Movies Round Up 2024

11 days late for an annual round up post is unacceptable. There you go. No excuses. 

Also, lesson learnt for the umpteenth time - end-Dec is a busy time with vacations, family, non-laptop time and trying to cram in those last few movies watched in the week between Christmas and New Year is a bad idea. Will move the post to mid-Dec from 2025.

Other than that, 2024 was a pretty good for me in terms of movies though can't say the same for Bollywood. While going through my notes I realized it was  the driest Bollywood year, by a mile, in my three decades of following the industry. Maybe it was a break year after the mega success of Pathaan and Jawan in 2023. Or more likely we are in a prolonged slump with seismic changes underway in the business of Bollywood and streaming. Keeping my fingers crossed for 2025, and as they say so often - the show must go on.

Thankfully, Hollywood on the other hand showed significant promise. And the stand out for me in 2024 was the Malayalam (Kerala) movie industry. The quality/film last year was astronomical. Will be following this space as closely as Hindi and English going forward.

This is the 16th year of this tradition, and as always here's a recap of the prior years.

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Moving on to the usual fixtures, before we highlight the best of 2024 (in my opinion, as always)

Here is the Summary Table (in its 18th year) of movies released in the same year (2024 for this post) that I watched.

Year     # Seen    Hindi:English:Others   Top Rating  Avg. Rating

2007     32               22:10:0                           9.0             5.78

2008     30               23:7:0                             8.5             6.35

2009     24               18:6:0                             9.0             6.85

2010     25               16:9:0                             8.5             6.62

2011     22               15:6:1                             8.5             6.77

2012     28               12:11:5                           9.0             7.33

2013     28               14:14:0                           9.0             7.12

2014     16               10:6:0                             9.0             6.16 

2015     26               20:6:0                             9.0             6.55

2016     30               17:13:0                           9.5             6.98

2017     31               17:13:1                           9.0             7.03

2018     87               23:59:5                           9.0             7.29

2019     86               12:65: 9                          10.0           7.45

2020     38               16:20:2                           9.0             7.40

2021     53               15:34:4                           9.0             7.20

2022     67               21:38:8                           9.0             7.30

2023     51               20:29:2                           9.0             7.50

2024     56               17:32: 7                          8.5             7.50 

The split of the movies by source (not just movies released in 2024) was as follows. While in-theater movies went down from 29 to 23 this year, Netflix made a big push to reach #1 spot in terms of where I watched my movies (from 18 to 31).

Now moving to the section you all (all 2 of you that is) have been waiting for...

Gentle reminder these are based on just the movies I watched in 2024 that released in 2024. Also, my blog my rules but our discussions. Here we go. All images courtesy of IMDb. All summaries courtesy of Claude/Anthropic.

Non-Hindi/English Movies

3. Maharaja (Language: Tamil, Director: Nithilan Saminathan)

"Maharaja" (2024), featuring Vijay Sethupathi, is a must-watch for its masterful blend of drama and suspense. The film portrays an ordinary man's extraordinary fight against a corrupt system, offering a deep dive into themes of justice and personal integrity. Sethupathi's compelling performance, coupled with a riveting plot and high-stakes action, makes it a standout film that captivates and challenges its audience, making it a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

2. Emilia Perez (Language: Spanish, Director: Jacques Audiard)

"Emilia Pérez" is a musical crime comedy about Rita Mora Castro, a Mexican lawyer who receives a mysterious offer from a cartel kingpin named Juan "Manitas" Del Monte. The kingpin wants to undergo gender-affirming surgery and start a new life as Emilia Pérez. The story follows Rita as she helps Manitas through this transformation and its aftermath, navigating complex family dynamics, criminal connections, and personal relationships. The film explores themes of identity, redemption, and the challenges of starting anew.

1. Manjummel Boys (Language: Malayalam, Director: Chidambaram)

A group of friends from Manjummel, Kerala, go on a vacation to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. During their trip, they visit the Guna Caves, a restricted area known for its dangerous depths. When one of them falls into a deep hole in the cave, the others must work together to rescue their friend. The film follows their desperate efforts to save their companion, facing challenges from local authorities and the treacherous cave environment.

English Movies

5. Didi (Director: Sean Wang)

Set in 2008, "Dìdi" follows Chris, a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy navigating eighth grade in Fremont, California. As social media emerges, Chris uses it to escape his underwhelming reality and cope with feelings of inadequacy. He struggles with his identity, family dynamics, and social relationships. The film explores Chris's coming-of-age journey as he deals with internalized racism, friendship challenges, and the pressures of growing up in a Taiwanese immigrant family.

4. Inside Out 2 (Director: Kelsey Mann)

Two years after moving to San Francisco, 13-year-old Riley enters high school and attends an ice hockey camp. Inside her mind, her emotions face new challenges as four new feelings - Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui - arrive during puberty. The original emotions, led by Joy, must adapt to these changes and work with the newcomers to help Riley navigate the complexities of adolescence, friendship dynamics, and her goals in hockey.

3. Touch (Director: Baltasar Kormákur)*

"Touch" follows Kristófer, an Icelandic man, across two timelines. In the 1960s, young Kristófer works at a Japanese restaurant in London, where he falls in love with Miko, the owner's daughter. Fifty years later, an aging Kristófer embarks on a journey to find Miko during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film explores themes of love, memory, and unfinished business as Kristófer seeks to reconnect with his past and resolve lingering questions.

*Touch is an Icelandic movie, made by an Icelandic director. However, as it is primarily in English language, included it in the English section.

 

2. Challengers (Director: Luca Guadagnino)

"Challengers" follows a complex love triangle spanning 13 years in the world of professional tennis. Zendaya stars as Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, alongside Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist as Patrick and Art, two competitive players with a shared history. The story unfolds non-linearly, exploring their relationships and careers from their teenage years to adulthood. As tensions rise both on and off the court, the film culminates in a high-stakes match that tests their loyalties, ambitions, and personal connections.

1. The Substance (Director:  Coralie Fargeat)

"The Substance" follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood star who is fired from her long-running TV show due to her age. Desperate to regain her youth and relevance, she obtains a mysterious black market serum that creates a younger version of herself, Sue. As Sue rises to fame, Elisabeth faces unexpected consequences. The film explores themes of aging, beauty standards, and identity in Hollywood through a body horror lens, building to a shocking and visceral climax.

Hindi Movies

5. Article 370 (Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale)

"Article 370" is a political action thriller set in India, focusing on the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The story follows Zooni Haksar, an NIA agent, and Rajeshwari Swaminathan, a PMO Joint Secretary, as they work to investigate and address security issues in Kashmir. The film depicts their efforts to stabilize the region, investigate terror funding, and navigate the complex political landscape. It portrays the events leading up to the government's decision to revoke Article 370, blending elements of action, politics, and national security.

4. Madgaon Express (Director: Kunal Khemu)

"Madgaon Express" is a comedy film about three childhood friends who finally fulfill their long-held dream of taking a trip to Goa together as adults. What starts as an exciting adventure quickly spirals into chaos when they accidentally become entangled with dangerous criminals and a case of mistaken identity. The friends must navigate a series of comedic misadventures involving gangsters, drugs, and unexpected twists while trying to salvage their vacation and their friendship. Along the way, they confront personal truths and past deceptions

.

3. CTRL (Director: Vikramaditya Motwane)

CTRL is a 2024 Hindi thriller about Nella, a social media influencer who breaks up with her boyfriend Joe after catching him cheating during a livestream. Nella uses an AI assistant called CTRL to help rebuild her online presence. However, Joe mysteriously disappears after trying to urgently contact Nella. As she investigates his disappearance, Nella uncovers a complex web of secrets involving Joe, a tech company called Mantra Unlimited, and the AI assistant she's been using, leading to unexpected consequences.

2. Merry Christmas (Director:  Sriram Raghavan)

"Merry Christmas" is a mystery thriller set in 1980s Bombay. On Christmas Eve, Albert Arogyasami returns home after seven years. He meets Maria and her mute daughter Annie at a restaurant, and they spend the evening together. As the night unfolds, unexpected events occur, leading to a complex situation involving a dead body, two identical houses, and a police investigation. The film explores themes of deception, compassion, and the consequences of past actions, while keeping viewers guessing until the end.

1. Laapataa Ladies (Director: Kiran Rao)

"Laapataa Ladies" is a comedy-drama set in 2001 India. It follows the mishap of two newly-wed brides who get accidentally swapped during a train journey to their husbands' homes. The mix-up leads to confusion, as one bride ends up with the wrong groom while the other is left behind at a train station. The story unfolds as the characters deal with this unexpected situation, navigating cultural traditions, personal aspirations, and the challenges of arranged marriages. The film explores themes of identity, independence, and societal expectations in rural India.

Here's the final list of ALL movies watched in 2024 (in alphabetical order within groups. Movies listed above removed to avoid duplicates)

Grade: Must Watch

English Harry Potter (rewatched the series)

English Last Stop Before Yuma County

English My Penguin Friend

English Poor Things

English The Wild Robot

French Anatomy of a Fall

German The Zone of Interest

Hindi Zwigato

Japanese Perfect Days

Korean Burning

Malayalam Attam

Grade: Recommended

Bangla Chalchitra Ekhon

Bangla Raktabeej 

English All Of Us Strangers

English American Fiction

English Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

English Blue Jean

English Blue Valentine

English Conclave

English Dune: Part Two

English Enola Holmes

English Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

English Heat

English His Three Daughters

English It's A Wonderful Life

English Joy

English Maestro

English Nimona

English Nyad

English Priscilla

English The Holdovers

English Woman of the Hour

French Other People's Children

Hindi All India Rank

Hindi Buckinham Murders

Malayalam Anweshippin Kandethum

Malayalam Kathal - The Core

Turkish Crossing

Grade: Read Summaries/Use Discretion

Bangla Ballabhpurer Rupkotha

Bangla Dawsham Awbotaar

Bangla Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole

English Beetlejuice

English Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

English Blink Twice

English Bottoms

English Civil War

English Deadpool & Wolverine

English Enola Holmes 2

English How To Have Sex

English I Saw The TV Glow

English Kinds of Kindness

English Kingdom of the Planet of Apes

English Love Lies Bleeding

English Maxxxine

English Moana 2

English Monkey Man

English My Old Ass

English Robot Dreams

English Rustin

English The Boy & The Heron

English The Fall Guy

English Twisters

English Wicked

English Wicked, Little, Letters

English Wish

English Wonka

Hindi Amar Singh Chamkila

Hindi Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Hindi Berlin

Hindi Bhediya

Hindi Do Patti

Hindi Khel Khel Mein

Hindi LSD 2

Hindi Madgaon Express

Hindi Srikanth

Grade: Please Avoid

English May December

English The Idea of You

English The Royal Hotel

Hindi Crew

Hindi Fighter

Hindi Phir Ayi Haseen Dilruba

Movies Round Up 2023

2023 was the year of major blockbusters in India, led by Shah Rukh's mind-boggling comeback with Pathaan, Jawan, and to some extent Dunki. In Hollywood it was the year when new franchises were born with billion dollar collections (Barbie, Mario) and when Christopher Nolan delivered the first near billion dollar A rated Oppenheimer. The good movies continued to flow, and the scales continued to tilt further to the side of streaming. 

Personally I didn't continue my streak of 100+ movies a year and stopped at 94. Watched and enjoyed way more movies in the theater than in the pandemic years. Also, as it's the first day of 2024, it means I have been lazy with my annual post so let's dive in.

This is the 15th year of this tradition, and as always here's a recap of the prior years.

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Let's move on to the usual metrics we review before we get to the piece you're waiting to read and disagree vehemently with me on - the actual year end wrap up.

Here is the Summary Table (in its 17th year) of movies released in the same year (2023 for this post) that I watched.

Year     # Seen    Hindi:English:Others   Top Rating  Avg. Rating

2007     32               22:10:0                           9.0             5.78

2008     30               23:7:0                             8.5             6.35

2009     24               18:6:0                             9.0             6.85

2010     25               16:9:0                             8.5             6.62

2011     22               15:6:1                             8.5             6.77

2012     28               12:11:5                           9.0             7.33

2013     28               14:14:0                           9.0             7.12

2014     16               10:6:0                             9.0             6.16 

2015     26               20:6:0                             9.0             6.55

2016     30               17:13:0                           9.5             6.98

2017     31               17:13:1                           9.0             7.03

2018     87               23:59:5                           9.0             7.29

2019     86               12:65: 9                          10.0           7.45

2020     38               16:20:2                           9.0             7.40

2021     53               15:34:4                           9.0             7.20

2022     67               21:38:8                           9.0             7.30

2023     51               20:29:2                           9.0             7.50

The split of the movies by source (not just movies released in 2023) was as follows. The fact that I watched more movies in the theater than in any streaming service has to be one of the personal highlights of 2023.

Source	Count
Theatre	29
Netflix	18
Hulu	17
Showtime	5
Max	5
Hoichoi	5
Amazon Video	5
Peacock	3
In-Flight	3
Zee5	2
Others	1
Hotstar	1
Grand Total	94

And now for the annual ratings. No documentaries are included as they can be found in the Books, Shows, and Documentaries post for the past few years..

Gentle reminder these are based on just the 51 movies I watched in 2023 that released in 2023. Also, my blog my rules but our discussions. Here we go. All images courtesy of Wikipedia. All summaries courtesy of Bard.

Non-Hindi/English Movies

2. Full Time (Language: French, Director: Éric Gravel)

Harried single mom Julie juggles a demanding hotel job, childcare, and financial woes in Paris. A citywide transport strike throws her precarious routine into chaos, pushing her to the brink. Desperately clinging to a potential career change, she makes frantic choices against the clock. Each moment becomes a race against time, testing her resilience and exposing societal pressures. Full Time delivers a raw and intimate portrait of one woman's struggle for stability in a system stacked against her.

1. Past Lives (Language: Korean, Director: Celine Song)

Childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung in Seoul are torn apart by Nora's family's emigration. Years later, they reconnect online, navigating years of missed time and unsaid feelings. Their virtual romance blossoms, then faces obstacles as individual dreams and ambitions rise. Reunions in adulthood, both online and in person, stir the question of "what if," testing their connection. "Past Lives" examines longing, loss, and the enduring power of a first love across continents and time.

English Movies

5. Killers of the Flower Moon (Director: Martin Scorsese)

In 1920s Oklahoma, the Osage Nation strikes oil, making them wealthy beyond belief. But their mineral rights become a target for ruthless opportunists and local power players, led by the corrupt cattle baron William Hale. A string of mysterious deaths begins to plague the Osage, shrouded in secrecy and fueled by greed. Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone), a headstrong Osage woman, witnesses the horror firsthand as her family falls victim. Enter J. Edgar Hoover, the ambitious director of the nascent FBI, who sends his top agent Tom White  to investigate. White navigates a web of deceit and violence, determined to find the truth. Amidst the chaos, Mollie finds solace in her relationship with Ernest Burkhart, who becomes instrumental in her fight for justice. But their love story unfolds against the backdrop of constant fear and loss. The pursuit of justice exposes the dark underbelly of American history, revealing the systemic biases and injustices faced by the Osage people. Killers of the Flower Moon leaves a lasting impression, a testament to the enduring fight for truth and the pursuit of a just reckoning.

4. Blackberry (Director: Matt Johnson)

Nerdy Canadian pals invent the iconic BlackBerry, revolutionizing email on-the-go for workaholics and celebs alike. BlackBerry dominates, becoming a status symbol and fueling a "crackberry" addiction to constant connection. Apple's iPhone arrives, shaking BlackBerry's core with its sleek design and intuitive interface. The founders clash over strategy, clinging to email while rivals conquer the broader smartphone market. BlackBerry stumbles, ultimately losing its crown, leaving a cautionary tale of innovation, hubris, and the ever-shifting sands of tech. The film blends humor and drama, offering a fictionalized yet insightful look at BlackBerry's meteoric rise and tragic fall.

3. Cocaine Bear (Director: Elizabeth Banks)

 A drug smuggler's plane mishap scatters bricks of cocaine across a Georgia forest, and guess who finds them first? Yep, a 500-pound black bear. Powered by blow, the bear goes berserk, ripping through campers, hikers, and anyone unlucky enough to cross its path. Meanwhile, a hilarious cast of characters converges on the woods: cops searching for the missing stash, a park ranger with a soft spot for animals, and even a couple of curious teenagers who stumbled upon the wrong picnic. As the coke wears off and the bear comes crashing down, the fight for survival reaches fever pitch. Who will make it out of the forest alive? Based on a (mostly) true story! Believe it or not, the film takes inspiration from a real 1985 incident where a bear did indeed ingest cocaine. But trust us, the movie takes things to a whole new level of absurdity.

 

2. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (Director: Kelly Fremon Craig)

11-year-old Margaret grapples with puberty, faith, and fitting in after moving to the suburbs. Through friends, family, and her own inner musings, she navigates the trials of growing up, from bras to boys. Her supportive mom and sassy grandma offer guidance, laughter, and contrasting perspectives on life. Margaret ponders the existence of God, seeking answers to complex questions about life and identity. Ultimately, she learns to embrace herself, celebrate individuality, and find her own path in the world.

1. Oppenheimer (Director: Christopher Nolan)

 The film opens with a young J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) battling internal demons while studying physics in Europe. This sets the stage for a complex protagonist, brilliant but burdened by the potential consequences of his work. The discovery of nuclear fission in 1938 throws Oppenheimer's world into chaos. The fear of Nazi Germany weaponizing atomic energy pushes him to lead the Manhattan Project, the race to build the first atomic bomb. Recruited by the US government, Oppenheimer gathers a team of brilliant scientists at Los Alamos, New Mexico. The film delves into the intense pressure, ethical dilemmas, and personal sacrifices faced by these individuals. The successful detonation of the Trinity test in 1945 marks a turning point, leaving Oppenheimer forever haunted by the destructive power he unleashed. The film explores the moral complexities of his creation and its impact on the world. The film's final act portrays Oppenheimer's later years, grappling with the fallout of his decisions and advocating for international nuclear control. His legacy remains a subject of ongoing debate, leaving audiences to ponder the lasting impact of the atomic age.

Hindi Movies

5. Afwaah (Director: Sudhir Mishra)

Politician's leaked bigotry sparks chaos, driving his fiancée Nivi to flee. Nivi stumbles upon Rahab, a kind stranger, but a photo fuels a "love jihad" rumor. Trapped in the viral lie, Nivi and Rahab face mob attacks and political manipulation. Their struggles to clear their names highlight the devastating power of fake news. Hope glimmers amidst the hate, as their resilience and bond offer a counterpoint to societal divides.

4. Pathaan (Director: Siddharth Anand)

Pathaan, a retired Indian agent, is recalled to stop Jim, a rogue mercenary with a vendetta against India after Kashmir's special status is revoked. Teaming up with former RAW partner Rubai, they face betrayals and thrilling action sequences as they chase Jim across icy peaks and bustling cities. Jim unveils a deadly virus threat, forcing Pathaan to confront his past demons and recruit his old team for a final stand. Sacrifice and loyalty clash as they race against time to stop Jim from unleashing the virus on India, leading to a climactic showdown. Pathaan emerges victorious, proving that no matter the odds, patriotism and unity can overcome any threat.

3. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (Director: Karan Johar)

As this is the only movie in several years that I reviewed in a dedicated blog post, plugging the post: https://www.suhelbanerjee.com/2023/07/rocky-aur-rani-kii-prem-kahani.html 

2. Sirf Ek Banda  Kaafi Hai (Director: Jayprad Desai)

Tenacious lawyer PC Solanki fights for justice. Inspired by real events, it follows Solanki's five-year battle against a powerful godman accused of sexual assault on a minor. One man vs. the system. Solanki faces intimidation, threats, and witness tampering, but his unwavering belief in truth fuels his fight. Powerful arguments and emotional testimonies keep you on the edge of your seat as Solanki exposes the corrupt system protecting the abuser. Manoj Bajpayee shines. His brilliant portrayal of Solanki's dedication and humanity anchors the film. Message of hope. Despite the challenges, the film ultimately celebrates the power of one person's resolve to stand up for the right cause.

1. 12th Fail (Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra)

Young Manoj in rural India dreams of success, but initially succumbs to the local culture of cheating in exams. An honest police officer disrupts the cheating, causing Manoj to fail and leading him to reassess his values. Inspired by the officer's integrity, Manoj sets his sights on becoming an IPS officer himself, facing numerous challenges in poverty and language barriers. He navigates the competitive world of UPSC exams with grit and determination, meeting a fellow aspirant who becomes his support system. Ultimately, Manoj triumphs over adversity, achieving his dream and proving that failure can be a powerful springboard for success.

Here's the final list of ALL movies watched in 2023 (in alphabetical order within groups. Movies listed above removed to avoid duplicates)

Grade: Must Watch

12th Fail

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Argentina, 1985

Cocaine Bear

Oppenheimer

Past Lives

Petite Maman

Quo Vadis, Aida?

Triangle of Sadness

Grade: Recommended

Air

An Action Hero

Asteroid City

Barbie

Blackberry

Chotushkone

Elemental

Full Time

Ghawre Bairey Aaj

Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio

Gulmohar

Joy Ride

Killers of the Flower Moon

Last Night In Soho

Pathaan

Reality

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani

Sirf Ek Banda  Kaafi Hai

The Fabelmans

The Killing of Two Lovers

The Swimmers

The Whale

Vikram Vedha

Grade: Read Summaries/Use Discretion

A Thousand And One

Across The Spiderverse

Afwaah

Armageddon Time

Babylon

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn

Blonde

Byomkesh Gotro

C'mon C'mon

Catherine Called Birdy

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaaga

Drishyam 2

Dumb Money

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Durgeshgorer Guptodhon

Ek Je Chhilo Raja

Emily The Criminal

Everything, Everywhere, All At Once

Fair Play

Faraz

Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3

Happening

Infinity Pool

Jaane Jaan

Jawan

Kathal

Kho Gaye Hum Kahan

Khufiya

Linoleum

Living

Lost

Lust Stories 2

Marcel The Shell  With Shoes On

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1

Murina

Official Competition

OMG 2

Pig

Polite Society

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Quiet Girl

Red Rocket

Rye Lane

Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video

Sanctuary

Shazam: Fury of the Gods

She Said

The Banshees of Inisherin

The Eken

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

The Killer

The Little Mermaid

The Menu

The Novice

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Vadh

Watcher

Grade: Please Avoid

Animal

Dunki

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

The Super Mario Bros. Movie