Each year brings us a mix of blockbuster spectacles, quiet indie masterpieces, and jaw-dropping surprises that shape the cinematic landscape. 2024 was no exception, offering an impressive range of films that captivated audiences and critics alike. From thought-provoking epics to overlooked gems, here are the must-see movies of 2024 that you absolutely need to catch up on if you’ve missed them.

Grab some popcorn and settle in—we’re about to explore a year of unforgettable storytelling.

1. Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune saga continued its sweeping narrative with Dune: Part Two, making it one of the most talked-about movies of the year. Picking up where Part One left off, this installment dove deeper into the themes of power, legacy, and destiny, as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) wrestled with the weight of prophecy and revenge. The film offered stunning visuals, a haunting score, and tense political intrigue, cementing Villeneuve’s unique vision of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic.

While the story leaned heavily into its source material’s dense mythology, its rich world-building and character arcs kept audiences hooked. Dune: Part Two is a must-watch for fans of epic storytelling and intricate universes. If you haven’t been introduced to sandworms and spice yet, now’s the time.

2. Furiosa

George Miller returned to the post-apocalyptic wasteland in Furiosa, the highly anticipated prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. This film explored the rise of the titular character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, long before Charlize Theron’s portrayal. With Miller’s signature explosive action sequences, gritty landscapes, and unforgettable characters, Furiosa showed the origins of her strength and resilience in a world ruled by chaos and savagery.

Chris Hemsworth’s electrifying performance as a power-hungry warlord added a compelling layer to the tale, making it as much about institutional conflict as personal survival. If Fury Road was a ground-level introduction to the Wasteland, Furiosa expanded its scale and complexity, making it one of the year’s most exhilarating cinematic experiences.

3. The Apprentice

Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice pulled audiences into the grimy, chaotic streets of 1980s New York City to tell the story of an infamous transformation. Starring Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, the film didn’t shy away from the ugliness of power, ambition, and manipulation. Abbasi, known for his ability to balance realism with emotional nuance, delivered an unforgettable character-driven masterpiece.

The film’s body-horror-like elements and the raw performances of its leads made The Apprentice an unsettling yet engrossing experience. Blending political commentary with deeply personal storytelling, it stands resilient as one of the standout films of 2024, especially for fans of dark, character-driven dramas.

4. Rebel Ridge

Jeremy Saulnier, the director behind indie hits like Green Room, continued his streak of taut, suspenseful storytelling with Rebel Ridge. This gritty action movie followed a man’s battle against systemic corruption as he sought justice in the Appalachian backcountry. Aaron Pierre delivered a commanding performance as an enigmatic hero whose quiet intensity carried the film.

What made Rebel Ridge exceptional wasn’t just the visceral action sequences but Saulnier’s ability to weave social commentary seamlessly into the narrative. Tackling themes of power, accountability, and survival, this film is a must-watch for fans of tightly executed thrillers with substance.

5. Anora

Sean Baker’s Anora was one of the quiet triumphs of 2024. Set in the harsh streets of Los Angeles, it told the story of a sex worker striving for a better life. Marked by Baker’s talent for casting unknown actors and creating slice-of-life narratives, Anora felt authentic and emotionally raw.

Mikey Madison’s incredible performance grounded the film, capturing the complexities of a character battered by circumstances yet filled with resilience. With its nuanced portrayal of human struggle and poignant storytelling, Anora was both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s a film that lingers with you long after the credits roll.

6. Kneecap

For something completely different, Kneecap delivered the energy and rebelliousness of an Irish-language spin on 8 Mile. Following the rise of a Belfast-based rap group navigating life under the shadow of ongoing tensions, this film was vibrant, funny, and unapologetically raw.

The film’s humor and boldness made it a standout, while its celebration of Irish culture and identity struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Far from a traditional musical, Kneecap blended grit, humor, and heart in a way that felt fresh and unforgettable.

7. Aetherial Drift (The Unknown Surprise)

Among the year’s cinematic highlights sat an unexpected gem that seemed to emerge from nowhere. Aetherial Drift, directed by debut filmmaker Clara Wen, is a surreal drama with elements of sci-fi and psychological exploration. The film follows a scientist, Dr. Lila Reynolds, who wakes up aboard a malfunctioning spacecraft orbiting a dying planet with no memory of how she got there.

What sets Aetherial Drift apart is its striking visuals and hauntingly personal narrative. It’s as much about the isolation of space as it is about Lila’s fragmented memories, which tie into deeply human themes like grief, resilience, and the search for meaning. Wen’s meticulous direction and lead actress Samara Neill’s mesmerizing performance make this indie release a standout. It might not have had the marketing budget of larger films, but it deserves every bit of its growing cult audience.

8. Gladiator II

Ridley Scott once again proved his ability to deliver epic storytelling with Gladiator II. This long-awaited sequel brought audiences back to ancient Rome, blending historical intrigue with gripping character arcs. Denzel Washington’s role as a mentor figure to the film’s young lead became one of its most talked-about aspects.

While the plot took some unexpected turns that divided critics, the film’s sweeping visuals, explosive set pieces, and powerful performances ensured its place as one of the year’s cinematic successes. If you loved Gladiator, the sequel’s blend of spectacle and emotional depth is not to be missed.

9. The Brutalist

Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist took risks that paid off, offering a layered, visually stunning portrait of a socialist architect grappling with ideological and personal challenges. At over three hours long, the film wasn’t for everyone, but for patient viewers, it offered an immersive cinematic experience.

Critics praised its intricate production design that spoke volumes about architecture and power without overwhelming the human story at its core. A film both polarizing and engrossing, The Brutalist earned its reputation as one of the year’s boldest achievements.

10. Problemista

Julio Torres’s Problemista was one of the year’s hidden treasures, brimming with quirky humor and heartfelt creativity. Centering on an aspiring artist navigating a bizarre corporate America to preserve his immigration status, the film was an imaginative critique of both capitalism and the immigrant experience.

With standout performances, inventive visuals, and Torres’s distinct comedic voice, Problemista resonated as much emotionally as it did comedically. It felt unique and fresh, securing its place among the most memorable films of 2024.