As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the films that defined the year. From massive blockbusters like Dune: Part Two, to smaller films providing breakout stars like Mikey Madison, this year has delivered a wealth of cinematic treasures. Here are some of the movies that best captured our imaginations, sparked conversations, and reminded us why we love the art of film this year.

Anora

Sean Baker’s Anora gives us Mikey Madison as Ani - a vivid, fiery, sex worker- and follows her Pretty Woman-esque journey across Brooklyn after she marries her rich Russian client. Mikey has become an instant superstar from her performance, and is - so far - the most awarded female actor of the 2024-25 awards season. The tragicomedy won the prestigious Palme d’Or award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, and is a favourite for many Oscars ahead of the upcoming ceremony.

The Bikeriders

The Bikeriders, directed by Jeff Nichols, is a gritty drama exploring the rise of a 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club. Starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy doing another epic accent, the film captures the rebellious camaraderie that defined the lives of the members, as loyalty and ambition collide in their tight-knit world.

“Civil War features an incredible lead performance by Kirsten Dunst”

Civil War

Directed by Alex Garland, of Ex Machina (2014) fame, Civil War is a dystopian thriller set in a not-so-distant fractured America. Featuring an incredible lead performance by Kirsten Dunst, and an unforgettably haunting scene with her real life husband Jesse Plemmons, the film follows the small press team across America towards where the President is hiding. The war is shown through beautiful cinematography juxtaposed with terrifying images of the horrors faced across the country. Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny are also stellar as part of the team that go to extreme lengths to capture the war.

Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve, continues Paul Atreides’ epic journey. As he unites with the Fremen and seeks revenge for his family, Paul (Timothée Chalamet) confronts political treachery and his destiny as the Messiah of Arrakis. After Paul and Chani (Zendaya) fall in love on the beautiful dunes of Arrakis, set to Hans Zimmer’s incredible score, he ultimately faces off against Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) for the throne, setting up the third movie perfectly.

All We Imagine as Light

All We Imagine as Light is an intimate exploration of longing and identity set between India and Africa. The film delves into the lives of two women whose intersecting journeys unravel themes of memory, belonging, and the haunting pull of the past. This was Sight and Sound’s best film of the year, and won the Grand Prix at Cannes.

“Nothing I can say will do La Chimera justice: just watch it!”

La Chimera

A real highlight of the year, Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera has a young archaeologist (Josh O’Connor) become entangled in the black-market trade of Etruscan artifacts. Blending whimsy and poignancy, the film offers a poetic journey through the Italian countryside, exploring its complex themes through the tale of folk magic in an indescribable way. Nothing more I can say will do the joyous movie justice: just watch it!

The Beast

The most conceptually bold film on this list, The Beast sees Léa Seydoux lead Bertrand Bonello’s first foray into the world of sci-fi. A romantic thriller jumping three time periods spanning over a century, you are forced to join together many dots yourself, but, whilst nothing is spelt out for you, the predominant theme of disconnect remains pervasive, and an amazing soundtrack and brilliant performances lend themselves well to this unique film. You really feel like you have experienced something original by the end of this one.

Perfect Days

Directed by Wim Wenders, Perfect Days is a tender portrait of Hirayama (Koji Yakusho), a Tokyo toilet cleaner whose simple, ritualistic life reveals unexpected beauty. Through his quiet routines and fleeting encounters, the film contemplates joy, solitude, and the small wonders of everyday existence. A film about the extraordinary in the ordinary, and possibly my favourite of the year.

Challengers

Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a drama of love and ambition in the world of tennis, backed by an electric score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Zendaya stars as Tashi, a coach caught between her husband Art (Mike Faist) and his ex-best friend and her ex-lover Patrick (Josh O’Connor), as they face off in a high-stakes match that rekindles old tensions.

Honourable Mentions: Conclave, The Zone of Interest, Nickel Boys, Poor Things, Dahomey, Hard Truths, Love Lies Bleeding, The Taste of Things, Kneecap.