Greetings fellow movie goers from around the globe. 2024 had some ups and downs. We got movies that were great, disappointing and utter garbage. For this editorial, I wanna share my favorite films of 2024. Without further ado, here are my Top 12 Films of 2024. Why Top 12? Because I refuse an extra number. Otherwise, bad luck will occur.
12. Saturday Night
- Box Office: $9,944,411
- Final Verdict: A-
A chaotic biographical dramedy set in 1975. Approximately 90 minutes before SNL’s premiere, Lorne Michaels (played by Gabriel LaBelle) has a hard time organizing the cast and crew before the show premieres. Drugs, creativity and quarrelling ensue. Before I saw Saturday Night, I watched the very first episode on Peacock. It was a risky yet experimental structure for Lorne and his crew filming sketches live across the nation. Prominent figures of the first episode, George Carlin hosting, Jim Henson made a sketch with Muppets and Andy Kaufman performing a comedy routine.
Jason Reitman did a good job directing. Did a lotta of research going back in time on SNL’s origin story. Gabriel LaBelle, J.K. Simmons & Willem Dafoe pulled off solid performances. Seeing actors delivering authentic performances of OG SNL cast members, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Ackroyd, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtain & Lorraine Newman.
My only problem is the lack of characterization between Lorne and the Not So Ready for Primetime Players. More material could’ve worked if this film was written as a mini-series. Flesh out Lorne treating the cast like a first time general forming a bond with his fellow troops before they embark on the point of no return. Despite one nitpick, I really enjoyed Saturday Night.
11. Transformers One
- Box Office: $129,408,392
- Final Verdict: A-
After “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” flopped terribly, Paramount Pictures and Hasbro commenced development of an animated movie, “Transformers One.” An origin story focusing on Optimus Prime & Megatron. Prior to becoming sworn enemies, they were close friends. The pair team-up with future Autobots, Bumblebee & Ariel to retrieve an artifact linked to a power source.
When I saw a trailer for Transformers One, I was skeptical believing this as a “Guardians of the Galaxy” rip-off. Upon seeing the full movie, it was surprisingly good. I always wanted a Transformers movie set in Cybertron with zero humans. Thankfully, I got my wish. Prior to the movie, there was video game known as “Transformers: War for Cybertron” centering on the origins of Autobots and Decepticons.
Anyway, Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, Scarlet Johannsson & Keegan-Michael Key deliver good voiceover performances. Humor feels appropriate for families instead of relying on frat boy material from Bay’s series. Animation brings Cybertron to life as a utopia prior to become a warzone. Story progression changes how Optimus Prime & Megatron become enemies. I’m happy they got Soundwave in the movie. He’s my favorite character in the Transformers series. Although it failed to recoup expenses at the box office, I hope a sequel happens. Make it less predictable.
10. SpyxFamily Code: White
- Box Office: $59,629,242
- Final Verdict: A-
Taking place after SpyxFamily’s second season, the Forgers go on a journey to acquire very rare ingredients as part of a cooking competition for the school principal. If Anya wins, she’ll be granted a stella star. Earning more than one star will allow Loid to get close to his target in the hopes of preventing a war.
I liked SpyxFamily’s first two seasons. Afterwards, I watched Code: White. Three-dimensional chemistry between the Fogers. Anya’s facial expressions still makes me up. Action scenes were awesome. Especially the final battle. If you’re new to SpyxFamily, watch the first two seasons. After viewing ’em watch Code: White. I cannot wait for a third season.
9. Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire
- Box Office: $571,850,016
- Final Verdict: A-
A follow up to “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the fifth film in the MonsterVerse series centers on the two giants square off against a powerful enemy named, Skar King. Meanwhile, their human allies assist them while the pair’s origins are intertwined. I enjoyed Godzilla and King Kong’s team-up movie as much as I did when they fought each other. I’m fully aware it’s not on the same level as “Godzilla Minus One.” Just a lighthearted over-the-top Kaiju movie for action movie fans like me. Despite a lack of scenes with the two titular characters, it’s not bad.
Props go to the Visual Effects teaming bringing the two giants to life. Dan Stevens, Brian Tyree Henry & Rebecca Hall deliver decent performances as the human characters. Kong’s chemistry with a little small monkey named, Suko adds more levity as a hero, rather than kidnapping a blonde woman. I didn’t get a chance to watch Monarch on Apple TV. Someday, I’ll give it a watch as long as I got nothing on my plate. I’m open for more Godzilla movies produced by Warner Bros. in America or Toho in Japan.
8. My Hero Academia: You’re Next
- Box Office: $32,224,616
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Set between Seasons 6 and 7, the fourth film in the My Hero Academia series centers on Deku, Kacchan, Todoroki and their allies face off against Valdo Gollini/Dark Might. A crime boss of a mafia organization who bears a striking resemblance to All-Might. He intends to take the former Pro Hero’s title as the “Symbol of Peace.” Our heroes are tasked to prevent Dark Might’s scheme from becoming a reality.
The Funimation gang deliver superb voiceover performances. Animation looks Class A. Action Sequences kept me on the edge of my seat. Deku’s chemistry with Kacchan, Todoroki and his friends shape the story forward since Season 6 was an emotional roller coaster. Christopher Sabat returned to voice an evil character since Demon King Piccolo from “Dragon Ball.” Another good thing, it’s not required to watch Season 7. All you gotta do is get caught with six seasons and three movies in chronological order. As a fan of My Hero Academia, I can’t wait for the eighth and final season.
7. Furiosa
- Box Office: $174,175,791
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
A spin-off prequel focusing on the titular character’s early years before she meets Mad Max. When I first heard about it, I was open to see it. Furiosa told an interesting origin story. Anya Taylor-Joy & Chris Hemsworth knocked it outta the park for their performances. George Miller did an awesome job directing. Action Sequences were ten times better than anything directed by Uwe Boll. Furiosa wasn’t a carbon copy of the previous Mad Max films, it told a dignified origin story. A darn shame we won’t see Tom Hardy back in sequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Why? Because Furisoa failed at the box office. This is why we can’t have nice things.
6. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- Box Office: N/A
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The second full-length film in the Wallace and Gromit series takes place years after “The Wrong Trousers.” Feathers McGraw seeks revenge on the duo. What does he do? Reprogram Wallace’s robotic gnome. I really enjoyed Vengeance Most Fowl. It’s arguably my favorite animated film of 2024. Ben Whitehead did a terrific job taking over his late predecessor, Peter Sails. Nick Park & Peter Lord knocked it outta the park recapturing the magic. If you’re a fan of Wallace and Gromit, it’s on Netflix.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Box Office: $463,344,087
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
As most people say, third time’s the charm. Sonic the Hedgehog’s sequel outpaces the first two installments. Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey & Jim Carrey all did an outstanding job for their performances. One of my all-time favorite actors, Keanu Reeves fits the role as Shadow. Humor has a ton of legit funny moments. Stakes are higher than last time. Shadow’s origin story was interesting. Mr. Carrey stole the film in a dual role playing as Dr. Robotnik and his long-lost grandfather, Gerald.
Since Sonic’s cinematic debut, we’re living in a Golden Age of Video Game Adaptations including “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” & “Arcane.” Meaning, Sonic’s future has a bright future ahead. I’ll be the first in line to see “Sonic the Hedgehog 4.”
4. Nosferatu
- Box Office: $173,120,985
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
A remake of a silent movie ripping off “Dracula,” Robert Eggers’ iteration of “Nosferatu” is the best remake in recent years. Prior to seeing it, I watched the original silent film. A game changer within the horror genre. I’ve given it my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. Same goes with the remake. Nosferatu sets an example a remake can be as good as the original. You hear that Rachel Zegler & Disney? This is how you respect the source material.
Praise goes to Bill Skarsgard delivering a creepy performance as Count Orlok. Unlike the original, he’s a much scarier and ruthless vampire. His appearance is uglier than the original in a good way. I would assume Mr. Eggers redesigned Orlok’s appearance due his cameo in that one SpongeBob episode, “Graveyard Shift.” I’m appalled Bill didn’t get an Oscar nomination for “Best Supporting Actor.”
Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin & Willem Dafoe all earn praise for their performances. Set Pieces look authentic recreating the 1830s. Practical Effects and Makeup gave Orlock a makeover. Orlock gave me the heebie jeebies. The remake’s a must-see.
3. The Substance
- Box Office: $76,936,282
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Here’s a synopsis. An original body horror film starring Demi Moore as a washed-up actress/aerobics instructor named, Elisabeth who gets canned by a TV producer due to her age. Desperate to stay relevant in the spotlight, she obtains a drug from the black market that’ll make a younger version of herself played Margaret Qualley. After a successful injection, Elisabeth. She renames herself, Sue. As the film progresses, all heck breaks loose.
Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley deliver superb performances. Coralie Fargeat wrote and directed a unique take on a body horror film exploring the consequences of making a living in Hollywood. Props goes to the effects team crafting old school effects. Unlike Dakota Fanning’s lackluster critical flop “The Watchers,” The Substance is labeled as a legit Class A horror film that refuses to pull any punches. Not for people with a weak stomach. Word of advice, don’t eat a full meal or snack. It’s worth a watch. Ms. Fargeat has a bright future ahead.
We need more original ideas like this. Only 11 out of 12 movies are part of my Top 12 are sequels, a remake, spin-off prequel, a biopic and three comic book/manga adaptations.
2. Dune Part Two
- Box Office: $714,644,358
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Prior to seeing Part Two, I rewatched Part One in order to refresh my memory. A slight improvement of the first half, the second half has better pacing, more action, mysticism and character development regarding Paul. My only regret is not seeing Part Two on the big screen. Next time I’ll see “Dune Messiah.” A mistake I refuse to repeat.
A worthy follow-up, Denis Villeneuve knocked it outta the park retaining Frank Herbert’s vision intact. The Cast including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya & Austin Butler deliver excellent performances. Breathtaking cinematography that makes you wanna ingest in Frank Herbert’s world. If you’ve never seen Parts 1-2, a double header is worth your spare time. A complex sci-fi with interesting lore.
1. Deadpool and Wolverine
- Box Office: $1,338,073,645
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
2024 wasn’t a great year for superhero movies. “Madame Web,” “The Crow,” “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Kraven the Hunter” and “Joker: Folie a Deux” were duds. There are only two good ones. My Hero Academia: You’re Next and my number one film of 2024, Deadpool and Wolverine. I’m fully aware some people didn’t like it. This isn’t a Tennessee Williams play. Just an over-the-top bloody good superhero popcorn flick cater to Marvel fans like me. I was ecstatic seeing Hugh Jackman in the yellow and blue suit. I always wanted to see Wolverine’s outfit on the big screen. I got my wish.
In addition to Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman carrying the film, cameos play an important role. Tons of Easter Eggs from the comics. Action Sequences are bloody good. Deadpool taking potshots at Fox, Disney and Marvel itself. Mid-Credits Scene pays tribute to the X-Men series mirroring Seinfeld’s final episode with Green Day’s “Good Riddance” in the background. An ultimate love letter to Fox’s X-Men. Plus, a touching tribute to a part of my childhood. I’m happy my favorite Marvel character wears the yellow and blue suit. It’s gonna be difficult for Marvel Studios to cast a new Wolverine to follow Hugh Jackman’s footsteps for the next 10 years within the MCU. Only time will tell.
It’s a great time to be alive as an X-Men fan. Besides, Deadpool and Wolverine, “X-Men ’97” earned universal acclaim and free-to-play video game, “Marvel Rivals” features Wolverine, Storm, Magik, Psylocke & Magneto as playable fighters. Meaning, it beats DC Comics in 2024. Their projects such as Joker’s critically panned sequel, video games “Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League” and “MultiVerus” flopped. The latter will go offline on May 30, 2025. We won’t get any new playable fighters and maps.
That’s my Top 12 Films of 2024. What are your favorite films from 2024? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 