If you know me, you know I love movies. If you really know me, you know I love talking about movies just as much as I love watching them! I even get to minor in Film at Fairfield University so I can talk about movies in class all the time! As an avid Letterboxd user (a platform that allows you to review and log the films you watch), I realized I watched 66 films in 2024, which means I watched over 100 hours of cinema this year! I discovered old films I’ve never seen before and some really great new ones! Narrowing it down was tough, but here are my top 10 favorites from the year!

1. The Substance

The Substance, which came out in September, left my jaw on the floor; Demi Moore was awesome. It’s a gripping psychological drama that explores the line between science and morality. I’ve never seen a movie quite like this one–what a shocking take on the insane beauty standards forced onto women. If you can handle gore and needles and want to be left thinking for days like me, I definitely recommend it.

2. Cinema Paradiso

It was a Sunday in August and I was walking down Post Road at 3:58. I saw the SHU Community Theater was playing Cinema Paradiso at 4 and made the impulsive decision to buy a ticket and see what it was all about. From the moment I began watching, this 1988 Italian became one of my instant favorites! The film follows a filmmaker reflecting on his childhood in a small village, where his love for film was sparked by a kind projectionist. EVERYONE should see this movie! I am sure glad I did!

Photo Cred: The American Society of Cinematographers

3. Thelma

95-year-old June Squibb stars as Thelma, an old woman who fell for a phone scam which cost her $10,000. She rounds up her friend and his motorized scooter and begins the journey to reclaim what was taken from her. I would describe it as “Geriatric Top Gun”. Thelma was super wholesome and funny!

4. The Iron Claw

Iron Claw is a powerful sports biopic that tells the true story of the Von Erich wrestling family. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, showing their incredible triumphs and heartbreaking tragedies both in and out of the ring. Zac Efron’s performance was so raw and moving that I couldn’t stop thinking about it after the first watch—I actually went back to the theater and saw it two days in a row. I cried both times. It’s just one of those films that sticks with you.

5. Daytrippers

I was browsing Max one day and came across the 1996 film Daytrippers. I didn’t know what to expect since the description only read “The distraught Eliza turns to her tight-knit Long Island family for advice.” I was pleasantly surprised by the clever writing and unique storyline–the story follows Eliza, who found a mysterious love letter addressed to her husband, and her family, who all travel to New York City in an attempt to catch him in the act. It’s rare that I actually laugh out loud while watching a movie alone, but I was literally LOLing at some of the quotes.

6. Quiz Lady

Quiz Lady is another HILARIOUS one to watch. Awkwafina and Sandra Oh play two very different sisters who find themselves forced to work together to cover their mom’s gambling debts. Things take an unexpected turn when Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped, sending them on a crazy, unpredictable road trip to come up with the money. Along the way, they face wild challenges, but also manage to reconnect and remind each other what family really means. I watched it with my sister and mom–I would 100% recommend watching with a family member.

7. It’s What’s Inside

Another 2024 mind-bender, It’s What’s Inside follows a pre-wedding reunion that takes a dark turn when a surprise guest arrives with a mysterious suitcase. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the story spirals into a psychological nightmare filled with twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!

8. The Holdovers

It’s hard to believe it came out in 2023—it’s like watching a classic. This bittersweet drama follows an irritable teacher and a rebellious student stuck together at a boarding school over the holidays. As their unlikely bond grows, the film weaves warmth, humor, and healing into a story that feels so timeless and cozy–I love The Holdovers because although it does feel like a Christmassy-holiday movie, you really can watch it at any time.

9. Dinner in America

Dinner in America is intense, weird, heartfelt, and funny. It’s about the journey of a punk rocker on the run and a quirky girl that unexpectedly fall for each other, setting off on a wild, messy journey through the crumbling suburbs of the Midwest. Who knew that “You are punk as f*ck,” would hit as one of the most romantic lines ever?

10. My Old Ass

A sharp, humorous, and unexpectedly moving exploration of aging and identity. With its witty On her 18th birthday, free-spirited Elliott’s mushroom trip brings her face-to-face with her hilarious 39-year-old self, forcing her to rethink everything about love, family, and her transformative summer. This 2024 film blends humor and emotion, delivering a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest, with standout performances and unforgettable moments like the Bieber scene. If you know, you know.

I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings to the screen, and you can bet I’ll be logging every moment! If you watch any of these films, shoot a DM to @inafairfieldminute or @monvar on Instagram! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy watching !

-Monica

I WATCHED 66 MOVIES IN 2024…HERE WERE MY 10 FAVS!