The Most Entertaining Movies of 2024, Ranked (2025)

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By Maysa Osley

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The movies of 2024 showcase an eclectic mix of genres and styles, offering captivating cinematic experiences for all audiences. From nail-biting thrillers like Carry-On and Rebel Ridge to visually spectacular blockbusters like Twisters and Wicked to movies that are just really having a good time, like , this year’s standout films explore human resilience, moral dilemmas, and societal issues, often wrapped in intense action, humor, or heartfelt storytelling. Thrillers, comedies and nostalgic reimaginings round out the mix, ensuring something for every viewer. These films balance performance and emotional engagement, often pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling to create unforgettable moments.

This year, the most entertaining films shine as escapist experiences that may also engage with deeper themes, making them not only exciting and engaging but memorable. The most entertaining movies embody the diverse ways cinema can captivate, offering a unique review of the year’s most exhilarating films. These are the most entertaining movies of 2024, ranked by their ability to engross, excite and emotionally impact viewers—whether through stunning visuals, gripping performances or innovative storytelling.

10 ‘Rebel Ridge’

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier

Former Marine Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) arrives in the corrupt town of Shelby Springs, Louisiana, to post bail for his cousin Mike, only to have his funds unjustly seized by the local police under civil forfeiture laws. As Terry struggles against the corrupt system, he allies with Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), a courthouse clerk uncovering systemic misconduct. Facing legal roadblocks, and violent resistance from Police Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), Terry’s fight for justice escalates into a perilous mission. Amid deadly confrontations, Terry perseveres, determined to hold the corrupt system accountable at tragic costs.

Rebel Ridge seamlessly weaves intense action, sharp social commentary and a breakout performance by Aaron Pierre. Pierre’s Terry Richmond captivates with his methodical, non-lethal combat approach, dismantling systems of power with skill and restraint. The film’s exploration of systemic injustice—shedding light on civil asset forfeiture and racial profiling—adds layers to its suspenseful, action-packed narrative. With incredible performances, intelligent pacing, and thought-provoking themes, it delivers both adrenaline and substance.

7 10

Rebel Ridge

R

Action

Crime

Drama

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Release Date September 6, 2024

Director Jeremy SaulnierCast Aaron Pierre, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Oscar Gale, AnnaSophia Robb, Reid Williams, Steve Zissis, Daniel H. Chung, Dana Lee, Zsane Jhe, Don Johnson, C.J. LeBlanc, Matthew Rimmer, Brannon Cross, Victor Eli Hugo, James Cromwell, Chelsea Bryan, Al Vicente, Terence Rosemore, Leslie Nipkow, Rhonda Johnson Dents, Charlie Talbert, Harlon Miller, Clayton Cooper, Caleb J. Thaggard, Jordan Thoma, Angela Griffitt

Runtime 131 Minutes

9 ‘Carry-On’

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

On Christmas Eve, TSA officer Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) is blackmailed by a mercenary, the Traveler (Jason Bateman), into allowing a deadly package onto a flight, with his pregnant girlfriend’s (Sofia Carson) life at stake. Monitored by an accomplice, the Watcher (Theo Rossi), Ethan faces escalating threats and uncovers a conspiracy targeting a congresswoman to justify increased defense spending. Racing against time and under constant surveillance, Ethan must make impossible decisions and contend with the consequences, while trying to outwit the Traveler and prevent a disaster.

As a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, Carry-On delivers high entertainment value through strong performances, particularly from Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman. While the film's premise centers on a moral dilemma, it doesn't explore its themes or characters deeply—a tradeoff for suspenseful, well-executed action sequences. The over-the-top action keeps the ride fun, evoking nostalgia for classic '90s thrillers—viewers will have the best viewing experience if they suspend their belief. Despite its predictability and occasional tonal inconsistencies, Carry-On succeeds as a thrilling escapist experience, making it one of the most entertaining films of 2024 for casual viewers seeking pure action and excitement.

7 10

Carry-On

PG-13

Action

Drama

Mystery

Thriller

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Release Date December 13, 2024Director Jaume Collet-SerraCast Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Tonatiuh, Theo Rossi, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Gil Perez-Abraham, Josh Brener, Benito Martinez, Edwin Kho, Reisha Reynolds, Adam Stephenson, Michael Scott, Jeff Pope, Raymond RehageSee Also15 Days of Decemeber with Daphne - mymindisverycomplicated - Harry PotterWhere Will You House Your Skeletons? - Chapter 4 - TheWritingOwlThis Dangerous Game - MissDisorientalOf Mutants, Psychopaths, and Nascent Godkillers - LaughYeAmer - Pocket Monsters | Pokemon

Runtime 119 Minutes

8 ‘Anora’

Directed by Sean Baker

In a whirlwind romance, Anora “Ani” (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker, marries Vanya (Mark Eidelshtein), the immature son of a Russian oligarch in Las Vegas. When Vanya's parents learn of the marriage, they plot to annul it, sending henchmen after Vanya. As Ani fights for her marriage, she realizes Vanya’s immaturity and the overwhelming power of his family. Amid high-energy action, humor and heartbreak, Ani confronts the harsh reality of her marriage to Vanya and connects with one of the henchmen, Igor (Yura Borisov).

Anora is a cinematic tour de force, blending humor, heartbreak, and razor-sharp social commentary into a cinematic rollercoaster. Mikey Madison delivers a spectacular performance as Ani, a complex character navigating the intersection of vulnerability and resilience. With its dazzling energy, the film deftly shifts between comedy and drama, using Ani's precarious life as a lens to explore classism and exploitation. Sean Baker’s visually rich direction and empathetic storytelling elevate the material, turning a story of whirlwind romance into a profound meditation on human connection and dreams out of reach. Anora is wildly entertaining, richly layered, and a bold reinvention of romantic drama for modern audiences.

9 10

Anora

Comedy

Drama

Romance

Release Date October 18, 2024

Director Sean Baker

Cast Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Yuriy Borisov, Vache Tovmasyan, Ivy Wolk, Luna Sofía Miranda, Ross Brodar, Lindsey Normington, Darya Ekamasova, Emily Weider, Alena Gurevich, Masha Zhak, Paul Weissman, Charlton Lamar, Aleksey Serebryakov, Ella Rubin, Vincent Radwinsky, Michael Sergio, Brittney Rodriguez, Sophia Carnabuci, Anton Bitter, Zoë Vnak

Runtime 139 Minutes

Character(s) Anora, Ivan, Toros, Igor, Garnick, Crystal, Lulu, Security Guard, Diamond, Galina, Nikki, Clara, Tatiana's Hostess, Nick, Court Security, Nikolay, Vera, Jimmy, Judge, Dawn, Jenny, Tom, Rachel

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7 ‘Longlegs’

Directed by Osgood Perkins

Longlegs is a chilling thriller that follows young FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she investigates a series of murders in 1990s Oregon. The murders adhere to a pattern—they involve a father murdering his family, followed by his own suicide and they occur on particular dates with occult clues left behind. Lee’s sharp instincts and seemingly clairvoyant abilities uncover a link to the killer known as "Longlegs" (Nicolas Cage). Lee discovers unsettling ties between the murders, her own past and a dark, occult force driving the crimes.

Longlegs is one of 2024’s most enthralling horror films, combining psychological and supernatural terror with Nicolas Cage’s entertaining and unforgettable portrayal of Longlegs—with the anticipation of seeing his face being a driving force of entertainment value in the movie. Right from the start, Longlegs captivates viewers with its disturbing footage of the bleak winter and its brief but effective introduction to Longlegs the character, leaving viewers craving yet dreading his next appearance. The film’s oppressive atmosphere, stunning cinematography, and chilling sound design collectively evoke an inescapable nightmare. Despite a heavy-handed exposition late into the film, director Osgood Perkins crafts a macabre experience, making it a standout in the horror genre this year.

7 10

Longlegs

R

Horror

Thriller

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Release Date July 12, 2024Director Oz PerkinsCast Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee, Dakota Daulby, Lauren Acala, Kiernan Shipka

Runtime 101 Minutes

6 ‘Twisters’

Directed by Lee Isaac Chung

The standalone sequel to the 1996 film Twister follows former storm chaser Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who is haunted by a tragic tornado encounter that claimed the lives of her team. Years later, Kate reunites with her friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos), in Oklahoma to test new storm-tracking technology. There, she meets Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a popular social media storm chaser. As unprecedented storms wreak havoc, Tyler and Kate are forced to collaborate to deploy innovative technology to mitigate the tornadoes' destruction.

Twisters is thrilling and visually spectacular, delivering pure summer blockbuster entertainment, with its heart-pounding storm sequences, stunning special effects, and charismatic performance by Glen Powell, who energizes the film. Director Lee Isaac Chung balances high-octane action with themes of loss, resilience, and humanity's vulnerability to nature’s fury, offering depth beyond the chaos. Though formulaic at times, what it lacks is made up for in entertainment value. Twisters succeeds as a nostalgic and epic disaster film, weaving action, humor and incredible visuals into a whirlwind of emotion and excitement.

8 10

Twisters

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Thriller

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Release Date July 19, 2024Director Lee Isaac ChungCast Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Daryl McCormack

Runtime 117 Minutes

5 ‘The Fall Guy’

Directed by David Leitch

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a stuntman recovering from a devastating on-set accident, is drawn back into the world of filmmaking when the star of his ex-girlfriend Jody’s (Emily Blunt) movie, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), mysteriously vanishes. As Colt navigates the chaos of movie sets, confronts dangerous adversaries, and delves into a sinister conspiracy, he must use his unique skills to protect the film's future—and his ex-girlfriend's directorial debut. With the stakes escalating, Colt tries to win Jody back while unearthing the truth behind the conspiracy.

The Fall Guy, brimming with over-the-top stunts and action sequences, embraces the most thrilling aspects of movie-making. Prioritizing practical effects and an exhilarating experience over a straightforward premise and plot, the high energy of the film makes up for this narrative sacrifice. The Fall Guy celebrates cinema while offering commentary on the filmmaking industry. Packed with thrilling stunts, comedy, and palpable chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, the film offers an irresistibly fun ride for viewers who are willing to embrace the film for what it is.

the

9 10

The Fall Guy

PG-13

Action

Drama

Thriller

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Release Date May 3, 2024Director David LeitchCast Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer

Runtime 126 Minutes

4 ‘The Substance’

Directed by Coralie Fargeat

Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading Hollywood star fired from her aerobics show due to age, turns to a program, The Substance, offering a mysterious drug that promises youth. The product creates Sue (Margaret Qualley), a younger version of Elisabeth, with whom she will share her consciousness according to the program’s rules. As Sue grows famous, Elisabeth becomes resentful and her body deteriorates. Their tense coexistence spirals into chaos when Sue defies the program's rules, triggering horrifying transformations and consequences.

The Substance is a bold, dazzling and grotesque spectacle. This visceral body-horror and satire critiques the entertainment industry's, and more generally, society’s, obsession with youth and beauty while delivering jaw-dropping visuals and gore. Demi Moore’s performance is career-redefining, and Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid are great in their respective roles. Director Coralie Fargeat’s stylized vision pops with color, and the cinematography and provocative imagery engross the audience. Notable for its shocking climax, The Substance provides one of 2024's most entertaining and unforgettable cinematic experiences.

7 10

The Substance

R

Horror

Drama

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Release Date September 20, 2024

Director Coralie FargeatCast Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Gore Abrams, Hugo Diego Garcia, Olivier Raynal, Tiffany Hofstetter, Tom Morton, Jiselle Burkhalter, Axel Baille, Oscar Lesage, Matthew Géczy, Philip Schurer

Runtime 140 Minutes

3 ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’

Directed by Tim Burton

Decades after Beetlejuice's events, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brings the Deetz family back to Winter River following the death of Lydia Deetz’s (Winona Ryder) father. Lydia, now a renowned supernatural talk show host, struggles to connect with her defiant daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), while still haunted by Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton). When Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the Netherworld, chaos ensues as Betelgeuse and other vindictive ghosts cause mayhem for the living. With her family’s fate hanging in the balance, Lydia must venture into the Netherworld once again to save her loved ones.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a chaotic, visually inventive sequel that captures director Tim Burton’s trademark mix of macabre whimsy and heartfelt storytelling. Michael Keaton’s return as the iconic Betelgeuse electrifies the film, while Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega deliver standout performances as a mother-daughter duo navigating grief and ghostly turmoil. The movie possesses the same spirit that made the first movie a classic and features clever callbacks to the 1988 film. The storyline is packed, immersing viewers in continuous chaos and nonstop entertainment. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s nostalgia, humor and bizarre design make it a worthy sequel to the cult classic and one of the year’s most entertaining films.

7 10

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

PG-13

Comedy

Supernatural

Fantasy

Horror

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Release Date September 6, 2024Director Tim BurtonCast Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Nick Kellington, Santiago Cabrera, Burn Gorman, Danny DeVito, Sami Slimane, Amy Nuttall, Mark Heenehan, Charlie Hopkinson, Liv Spencer, Skylar Park, Matthew Lyons, Jane Leaney, David Ayres, Sophie Holland, Walles Hamonde

Runtime 104 Minutes

2 ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

Directed by Shawn Levy

After retiring as Deadpool and trying to lead a quiet life, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is thrust back into action when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) warns him that his universe faces destruction due to the death of its “anchor,” Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Partnering with a reluctant Wolverine variant, Wade embarks on a journey across the multiverse to save his universe. The duo encounters rogue TVA agent Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), the cruel Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), and an army of Deadpool variants, culminating in a high-stakes battle to protect the multiverse. Along the way, Deadpool and Wolverine form an unlikely bond.

Anchored by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s magnetic chemistry, , with Deadpool’s zaniness perfectly countered by Wolverine’s gruffness. The movie is by no means the best movie of the year, but it is certainly hilarious and utterly entertaining. Some entertainment value may be lost on casual viewers: with Easter eggs and breaking the fourth wall, some details test viewers’ Ma and pop culture knowledge. But the energy put into the movie is contagious and will easily entertain any viewer. Deadpool & Wolverine’s relentless humor, meaningful character moments, and clever cameos elevate it into a crowd-pleasing performance and one of the most entertaining movies of the year.

8 10

R

Action

Sci-Fi

Comedy

Superhero

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Release Date July 26, 2024Director Shawn LevyCast Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Matthew Macfadyen, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Stefan Kapicic, Lewis Tan, Randal Reeder, Jennifer Garner, Aaron Stanford, Billy Clements, Ollie Palmer, Chris Hemsworth, Rob McElhenney

Runtime 127 Minutes

1 ‘Wicked’

Directed by Jon M. Chu

Set in the Land of Oz, Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a young woman who is made an outcast by green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a bubbly, privileged young woman, as they attend Shiz University. Glinda and Elphaba form an unlikely friendship. A visit to the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) fractures their bond when Elphaba takes a stand against the corruption in Emerald City while Glinda chooses to stay in Oz. This first part of the film adaptation of the stage musical captures the origins of the women’s journey to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good in a magical reimagining of Oz’s history.

Wicked absolutely soars as 2024's most entertaining film, living up to its intense marketing and fanfare. The enchanting musical film blends charm and emotional depth with incredible performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Erivo is powerful and vulnerable, and Grande is hilarious and charming—both embodying the two witches that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth made iconic, but adding their own flair that makes the film necessary and distinguishable from the stage musical. Wicked is the epitome of “entertaining,” immersing viewers in the magical world of Oz, escaping from reality for its 160-minute runtime that seems to fly by.

9 10

Wicked

PG

Adventure

Fantasy

Musical

Release Date November 22, 2024Director Jon M. ChuCast Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Peter Dinklage, Aaron Teoh, Grecia De la Paz, Colin Michael Carmichael, Adam James, Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Sharon D. Clarke, Jenna Boyd

Runtime 160 Minutes

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NEXT: The 10 Most Thrilling Movies of 2024, Ranked

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