The summer of 2024 was a wild ride for moviegoers as there was something to look forward to every Friday. However, five films this summer left a different impact than the others. Let’s begin, shall we? 

Kicking off our Top five is….. 

5)  Inside Out 2 (2024)

This film had a huge task on their hands as this could very well be a huge flop and potentially useless sequel. However, that would be the complete opposite as moviegoers adored this for many reasons. 

This children’s movie disguised as a coming-of-age movie reconciled so gracefully with audiences around the world. It reminded audiences of those early high school years and maybe pretending to be someone you’re not. Watching our protagonist Riley have an anxiety attack was one of the most realistic movie scenes this past year. It was a beautiful depiction of anxiety and how someone Riley’s age may handle it. 

Inside Out 2 destroyed the box office as it grossed $1.699 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The film just recently received two Golden Globe nominations in the best animated feature film category along with a nomination in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Category. 

It is safe to say that Pixar knew what they were doing with this one. 

4) Twisters (2024)

Remember that time when movies were just straight fun for two hours straight? Yeah well, back in July we found out real quick what was missing from Hollywood. Twisters doesn’t try to swing for the fences when it comes to making a summer blockbuster. However, the film understood what to do right and completely stuck its feet to the ground as an entertainment joyride.  

Hey Glen Powell, welcome to the show. This man has been on a generational run when it comes to starring in blockbusters. Between the successes of Top Gun Maverick, Anyone But You, and now Twisters. Glen Powell’s should be at the top of everyone’s casting list for upcoming films.  

Twisters’ box office performance was amazing as it grossed $371 million worldwide. As Twisters received a Golden Globe nomination in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Category. It reminded movie lovers of those classic summer blockbusters that were once released regularly. 

3) Deadpool And Wolverine (2024) 

Marvel fans around the world with me included didn’t stop laughing for two hours straight. Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy deliver on this just joy ride of a film. 

The film was for die-hard Marvel fans as we received the best kind of fan service. Marvel has been just a straight-up slump since the release of Endgame in 2019. However, this film felt like the revival of Marvel as it reminded us of what made these films so special. To be able to celebrate these beautiful characters that we haven’t seen in a while made it all more special. 

This film was by far the funniest movie of the summer and maybe even the year. Disney and Kevin Fiege let Ryan Reynolds honor this character by not toning him down. This very well may be Deadpool at his most crude and unhinged. Especially with Wolverine by his side to constantly pick on. 

This film went on to obliterate the box office as it grossed $1.33 billion worldwide. While also being nominated for a Golden Globe in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award category. 

2) Longlegs (2024) 

I am not the biggest horror movie guy however, I was not skipping this movie after I saw the masterclass in marketing Neon put on. This crime thriller starring Nicholas Cage as this mysterious serial killer had my attention from the jump. Neon refused to show what Nicholas Cage’s character looked like to build suspense and wow, did it work. 

This unsettling story made your skin crawl in the best way as it was filmmaking at its best. The performances by Maika Monroe and Nicholas Cage especially captivated this world so well. The pure unpredictability this story had was unreal. Each act ramped up and had you guessing where this story may go. 

Oz Perkins the director of Longlegs cemented himself in Hollywood with this just banger of a movie. This film reminded you of those cult classic crime movies such as Seven, The Usual Suspects, etc. It felt so unbelievably rewarding do see an original idea succeed like this film did. 

Longlegs went on to gross $126 million worldwide as it became the best original horror opening of the year. 

1) Alien Romulus (2024)

My jaw was left on the theater’s floor with this one, I think it may still be there. Like I have alluded to before I am not the biggest horror/sci-fi fan. However, there was a lot of hype around this one which just made the movie lover have to check it out. 

I am so glad I decided to purchase that 10:10 p.m. ticket because I was blown away. From the visuals, acting, directing, cinematography, etc. This film had it all and done at the highest level. Caliee Spaeny is knocking down the door as she proves to be the next great young actress working today. Spaeny was operating at at another level within this film as she just became a star in the making. 

However, David Johnson – Welcome to the show. His portrayal as the A.I robot had me glued to the screen every time he spoke. His calmness and presence had me so intrigued with the direction of the field.  

This gory and vicious Alien film cemented itself as one of the best within the franchise. Fede Alvarez will be a name I will be looking out for as he crafted just a spectacle of a movie. This film would go on to gross $350.9 million worldwide with an $80 million budget. 

If you have yet to see any of these films, sprint to your TV or as Andy would say, “Run.”