The Phoenix’s Top Films of 2024

Showcasing dynamic sports, seceding states and the horrors of space, this year’s films were far from boring. The Phoenix’s staff discussed their picks for the best films of 2024.

“A Different Man” – Brendan Parr

“A Different Man” is a film about attention — that was robbed of the spotlight.

Written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, “A Different Man” follows actor Edward struggling to find work due to his neurofibromatosis, a condition causing benign tumors to grow along his nervous system.

After undergoing a procedure to reverse his appearance, Edward discovers a role he was born to play, but no longer fits the bill for. When similarly conditioned actor Oswald takes up the gig, Edward obsesses over the job and life he might’ve had, if not for the procedure.

Sebastian Stan as Edward masterfully conveys meekness, cocky confidence and rageful buildup across the film’s runtime. Stan received acclaim for his role as President-elect Donald Trump in this year’s “The Apprentice,” but his work as Edward transcends controversy to produce a transfixing performance.

Adam Pearson additionally compels as the affable Oswald. A thorn who unknowingly takes over Edward’s life, Pearson adds salt to the wound by being effortlessly charismatic. Having neurofibromatosis in real life, Pearson kills visual stigma by being a charming ease on screen.

“A Different Man” is rich in heart, humor and emotional dread.

“Alien: Romulus” – Matt Sorce

“Alien: Romulus,” directed by Fede Álvarez, reinvigorates the “Alien” franchise by returning to its horror roots.

Following a group of space colonists desperate to escape their oppressive lives on a perpetually dark and distant planet LV-410. The unassuming crew commandeer a desolate space station, only to unknowingly awaken a deadly xenomorph hiding within.

Álvarez crafts a gripping atmosphere, blending suspense and fright with the series’ iconic sense of helpless isolation as the characters confront a beast they’ve only just discovered. 

Cailee Spaeny’s performance as the rational Rain Carradine anchors the film. Her compelling chemistry with the group — particularly her adopted brother Andy (David Jonsson) — injects emotional depth in their struggle for survival, keeping the audience tethered to the gravity of each situation.

Though the film suffers from a distracting deep-fake CGI of actor Ian Holm, who died in 2020, “Alien: Romulus” is a thrilling sequel to a franchise recently suffering from unoriginality. 

“Wicked” – Xavier Barrios

What makes someone wicked?

Throughout the film’s almost three-hour runtime, director Jon M. Chu and actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera attempt to answer this question.

Starting their first year at Shiz University, students Galinda (Grande-Butera) and Elphaba (Erivo) go from enemies to best friends. 

After being assigned to room with Galinda, Elphaba is invited to hone her magical powers with Head Shizstress Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh. After a few weeks of lessons, Madame Morrible writes to the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), who invites Elphaba to the Emerald City. 

Knowing the Wizard can grant wishes, Elphaba asks for the freedom of the speaking animals who’ve been captured and tortured for teaching, learning and gaining social credibility. 

With themes of totalitarianism, racism and liberalism, “Wicked” is a timeless warning of what happens when a nation is controlled by fear in the name of a leader’s faux veil of power.

“Challengers” – Mao Reynolds

Viewers don’t need to know the ins and outs of tennis to understand the appeal of “Challengers.” 

One of the best sports films of the decade, “Challengers” transcends the genre with stunning cinematography, a soundtrack spiked with adrenaline and a three-way romance to produce a work of fine art.

Zendaya dominates the screen as former tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan. After tearing her ACL in college, Tashi fulfills her dreams of going pro by living vicariously through her husband, Art Donaldson, played by Broadway star Mike Faist. 

When Art competes in a Challenger event against his ex-best friend Patrick Zweig, played by a marvelously mischievous Josh O’Connor, the three must confront their past to control their future.

“Challengers” ruminates on the pain of lost potential and what it truly means to be successful. The film masterfully weaves tones, making it difficult to pin down wholly as a drama, romance or thriller — whatever genre it is, it’s a must-watch.

“Civil War” – Catherine Meyer

One nation, now divisible, has begun to crumble.

The premise of “Civil War” is as its name suggests — a modern America divided by violence. Headed by the secessionist Western Forces of Texas and California, an authoritarian U.S. is wracked by a second civil war.

Veteran wartime journalists Lee, Joel and Sammy and aspiring photojournalist Jessie embark on a road trip to Washington, D.C. to interview the president before rebel factions reach the Capitol first.

Explicit in devastating gore, “Civil War” refuses to shy away from the brutal realities of war. The film grapples with journalism’s near apathetic objectivity and plays on the tersely divisive political climate in the U.S.

“Civil War” balances spectacle and perspective, delivering a hauntingly bloodstained narrative of carnage, camaraderie and commitment.