2024 was a great year for movies, and had a slew of instant classics that'll be talked about in the
decades to come - and of course there's also a lot of stinkers that
were so bad they were almost unwatchable - and everything in between. I
saw 155 movies that were released in 2024 (I consider wide release as
2024, so some films were released in limited release in 2023 but I could
them for 2024), and I ranked them all from worst to first.
You
can listen to my ten best and worst films on my podcast, Poppin' Cinema
with JoeMama and Friends, with my friends Kasey and Jack, but here is
the entire list, from worst to first.
Each image is color coded for how I graded them, and most of my reviews are in full here that you can find on my
Archives page.
Red = movies I rated D+ to D-
Yellow = movies I rated C+ to C-
Blue = movies I rated B+ to B-
Green = movies I rated A and A-
Purple = movies I rated A+
The worst film of 2024, this is what's wrong with cinema - throwing acclaimed, aging actresses into lifeless, dull, unfunny buddy comedies that pokes fun at aging.
Having numerous beloved children's characters reach the public domain, horror is the perfect genre for them when it works. When it doesn't, you get "The Mouse Trap," which essentially is a killer who dons the Steamboat Willie mask and becomes a Jason-esque killer with dull kills and an insanely stupid storyline.
While there was some excellent horror this year, there was also a lot of lowbrow, cheap horror that was specifically designed to draw in a younger crowd and fill seats, and that's what "Tarot" was - uninspired, boring, predictable and yet nonsensical.
Blumhouse had a triple trifecta of terrible films, but "AfrAId" was the worst of the bunch, focusing on the terrors of AI could've been a slam dunk, but throwing in odd side stories involving masked intruders really makes the film feel completely nonsensical and, ultimately, boring.
Tyler Perry hasn't had a good run lately, and "Mea Culpa" proves it, as he tries to be a "50 Shades" knockoff that feels like a Lifetime movie with its production values, acting, and story.
Jack Black as Satan should've been a slam dunk, but this turned out to be stupid, slow, unfunny, and throws in a last act twist that felt very forced.
Loosely based on the events surrounding "The Exorcist," "The Exorcism" should've been a terrifying ride, but Russell Crowe proves himself a better exorcist in "The Pope's Exorcist."
The remake no one wanted, even if it was entirely a misfire in that direction, the entire film felt like something out of the 90s with its bland action, thin story, and cheesy effects.
A Dollar General version of the 2008 original, this is the first chapter of three that makes me worry how the other two would be entertaining in the slightest, as this one showed the stupidest moves by characters in any horror film.
Hopefully this is the end of the long-running "After" series, because I don't think I can stomach any more.
The entire first half was dull, dragged, and stupid - before the final act amps everything up to where I got whiplash with its drastic change, which did work if the first half made sense.
This long-gestating remake should've stayed in the womb, as it became another Paramount movie (like "Pet Sematary: Bloodlines") that didn't need to exist.
Every beat is predictable, the main character makes the stupidest decisions, and everyone around her makes equally appalling choices.
It could've been a biting satire of the Y2K fear, but the comedy was lacking due to the order of deaths, leaving behind the most boring characters.
Another Liam Neeson action film that'll end up in the bottom of the Wal-Mart $5 barrel.
A "Scream" wannabe, it misses on every cylinder, making for a dull, stupid slasher movie.
Disappointing on every level, even though some try to defend it, there's no defending this incoherent, vapid, tedious romp that proves sequels should not be made for certain classics.
Blumhouse's second, a film that worked as a short film but making a long movie about a haunted swimming pool could've been as outlandish as its premise, but ultimately fell short on every level.
And the turd...third...Blumhouse lame horror movie, this had a lot of promise but its imagination was severely lacking.
"Totally Killer" did the time-traveling murder-solving trope a lot better.
Honestly, I don't remember much about this one.
Also don't remember this one.
Going into it I knew it'd be bad, and while it was, I was at least entertained by the sheer stupidity of it all.
Cate Blanchett and Jamie Lee Curtis...what were you thinking?
Proof that the musical biopic is dead...mostly.
Could've been funnier than it was.
Samara Weaving alone could've saved this, but it was just tiresome.
Anthony Hopkins is an amazing actor, but the film itself was dry and bland.
I appreciate Coppola's vision, and the visuals were stunning, but it was way too long and way too boring.
Meh.
Also meh.
Nicole Kidman is reaching her mid life crisis.
One shocking moment doesn't make for a boring overall story.
Sydney Sweeney does well, and I remember the ending, so there's that.
Josh Hartnett saves this from total bottom-barrel, but this shows what happens when nepotism strikes at its worst.
Unoriginal, lifeless, another Dwayne Johnson action movie.
Behind-the-scenes drama non-withstanding, this is just a tonal mess with unlikable characters and a contrived plot.
Survival story is cool, but done in a boring way.
Why?
Had a decent premise and point, but way too long.
Elizabeth Banks does great, got some good moments, but ultimately not memorable.
The original is a lot better, as this was Americanized - but James McAvoy slays as always.
Naomi Scott gives a great performance, but the entire third act felt like a slap to the face.
Mediocre in every way, a movie that could've worked in the 90s.
So much promise, so much wasted talent.
Head and shoulders better than the original, this highlights what's right with independent horror cinema, even with its flaws, you can see the heart behind it.
Unmemorable songs, a sequel that didn't need to be made (and was in fact supposed to be a limited series, which would've been better).
You can't disguise a musical biopic with Legos, but at least it was visually pleasing.
As with the horror "Imaginary," "IF" lacked imagination and felt like a cheap knockoff of the likes of "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends."
I was hooked for the most part, but the ending fell flat for me.
Terrible CGI, a generic story, and a needless prequel.
Interesting themes here, done admirably, but lacking memorable moments.
Outlandish in its premise, I found myself laughing a lot through it, which seems intentional with an old woman's flatulence.
"Mr. Rogers" meets Freddy Krueger, this was a fun ride with a great lead actor.
Like "Toy Story 4," this franchise needs to know when to quit.
I liked the premise behind it, but overall it's "meh."
Generic action film but Dave Bautista is great.
Ariana DeBose can't catch a break, not even with this supposedly thrilling space horror.
Shyamalan's daughter's feature debut, again proving the dangers of nepotism.
I need to rewatch this, because everyone loves it and I don't remember it at all.
A decent coming-of-age comedy.
The fourth outing is the weakest, showing diminishing returns.
Never saw the anime, but the movie was alright.
Some catchy songs.
What was in the briefcase saved the movie.
A decent look at grief.
A fun, heartfelt family movie.
Funny and heartfelt.
A captivating true story of underdogs rising to the occasion.
A very decent coming-of-age comedy.
Anna Kendrick's directorial debut proves she's got some talent behind the camera.
Offbeat, quirky, and surprisingly dramatic.
Great action, but not a lot else.
An original film filled with heart, has some very intriguing premises and decent performances and effects for a smaller budget film.
Jason Statham at his best, which is typical.
Felt like the beginning of a television series than a full length movie.
It's growing on me since seeing it.
Also a movie that's better in my mind long after thinking about it originally.
A fun, funny vampire romp.
I was pleasantly surprised by the path this movie took, expected religion to be shoved down my throat but it wasn't.
A unique small film with great performances and an intriguing premise.
Anthony Hopkins again shines in this true life story that will have you tearing up.
Another true story that'll bring out the waterworks.
Yet another true story that'll have the tears flowing.
A hilarious true story that seems outlandish but Olivia Coleman slays as always.
A unique, one-take zombie-esque French horror movie.
"John Wick" in Bollywood, the action is intense and exciting.
Great action, typical Guy Ritchie flair.
Would've been a lot better if it focused more on the stop motion.
Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson have insane chemistry.
An inspiring true life story.
Brad Pitt and George Clooney can do no wrong.
Exciting, pulse pounding and intense.
A film that grew less on me thinking more about it, still got some great comedy and great seeing Michael Keaton back.
A lot better than I expected, a lot darker than I expected.
Art the Clown is amazing, the kills are fun, it's an all-around good time for horror fans.
Adam Sandler once again does great with a dramatic role.
Only rated this high for its sheer insanity, never thought I'd hear a song about sex change operations.
A moving true story of a modern-day saint.
Sony's only decent Spider-Man adjacent films ends with a decent high note for the company.
Expected less coming from Netflix, was pleasantly surprised.
Jake Gyllenhaal takes the reigns and provides an intense action movie.
After you get used to the animation, it's got a great story behind it.
A horror film from the prehistoric era, it's interesting and atmospheric.
A decent biopic about Rebecca St. James, one of Christian music's most popular artists.
Dev Patel's directorial debut proves himself strong behind the camera.
A moving story, a great addition to the "Quiet Place" franchise.
Another fantastic outing for the long-running franchise.
While not on par with the others, it's still funny.
The stunts were very impressive, the love story - not so much.
Powerful, gripping, and based on a true shocking story.
A compelling, different look at biker gangs.
It took too long for the titular titans to come together, but when they did the action is perfection.
A strong coming-of-age tale mixing the immigrant experience.
The best of the franchise thus far, Keanu Reeves' Shadow is a welcome addition.
Powerful, gripping, and heartfelt.
Angelina Jolie gives a commanding performance.
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield mixes sentimentality with humor perfectly.
A look at civil war through the eyes of journalists, not what you expect but what the world needs.
Nicholas Hoult gives a great performance in Clint Eastwood's gritty drama.
Quirky, funny, dark, unique - all the hallmarks of a typical Yorgos Lanthimos film.
Kristen Stewart continues to impress me in this love story mixed with some insane aspects you'd expect from a director like Rose Glass.
Not as great as "X" or "Pearl," but a fitting finale to the franchise.
A great ensemble drama that showcases the insanity of the first taping of "Saturday Night Live."
A great action movie with laugh-out-loud humor.
A moving tale that should've given Sebastian Stan an Oscar nod.
Love it or hate it, the premise is unique and has one of the most insane kills I've ever seen on screen.
The less you know going into this thriller, the better.
I was shocked how much I loved this, the comedy was laugh-out-loud, but the ending was a deserving punch to the gut.
Finally, a great sequel to one of the best sci-fi horrors of all time.
The premise is as crazy as the title suggests, in a good way.
Great action, the sequel no one expected to be so good.
A murder mystery/supernatural film that sticks with you.
After the surprise success of the last trilogy, this kicks off another great trilogy all its own.
This is when musical biopics do things right.
You feel the emotion in every frame, Kieran Culkin delivers an Oscar-worthy performance.
More than just a nostalgic look at your childhood, this is also a deep dive into the trans experience without hitting you over the head with it.
Much better than people made it out to be, the action was intense, Anya Taylor-Joy shines, and Chris Hemsworth proves himself an enjoyable villain.
Another divisive horror film, Nicholas Cage goes full-Cage here, providing an unforgettable film filled with tension, suspense, and mystery.
This true life inspiring story had me floored by the end, making me feel like I was a part of the tragedy.
Zendaya slays, the story is captivating, the music is intense, the cinematography is exquisite.
I was floored by how well this movie made you feel like you were actually watching a talk show from the late 70s, and the horror is palpable.
I was surprised how well I liked it, especially considering I didn't feel it needed to be made - Denzel Washington killed it.
June Squibb is a national treasure, and this film is an emotional, humorous take at the action genre while providing more heart than you can handle.
Colman Domingo continues to impress, as this story was captivating and heartwarming, featuring actors who were once prisoners of the infamous Sing Sing prison.
I once again was impressed with Disney being able to tell a powerful story concerning emotions that only get more complex as you get older.
Actually liked this better than the original, the action was great, the cinematography was awe-inspiring, and Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya dominate - and also has one of the best endings in any movie this year.
I was not expecting something so profound, it felt like a Miyazaki movie made in America, and the message behind it touched my heart in deep ways.
Powerful, gripping, tense and suspenseful - nothing I expected concerning the choosing of a new Pope, but they pulled it off amazingly.
Cinematography at its finest, but also Robert Eggers' direction makes for an unforgettable movie with top-notch performances and true gothic horror.
Although spinning a bit in the third act, this is a deeply profound religious horror that doesn't make fun of religion but rather points out its flaws, with Hugh Grant dominating.
A modern Cinderella tale, Mikey Madison is radiant in this intense, dizzying, manic film.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley shine, the story is a biting look at aging women in Hollywood, and the body horror is simply to die for.
I waited for this film forever, and somehow it still managed to exceed my high expectations - the cameos, seeing Hugh Jackman return as Wolverine, everything about this movie is great.
I never saw the musical, but since seeing this movie I can't get it out of my head, and I can't wait to see how it ends.
Comments
Post a Comment