2024 has brought forth a fascinating array of filmmaking, capturing audiences' hearts with outstanding achievements and sinking quickly with notable failures. Critics from various outlets have shared their views, compiling lists of the best and worst films, contributing to the narrative of this year’s cinematic scene.
Top of the list for Netflix this year, according to Business Insider, were films like Daughters and Will & Harper. These titles not only made waves due to their compelling storytelling but also garnered impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores, solidifying their status among the year's best. Vulture praised Daughters, noting, "This Sundance prize-winning documentary about a group of girls reuniting with their dads is 'an admirable, ennobling picture.'" This type of recognition speaks volumes about the emotional resonance these films have had with audiences and critics alike.
But Netflix wasn't the only platform shining brightly. Most critics highlighted diversity within the year’s top films, celebrating various genres from heartfelt dramas to thrilling comedies and innovative documentaries. For example, Hit Man, which helped cement Glen Powell's status, was lauded as one of the year's best films by the Washington Post: "A blast of pure pleasure and one of the year's best films." The explorations of personal connections and societal challenges present in these films reflect changing attitudes and artistic experimentation.
Meanwhile, across the aisle, the critically panned films of 2024 demonstrate the challenges many studios faced this year. Variety's assessments reveal substantial disappointment. Chris Pine's directorial effort, Poolman, topped the worst lists, with the review noting, "Even if you're a fan of Chris Pine, you may stare slack-jawed at this absurdist disaster of an L.A. noir…" This sentiment echoed across various platforms, illuminating how expectations can dramatically clash with cinematic reality.
An equally scathing review arrived for the film Reagan, with the critic remarking, "Released just in time to grease the wheels for Trump’s victory, this schlock Ronald Reagan biopic was a hit…" Supporting the point were Rotten Tomatoes ratings, as the film achieved only 18% on the site, indicative of the broader discontentment among critics and viewers alike.
Another prime example, DogMan, was classified by Variety as "Besson’s third-rate Joker rip-off... ill-conceived on every level." The film's uninspired narrative and execution surely left audiences hoping for more innovation rather than repetition.
Interestingly, these best and worst films showcase broader trends within the industry—audiences have become increasingly discerning, demanding authenticity, originality, and emotional depth. Critics have adopted similar expectations, pushing filmmakers to either rise or fall based on their adherence to these new filmmaking expectations.
Overall, the contrasting results of the films released this year highlight the film industry's volatile nature. Though bold and beautiful films like Daughters and Hit Man remind us of cinema’s impact, the dissatisfying experiences brought forth by films like Poolman and Reagan show how even the brightest stars can shine too faintly if the substance fails to meet the hype.
Looking back over the various critics’ choices, it’s clear 2024 has been rich with content. The highs and lows remind audiences to embrace the power of film as both art and entertainment. With 2025 on the horizon, viewers can expect even more exciting storytelling, innovative direction, and the inevitable surprises of both thrilling successes and unfortunate missteps.