The best movies of 2024 so far come at a complicated time for the film industry, still struggling to get back on its feet after the double-strike of 2023 (not to mention all the other chaos of the past five years). And honestly, that’s what makes every one of them such a welcome gift: There is no better cure for an existential crisis than going to see a movie that doesn’t just entertain you — it transforms you.
Perhaps that transformation comes in the form of a rush so intense you’ll be blaring Reznor and Ross as your workout mix for weeks (we certainly will). Or it comes in the dazzling wonder of a sci-fi universe that gets richer with each new installment. Or maybe it comes from the simple celebration of human connection, whether it be a decades-old friendship put to the test or finding yourself in a situation where being alone literally means death.
The vibe around big movie releases this spring isn’t exactly an optimistic one, given the flagging box office performance of so many anticipated releases. But that just makes the 10 movies listed below feel even more vital and necessary — we need the awe and joy and horror and power they delivered to our lives. We always need movies.
— Liz Shannon Miller
Senior Entertainment Editor
Editors Note: Check back for all our 2024 Mid-Year Report coverage, including our list of the 15 Best TV Shows So Far.
