# The Best and Worst Movies of 2024: A Year of Hits and Misses

2024 was a whirlwind of artistic triumphs and cinematic misfires. From gripping dramas and heartfelt animations to disappointing sequels and underwhelming adaptations, the year was a testament to the highs and lows of storytelling. While some films delivered profound emotional depth and bold creativity, others left audiences and critics scratching their heads. Here’s a look at the year’s most celebrated masterpieces and the biggest letdowns.

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### **Highlights of 2024: Cinematic Excellence at Its Best**

#### **”Will & Harper” — A Road Trip with Heart**
Netflix struck gold with *”Will & Harper,”* a documentary that paired comedy legend **Will Ferrell** with trans actress **Harper Steele** on a cross-country journey. A tender exploration of friendship, personal growth, and human connection, the film resonated deeply with viewers, earning an impressive **99% on Rotten Tomatoes**. Premiering at Sundance, critics praised its emotional vulnerability. Robert W. Butler called it *“a love letter to friendship, delivered with humor and grace.”*

#### **”The Wild Robot” — DreamWorks at Its Finest**
DreamWorks returned to form with *”The Wild Robot,”* an adaptation of Peter Brown’s beloved novel. Featuring stellar voice performances from **Lupita Nyong’o**, **Pedro Pascal**, and **Kit Connor**, the film explored themes of coexistence and environmental stewardship. Audiences marveled at its lush visuals, with many comparing it to DreamWorks’ early classics. Garnering a **97% Rotten Tomatoes score**, it proved that animation can still tell deeply resonant stories.

#### **”His Three Daughters” — Family Drama with Raw Emotion**
Starring **Natasha Lyonne**, **Carrie Coon**, and **Elizabeth Olsen**, *”His Three Daughters”* dove into the complexity of familial love amid grief. Centered on three estranged sisters reconciling as their father enters hospice care, the film delivered heartbreakingly realistic performances. As critic Tina Kakadelis aptly put, *“It’s a gut-wrenching reflection on the beauty and pain of family bonds.”*

#### **Other Standout Hits**
– *”A Real Pain”* blended humor and depth as Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial effort tackled grief and family identity, earning early awards buzz for a scene-stealing **Kieran Culkin**.
– Denis Villeneuve’s *”Dune: Part Two”* cemented the series as a sci-fi epic, satisfying fans with its sweeping visuals, bold storytelling, and gripping performances by **Timothée Chalamet** and **Zendaya**.

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### **The Year’s Biggest Disappointments**

#### **”Joker: Folie à Deux” — A Misstep with High Expectations**
Expectations for *”Joker: Folie à Deux”* were sky-high following its predecessor’s legacy. Unfortunately, the sequel—starring **Joaquin Phoenix** and **Lady Gaga**—faltered with critics and audiences alike. Its transition into a musical format felt awkward, and its bloated runtime further alienated viewers. With a **32% Rotten Tomatoes score**, it emerged as one of 2024’s most divisive films.

#### **”Madame Web” — A Superhero Misfire**
Marvel stumbled with *”Madame Web,”* a spinoff starring **Dakota Johnson** in the titular role. Despite its promising concept and star-studded cast, the film suffered from uninspired dialogue and underwhelming performances. Viewers criticized its ill-conceived plot, resulting in a measly **11% Rotten Tomatoes score**.

#### **Other Disappointing Flops**
– The much-hyped *”Borderlands,”* starring **Cate Blanchett** and **Kevin Hart**, fell flat with a disastrous **10% Rotten Tomatoes score**, with critics lambasting its poor writing and incoherent tone.
– YA adaptation *”Uglies”* floundered in adapting Scott Westerfeld’s beloved dystopian novel. Despite **Joey King’s** efforts, the film’s shallow take on societal beauty standards left fans disappointed, earning a lamentable **16%.**

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### **A Year of Contrast: Emotional Highs and Creative Lows**

2024 served as a reminder that great storytelling transcends star power and budgets. Films like *”Will & Harper”* and *”The Wild Robot”* captivated audiences with their sincerity and depth, while misfires like *”Joker: Folie à Deux”* and *”Madame Web”* highlighted the perils of overreliance on commercial appeal.

As we look to 2025, viewers hope for stories that celebrate authenticity, connection, and artistic vision. If 2024 proved anything, it’s that the magic of cinema lies in its ability to reflect the shared human experience, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the closing credits.