Florian Zeller holds his Oscars statuette after winning the Best Adapted Screenplay for the 'The Father' at a screening of the Oscars on Monday April 26, 2021 in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly, Pool)
Well, here we are. The dust has settled on this year’s Oscars (congrats Anora!) and we are finally putting 2024 to rest.
Many people have their favourite films of the year but that doesn’t always sum up the things that really resonated with people. Not every film is ‘good’ but every story matters. And some of those moments stick with you as a viewer. With that in mind, it’s time to roll out my own red carpet on the moments that really mattered at the box office last year.
10) ‘Bye Bye Bye’ (Deadpool & Wolverine)
- In a much needed ‘quiet’ year for superhero films, one film managed to blow up larger than life. Deadpool and Wolverine was more than the long-awaited (and R-rated) arrival of ‘Marvel Jesus’ into the MCU. The union of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Reynold’s Merc with the Mouth was a cultural phenomenon that may have given Marvel a much-needed infusion of life. And no moment suited it better than the introductory dance routine to *NSync’s classic, Bye Bye Bye. With a deep love for the Fox/Marvel era, this was a film that was both nostalgic for the early ‘00s and directly mocking them. It held reverence and irreverence at the same time.
And Deadpool’s dance to old pop tunes accomplished both. By using the adamantium corpse of Logan as weaponry, every bounce and subsequent kill was over-the-top Marvel glory. Of course, the dance fueled multiple copycats as well, becoming a staple on TikTok for weeks. This was the sort of fiery, cool fuel that the MCU desperately needed and it’s well worthy of note on a list such as this.
Deadpool and Wolverine is available on Disney+
9) ‘Defying Gravity’ (Wicked)
- Movie musicals are made for movie magic. And Wicked was filled with both. For many, this was the defining film of 2024, causing obsessive fandom, box office success and even TikTok fame. Everything about this film works and is a stunning example of what musicals can—and, arguably, should—be.
And, of course, ‘Defying Gravity’ sums up much of the film perfectly. Just as with the play itself, the song serves as an epic coda to the piece. Fueled by the phenomenal voice of Cynthia Erivo, Gravity was performed live in studio while she was spinning around on wires. It’s an unbelievable performance with effect that seem to ground it, even in a world of CGI wizardry. Yes, the number may be stretched out a little long but it absolutely is worthy of the year’s ‘movie moment’ list. Very few moments had the cultural resonance than this did.
Wicked is available to rent on Apple TV+
8) ‘The Colour of Bass’ (Piece by Piece)
- When it was announced that Pharrell Williams would release a documentary about his life in Lego, the idea was mostly dismissed. However, upon its release, Piece by Piece proved itself to be a magical experience. There’s a playfulness to the film that makes even its most difficult spots into something… more.
And the moment that seems to best exemplify the film’s purpose comes early on in the film. As a young boy, we see Pharrell sit intently in front of a loudspeaker, immersed in the sounds that stem from within it. Every bassline and snare feels significant and we know that this is going to be a moment that changes his life. But it’s the use of Lego that brings it to life. Bursting with colour, the music isn’t merely a collection of notes but a lifeform. Suddenly, we don’t merely see a young man who loves music. We can FEEL why he loves it.
It’s a mood.
Underrated by critics, Piece by Piece is truly an incredible project that gets at the heart of hip hops most iconic influences. But moments like this are what make it something special.
Piece by Piece is available on Prime Video
7) ‘Touching the Racquet’ (Challengers)
- I admit that Challengers wasn’t a film that I loved. While I enjoy difficult stories, I struggled to like any of the characters in a way that resonated with me. Having said that, I still view it as a remarkable film. And that really comes together with the touch of a racquet.
As an intensely sexual tennis drama (have those words ever been said before?), Challengers is all about playing the game—and each other. Without offering spoilers, the touch of a racquet towards the film’s finale sums this up well. It’s a moment where combatants find common ground and serves (pun intended) as a crescendo to the film’s dramatic tension.
Essentially, one cannot watch that film and not be invested in that moment.
Challengers is available on Prime Video
6) ‘Staring in the Mirror’ (The Substance)
- My heart breaks for Demi Moore. While Madison is an absolutely incredible choice for Best Actress, Moore put on a career best performance in The Substance. As a woman who was too often dismissed for her ‘looks’ as an actress, Substance offered her the opportunity to take those criticisms, bear her soul and show what she can do.
All of that was on display with a simple stare into a mirror.
In the moment prior to when Moore’s character took ‘the substance’, her examination of herself and her body in the mirror is both humbling and heart-breaking. The way that she views herself is entirely established by the men in her life and her sense of self-judgment is palpable. In a few short frames, the 62-year-old Moore feels like she blends reality and fiction in one moment. “Am I too old to be beautiful?” “Who decides that?” All of these questions and more are left in a moment that remains haunting long after the credits roll.
The Substance is available on MUBI
5) ‘Let Me Entertain You’ (Better Man)
- Apparently, there’s a lot of music on the list this year. But Better Man is more than the traditional musical biopic. By swapping his character out for a chimpanzee, Robbie Williams’ story become something even more remarkable than normal. There are layers of metaphor that feel included, making it a transformational experience in moments.
And one of the biggest moments comes in Williams’ opening to his iconic performance at Knebworth. As ‘Williams’ begins his live set with ‘Let Me Entertain You’, the film evolves into a fantastical battle within Williams himself. Rather than simply ‘nail the performance’ (looking at you, Bohemian Rhapsody), we watch as Williams descends into the crowd to slay his inner demons. Matched to the song’s heated tone, the scene is wild, brutal and so, so poignant. Easily one of the best moments of the year.
Better Man is available to rent on Apple TV+
4) ‘Boardgame Iterations’ (Heretic)
- If Saw had theological implications, you’d have Heretic. This psycho-spiriitual thriller is utterly compelling from the moment that Hugh Grant opens the front door to his two guests. Blueberry Pie is the beginning of a process that attempts to systematically break down faith, eating away at the roots piece by piece.
Even so, the film’s best moment comes as Grant pulls out multiple versions of Monopoly to prove his point. Here, Grant is so positively gleeful that one can’t help but be drawn into his web of truth and lies. Not only is it a key moment in the film, its conversations feel essential in today’s post-modern world. Whether or not you’re a person of faith, Grant’s battle with his two evangelists push the conversation far beyond expected and ask questions that are difficult to answer. It’s a brilliant performance and a fantastic moment. (Available on
Heretic is available to rent on Apple TV+
3) ‘Panic Attack’ (Inside Out 2)
- Although it was a sequel, Inside Out 2 was a sequel that rivaled its predecessor in quality. By stepping into the muddy waters of puberty, the film leans into the complexity of its emotions, showing that things only get weirder as we get older. However, the film’s focus on Anxiety was a stroke of genius. With the conversations surrounding mental health stepping into the limelight in recent years, the film attempts to speak into an issue that everyone deals with at one point or another.
But Out’s climatic panic attack is so effective that the viewer simply feels it themselves. Simply put, as someone who deals with anxiety, this is the most realistic portrayal of an anxiety attack that has ever been put to screen. It’s stunning. And the way that it is resolved is beautifully handled. Inside Out as a (now) franchise has always done a good job of showcasing raw emotions as both positive and negative but this moment works on every level.
Inside Out 2 is available on Disney+
2) ‘The Car’ (Anora)
- But, frankly, no scene in 2025 leaves a mark quite like the finale of Anora. Emotionally, this is a moment of such complexity that one isn’t sure if they should respond with tears, rage or joy. If you haven’t seen the film yet (and, after it’s big win last night, you may be inclined to do so), I won’t give any spoilers here. However, it stands to reason that Anora’s final moments resonate in a way that many other films were unable to do so. As a ‘Cinderella story gone wrong’, Anora invests you emotionally from the opening scenes. Mikey Madison is a revelation, bouncing around with energy, pure joy and utter brokenness.
And all of those emotions are encompassed in the final scene.
Without telling you what happens, the film’s final moments feature a HUGE range of feelings. Love, fear, hatred, sadness, freedom. All of them bleed across the screen in a matter of minutes. It’s beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. And easily one of the year’s best moments.
Anora is available on Prime Video
1) ‘The Reveal’ (Conclave)
- Edward Berger’s Conclave is a rarity. Very few films about the ‘state of the church’ carry an energy within it that extends beyond it. In fact, Conclave doesn’t necessarily need to be placed within the walls of the Vatican in order to be effective. Though its set under the circumstances of the Pope’s passing, this could take place in a presidential election or with people fighting for a corporate job.
Having said this, it’s placement in the church absolutely challenges church culture in 2024. Torn between men who wish to progress forward and those who demand the status quo, every character seems to have their own agenda towards building the future.
However, no moment pushes the conversation further than the finale. Without giving any spoilers, the selection of the new Pope has massive implications for the church itself. Although the person may not be difficult to guess, the film’s final reveal creates deep discussions about where the Church needs to go and the nature of progress. It’s beautiful, brilliant and absolutely essential.
Conclave is available on Prime Video
