Top Notch Cinematic Highlights of 2024
Reflect on the latest film you watched. Did you enjoy it? Did it not strike a chord with you? If you have an opinion on this matter, you might have a grasp of what this compilation is all about. Here, we applaud not the top films of 2024 (that's coming shortly), but the most memorable film moments. A scene or image that lingers in your mind long after the cinema lights switch on.
Naturally, excellent films like Dune: Part Two or Longlegs will undoubtedly offer some noteworthy moments. However, even subpar films can have their shining moments, and you'll find a mix of both in this collection. So, become comfortable, unwind, and indulge in our rundown of the most appreciated film moments of 2024, presented in no particular order.
Image: Marvel Studios
Deadpool & Wolverine – "Goodbye, Cruel World"
Without a doubt, the sequence sets the stage brilliantly. As soon as the opening credits of Deadpool & Wolverine play the initial tunes of the 'NSync classic, the entire movie falls into place. The absurdity, the violence, the nostalgia, everything comes together.
Dune: Part Two – Riding the Sandworm
Ever since Denis Villeneuve announced that he would be directing Dune, we've all been anticipating how he'd film Paul's journey on a sandworm. And boy, did it deliver. A spectacularly shot scene, perfectly timed with the Hans Zimmer score. Can you hear it now?
Transformers One – The Rebirth of Optimus
Transformers One centers on Optimus Prime and Megatron's transformation, but Optimus' transformation occurs differently. After a long journey, he falls to the core of Cybertron and is reborn as the character we've grown to love. Watching him resurface is like rediscovering your childhood.
The Wild Robot is a must-watch. Image: Universal/DreamWorks
The Wild Robot – "Reach for the Stars"
How does a robot teach a goose to fly? This exquisite montage, set to an emotional song, explains it all. It's a captivating, emotionally charged scene that brings tears to our eyes every time we watch it. And yes, we've watched it countless times.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – Proximus' Debut
Even if you haven't seen Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, you might remember the upbeat tone of its first trailer. When Proximus, played by Kevin Durand, makes his grand entrance, he does so with panache and charm, making it clear why apes follow him and the danger he poses if his wants are fulfilled. He encapsulates the ambition of Koba but with Caesar's finesse, and we can't help but wish he'd been introduced earlier.
Wicked – "Defy Gravity"
If not for the anthem of "Defy Gravity," we might not be penning this text. Elphaba serves as an inspiration for many marginalized voices, a figure whom we all recognize the power within ourselves to shatter the constraints imposed upon us. In essence, to embrace our authentic selves and soar with the audacity of a low-key Omaha carnie who skillfully manipulated his way into a position of power in the land of Oz.
Demi Moore in The Substance – Mubi
The Substance – The Mirror
The Substance gained recognition for its fantastical body horror. Yet, its most chilling scene is its most realistic one. It's when Demi Moore's character, on a whim, decides to embark on a date, but then, as she's preparing herself in front of a mirror, her self-confidence falls into a profound existential crisis. With aging explored through a sci-fi lens, it might be more enjoyable to watch. However, in that moment, The Substance brilliantly showcases its human heart, which strikes a chord with relatability.
Look Back – Kyomoto sends the Yonkoma back
In a film that tackles the real-life tragedies that fuel creative aspirations, Look Back's sole exception is a dream-like lucidity. As Fujino reflects on Kyomoto's tragic death at art school, he stumbles upon the comic that started their friendship in their teenage years and is magically transported through time, creating an alternate reality where, although their bond remains unformed, Kyomoto flourishes as an artist and even escapes her tragic fate. By recreating the moment in a comic that floats back into the "real" timeline, it's an otherworldly moment that opens Fujino's eyes, connecting him to his friendship one final, bittersweet time through the act of creation itself.
Abigail – The Bloody Explosion
Radio Silence's delightful play with vampire concepts during the making of Abigail is clear. When Abigail seizes Sammy's body for a balletic dance of the undead, it's amusing. But the film provides her an extraordinary exit with a clever and logical method of eliminating her. Boom!
Image: Warner Bros.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – The Kaiju German Suplex*
America's latest Godzilla Kong buddy kaiju film didn't necessarily need to tick many boxes to satisfy kaiju enthusiasts. While the movie continued the mistake of giving most of its screentime to its ineffective human characters, it went wild for its monstrous brawls. One highlight was Godzilla and Kong's scuffle, where the former performed a mighty suplex on the latter off a pyramid. That moment brought down the house like we were at an AEW event. More of that, please. [Note: Director Adam Wingard mentioned this was a tribute to his friend director Jason Eisener, co-creator of Dark Side of the Ring.]
Hopalong Cassidy – Serenading
Hopalong Cassidy is quite the diverse dish. A supernatural crime drama. An admirer of atmospheric aesthetics brought to life by Alan Wake gamers, and a horrifying movie perfect for annoying friends to watch. But the film's standout scene is the indomitable Nicolas Cage silencing its tension with his impeccable singing voice. A true gem.
Surgery Singer – "Booty Call"
The decision to create a Lego biopic documentary seemed strange, until you discover that Pharrell Williams had an enormous impact on the success of the 1992 hit "Booty Call" and then witness the music video recreated in Lego. It all just makes sense.
Image: Warner Bros.
Fury Road: Furiosa Chronicles – "The Kidnapped One"
She had almost escaped. Her plan had been in the works for years. But then the War Rig was attacked, and Furiosa's progress was halted. She now had to join an epic, action-packed sequence that included explosions, jumps, motorcycles, and firearms. It had it all, and provided another route out for her character.
Alien Invasion – Floating
In a zero-gravity environment, Rain utilized her pulse rifle to pick off aliens as they soared through the air towards her. The explosions made them turn into green, corrosive slime, which then remained suspended in the air. Incredible.
Twister's Reloaded – Fireworks
For a sequel movie called Twister's Reloaded, there were surprisingly few twirling tornadoes in it. Regardless, the film had a way of making us shout "Hell yeah" as Glen Powell plunged into a tornado and launched fireworks.
Image: Warner Bros.
Dune: Chapter Two – Paul vs. Feyd
The climax of Dune: Chapter Two was a spectacle and a grim, unavoidable tragedy blended together. These two ideas intertwined in the final knife fight between Paul, on his ascension to become the Fremen's leader, and the deranged Feyd-Rautha. Similar to the film's best scenes, it was less defined by dialogue or the unfolding of the fight, but by powerfully etched images in your mind: Paul and Feyd, bathed in shadow, as they prepared for battle, or the horror etched on Chani's face as she watched the confrontation unfold, her blue eyes laid bare in the darkness. It was an intimate, tense conclusion – a win that felt anything but triumphant.
Poolside Brawl – Deadpool & Wolverine (and the line)
The Fox universe's instability successfully resulted from going all-in on a vital moment in the film by featuring iconic characters from that era of Marvel films with Blade, X-23, Elektra, and even the character that never had a chance at the plate, Gambit. Long-time Gambit actor Channing Tatum instantly transformed into a cultural idol with his declaration of "WoooI'mAboutToMakeANameForMyselfHere!" stealing the show and solidifying himself as the unforeseen hero we never knew we needed.
Terrifying 3 – The Shower
With each new Terrifying movie, there's an expectation that audiences will be treated to even more gruesome levels of violence. Terrifying 3's shower scene, starring Art the Clown, a chainsaw, and two clueless college students (including a true-crime addict obsessed with Art's folkloric status), is a visceral masterstroke, capable of inciting screams, laughter, and a strong gag response all at once.
Image: Sony
Mademoiselle Web – Cassie Webb Crashing Ambulances into Calvin Klein Ads and into Ezekiel "Ceiling Guy" Sims
Is Mademoiselle Web a good film? Depends on who you ask. But there is no more ludicrous and delightful character arc in a superhero movie this year than Cassie's pattern of stealing car after car and crashing them into places and people throughout the film, culminating in the only heroic moment a movie like this could offer: Cassie careening a full-sized ambulance through a turn-of-the-century Calvin Klein ad, directly into the visage of Ezekiel Sims as he prepared to carry out his murderous intentions against her young allies. It's so ridiculous. It's so excellent. We have no choice but to cheer for a queen who commits grand larceny for a cause.
Superhero personalities are often captivating, inherently. However, there's scarcely been an individual as charismatically devoid of charm as Dakota Johnson's Cassie Webb in a superhero film. Her portrayal of an awkward Cassie, who's decidedly not a socialite, endeavoring to celebrate new motherhood during Mary Parker's baby shower for her son, Peter Parker, turns an awkward moment into an entertaining ordeal. Cassie shares the heartrending facts about her mom's tragic death during childbirth and the statistics on maternal mortality, which serve as surprising party anecdotes. While we might never see such a performance in another superhero flick, it could be due to the fact that we're just not worthy.
Civil War – The White House Finale
Civil War delivers a stunning conclusion at the White House, where journalists face both an unforgettable showdown with the president and a tear-jerking, powerful ending for one of its central characters. This poignant, heartbreaking, and fiercely emotional climax seals this extraordinary film in our memories.
© Neon
Longlegs – "I Wore My Long Legs Today"
From the opening scene, Longlegs is unsettling, as a child walks across her snowy yard, and we hear the chilling, eerie voice of a serial killer ― Nicolas Cage ― calling out "Cuckoo." This scene stays with you and sets the tone for the film, marked by extraordinary sound design, meticulous editing, haunting dialogue, masterful framing, and unsettling imagery.
I Saw the TV Glow – "I’m Sorry"
I Saw the TV Glow resonates deeply with its exploration of the anxieties of life passing by, fortified by its subtext about trans identity. The film's powerful, poignant finale sees an aged Justice Smith emotionally apologizing to a party at a discount Chuck E. Cheese, leaving a lasting impact.
It’s What’s Inside – The First Swap
Not much is known about this underrated Netflix thriller before watching it, and that’s precisely how it should be. The moment when the characters swap bodies using a device is a mind-boggling revelation, setting us up for an unforgettable journey.
© Pixar
Inside Out 2 – Panic Attack
We were thankful for our SSRIs while watching this film, as it vividly encapsulates the panic attack experience, provoking feelings of unease and discomfort. Witnessing the frenzied emotions of this scene had a profound impact on us, and we felt compelled to share it with our loved ones as a means of explaining what it's like to be trapped in a continuous state of anxiety.
Abigail – Abigail vs. the Crooks
In Abigail, the main characters are so out of their league that they're almost comically inept, even in a comedy setting. The climactic fight scene between Frank, Sammy, and Peter against a young vampire is a hilarious spectacle, as the villain dominates them effortlessly.
Dune: Part Two – The Opening
Dune: Part Two delivers a visually stunning opening sequence, featuring silence and tension as the Harkonnen jump troopers traverse the dust-blown landscape of Arrakis, searching for Paul Atreides and Jessica. Denis Villeneuve's use of potent imagery creates a compelling, memorable opening, set against the vivid contrast of the black armor against the fiery backdrop of Arrakis.
The Butcher – Warner Bros.
Trap – The Shirtless Serial Killer
Trap is an amusing, exuberant film that we cherish, having experienced it with a like-minded audience. While the movie's quality is up for debate, the second half's unexpected appearance of Josh Hartnett shirtless had everyone chuckling uncomfortably in the theater, which was presumably the intention.
The First Omen – The Birth
The First Omen's chilling climax features an unforgettable, haunting birth scene as the Antichrist arrives, transitioning effortlessly into one of horror's most iconic cinematic moments. The shocking twist of twins is only further enhanced by the tense atmosphere and suspense that permeates this unforgettable scene.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die – Reggie's Moment
In Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Reggie’s dramatic moment is a highlight, elevating the film to new heights. Her courage and defiance, in the face of danger, are both inspiring and exhilarating, leaving a lasting impression and cementing her place in the film's penultimate scene.
"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" delivers some of the wildest, entertaining action sequences of the year, consistently striving to outdo itself. One of its most popular audience-pleasing moments, however, was watching Reggie, Marcus' son-in-law, apply his military background as a marine to devastating effect against the antagonists who threatened the Burnett family. Regardless of your familiarity with Reggie's character development throughout the series, this is a pivotal scene in a remarkable film.
If you're craving more news, explore the anticipated releases of Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Discover what's next for the DC Universe on the silver screen and small screen. And delve into the future plans for everyone's favorite time lord in Doctor Who.
In the future of cinema, technology will play a significant role in enhancing the viewing experience. io9's compilation of rememorable movie moments in 2024 will showcase how advanced technology can elevate even the least impressive films, providing audiences with unforgettable scenes.
As we anticipate the release of blockbuster movies like 'Dune: Part Two' and 'Longlegs', it's important to remember that even subpar films like 'Hopalong Cassidy' can offer standout moments, demonstrating the universal appeal of excellent storytelling and memorable scenes.
Image source: Warner Bros.
