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Jan '25
2024 is in the books, and I can’t believe we’re already halfway through January in 2025. One thing I did last year was use an app called Letterboxd to track what movies I watched in 2024. I’ve always wanted a way to track my movies similar to how I track books on Goodreads, but never knew what app to use. Well when my co-worker told me about Letterboxd the first week in February I was so excited and immediately started logging the films I watched.
For several years, I would write a blog post that was a movie guide for the films that had been released the previous year. I would include categories such as “Must see for everyone,” “Must see for the Action Adventure Fan,” or “Must see for the music lover.”
This year instead of giving you a guide to movies that came out in 2024, I thought I would rank some of the movies I watched in 2024.
Letterboxd gave me my summary of the year in Spotify Wrapped style, but I thought it would be fun to leave my thoughts on a few of the films.
I watched 56 films last year. Only 25 were a first time watch, so about 44%. I think that percentage is low because I watched all 8 Harry Potter movies in the fall and a number of Christmas movies in December. For the sake of this blog, I’m only going to focus on the films that were a first time watch for me this past year.
Least favorite film of the year: Poor Things
I’m sorry to anyone who liked this film. It was just too weird for me and too much gross sex. I was worried during the Oscars ceremony that this would win best picture, so I was very relieved when it was Oppenheimer.
Film I thought I would hate, but enjoyed: Parasite
I watched this one with my movie club, and watching it in a group definitely helped me like it more. I’m not a thriller or horror fan because it’s usually too stressful for me, but watching it with a group was nice because I wasn’t the only one stressed. I liked it more than I would have thought.
Best animated film: Inside Out 2
I didn’t watch a lot of animated films this year, but Inside Out 2 was SO GOOD! I almost think it’s better than the first one. Movie club watched this altogether in the theater which made the experience so fun! I loved all the themes throughout and how they are able to capture what it feels like to be a teen. The visualization of the panic attack was absolutely brilliant and spot on for how a panic attack feels. Our movie club discussion afterward was also great! I saw a lot of practical ways to apply learnings from this film to my own life. One example is that anxiety isn’t a feeling to be banished away, but it needs care and attention so it doesn’t get out of control.
One of my favorite new releases for 2024: We Live in Time
This movie with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield was so beautiful and emotional. I really enjoyed watching it and I’m sad it didn’t get more buzz. I would highly recommend it!
Film that surprised me the most: Wicked
I had heard some songs from the Broadway musical Wicked, but I had never seen the stage production or really knew anything about the story. I was actually annoyed with how much Wicked press I was getting on social media and had decided I wouldn’t go see the film since so many musical to movie adaptations are not great. But my best friend saw the movie and loved it, so I decided to give it a watch. I absolutely fell in love with the film and the story. I still don’t know what happens in part 2, and I’m trying to keep it that way until November, so no spoilers please. But I truly loved this movie! The story captivated me from the beginning and I was so surprised to learn that Galinda wasn’t truly good, and Elphaba wasn’t truly wicked. The sets, the costumes, the songs. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack non-stop and can’t wait for part 2.
Honorable Mention: A Complete Unknown
What a great movie! The music throughout was incredible, and definitely worth seeing in theaters so you get the full auditory experience of the music. What I learned is that Bob Dylan was a weird dude, but I guess weird often equals great art. I’m fascinated by the 1960s and 70s so this was a fun one. Would highly recommend it to anyone who loves music.
There you have it! A quick recap of 6 movies that were new to me in 2024! What are you watching or looking forward to in 2025?