This year, 2024, has been great for blockbuster movies, which fans and critics have been looking forward to. After the pandemic, the movie business has come back to life, and audiences have flocked to theaters in droves to see epic tales, high-octane action, and completely immersive worlds. The box office numbers tell the story of a year ruled by big epics, superhero sagas, and risky film experiments that pushed the limits while still appealing to general audiences.
This year, a few clear trends showed how viewer tastes are changing. It was still all about nostalgia-fueled sequels, with beloved franchises releasing exciting new episodes. While this happened, original stories took their place alongside reboots and adaptations, proving that Hollywood is still open to new ideas. 2024’s films remind us why we fell in love with the big screen in the first place, whether it’s the heart-pounding action scenes or the jaw-dropping CGI that looks like it came straight from a next-generation gaming console.
This list honors the top 10 films of the year, each of which was a cultural force with widespread appeal, critical praise, and box office dominance. These movies weren’t just fun to watch; they started talks, gained fans, and solidified their place in the pantheon of great movies.
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10. Twisters
Release Date: June 2024
Twisters, a much-anticipated sequel to the 1996 disaster-hit Twister, rekindled audiences’ interest in exciting weather-based action. As they face an unprecedented superstorm that threatens to destroy the entire world, the film follows a new generation of storm chasers, some of whom are the children of the original heroes.
The film combines exciting action with moving emotional scenes thanks to cutting-edge CGI and heart-pounding scenes of wild weather. Twisters also has returning characters from the original movie, like Helen Hunt’s Dr. Jo Harding, providing fans with a nostalgic link.
Even though it didn’t have the box office dominance of other blockbusters, it still made $267 million in the United States, thanks to nostalgia fans of the 1990s film and a new generation of moviegoers eager for big disaster films.
The movie’s success shows that big spectacles and exciting special effects will always be popular, especially when combined with a fascinating family story. Twisters blew away our expectations with an 8/10 rating, earning praise for its intense action sequences and improved special effects.
9. Venom: The Last Dance
Release Date: May 2024
Tom Hardy plays the symbiote antihero Venom in Venom: The Last Dance. He returns for a high-octane, action-packed fight against a new group of bad guys, including a changed version of Eddie Brock’s biggest enemy. The film, part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, is renowned for its darker, more intense approach to superhero storytelling.
Eddie Brock and Venom have a strange relationship and struggle to understand how they both exist. This episode details Venom’s past and his tense relationship with Spider-Man, which sets the stage for possible future pairings. The first two Venom films’ success continued with its $476 million global box office take.
The film’s success comes from its intense action, the chemistry between Hardy and the CGI symbiote, and its ability to mix humor with serious drama. It was well received in theaters by fans of antihero films and comic book versions, making it a welcome addition to the Spider-Man movie franchise. Our critic Arash Nahandian gave Venom: The Last Dance a respectable 7/10, noting Tom Hardy’s compelling performance while pointing out some narrative shortcomings.
8. Kung Fu Panda 4
Release Date: April 2024
Kung Fu Panda 4, the fourth movie in the popular Kung Fu Panda series, came out in 2024. This time, Po (Jack Black) has to deal with a new challenge: finding a way to balance his duties as the Dragon Master and as a guide.
The story centers on Po teaching a new generation of martial artists while confronting a new and formidable foe who threatens the Valley of Peace’s peace. Kung Fu Panda 4 is still a visual and emotional treat, with the same fun, heartwarming humor, and fantastic martial arts scenes that have made the series a fan favorite.
The film also focuses more on Po’s personal development and his struggle to figure out his place in the world. Kung Fu Panda 4 was well-liked by audiences of all ages and made over $600 million worldwide.
The franchise’s continued success demonstrates its ability to tell deep stories about family, identity, and perseverance while providing excellent animation and action. Kung Fu Panda 4 secured a strong 8/10 from our critic Naser Nahandian, highlighting its heartwarming story and stunning animation.
7. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Release Date: March 2024
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was the next movie in the Monsterverse series. It brought together two of the most famous monsters in movie history for another great battle. The film examines what happens after the big fight in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).
The monsters get involved in an old war between rival species that could wipe out humans. Godzilla and Kong face off against a bigger threat that could destroy both of their worlds in the story, which includes an uneasy alliance between them.
As Godzilla’s atomic breath and Kong’s sheer strength clash in breathtaking battles, the film features stunning visual effects and massive action scenes. The New Empire, built on the success of earlier films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Kong: Skull Island, was a hit with Monsterverse fans, making over $800 million worldwide.
The Monsterverse became one of Hollywood’s most enduring shared worlds thanks to this movie. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire impressed our critics, earning a stellar 9/10 for its breathtaking monster battles and visual spectacle.
6. Wicked
Release Date: November 2024
The untold story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy arrives is explored in Wicked, a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film based on the hit Broadway musical. Ariana DeBose and Florence Pugh, two witches with very different personalities who are thrown into a huge battle between good and evil, are the film’s main characters.
The film explores themes of power, destiny, and sacrifice as the characters go about their lives in Oz. Wicked was one of the most anticipated films in 2024, with mesmerizing music, great performances, and stunning set pieces.
The film made more than $634 million worldwide, thanks to the musical’s fans and the skill of its cast. The adaptation stayed true to the spirit of the original while adding new parts that fans of the original and people who had never seen it before liked. Wicked is a beautiful and heartfelt fantasy that has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Wicked enchanted our critic Arash Nahandian at Gazettely, who gave it a near-perfect 9/10 for its magical adaptation of the beloved musical.
5. Dune: Part Two
Release Date: October 2024
Dune: Part Two by Denis Villeneuve was the last part of the epic movie version of Frank Herbert’s science fiction masterpiece. The film continues where Dune (2021) left off, with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) accepting his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach and navigating the desert planet Arrakis’s harsh and complicated political climate.
The film explores themes of power, faith, and natural survival. It has beautiful visuals, intense action, and an all-star cast. Along with Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and newcomers like Florence Pugh and Christopher Walken, Chalamet performs well.
Dune: Part Two earned over $711 million worldwide, garnering praise for its world-building, visual artistry, and intellectual depth. It’s a huge step forward for sci-fi movies, providing an immersive and stunningly beautiful experience that raises the genre’s bar to new heights.
Sci-fi and first film fans flocked to theaters, cementing the film’s place as one of 2024’s biggest blockbuster successes. Dune: Part Two earned a magnificent 9/10 from our critic Naser Nahandian, with him hailing it as a masterpiece of modern science fiction.
4. Moana 2
Release Date: December 2024
Moana 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s Moana (2016), picks up where the first film left off, following Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) on a new journey. Now that Moana is Chief of Motunui, she must confront a new oceanic threat threatening her island and the way of life she has worked so hard to protect.
The film has a lot of heart, humor, and excitement, and the animations of the Polynesian landscape and sea life are stunning. As Moana changes from an adventurous teen to a wise leader, the story looks at leadership, heritage, and finding out who you are.
The music, which Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote, makes the story more emotional. Moana 2 has been a critical and commercial success, grossing over $882 million worldwide, proving that Disney’s magic is still strong. This sequel was praised as a fitting continuation of Moana’s journey by fans of the first film and new audiences. In a surprising turn, our critic Arash Nahandian gave Moana 2 a disappointing 5/10, suggesting the sequel failed to capture the magic of its predecessor.
3. Despicable Me 4
Release Date: July 2024
In the fourth movie in the Despicable Me series, Gru (Steve Carell) and his naughty Minions get into more trouble. While navigating the challenges of fatherhood and family life, Gru meets a new villain in Despicable Me 4 who threatens world peace.
The film keeps the silly humor and touching moments that have made the Despicable Me series a family favorite. With their hilarious antics, the Minions steal the show once more. Still, the story’s emotional center is Gru’s relationship with his adopted daughters, especially Agnes.
Despicable Me 4 earned over $1 billion worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the most popular animated series ever. The film strikes a perfect mix between action, comedy, and emotional depth, making it a critical and box office smash. Its success shows that many people like the brand. We at Gazettely awarded Despicable Me 4 an 8/10, celebrating its ability to maintain the franchise’s charm and humor.
2. Deadpool & Wolverine
Release Date: February 2024
Fans love character crossovers like Deadpool & Wolverine, which stars Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman in his last movie as Wolverine. While examining the changing relationship between the two antiheroes, the film is an R-rated, fourth-wall-breaking roller coaster that combines action and humor.
The irreverent humor of Deadpool and the brooding personality of Wolverine make for an interplay that is both funny and touching. The film also shows the background of their comic book characters and how they are connected. The film became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, with over $1.33 billion in international earnings.
Fans of both characters couldn’t wait for this combination, and it did not disappoint. It had sharp humor, emotional stakes, and amazing action scenes. Deadpool & Wolverine is a perfect conclusion to the Deadpool series and an emotional goodbye to Jackman’s performance as Wolverine, cementing it as a blockbuster hit in 2024. In our comprehensive review, Gazettely awarded Deadpool & Wolverine a solid 8/10, praising its perfect blend of action and humor.
1. Inside Out 2
Release Date: June 2024
The emotional world of Riley as a teenager is explored in Inside Out 2, the sequel to Pixar’s Inside Out (2015). As Riley meets the challenges of adolescence, such as friendships, family dynamics, and identity, the film presents new emotions and deeper themes.
Children and adults can relate to Inside Out 2’s sophisticated storytelling, emotional depth, and approach to difficult topics. The animation in the movie is top-notch, with a wide range of colors and creative settings that bring the mind to life.
Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, with worldwide earnings of over $1.69 billion, shattering box office records. Making it one of the most talked-about films of 2024, its success is a testament to Pixar’s ability to combine fun with serious, relatable topics. It is a landmark in animated movies because it appeals to everyone. Inside Out 2 received an enthusiastic 8/10 from our critic Arash Nahandian for its sophisticated exploration of teenage emotions and stunning animation.
For a broader view of 2024’s cinematic triumphs, don’t miss our full list of the 20 best movies of the year.
