use of colour.

The cast is absolutely stellar. Timothée Chalamet stands out with his portrayal of Paul Atreides, delivering one of the year’s best performances—one that I truly hope earns him award nominations, while Austin Butler and Zendaya are equally formidable in their roles as Feyd-Rautha and Chani, bringing their characters to life with respect to Frank Herbert’s original writing.

Beyond that, Hans Zimmer’s score is exceptional, the rest of the cast is spellbinding, and the ending is one for the ages. Long live the fighters!