Final Best of 2024 List: Animation and Horror Shine, Superheroes Fall Short

by Annika January 2, 2025

Welcome to the final best of 2024 list, which also serves as the very first best of list for 2025. While superheroes failed to impress in 2024, there were still some notable moments, including the success of Deadpool & Wolverine. The year saw a decline in straight-up action movies but had a strong showing in the animation and horror genres. Films like Late Night with the Devil and The Wild Robot stood out for their unique storytelling and captivating performances. Overall, 2024 may not have been a super year, but it had its highlights.

– 2024 was not a great year for superhero movies, but had strong offerings in animation and horror genres.
– “The Fall Guy” is an action comedy movie with a romantic subplot that received praise.
– “Dune: Part Two” is a highly anticipated film with strong performances and stunning visuals.

Welcome to the final best of 2024 list, which also happens to be the first best of list for 2025. We are now deep into the era of genre moviedom, where superheroes, fantasy, horror, and action rule our imaginations and dominate the box office. However, in 2024, the genre that arguably put us in this era, superheroes, did not live up to expectations. There were a few exceptions, such as Deadpool & Wolverine, which was a fun and unexpected hit. But overall, from Madame Web to Kraven the Hunter, superheroes failed to deliver in 2024. Fortunately, Marvel will be back with three movies in 2025, including James Gunn’s Superman, which will be the real test.

While it was not a great year for straight-up action movies, there were a few notable entries. Dev Patel’s Monkey Man was like an Indian John Wick, delivering thrilling action. Rebel Ridge, starring Aaron Pierre, offered a unique twist on the action thriller genre as a pacifist’s perspective. And Road House, directed by Doug Liman and featuring the impressive Jake Gyllenhaal, provided a satisfying blend of action and entertainment.

On the other hand, animation and horror had a fantastic year in 2024. Beyond the box office success of Inside Out 2, there were plenty of standout animated films, including indie darling Memoirs of a Snail, the Japanese superhero pic Ultraman: Rising, and the inventive documentary Piece by Piece. In the horror genre, audiences were treated to a range of offerings, from studio fare like A Quiet Place: Day One to the stomach-churning indie Terrifier 3. And who could forget the enduring appeal of Nosferatu?

We’ve done our best to watch as many films as possible, covering a wide range of genres and countries. However, we may have missed some hidden gems, so feel free to let us know your favorites.

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 movies of 2024, Heat Vision style:

1. The Fall Guy (Universal): A delightful action-comedy that pays homage to the stunt community and delivers a heartwarming romantic storyline.
2. The Substance (Mubi): A stunning Hollywood satire meets body horror, driven by Demi Moore’s standout performance.
3. Transformers One (Paramount): A surprisingly fantastic animated feature that explores the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron.
4. Late Night with the Devil (IFC Films/Shudder): A found footage and documentary-style horror film that goes off the rails in the best way possible.
5. Kill (Roadside Attractions): An Indian Die Hard-on-a-train thriller that turns into an action-packed, emotional rollercoaster.
6. Longlegs (Neon): A deeply creepy, occult procedural with standout performances from Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage.
7. The Wild Robot (Universal Pictures): A heartwarming survival thriller that explores the many facets of parenthood through the eyes of a robot and a gosling.
8. Alien: Romulus (20th Century Studios): A thrilling, science fiction horror film that revitalizes the Alien franchise with youthful energy.
9. Wicked (Universal Pictures): A delightful adaptation of the popular Broadway musical that combines spectacle, song, and captivating performances.
10. Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros.): A masterful continuation of the Dune saga, exploring themes of power, belief, and bloodlines with breathtaking visuals and emotional depth.

Overall, 2024 had its ups and downs, but these films made a lasting impression with their creativity, performances, and ability to captivate audiences. As we eagerly anticipate the next wave of movies, we can reflect on the diverse and exciting offerings that made 2024 a memorable year for cinema.