As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate the incredible diversity and creativity that defined this year in cinema. From moving dramas to breathtaking epics, this year brought us stories that captivated hearts, challenged perspectives, and showcased talent from every corner of the industry. BLEX is proud to present our End of the Year Favorites: 21 Best Movies Released in 2024, a collection of films that highlight the rich tapestry of voices, cultures, and experiences shaping today’s cinematic landscape.
These films aren’t just exceptional; they’re groundbreaking. They feature visionary directors and unforgettable performances that left audiences moved, inspired, and entertained. This year’s favorites remind us of the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and celebrate our shared humanity. Dive into the best that 2024 had to offer and discover the stories that made this year truly remarkable.
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Director: Titus Kaphar
Cast: André Holland, Ian Foreman, John Earl Jelks, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Andra Day
Titus Kaphar’s Exhibiting Forgiveness is a visually stunning and deeply emotional exploration of generational trauma, forgiveness, and the complexities of father-son relationships. André Holland delivers a powerful performance as Tarrell, a successful painter haunted by his abusive childhood. When his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), reappears after years of absence, Tarrell is forced to confront buried pain and rage that continues to shape his life.
Ian Foreman’s portrayal of young Tarrell is a revelation. He captures the quiet vulnerability and simmering strength of a boy trying to navigate the impossible terrain of an abusive household. His expressive eyes and subtle body language make his scenes unforgettable, embodying the soul of the film as he reflects the trauma that Tarrell continues to carry into adulthood.
John Earl Jelks delivers a gut-wrenching performance as La’Ron, balancing guilt, stubbornness, and love as a man desperate for redemption. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor brings gravitas and grace as Joyce, Tarrell’s devout mother, while Andra Day adds warmth and complexity as Aisha, Tarrell’s wife, struggling to balance her own dreams with her husband’s turmoil.
Kaphar’s debut blends the vibrancy of his art with deeply personal storytelling. Cinematographer Lachlan Milne (Minari) captures the film’s visual beauty, enhancing its raw emotional resonance. Exhibiting Forgiveness is a poignant meditation on healing, anchored by standout performances and Kaphar’s fearless direction.
The Wild Robot
Director: Chris Sanders
Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames
The Wild Robot is a visually stunning and emotionally rich animated film based on Peter Brown’s novel. Directed by Chris Sanders, the story follows Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a service robot stranded on a wild island, as she raises an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor). Roz’s journey from a mechanical being to a nurturing caregiver is deeply moving, brought to life by Nyong’o’s nuanced performance.
The film explores universal themes of parenthood, sacrifice, and belonging with sincerity and humor. Supported by a stellar cast, including Pedro Pascal as a sly fox and Matt Berry as a grumpy beaver, the story balances laughs with heartfelt moments. The breathtaking animation showcases the beauty of the natural world while contrasting it with the sterile human environment.
Though its pacing stumbles slightly and the action-heavy third act feels disconnected, The Wild Robot is a poignant and beautifully crafted film. It’s a must-watch for families and fans of thoughtful, visually captivating storytelling.
Sing Sing
Director: Greg Kwedar
Cast: Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Paul Raci
Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing is a profoundly moving exploration of brotherhood, rehabilitation, and the transformative power of art. Based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, the film blends fact and fiction with remarkable authenticity.
Colman Domingo delivers a career-defining performance as Divine G, a prisoner leading his peers in a theater program that becomes their lifeline. Clarence Maclin, playing a version of his younger self, is equally compelling, portraying vulnerability and resilience with unflinching honesty. Paul Raci adds gravitas as the program’s facilitator.
Kwedar’s empathetic direction ensures that every frame resonates with humanity and hope. The film captures the raw emotions of the inmates, offering a story that is both uplifting and deeply reflective of systemic issues. Sing Sing is a masterpiece of compassion and storytelling.
Nickel Boys
Director: RaMell Ross
Cast: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
RaMell Ross’s Nickel Boys, based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a gripping exploration of systemic racism through the harrowing experiences of two boys in a Jim Crow-era reform school. Ethan Herisse stars as Elwood Curtis, an idealistic teenager whose dreams are shattered by an unjust arrest, while Brandon Wilson’s Turner offers a pragmatic counterpoint, their friendship revealing the tension between hope and survival.
Ross’s bold decision to immerse viewers entirely in the perspectives of Elwood and Turner creates an intimate, visceral experience. The cinematography by Jomo Fray captures the stark contrast between the fleeting beauty of Elwood’s youth and the brutality of the Nickel Academy. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivers a heartfelt performance as Elwood’s grandmother, grounding the film with emotional depth.
Through inventive storytelling and powerful performances, Nickel Boys is both a haunting reflection on historical injustice and a deeply resonant call to action. This is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat
Director: Tina Mabry
Cast: Uzo Aduba, Sanaa Lathan, Aunjanue Ellis, Kyanna Simone, Tati Gabrielle, Abigail Achiri, Mekhi Phifer, Julian McMahon, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Donna Biscoe, Russell Hornsby
Tina Mabry’s The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, adapted from Edward Kelsey Moore’s bestselling novel, is a heartfelt celebration of friendship, resilience, and community. The film follows three lifelong friends—Odette (Uzo Aduba), Clarice (Sanaa Lathan), and Barbara Jean (Aunjanue Ellis)—known as “The Supremes,” as they navigate life’s challenges in a small Indiana town. Their unshakable bond is forged over decades of laughter, heartbreak, and soul food at Earl’s diner, their unofficial sanctuary.
Mabry’s direction captures the humor and poignancy of their stories, blending the vibrancy of their present lives with nostalgic glimpses into their shared past. The performances are a standout: Aduba is commanding as the fearless Odette, Ellis brings emotional nuance to Barbara Jean’s struggles, and Lathan shines as the polished yet vulnerable Clarice.
Juror No. 2
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, Adrienne C. Moore
Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2 is a gripping moral drama that combines the suspense of a courtroom thriller with a deeply personal exploration of guilt and redemption. Nicholas Hoult delivers one of his strongest performances as a conflicted juror who finds himself grappling with a secret that could upend the trial he’s serving on. Toni Collette brings depth and intensity as a determined prosecutor, while Zoey Deutch adds emotional weight as a key figure caught in the crosshairs of the case.
Eastwood’s direction is as sharp as ever, blending the slow-burn tension of the courtroom with the personal turmoil of Hoult’s character. The film doesn’t just ask questions about the justice system; it delves into the gray areas of morality, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. With meticulous pacing and a powerhouse cast, Juror No. 2 is a standout in Eastwood’s legendary career.
Hard Truths
Director: Mike Leigh
Cast: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michele Austin, David Webber, Tuwaine Barrett, Ani Nelson, Sophia Brown
Mike Leigh returns to intimate realism with Hard Truths, a powerful exploration of family dynamics, grief, and resilience. The film centers on Pansy (Marianne Jean-Baptiste, in a stunning performance), a caustic, embittered woman whose relentless negativity impacts everyone around her, especially her patient younger sister Chantelle (Michele Austin).
Leigh masterfully contrasts the sisters’ worlds: Pansy’s sterile, suffocating home versus Chantelle’s warm, laughter-filled environment. With precise direction and deeply layered characters, Hard Truths captures the unspoken pain and love within family bonds.
Jean-Baptiste delivers a tour-de-force performance, while Austin provides a grounding counterbalance. The supporting cast, including David Webber as Pansy’s long-suffering husband and Tuwaine Barrett as their withdrawn son, adds depth to this poignant drama.
Hard Truths doesn’t offer neat resolutions but instead reveals the raw complexity of human relationships. It’s another triumph for Leigh, showcasing his unparalleled ability to find profound truths in ordinary lives.
Blitz
Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Elliott Heffernan, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, and more
Steve McQueen’s Blitz is an extraordinary cinematic achievement that vividly captures the resilience of Londoners during the harrowing WWII Blitz. McQueen, known for his ability to intertwine personal and political narratives, crafts an immersive historical drama that is as much about the human spirit as it is about the devastating events of the time.
Saoirse Ronan shines as a young woman navigating love and loss amidst the chaos, while Harris Dickinson delivers a quietly powerful performance as a man grappling with his own internal battles. Stephen Graham anchors the ensemble with his raw and heartfelt portrayal of a community leader trying to hold everyone together.
McQueen’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with breathtaking cinematography, brings the Blitz’s destruction and humanity to visceral life. The film seamlessly blends intimate character moments with grand historical spectacle, making Blitz a triumph of storytelling and visual artistry.
All We Imagine as Light
Director: Payal Kapadia
Cast: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of migration, memory, and the passage of time. A masterclass in experimental filmmaking, Kapadia weaves together fragmented narratives and evocative imagery to create a meditative and deeply emotional experience.
The film is less about plot and more about feeling, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its poetic rhythm. Through stunning visuals and a dreamlike atmosphere, Kapadia captures the universality of longing and displacement, making the personal deeply relatable. All We Imagine as Light is a bold and transformative work of art, cementing Kapadia as one of contemporary cinema’s most visionary storytellers.
Emilia Perez
Director: Jacques Audiard
Cast: Karla Sofia Gascón, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña
Emilia Perez is a delightful and vibrant musical comedy-drama that brings together an unlikely trio for a story about reinvention and self-discovery. Jacques Audiard’s imaginative direction infuses the film with energy and flair, making it a joyful ride from start to finish.
Karla Sofia Gascón shines as Emilia, a Mexican cartel boss embracing her true self in the most colorful and audacious way possible. Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña bring charm and humor to their roles, adding emotional depth and dynamic chemistry to the film. With catchy musical numbers, dazzling visuals, and a heartwarming message about acceptance and transformation, Emilia Perez is as entertaining as it is empowering.
Femme
Director: Sam H. Freeman, Ng Choon Ping
Cast: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, George MacKay, Antonia Clarke, John McCrea
This movie left me speechless—and uneasy, in the best way. Femme is a dark, thrilling dive into the murky waters of identity, violence, and revenge, all set against the moody backdrop of East London’s neon-lit streets. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett shines as Jules, a Black drag queen grappling with the aftermath of a brutal homophobic attack. George MacKay brings complexity to Preston, the white, closeted thug who assaulted Jules and becomes the unwitting target of his calculated revenge. The dynamic between these two characters is electric—volatile, tender, and impossible to predict.
The story unfolds with tension and nuance, challenging how we think about victimhood, power, and desire. What makes Femme so gripping is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it explores the gray areas where empathy and anger collide. The scenes are charged with raw emotion, from the violent aftermath of Jules’ assault to the surprising intimacy that develops as Jules manipulates his attacker.
Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping direct with incredible precision, using shadows, color, and pacing to create a world that feels as dangerous as it is seductive. The supporting cast, including Antonia Clarke and John McCrea as Jules’ queer found family, adds warmth and complexity, highlighting the isolation and resilience of Jules’ journey.
This is not your typical revenge thriller. Femme is layered, provocative, and unrelenting—a movie that stays with you, daring you to sit with its discomfort and complexity long after the credits roll.
Challengers
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor
Luca Guadagnino serves up an exhilarating cocktail of sports, seduction, and simmering tension in Challengers. Set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis, the film follows Zendaya’s Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach who masterminds a comeback tournament for her husband, Art (Mike Faist). But there’s a twist—his opponent is Patrick (Josh O’Connor), Art’s former best friend and Tashi’s old flame. The result is a love triangle brimming with unresolved passion, betrayal, and unspoken truths.
Zendaya embodies Tashi with a commanding presence, blending ambition and mystery in a way that makes her the center of this complex dynamic. Mike Faist delivers a vulnerable yet determined performance as Art, a man navigating the pressures of love and professional redemption. Meanwhile, Josh O’Connor adds a raw, magnetic energy as Patrick, whose chemistry with both leads keeps the tension high.
Guadagnino’s direction is slick and unapologetically seductive, treating every scene—whether it’s a heated tennis match or a smoldering flashback—as a chance to dazzle. The film’s time-hopping narrative keeps you on your toes, drawing you deeper into the tangled web of relationships. Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor’s pulsating score heightens the drama, and the tennis sequences are as thrilling as they are symbolic of the emotional stakes at play.
While Challengers is undeniably stylish, its heart lies in its exploration of power dynamics—on and off the court. Tashi’s machinations keep you guessing, but the film wisely avoids easy answers, leaving you to untangle the complexities of its characters long after the credits roll.
Carry-On
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Jason Bateman, Sinqua Walls, Curtiss Cook
Carry-On is a gripping holiday thriller that revives the single-setting suspense genre with a modern twist. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Non-Stop), the film stars Taron Egerton as TSA agent Ethan Kopek, who faces a deadly ultimatum on Christmas Eve: let a dangerous bag through security or risk his pregnant girlfriend’s life.
Jason Bateman shines as the chilling villain “Traveler,” while Danielle Deadwyler adds depth as a detective unraveling the plot. Collet-Serra masterfully builds tension in the airport setting, delivering standout sequences like a chaotic baggage chase and a car fight set to Last Christmas.
Recalling classics like Die Hard, Carry-On blends action, suspense, and holiday flair into a tight, entertaining package, making it a standout Netflix offering this season.
Omni Loop
Director: Bernardo Britto
Cast: Mary-Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, Carlos Jacott, Harris Yulin, Hannah Pearl Utt
Bernardo Britto’s Omni Loop is a quirky, existential gem that blends sci-fi concepts with emotional depth. Mary-Louise Parker delivers a spellbinding performance as Zoya Lowe, a physicist-turned-writer trapped in a time loop caused by the black hole growing inside her—a literal one. Armed with a mysterious pill that resets her final week of life, Zoya faces mortality over and over again.
Parker captures Zoya’s regret, resilience, and flashes of hope with remarkable nuance, elevating every scene. Paired with Ayo Edebiri’s sharp and witty Paula, a science student helping Zoya seek answers, the film finds humor and humanity in its high-concept premise. Harris Yulin and Carlos Jacott deliver memorable supporting turns, but Parker’s layered performance truly anchors the story.
Britto’s inventive direction leans into the loop’s emotional toll, offering fresh takes on repetition with humor and poignancy. Vibrant visuals and Lachlan Milne’s striking cinematography enhance the journey, making Omni Loop more than a sci-fi narrative—it’s a heartfelt exploration of living fully, even in the face of inevitability.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Dennis McDonald, Rhea Seehorn, Joe Pantoliano
Bad Boys: Ride or Die delivers explosive action, humor, and fresh twists on its iconic duo, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence). Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the film finds Mike settling into married life while Marcus, after a near-death experience, adopts a carefree outlook. Their role reversal injects fresh dynamics, though Marcus’ antics sometimes clash with his established cautious persona, while Mike’s vulnerability adds genuine depth.
With thrilling set pieces, sharp humor, and heartfelt moments, the film balances nostalgia with character growth. Joe Pantoliano’s return as Captain Howard (from the afterlife) and Rhea Seehorn as his determined daughter add emotional stakes, making this installment a fun, fast-paced summer blockbuster.
Wicked
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang
Wicked dazzles as a lush and heartfelt adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, offering fans a cinematic experience as spellbinding as the stage production. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this first installment of a two-part epic brings the untold story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) to life with stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, and a faithful retelling of their unlikely friendship in the Land of Oz.
Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, imbuing her with vulnerability, strength, and an electric presence that makes each musical number soar, particularly her breathtaking rendition of “The Wizard and I.” Ariana Grande’s Glinda adds layers of charm and earnestness, with the chemistry between the two leads serving as the film’s emotional anchor. Their bond, showcased in standout sequences like “Dancing Through Life,” is the heart of Wicked and solidifies its emotional resonance.
While the film’s dazzling sets and costumes evoke a sense of wonder, occasional CGI shortcomings and a less compelling subplot involving talking animals slightly detract from the overall experience. However, these minor missteps are eclipsed by the sheer joy of the production. Chu’s direction and Stephen Schwartz’s iconic score culminate in a jaw-dropping finale with “Defying Gravity,” setting the stage for an even grander second chapter.
Fans of the original musical will find much to love in this adaptation, as Wicked delivers a cinematic spectacle brimming with magic, music, and emotion.
The Six Triple Eight
Director: Tyler Perry
Cast: Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Oprah Winfrey, Susan Sarandon, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Jay Reeves, Jeanté Godlock, Moriah Brown, Gregg Sulkin, Donna Biscoe, Sam Waterston, Dean Norris
Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II: the all-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Led by Kerry Washington’s commanding performance as Major Charity Adams, the film follows their mission to clear a 17-million-piece mail backlog in England, overcoming racial and gender prejudice along the way.
Ebony Obsidian delivers an emotional turn as Pvt. Lena Derriecott, balancing personal loss and duty, while Oprah Winfrey, Susan Sarandon, and Sam Waterston add gravitas as historical figures like Mary McLeod Bethune and the Roosevelts. Perry transforms the seemingly mundane task of mail sorting into a compelling story of ingenuity and resilience, blending heartfelt moments with cinematic flair.
While some melodramatic touches appear, the film’s emotional core and historical significance shine through. The Six Triple Eight is Perry’s most accomplished work, ensuring these extraordinary women are finally recognized for their contributions.
Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem
Dune: Part Two is a sci-fi triumph, elevating the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he allies with the Fremen to confront his destiny. Denis Villeneuve delivers stunning visuals, gripping action, and rich world-building, with Greig Fraser’s cinematography and Hans Zimmer’s score enhancing the immersive experience.
Chalamet excels in portraying Paul’s inner conflict, while Zendaya’s Chani adds emotional depth. Austin Butler is menacing as Feyd-Rautha, and Rebecca Ferguson shines as a darker Lady Jessica. The cast and production design bring Frank Herbert’s world to life.
Balancing themes of power, religion, and destiny, Dune: Part Two is a visually spectacular and emotionally compelling continuation, leaving audiences eager for the saga’s conclusion.
We Grown Now
Director: Minhal Baig
Cast: Gian Knight Ramirez, Blake Cameron James, Jurnee Smollett, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lil Rel Howery
Minhal Baig’s We Grown Now is a tender exploration of childhood and friendship set in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects in 1992. Malik (Blake Cameron James) and Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez), two inseparable 10-year-olds, transform their challenging environment into a world of imagination, leaping onto makeshift mattresses and dreaming of flight.
Through Patrick Sola’s warm cinematography, Cabrini-Green becomes both a symbol of hardship and a haven of familial love. Stellar performances by Jurnee Smollett, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Lil Rel Howery add depth to the boys’ world. The film’s quiet narrative builds poignancy as Malik learns his family is moving, threatening their friendship.
Though the story occasionally lacks focus, the film thrives in its heartfelt moments, such as a touching visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. James and Ramirez deliver natural performances, capturing the innocence and complexity of childhood bonds. We Grown Now is a nostalgic, compassionate homage to resilience and community.
Albany Road
Director: Christine Swanson
Cast: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Lisa Arrindell, Joe Holt
Albany Road is a heartfelt road movie blending humor, drama, and romance to explore reconciliation, personal growth, and family dynamics. Directed by Christine Swanson (The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel), the film follows Celeste (Renée Elise Goldsberry), a driven executive, and Paula (Lynn Whitfield), her ex-fiancé’s meddling mother, as they navigate a snowstorm and their rocky past on a journey to Washington, D.C.
Goldsberry and Whitfield shine in their roles, delivering humor and emotional depth as the women confront their differences. J. Alphonse Nicholson adds nuance as Kyle, the ex-fiancé caught between loyalty and heartbreak. A strong ensemble cast, including Lisa Arrindell and Joe Holt, enriches the story with themes of family, love, and forgiveness.
Swanson skillfully balances humor and emotional weight, creating a film that is both entertaining and universally relatable. Already an award-winner at major festivals, Albany Road is a standout indie film celebrating Black culture, family bonds, and personal transformation.
Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora is a vibrant blend of comedy and tragedy set in the gritty streets of New York City. Mikey Madison shines as Ani, a young escort whose life takes a chaotic turn after marrying Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the reckless son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind romance draws Ani into a clash with Ivan’s disapproving family, leading to a mix of screwball comedy and poignant drama.
Madison delivers a star-making performance, balancing Ani’s vulnerability and strength, while Yuri Borisov impresses as a henchman who unexpectedly bonds with her. Baker’s humanistic storytelling, paired with Drew Daniels’ evocative cinematography, brings depth to a story that explores class disparity, resilience, and unexpected connections.
Anora is a sharp, heartfelt film that solidifies Baker’s reputation as a masterful filmmaker and marks Madison as a rising star.