Every year, I keep a running list of the best movies I’ve seen this year. By the end of the year, I usually end up with a Top Ten and another 5-15 mentions. Here are my Best Movies of 2023 and Best Movies of 2022 lists.
To get on my year-end list, a movie has to be one that thrills me while I’m watching it and one that I’m still thinking about a couple of days later.
THE BEST OF 2024
Anora: human spirit vs the oligarchs. In theaters and Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango.
A Complete Unknown: a genius and his time. In theaters.
The Bikeriders: they ride, drink and fight, and yet we care. Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango.
The Brutalist: buffeted by fate, can his soul survive? In theaters.
Hit Man: who knew self-invention could be so fun? Netflix.
Challengers: three people and their desire. Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango.
La Chimera: six genres for the price of one. Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango.
In the Summers: they mature, he evolves. VOD on February 11.
The Substance: the thinking woman’s Faust, if you can take the body horror. MUBI (free), Amazon, AppleTV.
Hard Truths: trapped inside her own rage. In theaters.
Ghostlight: a family saves itself, in iambic pentameter. Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango (included).
The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed: is she going to be a loser? Amazon, AppleTV, Hulu.
Sweetheart Deal: a triumph of cinéma vérité. I’ll let you know when it’s available to stream.
The Last Showgirl: desperation amid the rhinestones. In theaters.
Love Lies Bleeding: obsessions and impulses collide. Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango.
I Saw the TV Glow: brimming with originality. Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango.
