2024 has been a solid year for action lovers, thriller seekers, and fans of the unexpected. From heart-pounding chase scenes to zombie apocalypses and holiday chaos, we've had a diverse range of films to satisfy every taste. Here’s a roundup of some of the most memorable films I've watched this year — and how they stacked up.
Alien: Romulus (2024) — 8.5/10
Ah, Alien: Romulus — a return to the void where humanity meets its most terrifying adversary. Directed by Fede Alvarez, this film brings us back to the heart of space horror, where a group of colonists stumbles upon a derelict space station and unleashes pure terror. The pacing is slow, building a palpable sense of dread, and the visuals are a masterclass in practical effects. While it flirts with nostalgia a bit too much, it manages to capture what made the Alien franchise iconic.
Dune: Part Two (2024) — 8.1/10
Dune: Part Two did not disappoint. Epic in scale, this film sees Paul Atreides unite with Chani and the Fremen in a journey filled with vengeance, love, and choice. While the film dives deep into grand battles and stunning visuals, there’s a slight overindulgence in slow-motion shots. Despite this, the performances, especially from Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, carry this chapter forward. And the world-building? Unmatched.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) — 8.0/10
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes revitalizes the saga with a fresh yet familiar narrative. Set in a world where ape societies flourish while humans regress, it’s a thrilling exploration of power dynamics and survival. The CGI is top-notch, the storyline solid, and the cast delivers strong performances, particularly Owen Teague and Freya Allan. Some plot points are overly predictable, but it’s still a worthy entry for fans.
Gladiator II (2024) — 7.9/10
Gladiator II wasn’t a perfect sequel, but it carried forward the legacy of its predecessor with strong performances, especially from Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. The story revolves around Lucius, who rises from the ashes of his family's destruction to face corrupt emperors. The spectacle, action, and brutality are on full display, but some predictable plot points and a lack of character depth leave it a few steps behind the original.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) — 7.8/10
Set in a frozen New York, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire takes us on a chilling adventure as the team confronts an ancient evil force. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, and Finn Wolfhard shine as they join forces with the original crew to battle this icy nemesis. While the movie occasionally veers into cheesy territory, it balances humor, nostalgia, and thrills for a fun ghost-hunting ride.
Arthur the King (2024) — 7.8/10
Arthur the King brings a heartwarming tale of endurance racing with a dog at the center of it all. Mark Wahlberg shines in a more emotional role, and the bond between him and the scrappy stray Arthur is moving. While the pacing lags a bit and the film could’ve delved deeper into the human-animal connection, it’s still an enjoyable and uplifting journey.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024) — 7.8/10
Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga is a sprawling epic set against the backdrop of the Civil War. The massive landscapes, intense action, and deep character moments make it a visually striking experience. However, the excessive number of plot lines and a three-hour runtime make it a bit hard to digest. Still, for fans of the genre, it’s a worthwhile watch.
Finestkind (2023) — 7.6/10
This gritty drama centers around two half-brothers who get tangled up in a dangerous world of commercial fishing and crime. Ben Foster and Toby Wallace give standout performances, and the raw authenticity of the film is compelling. However, some Hollywood liberties and a plot that leans too much into melodrama can make it feel like it’s trying too hard to be intense.
The Beekeeper (2024) — 7.6/10
Jason Statham’s latest flick The Beekeeper dives into vengeance and moral quandaries as a former operative seeks justice. The film serves up solid action sequences, and Statham’s charisma is ever-present. The film’s plot is a little more far-fetched than necessary, but it’s a fun ride for fans of Statham’s no-nonsense style.
The Fall Guy (2024) — 7.5/10
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt team up in The Fall Guy for a high-stakes stuntman action flick. The choreography is top-notch, and Gosling’s portrayal of the cool-headed hero is engaging. While the love story feels a bit forced and the movie could’ve had more punch in terms of action, it’s an entertaining watch for anyone in need of an adrenaline boost.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) — 7.5/10
In Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman return for a chaotic, snark-filled adventure. The film brings plenty of laughs and action, although the humor sometimes feels heavy-handed, especially with the overt sexual jokes. Still, it’s a fun ride for Marvel fans, delivering a fresh spin on their favorite antiheroes.
Transformers One (2024) — 7.5/10
Transformers One takes us back to the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron, exploring their brotherly bond before they became arch-enemies. The voice acting is stellar, with Chris Hemsworth as Optimus and Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron. While the plot doesn’t break new ground, it’s a fun ride for fans of the franchise.
The Burial (2024) — 7.4/10
In The Burial, Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones bring the courtroom to life in this underdog story of corruption and racial injustice. The film mixes drama, humor, and heart, but at times feels like it’s relying a bit too much on theatrical tropes. Still, it’s an inspiring story of resilience that’s worth watching.
Land of Bad (2024) — 7.3/10
Land of Bad delivers a fast-paced, gritty tale of survival in a world teetering on the edge of chaos. Frank Grillo and Liam Hemsworth offer strong performances, but the pacing is a bit uneven. Despite the slow moments, the film's intense action and memorable characters make it an enjoyable watch.
Damsel (2024) — 7.3/10
Damsel puts a twist on the typical princess story, with Millie Bobby Brown as a young woman forced to save herself from a deadly dragon. The film’s fun and adventurous, but it could have explored deeper character development and avoided some clichés. Still, it’s an enjoyable, light-hearted fantasy flick.
FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA (2024) — 7.2/10
George Miller’s return to the Mad Max universe with Furiosa is packed with action, but it struggles to recapture the frenetic energy of Fury Road. The film’s slower pacing and lack of visual innovation hold it back, but Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth’s performances are standout highlights.
Code 8 Part II (2024) — 7.1/10
A solid follow-up, Code 8 Part II follows a group of characters battling for justice in a corrupt society. While the film's pacing can feel sluggish, it’s an enjoyable continuation that provides enough action and emotional stakes to keep fans invested.
Road House (2024) — 7.1/10
Jake Gyllenhaal leads Road House in a reimagining of the classic action flick. The film delivers on fight choreography but falters with a lack of character depth. Still, it’s an enjoyable ride if you’re in the mood for action without any deep narrative exploration.
Monkey Man (2024) — 7.0/10
Monkey Man is a gritty, raw film about a man struggling with amnesia and his place in a post-apocalyptic world. While the action is solid, the film’s pacing and storytelling can feel a bit too scattered at times. Still, Dev Patel’s performance is worth the watch.
Civil War (2024) — 7.0/10
Set in a dystopian America, Civil War offers a tense, thrilling ride as a team of journalists races against time to uncover the truth behind a corrupt president. While the action and performances are strong, the film suffers from lack of character development and a predictable plot.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) — 7.0/10
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F returns Eddie Murphy to his iconic role as Axel Foley. While the film brings back nostalgic charm, it suffers from forced humor and a character transformation that dilutes Axel’s original appeal. Still, it’s an enjoyable ride for fans of the series.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) — 7.0/10
Day One offers a chilling prequel to the A Quiet Place series, exploring the origins of the silent alien invasion. While the tension and special effects are top-notch, the film struggles with weak character development and a lack of emotional depth.
The Bikeriders (2024) — 7.0/10
The Bikeriders dives into the world of the Vandals, a dangerous motorcycle club, offering a gritty look at loyalty, love, and the underworld. While the casting is stellar, the storytelling can feel a bit thin at times. Still, the nostalgic vibe and strong performances make it worth watching.
Twisters (2024) — 7.0/10
Twisters brings back the thrill of nature’s fury in a modern-day sequel. While the special effects and thrilling moments deliver, the film occasionally struggles with originality and emotional depth. It’s a fun ride for fans of the genre, though it doesn’t surpass the original.
Wolfs (2024) — 7.0/10
Wolfs stars Brad Pitt and George Clooney as rival fixers in a plot full of tension and witty banter. The chemistry between the two is fantastic, but the film suffers from a slow pace and a lack of action. Still, it’s an enjoyable watch for fans of these two Hollywood icons.
Die Alone (2024) — 7.0/10
Die Alone offers a zombie film with a unique twist, focusing on memory, identity, and survival. While the pacing and time-jumping narrative can feel jarring, the existential themes and gritty performances make it a compelling watch.
Carry On (2024) — 7.0/10
Carry On delivers a holiday action movie that blends Die Hard vibes with chaotic airport drama. The cast is great, and the festive setting adds a unique flavor to the genre. However, the pacing issues and forced social commentary hold it back from being a true classic.
There you have it, a rollercoaster of action, nostalgia, and thrills! 2024 has had something for everyone, from heartfelt dramas to explosive action sequences. While some films soared, others lagged behind, but each brought something memorable to the table. Let’s see what 2025 holds!
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