The Best 2024 Films So Far
As we pass the halfway point of 2024 films, many great movies have been released. We polled our staff here at Feature First on what the best films were. Find out our findings below.
As we pass the halfway point of 2024 films, many great movies have been released. We polled our staff here at Feature First on what the best films were. Find out our findings below.
10. Civil War
Alex Garland’s fourth feature film and third collaboration with indie studio A24 is perhaps his most commercial film to date, combining an all-star cast with a high-stakes plot and plenty of commentary despite its centrist surface.
Civil War stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cailee Spaeny, and Jesse Plemons. The film received a 7.25 weighted average based on the reviews of eight staff members. Read our review here.
9. Inside Out 2
Pixar’s latest sequel returns the audience to the world of Riley and the inner workings of her mind. Again managing to manipulate touchy subject matter in a respectful and appropriate manner for all audiences, it’s hard to not love Inside Out 2.
Inside Out 2 stars Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, and Yvette Nicole Brown. The film received a 7.5 weighted average based on the reviews of six staff members. Read our review here.
8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The first film to follow the monumental modern Apes trilogy, director Wes Ball had quite the task ahead of him, and he delivered! With impeccable computer-generated imagery and a vibrant landscape, the story of Noa managed to thrive with both critics and the box office, making for one of the most acclaimed films of the year.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes stars Owen Teague, Freya Allen, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. The film received a 7.5 weighted average based on the reviews of eight staff members. Read our review here.
7. Monkey Man
In his directorial debut, actor Dev Patel returned to his roots with Monkey Man, a revenge story about a man seeking vengeance for the crimes suffered by his family. With solid action sequences, a beautiful colour palette, and great trans representation, it is hard not to love this movie.
Monkey Man stars Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, and Sobhita Dhulipala. The film received a 7.67 weighted average based on the reviews of nine staff members. Read our review here.
6. Hit Man
Amid an intense career boost for Top Gun: Maverick star Glen Powell, he wrote a new film with longtime collaborated Richard Linklater. As a product of this collaboration, Hit Man was born, boasting a dangerously romantic dynamic between leads, sleazy but witty comedy and a gleeful tone.
Hit Man stars Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, and Austin Amelio. The film received a 7.71 weighted average based on the reviews of seven staff members. Read our review here.
5. Love Lies Bleeding
Not the first and not the last A24 film on this list, Love Lies Bleeding is unique in many ways. From its striking portrayal of romance to its daunting take on crime, there is a lot to take away from the film, no matter what your tastes are.
Love Lies Bleeding stars Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, and Ed Harris. The film received a 7.83 weighted average based on the reviews of six staff members. Watch a Q&A with the director and cast of the film here.
4. I Saw The TV Glow
Arguably the most unique selection to make this list, I Saw The TV Glow is a tale of identity. With its disturbing concepts and touching outlooks, it’s an interesting and captivating film complete with an original soundtrack.
I Saw the TV Glow is written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, and stars Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Danielle Deadwyler, and Fred Durst. The film received a 7.86 weighted average based on the reviews of seven staff members. Read our review here and deep dive into the film’s trans themes here.
3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
George Miller’s latest transcends the box office and shoots for all-timer status, with gorgeous visuals, deranged performances, and a killer arc for its lead, it’s an undeniable must-watch for action fans.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlee Fraser, Alyla Browne and Chris Hemsworth. The film received an 8.75 weighted average based on the reviews of eight staff members. Read our review here.
2. Challengers
Challengers is Luca Guadagnino’s and this year’s fastest and most livid feature, really making the film feel like a match of tennis, throwing the viewer back and forth between character views. It’s masterful filmmaking galore with this one, with everyone involved bringing their A-game.
Challengers stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. The film received a 9 weighted average based on the reviews of nine staff members. Read our review here
1. Dune: Part Two
And for the final film on this list, Denis Villeneuve takes the top spot. Dune: Part Two is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular films to ever grace the big screen and a brutal, beautiful and poignant story defined by its characters. With standout performances from Chalamet, Butler, and Bardem, the movie is our highest collectively rated film for the first six months of 2024.
Dune: Part Two stars Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem. The film received a 9.36 weighted average based on the reviews of eleven staff members. Read our review here.
