Lex's Best Movies of 2024
It was a good year for film, friends.
Best of the year lists are torture for me. Every year I fall in love with new films and to start choosing favorites all of a sudden always feels unjust, not to mention a bit silly. Also, I’m more indecisive than a toddler, especially when it comes to movies and in a great year for the medium? Forget about it. On the other hand, one thing that truly brings me joy is being able to champion films I really think are exemplary. I’m sure you can relate. It’s an important part of my job I take seriously and with pride. That is how I end up doing best of the year lists, this one included.
In an effort to shake up my methods of praise in the year-end season, I decided to challenge myself to offer a description of each film on my list in as few words as possible. Considering how much I wanted to wax poetic about each of these it was a fun experiment that hopefully will spark your interest in any you may not checked off your watchlist just yet. Generally unranked in my heart, these titles represent what I consider the best of what 2024 had to offer (or at least my favorites, you know how it goes).
(Clicking links on select titles will take you to my original review.)
19. Challengers
A film that expertly volleys between three tactically brilliant leads who are all clearly having the time of their lives.
18. Nickel Boys
A beautifully necessary film that overflows with empathy, agony, and the desire for connection.
17. The Brutalist
A sprawling, savage drama that shoots the American dream in the knees.
16. How to Have Sex
A 2023 release in my mind because of its Cannes premiere, but I’m including this one because more people need to see what a crushing and excellent film this is.
15. Daughters
You may never recover from this one.
14. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
Equally as gut-wrenching as Daughters for different reasons, you may never recover from this one either.
13. The Substance
A modern body horror classic that feels like one of the most important parables of our time.
12. Hit Man
A comedy for the ages and a wonderful showcase for Glen Powell’s range.
11. Nosferatu
A masterclass in period filmmaking that is packed full of stunning visuals and equally effective performances.
10. A Real Pain
A beautiful and tragic film that dares to explore the validity of pain and how to honor those who have experienced it in unimaginable ways.
9. The People’s Joker
The most unique and special cinematic achievement this year, a year with several unique and special cinematic achievements.
8. Infested
The scariest—and most endearing—spider-centric horror movie you will ever see.
7. Sing Sing
An indisputable piece of life-affirming cinema that gives new meaning to “If you can’t hold on, hold on.”
6. Ghostlight
A sneaky little gem of a film impeccably designed to highlight the healing we can give ourselves if only we allow it.
5. The Beast
A time-spanning grand romance of the future that isn’t at all what it seems.
4. Furiosa
A high-octane powder keg of a film anchored by spirited performances and superb effects that build a prequel worthy of its predecessor.
3. Hundreds of Beavers
An absolute triumph of independent cinema that goes for broke with a Chaplin meets “Looney Tunes” physical comedy that is, frankly, pure magic.
2. I Saw The TV Glow
A hazy neon dream of a film so harrowing and heartbreaking that you will want to get your shit together immediately.
1. Red Rooms
An intoxicating and unsettling psychological techno-thriller that will grab you by the throat and keep you choking for nearly two hours—and you’ll love every minute.