Missed Out on 2024? Catch Up on the Year's Best Films

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list spotlights ten underrated movies deserving your attention.

Table of Contents

• Late Night with the Devil
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Blink Twice
• Monkey Man
• The Beekeeper
• Trap
• Juror No. 2
• The Wild Robot
• It's What's Inside
• Kinds of Kindness
• Why You Should Watch These Films

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, is a stylistic masterpiece drawing inspiration from 1970s talk show aesthetics. It transcends typical horror tropes, exploring themes of fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, stages an occult-themed episode with unforeseen consequences.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment in the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This action-comedy thriller pits the iconic duo against a formidable crime syndicate, leading them into a web of corruption within the Miami police department. The film's success has sparked speculation about a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a gripping psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the world of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten her life. The film boasts a strong cast, including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in Monkey Man blends classic action with modern thriller elements and sharp social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the story centers on "Kid," a fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows a former agent who is forced back into his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime ring responsible for the death of a friend. The film, boasting a $40 million budget, was filmed in the UK and the US.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, featuring Josh Hartnett. The story unfolds during a concert where a firefighter discovers a larger operation to capture a dangerous criminal, "The Butcher." Shyamalan's signature visual style and sound design create an intense atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, presents a gripping moral dilemma. Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial, realizes he's responsible for the victim's death. He must decide whether to let an innocent person be convicted or confess his own crime.

The Wild Robot

Based on Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot is a visually stunning animated film. It follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island, as she learns to survive and interact with the local wildlife. The film beautifully explores the relationship between technology and nature.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, combines comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. The film delves into themes of identity and relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos's Kinds of Kindness is a triptych film exploring human relationships and the surreal aspects of life through three interconnected stories. The narratives range from an office worker breaking free from oppressive control to a cult obsessed with sex and resurrection.

Why Watch These Films?

These films offer more than simple entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They are a testament to the diverse and compelling storytelling beyond the mainstream.