The year 2024 gave us standout films across genres. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling spectacles, here's a look at the must-watch movies of 2024.

This year brought us "Glicked," a mix of the releases of Gladiator II and Wicked, which almost matched the frenzy that last year witnessed in box office records. In preparation for this competitive Oscar season, let us look at films that defined 2024.

Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two gripped the audiences with its riveting tale of power struggles on the desert planet Arrakis. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya play deeper roles in this movie, along with Austin Butler and Florence Pugh, as the film explores the dangers of concentrated power and charismatic leadership. Despite deviating from the book, Denis Villeneuve's direction kept the epic alive, and it remained a top sci-fi blockbuster of the year.

Wicked

The long-awaited movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda. The film features Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and shows how friendship at Shiz University develops them into the infamous witches of Oz. Fans are in for the treat of purchasing the digital copy of Wicked on December 31, 2024.

The Substance

Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance delivered a mix of sharp social satire and body horror. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film explores a bizarre tale of a woman using a mysterious serum to regain her youth, only to face severe consequences. Nominated for five Golden Globes, this twisted dark comedy stood out as one of the year’s most daring projects.

Anora

Anora took on a tour throughout New York nights with its highly dramatic yet enjoyable storyline. Cast as Anora is Mikey Madison, from Brooklyn, whose impulsive marriage to the oligarch's son brought about both family mayhem and chases that will hold viewers' thrills. Its whirlwind scenes of drama and romance mixed into a comedic setting make it such a must-see for 2024.

Inside Out 2

Inside Out 2 went back to delve into the mysteries of the human mind. This time, though, Riley was a teenager who had to discover new emotions: Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, as she tries to find her way at summer camp. The sequel took its share of hearts, with warmth, humor, and empathy, just like its predecessor did.

Nightbitch

Amy Adams went fearless in the film Nightbitch, one that explores the primal truths of motherhood. Directed by Marielle Heller, this dark comedy follows a mother who starts believing she is transforming into a dog. The film's absurdity and honesty make it one of the year's bravest and most impactful films.

I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow was a great blend of horror, surrealism, and identity crises. Under the direction of Jane Schoenbrun, the film revolved around the descent of a teenager into a supernatural world through some mysterious late-night TV show. Its eerie storytelling and brain-melting visuals made it quite a standout within the genre.

A Real Pain

Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain is a story of two cousins traveling to Poland to confront personal and historical trauma. Through their visit to their grandmother's hometown, the film explores themes of identity, loss, and longing. With moving performances by Kieran Culkin and Eisenberg himself, this heartfelt drama became one of 2024's most thoughtful films.

With such a diverse lineup, 2024 proved that Hollywood is far from losing its magic. Whether you’re into musicals, sci-fi, or dark comedies, these films are worth adding to your watchlist before the year wraps up.