Owen Gleiberman’s Top 10 Films of the Year Celebrate Cinematic Brilliance Across Genres
The year in cinema has delivered a wave of groundbreaking films, reminding audiences that great stories can come from anywhere—megaplex blockbusters, indie gems, documentaries, or international hits. Variety critic Owen Gleiberman’s Top 10 Films of 2024 celebrate this eclectic mix, spotlighting works that redefine storytelling, acting, and filmmaking itself. From Luca Guadagnino’s hypnotic Challengers to the surreal brilliance of Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness, here’s a closer look at Gleiberman’s standout picks.
1. Challengers
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers is a masterclass in love triangles, sportsmanship, and human connection. With electrifying performances from Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, the film explores the tensions and emotions between three tennis players. Guadagnino’s direction turns Justin Kuritzkes’ intricate script into a poetic, visually dazzling experience.
2. The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Mohammad Rasoulof’s Iranian drama is a gripping, Chekhovian exploration of authoritarianism’s impact on a family. When a father becomes complicit in Iran’s Revolutionary Court’s oppressive systems, the family unravels against a backdrop of feminist protests. Rasoulof masterfully combines political commentary with domestic tension, delivering one of the year’s most harrowing and timely films.
3. A Real Pain
Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain blends witty comedy and emotional depth. Starring Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as estranged cousins on a Holocaust tour of Poland, the film balances laugh-out-loud moments with profound reflections on generational trauma. Culkin shines in a role that walks the tightrope between charm and chaos, cementing this as a high point in Eisenberg’s filmmaking career.
4. Inside Out 2
Pixar returns with a thoughtful, visually enchanting sequel to Inside Out. Now a teenager, Riley faces new emotions—Anxiety, Envy, and Ennui—that complicate her journey of self-discovery. With humor and emotional resonance, the film tackles teenage identity in the age of social media, solidifying Pixar’s status as a storytelling powerhouse.
5. Skywalkers: A Love Story
Jeff Zimbalist’s vertigo-inducing documentary captures rooftoppers Vanya Beerkus and Angela Nikolau, whose dangerous climbs on the world’s tallest skyscrapers are both thrilling and romantic. The film is a heart-pounding blend of spectacle and humanity, as the couple risks everything to achieve artistic transcendence.
6. A Complete Unknown
Timothée Chalamet delivers a revelatory performance as a young Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s unconventional biopic. Rather than adhering to traditional formulas, the film uses Dylan’s songs as narrative devices, creating a musical journey that captures the enigmatic essence of the legendary troubadour.
7. The People’s Joker
Vera Drew’s underground sensation offers a satirical, trans-centric reimagining of the Joker mythos. With bold storytelling and unapologetic humor, the film subverts comic book tropes while delivering a deeply personal exploration of identity and self-expression.
8. Babygirl
Nicole Kidman shines in Halina Reijn’s provocative drama about power, control, and forbidden desire. Playing a CEO caught in a dangerous affair with an intern, Kidman’s layered performance drives this gripping exploration of societal expectations and personal recklessness.
9. Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy
Stephen Ujlaki and Chris Jones’ chilling documentary exposes the rise of Christian nationalism in America. By uncovering its roots and influence, the film serves as a wake-up call about the dangers of extremist ideologies threatening democracy.
10. Kinds of Kindness
Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness is a darkly comedic triptych exploring themes of control, dominance, and conformity. With standout performances from Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone, Lanthimos delivers a bizarre, engrossing work that keeps audiences guessing at every turn.
A Year of Cinematic Excellence
From Challengers’ poetic love story to Bad Faith’s unflinching documentary power, Gleiberman’s picks underscore the diverse brilliance of 2024’s films. Whether exploring intimate human relationships, societal struggles, or boundary-pushing concepts, these movies remind us why storytelling remains the heart of cinema.
Which of these films captured your attention this year?
