For Screen One, 2024 has been a banner year for cinema. From animated masterpieces to pulse-pounding action, laugh-out-loud comedies, and deeply emotional dramas, the diversity and quality of films have been nothing short of spectacular. As the industry continued to recover and thrive post-pandemic, directors and studios alike pushed the envelope to deliver stories that resonated across generations.
While compiling our annual Top 20 list, the competition was fierce. Honorable mentions that just missed the cut include Poor Things, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Paddington in Peru, Juror #2, and Inside Out 2—all of which come highly recommended. But the films that made it represent the very best cinema had to offer in UK cinemas between January 1st and December 31st, 2024. Let’s dive into the first half of Screen One’s Top 20 Films of 2024.
20. Deep Sea 深海
Director: Tian Xiaopeng
Why It’s Great: Because visually it was breathtaking.
A sumptuous feast for the senses, Deep Sea takes audiences on a breathtaking journey beneath the waves. The story of a girl swept into a magical underwater world after a family tragedy, this animated marvel combines stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling. It’s an emotional, almost surreal experience that explores grief, hope, and transformation.
19. Lisa Frankenstein
Director: Zelda Williams
Why It’s Great: Becuase it was downright hilarious and featued some of the best set pieces of the year.
A quirky, gothic teen comedy, Lisa Frankenstein sees a socially awkward high schooler accidentally bring a Victorian corpse back to life. Packed with dark humor, romance, and a healthy dose of camp, Zelda Williams’ directorial debut is a refreshing twist on the Frankenstein mythos. It’s the kind of offbeat gem destined for cult status.
18. Deadpool & Wolverine
Director: Shawn Levy
Why It’s Great: Because the closing of the arc of the Fox era, a love letter of sorts, featured cameos a plenty for the fans of the Fox MCU and was just a heap of fun.
The Merc with a Mouth and Logan finally team up in this action-packed, foul-mouthed romp through the multiverse. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s electric chemistry carries the film, which blends breakneck action with biting satire. Fans of both characters will find this collaboration as chaotic and hilarious as they’d hoped.
17. Mean Girls
Directors: Arturo Perez Jr. & Samantha Jayne
Why It’s Great: Becuase musicals were the thing this year and this was one of the best featuring some incredible tunes. You go Glen Coco!
The Plastics are back in this musical adaptation of the 2004 classic, infused with fresh energy and catchy tunes. With razor-sharp wit and dazzling performances, the film doesn’t just revisit the high school hierarchy—it reinvents it. It’s a nostalgia-filled blast that stands on its own two (pink-clad) feet.
16. Alien: Romulus
Director: Fede Álvarez
Why It’s Great: Becuase much like Prey was to Predator, Romulus is to Alien. Terrifying in parts, but a brilliabt return to the series after Ridley Scott’s misfiring and downright dull prequels.
Fede Álvarez breathes new life into the Alien franchise with Romulus. Stripped-down and claustrophobic, it’s a return to the series’ horror roots, blending chilling atmosphere with relentless tension. For fans of Alien and Aliens, this is the prequel they’ve been waiting for.
15. Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Why It’s Great: Because this time round there’s more action and grit and visually even more expansive.
Denis Villeneuve’s epic continuation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece delivers awe-inspiring visuals and an emotionally charged narrative. Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides solidifies his place as a legendary cinematic figure, while Zendaya shines as Chani. Dune: Part Two is a majestic continuance to a breathtaking saga.
14. The Holdovers
Director: Alexander Payne
Why It’s Great: Because it simply has some of the most towering acting performances that were recognised during awards season in 2024.
Alexander Payne delivers a poignant dramedy about an irritable teacher (Paul Giamatti) and a troubled student stuck together over the holidays at an empty boarding school. With its heartfelt performances and beautifully layered script, The Holdovers is both hilarious and deeply touching, a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
13. Twisters
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Why It’s Great: Because it’s a superb throwback to the old school summer blockbusters and Glen Powell’s rise to stardom continues.
A spiritual successor to the 1996 classic Twister, this disaster epic ratchets up the tension with cutting-edge effects and a compelling ensemble cast. At its heart, Twisters is a story of redemption and resilience, blending human drama with jaw-dropping spectacle.
12. The Beekeeper
Director: David Ayer
Why It’s Great: Because it’s bonkers. seriously.
A gritty revenge thriller with a surprising emotional core, The Beekeeper follows a man who takes justice into his own hands after a personal tragedy. With intense action sequences and a commanding lead performance, David Ayer delivers a film that’s both cathartic and deeply satisfying.
11. The Substance
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Why It’s Great: Because you are not ready for the insanity you are about to witness.
A bold, visually striking film that delves into the dangers of vanity and societal obsession with youth, The Substance blends body horror with profound commentary. Anchored by stellar performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the film is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking—a daring cinematic experience.
As this stellar year for cinema comes to a close, these films represent only the first half of our favorites. Stay tuned for Part II, where we reveal the top 10 films of 2024, including the ones that truly defined this incredible year.
Check Out Our Top 10 films of 2024 Tomorrow!
