2024 has been a wild ride for film lovers, and I'm throwing my top 10 list of film's released this past year into the atmosphere for you all to peruse. From based-on-books drama to heart-pounding horror, these films have it all—unique visuals, unforgettable stories, and performances that’ll stick with you (I think its safe to say we were very spoiled this year with the good stuff!). Here’s why I enjoyed them, why I think each movie deserves a spot on your watchlist, and where you can watch them.
1. Queer
Queer is an intimate dive into the struggles and triumphs of queer identity, told through a raw, deeply personal lens thanks to Luca's flawless adaptation of William S. Burroughs writing. The film’s cinematography mirrors the story’s emotional tone, shifting from gritty realism to dreamlike sequences that feel like stepping into someone else’s heart.
Why Watch?
This film is as much about co-dependency as it is about individuality, celebrating the messy, beautiful spectrum of queer experiences. The performances are fearless, with the cast pouring heart and soul into every scene. Costume design and set choices feel refreshingly real (albeit torn right from Cronenberg's world-building for Burroughs' Naked Lunch), helping the story resonate on a deeply human level.
Where to Stream: Check it out on Rental platforms when it releases February 13, 2025.
2. Flow
Flow is a stunning Latvian animated feature that takes viewers into a post-apocalyptic world populated entirely by animals. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and entirely made within Blender, the story follows a black cat, a yellow Labrador, a capybara, a lemur, and a secretary bird as they navigate a landscape altered by a massive flood. While humanity has vanished, its remnants linger, creating a backdrop that's as haunting as it is beautiful.
Why Watch?
The animation style is unique, blending blocky, expressive animal characters with richly detailed and realistic environments. The film communicates its story without dialogue, relying on visuals and sound to deliver an emotionally resonant experience. Its themes of cooperation and resilience shine through the animals’ journey, offering a meditative yet adventurous escape.
Where to Stream:
You may be able to still catch this in theaters, but it's also available to rent through Amazon Prime.
3. A Different Man
If softer psychological thrillers are your jam, A Different Man will be a maze you want to explore. The story follows a man undergoing facial reconstruction surgery, only to become obsessed with the actor playing him in a stage production about his life.
Why Watch?
This one’s all about performances (which isn't new for director Aaron Schimberg, and I highly recommend you pair this watch with his other film Chained For Life). The cast masterfully walks the line between grounded and absurd, pulling you deeper into the protagonist’s spiraling mind. The muted, claustrophobic cinematography paired with lived-in sets makes the whole thing feel like a beautiful nightmare, and the screenplay tackles identity in ways that’ll leave you questioning your own reflection.
Where to Stream: Find it to rent on Amazon Prime.
4. Mr. Crocket
Mr. Crocket reimagines the stereotypical friendly children's show host (a la PeeWee or Mr.Rogers) as something far more sinister. Set in the '90s, the film follows a mother’s desperate quest to rescue her son from a demonic figure who kidnaps children under the guise of a beloved TV personality.
Why Watch?
This horror film delivers a mix of nostalgia and terror, using its retro TV-show setting to over-the-top creepy effect. The production design and costuming are particularly noteworthy, capturing the eerie charm of vintage kids' programming while flipping it into something absolutely nightmarish. The suspenseful pacing keeps you hooked as the mystery unfolds - and the cliffhanger will leave you begging for more Mr.Crocket. I truly believe we haven't had a good "horror icon" be presented to us in a long time outside of the slasher genre - and I'll be severely disappointed if we don't cement this one as a 100% gem.
Where to Stream: Now streaming on Hulu.
5. Omni Loop
In Omni Loop, Zoya, a woman grappling with her past, discovers the secrets of time travel to rewrite her life and become the person she always aspired to be. The film explores the emotional weight of second chances while diving into the fantastical mechanics of time manipulation.
Why Watch?
This sci-fi drama thrives on its introspective approach, focusing more on personal transformation than flashy time-travel tropes (although the science explored here is pretty fun to see, too!). Zoya's journey is both thought-provoking and visually inventive, with creative cinematography that captures the fluidity and complexity of her quest. The film is a heartfelt exploration of identity, self-reinvention, and what we leave for others when we go.
Where to Stream: Available to Rent on Amazon Prime.
6. The Substance
Demi Moore shines in The Substance as Elizabeth Sparkle, a former celebrity struggling to reclaim her fame and youth. Her obsession with reversing the passage of time leads her down a dangerous and surreal path, blurring the line between ambition and self-destruction.
Why Watch?
This psychological horror film is a biting critique of society's obsession with youth and beauty. Moore delivers a deeply haunting performance, capturing Elizabeth's vulnerability and determination. The film’s eerie atmosphere (taking inspiration from many a classic film, which adds a little bonus drinking game into the mix), combined with striking visuals and unsettling sound design, creates an experience that is as poignant as it is chilling.
Where to Stream: Available on Mubi, with additional access via Amazon Prime’s Mubi channel.
7. Cuckoo
Prepare to question reality with Cuckoo, a psychological thriller that twists your mind in the best way possible. The story centers on a young woman unraveling dark truths about her own family, and the film’s visuals and pacing make it so we are discovering everything right alongside the main character, crafting an exhilarating movie-watching experience.
Why Watch?
This is a masterclass in how to use lighting and framing to evoke paranoia. The film’s slow-burn approach pays off in spades, building to moments of jaw-dropping tension. Performances are subdued but powerful, letting the story unfold with a natural yet unsettling rhythm.
Where to Stream: Streaming on Hulu, Available to Rent on Amazon Prime.
8. I Saw The TV Glow
This teen horror flick is equal parts nostalgic and heartbreaking, with a story that explores identity and the strange ways media can influence us to explore who we are at our core.
Why Watch?
The film’s retro-inspired visuals are a love letter to ‘90s TV, with vivid colors and grainy textures that make it feel like you’re watching a lost VHS tape. The soundtrack is an absolute banger, and the cast nails the awkward-yet-compelling vibe of adolescence.
Where to Stream: Available to stream on Max, Available to Rent on Amazon Prime.
9. Longlegs
Longlegs follows a young FBI agent tasked with solving a series of gruesome murders from a cold case file. As the investigation unfolds, she discovers a deeply personal connection to the killer, leading to an intense psychological battle.
Why Watch?
Osgood Perkins' thriller excels at building tension, using clever storytelling and immersive cinematography to pull viewers into the protagonist’s unsettling discoveries. The confined settings and chilling performances heighten the sense of dread, making every twist and revelation feel deeply personal. It’s a masterclass in character-driven horror.
Where to Stream: Available to Rent on Amazon Prime.
10. The First Omen
A chilling prequel to the iconic Omen series, this film digs into the roots of one of horror’s most infamous stories.
Why Watch?
It nails the religious horror vibe from head to toe, from the sprawling sets to the shadowy cinematography. The performances feel fresh while honoring the original series, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Fans of classic horror will feel right at home, while newcomers get a modern twist on an old favorite.
Where to Stream: Available to Stream on Hulu, Available to Rent on Amazon Prime.
And there you have it — my top 10 for 2024. Whether you’re into mind-bending sci-fi, gut-wrenching drama, or bone-chilling horror, there’s something here for everyone. Get comfy, queue these up, and prepare to soar away into 2025.