Let’s face it: 2024 has not been a great year for movies. Last year’s dual SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and WGA (Writers Guild of America) strikes have left us with an unusually sparse release calendar, and what has made it to the multiplex has largely underwhelmed both critically and financially. That being said, there have been a few bright spots throughout the first six months of 2024. From visionary directors operating at the peak of their powers to sophomoric efforts establishing exciting up-and-coming talent, this list counts down the top five best movies of 2024.

'Love Lies Bleeding' A24 via FilmGrab

5. Love Lies Bleeding

Rose Glass’ captivating second feature interrogates the intersection between love and violence in this roided-up romantic thriller. The film follows Jackie, a driven bodybuilder portrayed by Katy O’Brian, as she falls into a perilous romance with Lou, a reclusive gym manager played by the ever-engaging Kristen Stewart, who is fully back in her neurotic "Twilight" bag. Their sweaty love affair quickly turns bloody as Jackie is drawn into the web of Lou’s criminal family, ruled by the intimidating Lou Sr., portrayed with menacing perfection by the great Ed Helms. Blending dark humor with vibrant surrealism, "Love Lies Bleeding" stands out as one of the most refreshingly original films of the year. If you missed the film in theaters, then go get a pump, punch a couple of darts, and stream this wild ride from the comfort of whatever dank gym you’re living in.

'Hit Man' Netflix

4. Hit Man

While technically a 2023 film, as it premiered last September in Venice, most of us (unfortunately) saw "Hit Man" for the first time from the comfort of our couches, courtesy of Netflix. It pains me to see a Real Movie™ placed in a tile next to garbage like "The Gray Man" and "Red Notice," but I must commend Netflix for ponying up $20 million for the distribution rights to Richard Linklater’s latest film. "Hit Man" sees Linklater once again adapting a stranger-than-fiction Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth, this time with the help of burgeoning movie star Glen Powell, who also co-wrote and produced the film. Powell portrays an undercover contractor pretending to be a hitman in a New Orleans Police Department entrapment scheme, only to have his life turned upside down when he falls for one of his prospective clients, played by Adria Arjona. This steamy romantic comedy delves into themes of identity and makes brilliant use of modern technology, while most of Linklater’s contemporaries exclusively make period pieces to avoid the drama-killing device known as cell phones. "Hit Man" is one of the most enjoyable movies of the year, and one that I desperately wish I could have seen in a packed theater.

'I Saw the TV Glow' A24 via FilmGrab

3. I Saw the TV Glow

Jane Schoenbrun’s melancholic second feature serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of nostalgia while also tenderly acknowledging that a deep-rooted reverence for media often originates from a place of loneliness. The story revolves around two friends who bond over a shared obsession with a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"-esque television series called “The Pink Opaque.” As the boundaries between the real world and their beloved TV show begin to blur, the two friends are forced to confront questions about their own identities and the nature of reality. "I Saw the TV Glow" is a uniquely comforting horror film, managing to unnerve the audience while simultaneously enveloping them in a warm embrace of empathy. While the film also presents a clear allegory for the transgender experience, I’ll defer analysis of these elements to individuals more suited to provide meaningful insight. Nevertheless, "TV Glow" will resonate deeply with anyone who has sought solace and escape in a piece of media during moments of dissatisfaction with their own lives and serves as further proof that Schoenbrun is one of the most exciting and compelling new voices in cinema.

'Challengers' MGM via FilmGrab

2. Challengers

I absolutely adore Luca Guadagnino’s sexy sports drama" Challengers," an alluring film that delves into the world of tennis with a touch of sensuality. The story, penned by Justin Kuritzkes (husband of "Past Lives" writer-director Celine Song), revolves around Tashi Duncan (played by Zendaya), a tennis prodigy who transitions to coaching after a career-ending injury. Her husband, Art (played by Mike Faist), is on the brink of achieving a Career Grand Slam with Tash’s guidance. To bolster Art’s confidence going into this critical season, Tashi enrolls him in a low-level Challenger event in New Rochelle. However, her plan is upended when Art’s former best friend and her ex-boyfriend, Patrick (played by Josh O’Connor), also enters the event. The nail-biting match between Art and Patrick frames the film, while an intricate non-linear narrative reveals thirteen years’ worth of messy, entangled relationships and conflicts. "Challengers" explores a love triangle where all three sides touch, skillfully using the backdrop of tennis to examine the competitive nature of human relationships. The exceptional performances by Faist, O’Connor, and Zendaya are three of the best I’ve seen all year, but the real star of "Challengers" is cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who employs the camera in the most thrillingly immersive ways. With its innovative cinematography that offers unique perspectives, including the point of view of a tennis ball during a match and a shot that I can only describe as “split triopter,” "Challengers" is a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh and exhilarating cinematic journey.

Honorable Mentions:

Adam Rehmeier’s "Snack Shack" is an excellent coming-of-age dramedy that captures the fuzzy warmth of adolescent hedonism and vindicates anyone who bought Gabrielle LaBelle stock post "The Fabelmans." Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film, "Kinds of Kindness," is a spellbinding triptych that explores the extraordinary lengths we are willing to go to in order to please others. Arkasha Stevenson’s "The First Omen" surpasses the expectations of a prequel, breathing new life into "The Omen" franchise and proving herself a director worth keeping an eye on.

'Dune: Part Two' Warner Bros. via FilmGrab

1. Dune: Part Two

It should come as no surprise that the second half of Dennis Villeneuve's "Dune" adaptation ranks at the top of this list. "Dune: Part Two" simultaneously crowns a new generation of movie stars in Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh, while also solidifying Villeneuve's position as one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation. With "Part Two," Villeneuve retroactively enhances the impact of 2021's "Dune: Part One," creating a beautiful symmetry between the endings of both films. Equal parts sci-fi epic and religious meditation, "Part Two" examines the dangers of messianic figures and the repercussions of blind faith. Despite its grand scale and stunning visual effects, Villeneuve maintains the film's intellectual depth, crafting a heady blockbuster that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. From top to bottom, "Dune: Part Two" is a shining example of big-budget filmmaking at its absolute finest.

So, those are my favorite movies of the year so far. But what are yours? Jump into the Discord and let me know what your favorite movies of 2024 (so far) are!