Josh’s “Top 10 Movies” of 2024 (SO FAR) — Mental Health Through Pop Culture

It’s hard to believe that we have reached the halfway point of 2024. Feels like just yesterday I was finally getting my chance to see Nomi Malone light up the silver screen in a special Alamo screening of Showgirls. The screening took place a mere three days into this year but, as cliche as it sounds, it feels like yesterday. Even the Mean Girls remake, which came out only 10 days later, feels like last week. 2024 has given us a great deal of entertainment for its first six months including the short film, South Park: The End of Obesity, the docuseries, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV and a fantastic slew of films ranging in genres. Here are my picks for the top 10 films of the year, so far.

Honorable Mentions: This year has delivered some truly breathtaking blockbusters, haunting horror pictures, some unique coming of age stories, and more. Any time I do one of these lists I remain confident that not every film on this list will make it through to the end of the year. Sometimes re-watches of these movies can prove my feelings to be a little different from what I remember. I experienced that just a few weeks ago with Drive Away Dolls, a movie I was enthralled with seeing in theaters but had just an okay time with when it came to streaming. There are four films just outside the coveted top 10 spot that still left an impression and could leave a tattoo on further viewings.

The Spanish horror picture, Everyone Will Burn, won’t be for everyone. It's a picture that speaks deeply on the grief process and how harmful it can be for our mental health if not taken care of properly. This picture from David Hebrero is equal parts beautiful and downright terrifying. If blockbusters are more your speed I would argue that Furiousa: A Mad Max Saga is worthy of an honorable mention as well. For fans of George Miller’s Mad Max series, this may not be for everyone. It’s the first spin off of the series and it expands the world and lore in new and surprising ways. Plus, Chris Hemsworth gives us one of the best villains in the series and one of the best characters the actor has ever played.

Being the co-host of Abyss Gazing and one of our resident horror voices of course I have some genre picks that are on the outside looking in. Satanic Hispanics was such a surprise for me. It’s an anthology film that embraces the Hispanic culture perfectly told through six VERY talented writers and directors with a gripping through line connected to Efren Ramirez. I’m not usually a fan of anthologies but this film was a massive exception leaving a big impression in the process. My last honorable mention would be Abigail from the Radio Silence gents. This film is just flat out fun. Arguably the best vampire film we’ve gotten since Interview with the Vampire, nearly 30 years ago. Shouldn’t come as a surprise. Nearly every film the directing duo has done have been excellent films.With that, here are my picks for the top 10 films so far.

10). The Beekeeper

Action movies aren’t usually my cup of tea. They’re fine to watch once and then leave it at that. This Jason Statham-led action film was something a bit more different than your typical action movie. This feels like if John Wick and I Care A Lot had an offspring with campy dialogue - you’d get The Beekeeper. The action sequences are genuinely entertaining with some of the best fight choreography I’ve come across in a while. Statham is as charming as ever and this is a film that has genuine heart and terrific character motivation. I can definitely see this being one of the hidden gems of this year.

9). Problemista

Perhaps one of the more bizarre films of this year and definitely a hidden gem is Problemista. The film had a very short theatrical run earlier this year. As a result this may be a film you’ve never heard of before or didn’t even know existed. It’s the brainchild of Julio Torres. Torres wrote, directed and stars in this coming of age comedy that speaks volumes about the citizenship process we have here in the states. Should be worth mentioning this is Torress' directorial debut and it is one hell of a debut. Tilda Swinton goes against character for one of the funniest performances of her career as well.

8). Dune Part II

What can I say about Dune Part II except “may thy knife chip and shatter”. This is one of two blockbusters on this list. The first film, in my opinion, was fine. I did enjoy it more on re-watches but this is the sequel that dreams are made of. This feels very equivalent to the relationship of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Take everything that the previous film had laid out and build an empire on top of it. Visually breathtaking with commanding performances; my body is ready for Dune Messiah.

7). The Mutilator 2

The Mutilator 2 is probably a film you read about in Bloody Disgusting or Dread Central and forgot it even got made. This movie is pure insanity from start to finish. Easily one of the best legacy sequels that we’ve ever gotten and most people haven’t had the fortune of seeing it yet.The sequel to the 1984 cult classic is currently making its way around the festival circuit. If you get a chance, please check it out. It’s hilarious and has some of the best practical effects I’ve come across in a horror movie this year.

6). Late Night with the Devil

Be careful what you wish for, said Jack Delroy. Typically, found footage is not my favorite subgenre of horror. However, Late Night with the Devil might be one of the best entries we’ve seen as of late. David Dastmalchian brings Delroy to life in a haunting career best performance. Wherever you think this movie is going, I promise it will continue to surprise you. It has excellent use of dark comedy with a simple yet gripping story.

5). The Coffee Table

Speaking of gripping and surprising: The Coffee Table. However you think this story is going to play out, I promise you director Caye Casas is going to find a way to get further under your skin. This movie has an elegance about it that embraces the worst scenarios in humanity and straps you in for a 90 minute anxiety attack. We were fortunate enough to program this as our closing feature at Horrific Hope this year and I’m still not sure whether the audience has forgiven me for this one.

4). Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes is my favorite non-horror franchise. The “Caesar” trilogy that wrapped back in 2017 made me cautiously optimistic for the future of the franchise. Director Wes Ball delivers a film that is on par with the franchise’s last three entries. Kingdom introduces us to new characters and an incredible new antagonist, Proximus Caesar. This film continues to lay Easter eggs from the original franchise while teasing future sequels in the process.

3). Mean Girls

I was mildly hesitant on a new Planet of the Apes movie but that hesitation was tripled for this Mean Girls sequel. The 2004 original was a staple in my childhood and into my teenage years. It is a film that I continuously come back to time and time again. However, with the musical spin and how Tina Fey updates this version of the story, this remake manages to be almost as great as the original Lindsay Lohan-led film. Fey and company manage to really build up background characters from the first film for something fresh but manage to hit the iconic story beats of the first film as well. Plus, Renee Rapp was the perfect candidate for Regina George.

2). Immaculate

Sydney Sweeney is slowly starting to become one of my favorite actresses working in film today. Immaculate is the perfect example of why. Sweeney leads this film with authority; commanding every frame she is a part of. The story is easily one of the most compelling narratives I’ve come across this year. Immaculate is a middle finger to everyone who voted to overthrow Roe v Wade just a short two years ago. It’s haunting, riveting, and sometimes disgusting with a finale that is a gut punch.

1). I Saw the TV Glow

This film surprised me more than any other film this year so far. A few years ago, when we covered the Fantasia Festival I came across a movie called We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, which was written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun and I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. Schoenbrun wrote and directed I Saw the TV Glow as well. The film is an excellent metaphor for the LGBTQIA+, specifically the Trans community, but it speaks volumes on how we consume media and the lasting effects of nostalgia to our mental health. This film has arguably one of the best soundtracks this year for any movie, not to mention it looks gorgeous with its pink and purple hues. Brigette Lundy-Paine and Justice Smith give career best performances here. I Saw the TV Glow feels like a modern retelling of David Lynch’s Lost Highway with some of Schoenbrun’s unique story telling and visuals tossed in here for one of the most memorable films of the year.

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Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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