TOP-15 Good Movies of 2024 You Might Have Missed

For the third year in a row, on the eve of the New Year holidays, we recall films that might have been lost among the loud premieres and popcorn blockbuster attractions of the past year. This time, the list includes only those projects that were equally liked by both critics and audiences, or those that we personally enjoyed. We understand that cinema is always a matter of taste, and it can be very specific, but give these films a chance. They might pleasantly surprise you.

It seems we've started to forget what classic comedies look like. Without agendas, without subtexts, and without the need to express or overthink anything. "Stuntmen" is exactly such a film and tells the story of young Colt Seavers. The man works as a stunt double for a famous actor and regularly performs all the stunts for him. After an unfortunate accident, Colt breaks his back and is out of the production process for a long time, falling into depression. Everything changes when the stuntman learns about the directorial debut of his ex-girlfriend, who is a camerawoman. He decides to participate in the film and win back his love.

One might think that we have a standard romantic comedy before us, but it's a bit more complex. Alongside Colt's attempts to impress his ex (her name is Jodie), the overall plot unfolds. The main star of the film goes missing, and the stuntman gets involved in a real detective story. The result is a nice mix of a light romantic comedy and a not-so-complex investigation that, meanwhile, manages a couple of "plot twists."

The leading roles are not just anyone but real stars. The lead role is played by the inimitable Ryan Gosling, and that alone would be enough. But seriously, the cast also includes Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Hannah Waddingham. They all perform wholeheartedly and just as you'd expect them to.

Special mention should be made of the action moments, as they are unique here. Most often, Colt performs on set, so we see all the stunts literally from the perspective of the film crew. It's truly refreshing, and the various ropes and trampolines don't make the stunt work too easy. There are many scenes in the film where you genuinely root for Colt, and the outcome seems uncertain.

If you missed this film due to reviews like "silly," "too simple," or "just a regular comedy," don't listen to anyone and watch it for yourself. It's been a long time since such a quality comedy without any buts has hit the screens.

Classic adventure literature hasn't been very fortunate lately. Every director and screenwriter who starts adapting something like "The Three Musketeers" tries to add something personal, an author's touch. Usually, it doesn't turn out very well, which is why such films continue to be released consistently and just as consistently fade from memory a few hours after viewing.

Original stories are still capable of impressing, especially in an age when people have almost stopped reading literature longer than a social media post. "The Count of Monte Cristo" is one of Alexandre Dumas' main novels and a work that everyone should definitely acquaint themselves with. Nevertheless, "The Three Musketeers" is much more hyped in the media space. The reason for this is the volume and complexity of adaptation.

The story of the Count is a massive text where a lot happens over an extended period. Fitting it into two hours is almost impossible, and breaking it into several parts is risky. As a result, a quality story about revenge and the strength of human will has been gathering dust somewhere deep in the archives of film studios for quite some time. All existing adaptations have significantly deviated from the original, changing key details.

However, this time the production was undertaken by the French themselves. "The Count of Monte Cristo" is currently one of the most expensive films in the European segment of film production, and rightfully so. There are many cool scenes and truly engaging action moments. The process was approached with commendable meticulousness, although changes to the original were ultimately made.

This is the main criticism of the new release. Simply listing the deviations from the novel would result in a lengthy article. Moreover, the ending was also adjusted, which should have led many passionate fans to crucify the film in righteous anger. But here's the nuance — there are hardly any fans left.

Most reviewers on YouTube have never seen the book, and all the criticism comes from professional journalists who forget the need to modernize the story and make it as watchable as possible for a new audience. What matters is that the creators managed to convey the right atmosphere of the original, demonstrate the Count's preparation for revenge, and remove those plot lines that contributed little to the main characters but occupied pages. The film runs for an impressive three hours and includes almost everything you remember about "The Count of Monte Cristo" if you read (ahem, "studied") it during your school years.

Particular praise should be given to the actors in the leading roles. They all fit very well into their characters and appear organic. The Count himself, played by Pierre Niney, is a true gem, as he possesses a very expressive appearance that suits both a 20-year-old young man and a middle-aged man.

Overall, "The Count of Monte Cristo" is the perfect opportunity to touch upon the classics. Yes, the film differs from the book, yes, many moments are modernized, scenes are accelerated, and some plot lines are cut, but this is "The Count of Monte Cristo" in its best film adaptation to date.

"Marmalade" is the directorial debut of Keir O'Donnell, which many might have missed. This is because the film initially pretends to be something it is not. From the trailers, it may seem like another drama about Bonnie and Clyde, and at first, it really is. A hapless guy from rural America, Baron, is a stereotypical fool who is completely unfit for life. He has a sick mother, a silly haircut, and is unemployed.

Everything changes when the girl Marmalade appears. An ambitious and capricious lady quickly makes the simpleton fall in love with her, after which, under the pretext of helping his mother, she suggests robbing a local bank. As a result, Baron ends up in prison, fully convinced that he is saving the love of his life, while the girl has more down-to-earth goals. In the cell, the protagonist meets another inmate who can organize an escape, but for this, Baron must convince him that it's worth it. This is where the main character's story about recent events begins.

However, don't rush to smirk, the film skillfully plays on the viewers' familiarity and can surprise precisely at the moment when it seems that the outcome is already known. It's a puzzle movie where every scene and word means something, but you can only understand it at a strictly defined moment. There's no point in telling more about the plot, we'll just add that the romantic drama quickly transitions into a detective and even a spy action.

The main role is played by Joe Keery, known for "Stranger Things". If in the series he is most often a brave hero-rescuer, here he has a completely different role. Watching Baron's transformation is very interesting, and Keery does an excellent job of demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the character with just facial expressions and barely noticeable movements of the eyes and lips. It's a worthy role in the actor's portfolio.

An extremely interesting film that very few people have heard about here. This is an autobiographical film about two rappers who lived in Belfast and performed their lyrics in their native Irish, rather than English. However, the story is much more complex. All events take place against the backdrop of a wave of protests for the preservation of Irish heritage, including the language.

A school teacher is called to the police station as a translator, as one of the caught hooligans stubbornly refuses to speak English. During the process, the teacher comes across the hooligan's notebook, where he finds an entire collection of excellent poems. This awakens in the man a youthful dream of the stage, and he convinces the hooligan and his friend to start performing rap in public. Thus, a group of three very different people is born.

In terms of atmosphere, the film resembles early works by Guy Ritchie due to the criminal romance of the English hinterland, "Trainspotting" due to the frequent appearance of various substances on screen, and the currently popular series "Brassic" due to the overall goofiness of the main characters. Additionally, the cast features none other than Michael Fassbender in the role of one of the main characters' fathers, and this gentleman has a knack for quality and unusual projects.

Yes, technically it's a cartoon, and yes, it's in our top films. The thing is, it's an incredibly cool full-length animated film that unfortunately didn't catch the same wave of hype as something like "Inside Out 2." The story is about a helper robot (female) ROZZUM 7134, who, due to unknown (at the beginning) circumstances, ends up on an uninhabited island. In her search for someone to help, the machine regularly harms the local flora and fauna, quickly becoming a monster to the animals.

Gradually, ROZZUM learns the language of the surrounding nature and begins to understand what the locals are saying. She meets a mother opossum who advises the robot to take care of a gosling whose family ROZZUM accidentally crushed. The fox Fink volunteers as an assistant to the newly minted mother. Together, the odd couple becomes foster parents to the chick, leading to a series of events that result in one of the best compilations of dark humor, very accurate observations about family life and parenting, a kind fairy tale, and a beautiful, albeit technically simple, animated film.

The film is equally appealing to both adults and children. The plot doesn't fall into moralizing, yet it skillfully conveys important and good messages so subtly that it's almost impossible to hold back a tear. The visuals are also pleasant. As we mentioned earlier, "The Wild Robot" looks simple by today's standards, but such cost-saving and simplification do not spoil the impression at all.

Another animated film on our list, which in many ways is the opposite of "The Wild Robot." Here, animals do not talk and behave as they would in real life. At the same time, the film looks very unusual, and many animations have been recognized by critics as cutting-edge.

A black cat escapes from a flood and is forced to share a boat with several other animals. The simple plot should not deceive you, as there are plenty of tense moments in the story. The diverse boat crew is also very interesting. Their interactions are the best part of "Flow."

The cartoon was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival, and rightly so. It's worth watching at least for the interesting visuals and cinematography. The camera imitates the real live movement of animals, so it shakes at the right moments and shows unusual angles.

This film is not for everyone. In fact, it's not a film at all, but three short stories, each on its own theme. Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his unconventional auteur vision. "The Lobster," "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," "Poor Things" — all these films are very, very peculiar, which is what makes them valuable. Moreover, the director likes to work with the same actors, which is why, for example, Emma Stone has long been perceived as an integral part of Lanthimos's projects.

"Kinds of Kindness" does not spare the viewer. The first story is about an office worker named Robert, who has been living according to his boss's strict schedule for many years (literally even eating specific foods). In the second, a policeman begins to doubt that his wife, an explorer miraculously saved from an unsuccessful expedition, is who she claims to be. In the third, an odd couple — members of a sex-based cult — seeks a girl capable of resurrecting the dead.

All of this sounds just as it looks — absurd surrealism. However, if you set aside stereotypes and accept the idea that the author is not a madman, you can find many interesting thoughts for reflection in the novellas. It's all about ordinary people and their problems, about abuse, manipulation, loss of identity, and much more. All of this is, of course, exaggerated, but that only makes it more striking. Much of what happens should not be taken literally, leaving each viewer with an individual set of impressions after watching.

The cast in "Kinds of Kindness" is incredibly strong. Joining the aforementioned Emma Stone are Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley. They are all renowned masters of their craft and give their all here. Highly recommended.

A simple crime comedy that had great potential but ended up overlooked due to the director's and writer's strange decisions. Ray is a typical loser who works for his younger brother and endures his wife's infidelities. Disillusioned with life and himself, he decides to commit suicide, but at the last moment, he is mistaken for a hitman and given a contract to kill.

The hero also has a friend — a not very successful detective in a funny cowboy hat, who decides to help his buddy carry out the plan. This sets off a chain of events that forces Ray to dive into criminal dealings and confront the real hitman whose job he accidentally took.

Initially, the film comes across as a very fun and dynamic comedy, especially in the scenes featuring both Ray and his friend. However, over time, the director shifts the focus to a single main character, instead of continuing to follow the duo. The fun disappears, and Ray's obsessive desire to please his unfaithful wife becomes more irritating. The main character himself also becomes somewhat unpleasant. Nevertheless, the film has an unexpected ending, and overall, it's a decent evening movie that won't require too much mental effort from you.

A Canadian thriller about a girl named Isla, who becomes almost a god for an isolated community on an island. The child can control animals and heal diseases, but at some point, her power leaves her. The residents begin to argue whether to show Isla to a doctor or keep the secret. The increasing tension, of course, significantly changes the mood on the island.

If you've ever watched films about divine power in ordinary people, you'll almost immediately understand where the situation will lead. There will be no special mysticism or explanation of Isla's abilities, so don't expect a philosophical parable wrapped in a thriller. However, it's still a decent movie that can entertain. The actors perform well, the conflict works within the constructed world, and that's more than enough.

A wonderful but not perfect film that went unnoticed by most of our viewers as it was released on Apple TV+.

The late 1960s, the height of the space race. Government agent Mo Berkus hires talented PR specialist Kelly Jones to improve NASA's image in the eyes of the public. This leads to both main characters becoming responsible for a staged landing of American astronauts on the Moon and having to film it in a studio in case the real event doesn't happen.

Structurally, the film is a mix of romantic melodrama and intriguing comedy about real advertising. It sounds truly unusual and captivating. The two main roles are played by Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Unfortunately, this is perhaps the film's main problem.

Individually, the actors perform excellently. Johansson is skilled at creating complex and contradictory female characters, and she is a pleasure to watch. Tatum is equally good at both rugged charisma and self-irony. However, the duo doesn't work. The two undeniable masters cannot create realistic chemistry between their characters, making the entire love line feel somewhat unnatural. The film could also be a bit shorter, though that's a matter of taste.

Worth watching if you want to see a historical event from an original artistic perspective. Don't expect much accuracy, but it's not needed here.

A serious tear-jerking drama that will definitely appeal to anyone who loves such projects. However, even those who usually shy away from these genres should pay attention to the film. Critics have already dubbed "We Live in Time" one of the main hits of the year, and that means something.

The plot seems simple, even textbook-like. Tobias is about to sign divorce papers, but the pen runs out of ink, so he runs to the store in just a robe. He is accidentally hit by a girl named Almut, who has long been trying to become a chef. Unrelated people almost instantly fall in love, and then... Then there's a time jump where we see Tobias and Almut as a happy family with a daughter.

Time jumps are a very risky narrative move, and not every director can handle it. Fortunately, John Crowley is a master of his craft. The film is divided into three time segments, but they constantly mix, complementing each other and the viewers' impressions. Knowing about the happy development of the relationship, we perceive its beginning differently, and understanding the terrible problem the couple will face, we view the moments of joy and love in another light. Speaking of the problem, it is very simple yet no less challenging — Alma is diagnosed with cancer. She decides to live her last six months to the fullest and asks her husband to support her. This is where the real drama begins.

A significant part of the success is contributed by the actors. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are two of the greatest stars of our generation. The chemistry they create is mesmerizing. It's a pleasure to watch their duo and see the development of their characters depending on the circumstances, making this truly one of the best projects about people and their problems — don't miss it.

A biographical film about the American swimmer Gertrude Ederle, who swam across the English Channel. It was after her feat that it was recognized in major sports that women could participate in professional swimming competitions and achieve results as good as men.

Such films are often interesting for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a slice of an era. In our case, the 1920s. A challenging time filled with the very prejudices that modern feminist narratives actively combat, when they were still a reality. Secondly, they offer the opportunity to learn, albeit in adaptation, about the lives of remarkable people who became living heroes not in comics, but in reality.

Gertrude came from a butcher's family and was not destined to be an athlete. Here, the creators had carte blanche, as a strong female character did not need to be painfully created from a series of dubious victories over foolish and weak men. The woman truly existed. Moreover, Trudy was heavily influenced by her mother, who defied her conservative husband's opinion and helped her two daughters succeed. A miracle, and a perfect material for a film in our time.

It's no surprise that Disney itself participated in the production, as they have been pushing such stories onto big and small screens by any means necessary lately. However, in this case, the experiment is rather successful. Good graphics, pleasant actors, and a decent source material (there is a book) did their job — the film was liked not only by critics but also by audiences.

Even Daisy Ridley, who, after the new "Star Wars" trilogy, is somehow considered a good actress, tries hard here and delivers much more emotion with her face than just righteous anger.

In simple terms, "Young Woman and the Sea" is just a very good film that is interesting to watch, even if you have never been interested in the history of swimming. It features strong female characters solving real problems, as well as a well-constructed plot.

Not the most inventive or original story in our top, but one of the most touching. "Ordinary Angels" is a classic drama "not about love." It addresses other, equally important human issues, which may interest viewers who usually pass by vanilla tales and excessive romance.

Sharon is a hairdresser and an alcoholic. She denies her addiction in public but is increasingly worried about the future. At one of the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the heroine hears that to overcome the disease, one must find a purpose in life that is more important than oneself. This makes an impression on Sharon, and she quickly finds those who could use help.

Single father Ed recently buried his wife after a prolonged illness, and now his youngest daughter needs a liver transplant. Ed, of course, has no money, and the situation is critical. Sharon bursts into the unfortunate man's life without ceremony and immediately takes matters into her own hands, making everyone around pay attention to the girl's illness. Simultaneously, the heroine resolves her own problem through helping others.

No surprises are to be expected in the plot. It's an uplifting film about ordinary people and their humanity. The creators skillfully press on emotional buttons, making it difficult for even the most resilient to hold back tears. Meanwhile, the project's multifaceted nature is commendable. It addresses addiction, the problematic US healthcare system, and people themselves. If you're looking for a drama but despise exaggerated love in such films, "Ordinary Angels" is for you. A successful combination of humor, the right level of tearfulness, and the manifestation of the best qualities of a person is the recipe for an excellent film. Recommended.

A story based on real events about a dog named Arthur and his friendship with the captain of an adventure racing team. This competition vaguely resembles our "orienteering" and consists of several stages, spanning many hundreds of kilometers, which must be overcome in various ways (by bike, kayak, climbing rocks, or otherwise). The dog immediately impressed the team with his endurance and resourcefulness, which led them to first call him a king, and then King Arthur.

There's not much to say about the film. Its essence lies in overcoming various obstacles and the characters' perseverance. Meanwhile, the bond between Arthur and Michael, the team captain, grows stronger.

Stories involving animals are almost always destined for success, and this film is no exception. It was immediately loved by both audiences and critics. Praise was given to both the lead actor Mark Wahlberg and the dog itself, who proved to be no less enduring than his real-life counterpart. "Arthur the King" is a heartwarming film that is sure to bring plenty of positive emotions.

"Anora" is one of the most interesting films in our top list. It's a movie, among other things, about Russians, who, for once, aren't all bad. A particularly important message in our time. Moreover, the film won the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, which is a huge success. So, what's so special about "Anora"?

The plot follows a young stripper named Anora, or as she prefers to call herself, Annie from Brooklyn, who meets a Russian guy named Ivan (naturally), who starts buying her time more and more often. Anora speaks a little Russian due to her Uzbek roots, and Ivan is thrilled by this. The boy is the son of an oligarch, so financial issues don't concern him. At one point, he buys Anora for a week, flies with her to Las Vegas, and spontaneously proposes. Anora is initially skeptical, but her hormones take over, and she agrees. Ivan's family, located in Moscow, learns of the news. His mother, of course, does not want such a wife for her darling and decides to take action.

The film's setup easily compares to "Pretty Woman" or the more fundamental Cinderella story, but the main twist is that "Anora" is an anti-Cinderella. The director took the clichéd story of a girl meeting a charming prince and added realism to it. Such deconstruction is not new. For example, in the comic series "Fables," the charming prince was the same one who brazenly cheated on both Cinderella and Snow White, and many other princesses. However, in cinema, this approach is relatively rare and still considered somewhat unusual.

The parents threaten to bring Vanya home and send a few henchmen to his mansion. Two Armenians and a Russian "fixer" named Igor are not aggressive but are tasked with influencing Anora and annulling the marriage. The twist in the situation is provided by Vanya himself, who, horrified by the family meeting, leaves his young wife with the three "heavies" and runs away. What does he do, being an immature child? Of course, he gets dead drunk in various bars. Anora, along with the oligarch's men, has to chase him all night to remind him of the love he swore to her.

If you set aside the cinematic stereotypes of happy endings, you'll quickly understand how this story ends. We won't spoil it, as "Anora" deserves to be seen for yourself.

However, the film's value is not only in deconstructing the genre of sappy fairy tales for girls. The story has much more to discuss than it seems at first glance. There's Anora's personal struggle, who has had to fight for her place in the sun in an unfriendly reality all her life. The debunking of myths about princes with deep pockets who will take full responsibility for their chosen ones and solve all their problems. And the simple humanity from those who have no power or influence but are capable of compassion and acceptance. And even the idea that there are good and bad people regardless of nationality. All these themes are skillfully woven into the simple plot, making it more complex and complete.

Special mention goes to the actors, including the Russians who are present. The lead role was played by Mikey Madison, and it's definitely an Oscar nomination, as she delivers such a powerful performance that few renowned actors can match. The film almost lacks exposition about Anora's life, but we understand everything from her expressions and reactions to different situations, intonations, and dialogues with other people.

Vanya was portrayed by Mark Eidelstein, who has already been dubbed the Russian Timothée Chalamet. The guy does a good job, but in this case, let's be honest, he had an easier task. Mark wasn't required to have a wide emotional range, quite the opposite. But the one who truly shone was Yura Borisov, who played Igor. Borisov's filmography has been growing with very diverse roles lately, and he is truly a powerful and promising actor. In "Anora," Igor remains in the background for a long time, silent and listening. But even this, Yura managed to make interesting. The "fixer" doesn't just exist in the frame; he carefully analyzes information and draws his conclusions, just keeping quiet until asked. The finale reveals the Russian oligarch's henchman in a completely new light, showing that he is also a person with his own beliefs and principles.

In conclusion, "Anora" is doing now what "Pretty Woman" did back then, but, in our opinion, more correctly and fairly. It's hard to imagine how many girls have nurtured unrealistic expectations of life and men due to romantic dramas like Garry Marshall's creation, but reality is full of disappointments, and sometimes what needs to be valued may have nothing to do with money, ostentatious care, and excessive generosity.