BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Millie Bobby Brown attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 4 New ... [+]
The year 2024 has already been a heck of a year on Netflix
So let’s get into it. Below in the first section, I’ve listed out the ten best movies added to Netflix so far in 2024 and why you need to watch them. As a bonus, I’ve included an honorable mentions section that highlights several other movies that are worth checking out. All in all, this article contains all the important movies you need to know about as we continue through the new year.
Get ready for a fairy tale with a twist in Damsel. This film from Juan Carlos Fresnadillo stars Millie Bobby Brown as Elodie, a princess who must navigate a treacherous world far removed from the storybooks. Far from your typical "once upon a time,” this unique take find Elodie and her supposed happily ever after derailed when she's betrayed by her prince and offered as a sacrifice to a dragon to settle an ancient debt. With an all-star cast including Angela Bassett, Robin Wright, and Nick Robinson, the film turns the damsel in distress trope on its head, featuring mystical elements, epic battles, and a princess who must look within in order to save herself.
In The Kitchen, the future of London is bleak. The year is 2040, and the city has morphed into a playground for the ultra-rich, leaving everyone else struggling in high-rise slums. Izi, played by Kane Robinson, and his community, refuse to be displaced. When Izi's son falls ill, he's drawn back into a life of crime with a heist that promises to change their lives forever. Jedaiah Bannerman and Hope Ikpoku Jr. also star in this high-concept sci-fi drama directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya that blends smart storytelling with a critical look at society's future.
Adam Sandler takes on the role of Jakub in Spaceman, an introspective and challenging film based on Jaroslav Kalfař's novel. Jakub is an astronaut on a solitary mission at the edge of the solar system in this flick directed by Johan Renck, confronting not just the vastness of space but the fragments of his life he left on Earth. When he discovers an ancient cosmic creature voiced by Paul Dano aboard his ship, he embarks on a journey of self-reflection and reconciliation. Carey Mulligan stars as Lenka, Jakub's estranged wife, in this compelling story that explores the depths of human loneliness and the ever-eternal quest for connection.
A dark comedy that turns a magnifying glass on the worst of millennial culture, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a slasher film with a twist. Starring an eclectic cast including Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace and Pete Davidson, this movie directed by Halina Reijn is a thrilling ride through a hurricane party gone horribly wrong. As paranoia and accusations fly among a group of wealthy friends isolated in a mansion, the film cleverly uses its premise to test the limits of friendship and trust, as well as expose the destructive nature of secrets. Reijn delivers a fresh take on the horror formula, blending satire with suspense to create a uniquely modern terror.
Orion and the Dark is a heartwarming tale directed by Sean Charmatz, where fear meets friendship in the most unexpected of ways. Starring Jacob Tremblay as Orion, a boy whose life is overshadowed by his many fears, the film takes a magical turn when the Dark, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser, manifests as a character to help him conquer his anxieties. Together, they embark on an enchanting journey that teaches Orion about bravery and acceptance, challenging him to locate the life-altering beauty hidden in the night. With Angela Bassett lending her voice to the cast, this story transcends the typical children's narrative to touch on deeper topics involving fear and joy.
From the harrowing real-life event of the 1972 Andes flight disaster comes Society of the Snow, a survival epic directed by J.A. Bayona. This gripping tale unfolds the story of a rugby team's fight for survival against insurmountable odds after their plane crashes into the mountains. Featuring mesmerizing performances by Enzo Vogrincic Roldán, Matías Recalt, and Agustín Pardella, the film delves into the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity — and almost certain death. Bayona beautifully crafts a narrative that is as much about survival as it is about the indomitable will to live, earning the film loads of praise from critics and plenty of accolades during awards season.
Trey Edward Shults' Waves crashes onto the screen with a visceral intensity, carried by the performances of Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell, and Sterling K. Brown. This cinematic journey into the heart of a suburban African-American family unfolds in the vibrant landscapes of South Florida, where tragedy and love intertwine. Shults crafts a mesmerizing narrative that ebbs and flows like the ocean, capturing the volatility of life’s trials and the resilience needed to overcome them. Through dynamic cinematography and a pulsating soundtrack, Waves presents an emotional odyssey that reflects on forgiveness and healing, showcasing the indomitable spirit of youth.
When You Finish Saving the World, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, stars Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard in a compelling tale about the complexities of the mother-son relationship. This drama explores the chasm between Moore's aspirations for her son and Wolfhard's own pursuit of fame and independence. Set against the backdrop of modern social expectations, the film delves into the irony and discomfort of their misaligned ambitions. Eisenberg’s directorial debut shines through the nuanced performances of its leads, presenting a story that is both specific in its characters and universal in its themes of connection and ambition, proving that the quest for understanding within familial bonds is achievable.
Irish Wish brings Lindsay Lohan back to the romantic comedy scene in a film that's about finding true love in unexpected places. Directed by Janeen Damian, this whimsical story follows shy book editor Maddie Kelly, who finds herself in a magical predicament when she wishes to be the bride of the man she loves...and the wish comes true — only to discover that love is a lot more complicated than that. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque Irish wedding, Maddie's journey is a heartwarming exploration of love and friendship, highlighting both the beauties and consequences of the paths we choose. It's a charming tale that reminds us that sometimes, the heart knows what it wants, even if it takes a little magic to get there.
In Shirley, Regina King breathes life into the formidable Shirley Chisholm, marking a cinematic journey into the heart of a political revolution. Directed by the acclaimed John Ridley, this film unfolds the audacious 1972 presidential campaign of Chisholm, a woman who shattered racial and gender barriers. Before her presidential bid, Chisholm had already etched her name in the annals of history as the first Black woman in the U.S. Congress, representing Brooklyn with fiery determination. Ridley, celebrated for his Oscar-winning script of 12 Years a Slave, crafts a narrative that celebrates Chisholm's unwavering spirit and pioneering achievements.
Here are several other great movies that have been added to the Netflix library in 2024.
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