7 Best Movies of 2024 So Far: Not Oscar-Worthy, But Still Entertaining
A reminder that the Oscars are not an indicator of quality.
The first half of 2024 was incredibly rich in movie releases. But no matter how high quality a release is, not all of them will make it to the Academy Awards.
So let's take a look at this year's great films that are unlikely to win Oscars.
7. Lisa Frankenstein
Release date: March 22, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 51%
Directed by Robin Williams' daughter Zelda, Lisa Frankenstein is the only movie on the list with such a low Rotten Tomatoes score — critics like to scapegoat one or two movies a year (for comparison, the audience score was 81%), so don't expect the Academy Awards to like it either.
A goth girl (Kathryn Newton) who prefers to spend her time at the local cemetery makes a wish to be with a young Victorian man, and the man (Cole Sprouse) does indeed rise as the undead.
6. I Saw the TV Glow
Release date: May 3, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 84%
The plot follows Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), two friends who bonded over the YA show The Pink Opaque. Though their fates diverged after it was canceled, the TV show suddenly bursts back into their lives, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
The film has been praised for its allegories of the trans experience, but is unlikely to impress the more conservative Academy Awards.
5. Problemista
Release date: March 1, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 88%
The story follows a toy designer from El Salvador who dreams of living and succeeding in New York City before his visa expires. The film marks the feature debut of Julio Torres, arguably one of the most original and surreal writers.
First-time directors have occasionally won Oscars (for example, Kevin Costner's debut feature Dances With Wolves). Still, while Problemista certainly deserves a nomination, it's highly unlikely that the film will win.
4. Challengers
Release date: April 26, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 89%
Challengers is one of the highlights of the list. The story, which follows the twisted relationship of a love triangle between a tennis coach and her two tennis player boyfriends, has impressed critics with its character-driven plot, balance of dark comedy, sports drama and romance.
It will undoubtedly receive a number of nominations. But will it win? That's a big question.
3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Release date: May 24, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 90%
Furiosa was highly anticipated by George Miller fans, and the casting of Anya Taylor-Joy in the role originally played by Charlize Theron couldn't help but generate excitement. And while the new post-apocalyptic action film is sure to be nominated, it will most likely be in the technical categories.
2. Love Lies Bleeding
Release date: March 8, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 95%
Academics don't have much reverence for queer films. However, the romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding, which follows a gym manager (Kristen Stewart) and an aspiring bodybuilder (Katy O'Brian) caught up in organized crime, deserves top honors for both its outstanding performances and its screenplay.
1. Late Night with the Devil
Release date: March 22, 2024
Rotten tomatoes score: 97%
Despite the AI scandal (which was actually exaggerated), Late Night with the Devil impressed critics and audiences alike, both for its recreation of an analog '70s atmosphere and for David Dastmalchian's unparalleled performance as a late-night talk show host who encounters the paranormal on the air.
But as we know, horror films are too niche a genre to often be shortlisted for Oscar nominations, and given the scandal, there's every reason to doubt that Dastmalchian got the Best Actor win he deserved.