Over the past few months, cinemas (and streaming platforms) have been graced with a wave of exceptional films—must-see movies that have captivated audiences. Now, as we find ourselves in the midst of awards season, it’s time to highlight the best of the best. Here’s a list of standout films that have left a lasting impact:
Emilia Pérez
This is far from your typical film—so unique that it defies easy description. At its core, it follows a notorious and wealthy Mexican drug dealer who seeks to transition into a woman, portrayed by the talented trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón (who earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination). Assisting in this transformation is a lawyer, played by Zoe Saldaña. And if that weren’t intriguing enough, it’s also a musical.
While Emilia Pérez has earned critical acclaim and secured 13 Oscar nominations (with Saldaña a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress), it has also faced criticism from the trans community regarding its portrayal of its main character. This is undoubtedly a divisive film—not for everyone—but one that has certainly made waves. Streaming on Netflix.
The Substance
Demi Moore delivers the best performance of her career as a cosmetics mogul who takes a mysterious substance promising youth and vitality. However, things quickly spiral out of control, proving that all good things must come to an end.
While the first two hours of The Substance are absolutely brilliant, the final 20 minutes take an unfortunate turn into a campy, B-horror spectacle that strains credibility. What starts as a gripping psychological thriller devolves into an absurd mess—a real shame for such a promising film. Available on Amazon Prime.
Anora
In my opinion, Anora is the best film of 2024, a sentiment echoed by its prestigious Palme d’Or win at Cannes last year.
Mikey Madison shines (and rightfully earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination) as a stripper who impulsively marries Ivan (played by promising newcomer Mark Eydelshtyen), the young son of a Russian oligarch. Their carefree, jet-setting lifestyle—complete with a lavish Brooklyn mansion—takes a dramatic turn when Ivan’s powerful parents learn of the marriage and take action.
Yuriy Borisov delivers a standout performance as one of the henchmen assigned to keep Anora under control. Director Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket) once again proves his mastery of storytelling, earning four well-deserved Oscar nominations for his work on Anora. Streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Sky Store.
Dune: Part Two
While it may not surpass the brilliance of Dune: Part One (2021), Dune: Part Two remains a stunning achievement in sci-fi filmmaking.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya return to continue the epic saga, bringing breathtaking visuals, intense battle sequences, and the awe-inspiring sandworms that wowed audiences in the first film. Director Denis Villeneuve proves once again that he is a master of grand-scale storytelling.
If Dune 3 isn’t in the works, we can only hope Villeneuve turns his talents toward something equally ambitious. Dune: Part Two is nothing short of cinematic magic. Now available on Amazon Prime and Sky Store.
Sing Sing
One of the most inspiring films of 2024, Sing Sing tells the true story of a group of prisoners who form an acting troupe, bringing theater to life behind bars.
Colman Domingo delivers another remarkable performance as the driving force behind the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Incredibly, most of the supporting cast consists of real-life former prisoners—including Clarence Maclin, who plays himself and also co-wrote the film. Maclin’s performance has even earned an Oscar nomination.
Sing Sing is a rare, deeply moving film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Named after the infamous New York prison, it’s an unforgettable piece of storytelling. Streaming on multiple platforms.
The Apprentice
With Donald Trump back in the White House, this film arrives at just the right time.
The Apprentice explores how Trump became the figure he is today, with Sebastian Stan delivering a pitch-perfect portrayal of the former president. Meanwhile, Jeremy Strong embodies the chilling presence of Roy Cohn, the ruthless lawyer who mentored Trump in the 1980s. Cohn’s advice—attack, counterattack, never apologize—set the foundation for Trump’s aggressive and rule-bending tactics, ones he still employs today.
With both Stan and Strong earning well-deserved Oscar nominations, The Apprentice is a gripping, timely drama. Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Sky Store.
Flow
A catastrophic flood leaves a group of animals stranded on a boat in this visually stunning animated feature.
Told through the perspective of a black cat, Flow follows a diverse group of animals—including a dog, a bird, a lemur, a chimp, and a rodent—who must band together to survive. The breathtaking animation brings their struggle to life in a way that feels both intimate and epic.
Remarkably, Flow is entirely dialogue-free, relying solely on the natural sounds of the animals. This artistic choice only enhances its emotional depth, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango.
Highly Recommended
The Wild Robot
Another animated gem—though not quite on the level of Flow—this film follows Roz, a robot who finds itself stranded on an unfamiliar planet.
After forming a parental bond with an orphaned gosling, Roz slowly integrates into the jungle community, developing meaningful relationships with its animal inhabitants. The Wild Robot is a heartfelt, bittersweet story that could just as easily have been performed by human actors, thanks to its tender and genuine storytelling. Available on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Sky Store, and Microsoft Store.
September 5
It’s a crime that September 5 hasn’t received more award recognition—this gripping thriller is better than most films released this year.
The film revisits the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Olympic hostage crisis, during which Israeli athletes were taken hostage by terrorists. Rather than focusing on political figures, September 5 is told from the perspective of an ABC News crew, who arrived to cover the Olympics but found themselves reporting on one of the most shocking events in history.
Tense, dramatic, and deeply immersive, September 5 keeps you on the edge of your seat—even if you already know the outcome. Now playing in cinemas.
By: Tim Baros