As 2024 comes to a close, one thing is clear: it’s been an incredible year for screen entertainment. With a plethora of binge-worthy streaming series and blockbuster films that captivated audiences, this year’s lineup provided ample reasons to stay in and enjoy the show.
Whether you gravitated towards gripping prestige dramas, enjoyed comedic indie films, or were mesmerized by grand cinematic spectacles, there was something for everyone in 2024. Here’s your ultimate guide to the must-watch titles of the year.
Industry
Kicking off with the third season of Industry, this series is a captivating blend of dark humor and intense drama. Described as a cross between Skins and Succession, it follows the chaos in the finance world, featuring Rishi’s wild gambling escapades and Marisa’s complex family dynamics. The latest season was a powerful viewing experience.
Slow Horses
The long-awaited fourth season of Slow Horses, titled Spook Street, showcases a thrilling return for this band of MI5 misfits. Gary Oldman delivers one of his finest performances as the gritty ringleader, Jackson Lamb, in this enthralling twist on the spy genre that deserved more attention on Apple TV+.
Say Nothing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETo4hnxVFho&ab_channel=FXNetworks
Say Nothing, a remarkable rendition of Patrick Radden Keefe’s best-selling exploration of the Troubles, premiered on Disney+. This gripping story begins with the abduction of Jean McConville, a widowed mother of ten suspected of being an informant, weaving together multiple narratives against the backdrop of Ireland’s tumultuous history.
Sunny
Another hidden gem on Apple TV+, Sunny blends humor and science fiction. The story follows Rashida Jones, who is gifted a robot companion, ‘homebot,’ while searching for her missing husband and son. This darkly comedic adventure offers a delightful take on futuristic life.
How To With John Wilson
How To With John Wilson divides viewers: you either love it or it’s not your cup of tea. For fans, this unique POV documentary series serves up an array of quirky subjects, from public restrooms to sports, all filtered through Wilson’s charmingly awkward lens, reminiscent of Louis Theroux.
Masters of the Air
Masters of the Air continues the legacy of the iconic series Band of Brothers, showcasing the aerial combat of World War II. With producing giants Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg at the helm, this series features an impressive ensemble cast destined for future stardom, delivering heart-stopping aerial sequences.
The Penguin
If someone had speculated at the year’s outset that a DC series would be the most buzzed-about superhero spin-off, it might have been met with skepticism. Yet, The Penguin has emerged as a “Gotham Sopranos,” highlighted by Colin Farrell’s standout performance that positions him favorably for awards this season.
Fallout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-mugKDQDlg&ab_channel=PrimeVideo
Fallout, a series based on the popular video game, had an exciting debut after The Last of Us paved the way. It strikes the perfect balance between humor and respect for the original game, featuring a rich retro-futuristic setting and a narrative that leaves audiences eager for more.
Love Lies Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding is one of the standout films from A24 this year. This 80s-set romantic crime thriller, featuring a neon-lit desert backdrop, follows a turbulent story akin to Thelma and Louise, marked by Katy O’Brian’s powerful performance and Kristin Stewart’s leading role.
Hollywoodgate
Hollywoodgate stands out as one of the year’s most surreal documentaries, capturing the days following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ibrahim Nash’at, it offers a unique perspective on Taliban members exploring the vast array of military equipment left behind.
Anora
Described as potentially the film of the year, Anora is a masterwork from Sean Baker. This tragicomedy delves into the complex relationship between an escort and an oligarch’s son, diverging from traditional romantic tales to provide an authentic look at sex work.
The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest offers a haunting, atmospheric adaptation of Martin Amis’s novel, juxtaposing a seemingly idyllic domestic life with the horrors of an extermination camp. It explores the mundane routines of a camp commander’s life set against a backdrop of unthinkable atrocities.
All Of Us Strangers
All Of Us Strangers combines fantasy and romance, featuring stellar performances by Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott. The narrative follows a screenwriter who revisits his childhood home, discovering his deceased parents still living there, leading to poignant reflections on love, loss, and connection.
The Substance
This holiday season, The Substance is poised to be the talk of the town. This stylish body horror set in the entertainment industry boldly critiques beauty standards, resulting in shocking visuals. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, it is a must-see for 2024.
Challengers
Luca Guadagnino has had a prolific year, including the release of Challengers, a steamy drama about a love triangle spiraling between a tennis coach, her former lover, and her champion husband, intertwining romance and sports.
Civil War
Civil War strikes a chord in an election year, as a group of journalists, led by Kirsten Dunst, embarks on a road trip through a fractured America seeking a final interview with a dictator resembling Trump. This dystopian narrative feels eerily relevant as it nears 2025.
Monkey Man
Starring, directed, and produced by Dev Patel, Monkey Man is a gritty revenge thriller that immerses viewers in India’s fight clubs. With intense action and a gripping narrative, this film promises dark, thrilling entertainment.
