Best and Worst Movies of 2024: Top Reviews for Dune: Part Two, Smile 2, Alien: Romulus, and More!

Best Films of 2024

1. Alien: Romulus (2024)

The sci-fi/horror-thriller takes the “Alien” franchise back to its roots, set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). The film follows a group of young space colonists who, while scavenging the far reaches of a derelict space station, come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe—the Xenomorphs.

My Thoughts: The tension and atmosphere were incredible, reminiscent of the original Alien film. Alien: Romulus is the kind of film I could watch 30+ times and still find new details in the stunning world-building and suspenseful pacing.

2. Smile 2 (2024)

A sequel to the 2022 hit, Smile, this psychological horror film follows global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events just as her world tour is about to begin. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye must confront her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals completely out of control.

My Thoughts: Smile 2 nailed the creepy factor while exploring deeper psychological elements. It left me unsettled in the best way possible. Smile 2 is a movie I can revisit for its nuanced scares, strong performances, and great music.

3 . Dune: Part Two (2024)

The continuation of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel, this film explores Paul Atreides' journey as he unites with Chani and the Fremen to avenge his family’s downfall.

My Thoughts: The epic scale and incredible visuals of Dune: Part Two make it a cinematic masterpiece. This is a film I’ll rewatch for its layered storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, special effects, and acting. This is the true definition of a Sci-Fi saga.

4. Wicked (2024)

The highly anticipated Wicked tells the untold story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) before Dorothy’s arrival. Their unlikely friendship at Shiz University is tested by the Wizard of Oz, setting them on paths that shape their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

My Thoughts: Not being a fan of Oz or musicals this is the only one on the list for which I put back on my critic hat. Even though I didn't care for this film, it was a dazzling spectacle with unforgettable performances, music, and special effects. Wicked is a movie that’s destined to become a classic, and I certainly respect that.

5. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)

Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) returns to Beverly Hills in this long-awaited action-comedy sequel. When his daughter’s life is threatened, Foley teams up with her (Taylour Paige), a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to tackle a new crime wave and uncover a dangerous conspiracy.

My Thoughts: This was the perfect nostalgic ride while bringing fresh humor and action. It’s exactly the type of film I’d want to rewatch over and over for its timeless appeal and the fact I have loved the series since the first film was the first rated R movie I ever saw.

6. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Deadpool’s peaceful existence is upended when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. In this Marvel crossover, he teams up with Wolverine to face a new threat, blending their distinct personalities in a film packed with action and humor.

My Thoughts: A hilarious and action-packed romp that exceeded all my expectations. I honestly had given up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since Black Widow, but this film got me excited again for the future. While Deadpool films to me are a one-and-done the addition of cameos and the best comic book character actor ever, Hugh Jackman, made me change my mind and I have already watched this film 8 times as of December 2024.

7. Moana 2 (2024)

Moana 2 reunites Moana (Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) three years later for a daring new voyage. Called by her wayfinding ancestors, Moana sets sail with Maui and a crew of unlikely seafarers to explore uncharted territories, discover new cultures, and venture into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike any before.

My Thoughts: I was a late bloomer to the Moana craze. I didn't see the film till my daughter figuratively tied me up and made me watch the first one. Since then the film has become an anthem for me to my daughter. With that in mind, I couldn't wait for the sequel. The animation is some of the best I have ever seen and while the music is not as good as the first, it still stands out, but the heartfelt story ensures it’s a movie that will get a lot of replay. Disney has a knack for creating timeless adventures, and this is no exception.

8. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

The Bad Boys are back as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett to reunite for another high-stakes mission, delivering their signature blend of explosive action and outrageous comedy. This time, Miami’s finest find themselves on the run, adding a thrilling twist to their iconic adventures.

My Thoughts: I have never been a fan of cop films, the exceptions have been Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon, and Bad Boys. This is everything I want in a buddy cop film: action, laughs, and chemistry. It’s the kind of movie I’d rewatch, as I have already over and over again, just to relive the exploding set pieces and hilarious dialogue.

9. Apartment 7A (2024)

Set in 1965, Apartment 7A is a chilling prequel to Rosemary’s Baby, following injured dancer Terry Gionoffrio (Julia Garner) as she moves into the eerie Bramford building. Taken in by a wealthy couple (Dianne Wiest, Kevin McNally) and offered a second chance at fame, Terry’s dreams soon turn to nightmares as she uncovers the sinister secrets of Apartment 7A and the darkness within the Bramford.

My Thoughts: The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twists were unforgettable. This is a horror film I’d probably watch again before Rosemary’s Baby. I love how the two films connect, but the better story goes to Apartment 7A.

10. Y2K (2024)

Set on New Year’s Eve 1999, this hilarious and nostalgic comedy follows two high school juniors who crash a party, only to face the chaos of Y2K as the terror becomes reality. With machines rising against humanity, they must fight for their lives in this wild, dial-up disaster comedy.

My Thoughts: 1999/2000 I consider to be the best years of my life, and while this has to be one of the dumbest movies of the year, Y2K delivers a perfect mix of 90s nostalgia and insane humor. A wild ride that will resonate with anyone who lived through the millennium. The music is perfect, the addition of Fred Durst solidifies it for me. I have already seen it over ten times since its digital release.

Worst Films of 2024

1. The Crow (2024)

Bill Skarsgård stars in The Crow, a modern reimagining of James O’Barr’s graphic novel. After Eric Draven and his soulmate Shelly (FKA twigs) are murdered, Eric seeks revenge, traversing the living and the dead to save her. Despite its promise, the film lacks the depth and magic of the 1994 classic.

My Thoughts: This film has always left a bad taste in my mouth since it was announced. The first The Crow (1994), after the issue on the set the film was shelved but later released as a tribute to Brandon Lee's life, is perfection. This just takes a popular character and does a cash grab on it. This reboot felt hollow and unnecessary.

2. Tarot (2024)

Tarot follows friends who unleash a cursed evil by using a forbidden Tarot deck. Predictable scares and a convoluted plot overshadow their race to escape foretold fates.

My Thoughts: The premise sounded intriguing, but poor execution, cinematography, story, and acting made it one of the most forgettable of the year.

3. Never Let Go (2024)

From director Alexandre Aja, Never Let Go stars Halle Berry as a mother protecting her twin sons from a mysterious evil. Tethered together for survival, their bond is tested when one son questions the threat’s reality. Despite its potential, the film feels clichéd and uninspired.

My Thoughts: I have never really been a fan of Halle Berry except for the films Swordfish and The Program. While the concept was promising, the delivery fell flat and dragged on, and I consider this to be one of Halle Berry's worst films. I honestly expected more from the director of Crawl.

4. Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver (2024)

Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver follows Kora and her warriors fighting to defend a new homeland. Despite its ambition, the sequel falters with lackluster action and overcomplicated subplots.

My Thoughts: Zack Synder is one of those polarizing directors like Michael Bay (who I personally love). His films can be a hit or miss. While his DCEU, Watchmen, and 300 were amazing, this film falls flat. This story is visually stunning, but the story felt bloated and uninspiring, which is such a shame since the first part held such promise. I am honestly glad Lucasfilm turned this down as a Star Wars film.

5. Monkey Man (2024)

Monkey Man, Dev Patel’s directorial debut, follows a masked underground fighter seeking vengeance against corrupt elites. Despite its ambition, the film’s inconsistent tone and forgettable characters undermine its impact.

My Thoughts: I am a huge fan of the new "John Wick Style" action films, so I was eagerly awaiting this movie. Honestly, it was just a mess. It tried to mix genres but failed to deliver a cohesive narrative. I have no desire to ever see this again in my life.

6. Hit Man (2024)

Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater, follows a professor-turned-fake hitman who falls for a suspect, sparking deception and chaos. Despite its premise, the film feels dull with weak performances.

My Thoughts: While not being a fan of Glen Powell, it seems most of the world is fascinated by him. Because this film was done by 87 North, I had high hopes for a “John Wick Style” film. However, I got a rom-com that never went anywhere.

7. IF (2024)

IF, directed by John Krasinski, follows a girl reconnecting imaginary friends with their kids. Despite a whimsical concept and star-studded cast, it feels overly sentimental and misses its emotional mark.

My Thoughts: In 2023 this was one of my most anticipated films for this year. However, despite horrible performances (even by Ryan Reynold - which seems impossible, but they accomplished it), it is a disappointing attempt at blending nostalgia with fantasy that fell flat and forgettable a few hours after you have watched it.

8. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

Lisa Frankenstein, set in 1989, follows awkward teen Lisa (Kathryn Newton) as she resurrects a corpse (Cole Sprouse) and tries to restore his humanity. Despite its quirky premise, the horror-comedy falters with weak scares and awkward humor.

My Thoughts: The writing credits of Diablo Cody immediately scared me off this film, however, I still wanted to see it because of Kathryn Newton, Suite Life of Zack and Cody star Cole Sprouse, and the John Hughes, Heathers (1989)-like quality to this film. The attempt to modernize Frankenstein missed on both laughs and chills, and I can honestly say this is a film I will never see again.

9. Red One (2024)

An over-the-top holiday action-comedy where the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) teams up with a bounty hunter (Chris Evans) to rescue Santa and save Christmas.

My Thoughts: I admit as an “empty-nester” this is not my kind of film anymore, however, it lacked much inspiration and I think Dwayne Johnson is just dialing in movies now for a paycheck. It's a chaotic mix that lacks the charm of classic holiday films.

10. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a 2024 animated prequel set 183 years before the original trilogy, focusing on King Helm Hammerhand and his daughter Héra as they defend Rohan against Wulf’s forces.

My Thoughts: Despite its earnest storytelling and vintage anime visuals, the film feels minor and TV-sized compared to Peter Jackson’s grand cinematic adaptations. No plot per se, the only time I was happy or excited or woke up from my micro naps was when I heard names I recognized from the Lord of the Rings live-action series

Looking Forward to 2025

Ballerina (2025)

A spin-off from the John Wick series, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) as she begins her assassin training with the Ruska Roma during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Driven by a quest for revenge for her family’s death, Eve’s journey explores the deadly traditions of the assassin underworld.

Why I’m Excited: Every since the first John Wick (2014) film, I have been in love with the new style of action that is a huge upgrade from John Woo and Jim Cameron, and while John Wick is supposedly dead, it is nice to see the world-building. I also think Ana de Armas is the perfect actor for the role.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025)

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marks the concluding chapter of Ethan Hunt’s saga, promising high-stakes action and emotional closure for the beloved series. As Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt faces the consequences of his choices, the film delivers an epic finale to the iconic franchise.

Why I’m Excited: Through the years, I have had a love/hate relationship with this series. Honestly, I only enjoyed Mission: Impossible 2 until the 5th one came out. I was not that much of a fan (even though I love Tom Cruise!) of the movies that came in between. However, once Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation came out I was hooked like never before. I have watched every single film in the theater and can't wait to finish the run with this one. The one disappointing part….Rebecca Ferguson not being in the film.

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