From having to hold your breath and hide behind your hands while watching eerie and unsettling movies like Longlegs, to nearly falling out your seat laughing at the witty, action-packed Deadpool and Wolverine, the year 2024 saw the release of a variety of diverse movies that brought laughter, screams, and tons of “oohs” and “ahhs” to their audiences. In short, it was a great year for filmmakers and film-watchers alike.
Some of the most popular 2024 films are as follows;
- In Inside Out 2, we follow Riley, our protagonist from the first movie. More specifically, we follow her emotions, the familiar Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, and Fear as they run a successful operation helping her navigate through the transitions in life. When new, unfamiliar emotions suddenly emerge, they’re left unsure of what to do. “I loved Inside Out 2. It made me realize we should appreciate our youth.” Said Fernando Torres (11), who watched the movie during the summer.
- Deadpool and Wolverine saw Wade Wilson’s peaceful existence being threatened when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help him safeguard the multiverse, only to reveal they’re going to destroy his own universe. He unites with the reluctant Wolverine in order to save his world.
Fun fact, both these films quickly climbed to the top 50 highest-grossing movies, with Inside Out 2 making the top 10 with a lifetime gross of $1,629,002,551, and Deadpool and Wolverine at number 29 with a lifetime gross of $1,154,189,897.
- Kate Cooper finds herself haunted by memories of the terrifying ordeal she went through while chasing tornadoes in Twisters. When her hometown is threatened, she finally returns to chasing and finds herself fighting for her life as tornadoes ravage the small towns of central Oklahoma
- And many more, such as Kingdom of the Planet of The Apes, Challengers, A Quiet Place: Day One, and Despicable Me 4. Ghibli Fest 2024 also came to theaters in June, their comforting, nostalgic movies charming audiences who watched the movies as children.
The most popular films seem to vary with the audiences. Families and youth particularly enjoyed Inside Out 2. Teens and die-hard Marvel fans were absolutely thrilled with Deadpool and Wolverine, and for a variety of reasons.
“It was funny and sarcastic.” Said Norma Armenta.
“I liked seeing Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in the same movie being funny.” Eduardo Abascal (11) said.
“I like it because it’s so funny, like it’s Deadpool, and it’s Ryan Reynolds, who doesn’t like Ryan Reynolds right? And the bye bye bye song dance. It’s just, like, overall enjoyable, really funny and is gonna be one of the movies that even if I watch again it would still be funny.” Vy Nyugen (11) said.
Overall, it’s fair to say that these two films could definitely be contenders for “most popular of the year”.
It’s also important to talk about some underrated gems from this year. Movies that weren’t as popular, but great nonetheless. In fact, some of the highest-rated films of this year simultaneously had some of the lowest amount of viewers. Films like Ghostlight and I Saw the TV Glow were prime examples of this, though the latter has been a topic of controversy, with many belittling the film, but many others, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community, relating to the film. “This movie hit me hard. Especially the last 1/4. Resonated with me so deeply I had to cry through the credits, ruminating on my own life, the choices I’ve made, and the repression/conformity I’ve put myself through in hopes of an easier, safer existence.” Said one online review.
Once again- overall, a great year. Overall, a great few years! The film industry has been on a roll, releasing impressive, fan-favorite films. 2023 was a particularly good year. “I think last year was the best movie year since we came back from Covid.” Said Rogelio Reyes. And it seems many others agree. There were some incredibly popular movies released. Barbie, Oppenheimer, The Little Mermaid, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Blue Beetle, Meg 2, Mutant Mayhem, Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse, Megan, Elemental, Dungeons and Dragons, and The Boy and The Heron were just a few. Oppenheimer won an incredible amount of awards! Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hair-styling, Best Production Design, and Best Sound all went to the film. The Boy and the Heron also won Best Animated Film, though it seems it was closely tied with Across the Spider-Verse.
“I thought last year was a really really good year for movies. Especially because the new Ninja Turtle movie came out.” Said Mayah Reyes (10). “I thought this year was good too, especially the CGI. I hope next year is as good as this year and the last.”
As we look back on this year’s releases, it’s clear that the film industry is on an uphill climb. From massive blockbusters to hidden gems, 2024 has proven there’s an appetite for diverse, compelling stories. As technology advances and viewer’s tastes change, the future of film is promising, bound to produce more innovative art. Whatever comes next, this year has proven that the magic of movies, whether one enjoys them in a packed cinema or in the comfort of their home, remains as prevalent and powerful as ever.
