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Netflix dominated 2024 with a lineup of films that hit hard and left a lasting impression. Hit Man brought an unexpected blend of action and humor, flipping the assassin trope on its head. His Three Daughters was an emotional gut-punch, diving deep into family dynamics with performances that stuck.
The gritty thriller Rebel Ridge kept the tension cranked up, while Carry-On delivered edge-of-your-seat suspense in an airport setting like never before.
On the lighter side, Good Grief gave a heartfelt, quirky take on loss. Woman of the Hour turned a chilling true story into a gripping, can't-look-away drama. Society of the Snow captured survival like few films have, balancing beauty and despair.
Maestro dazzled with its portrayal of artistry and passion, while The Remarkable Life of Johnathan Fennel inspired with its sweeping narrative. Rounding it out, Hot Frosty brought unexpected warmth to a wintery comedy.
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Overall, Netflix had an outstanding run this past year, and 2025 is looking promising with releases like Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Here's an in-depth look into what made these 10 movies stand out from the year's other releases.
Note: This list is made after taking into account ratings from Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and fan reviews from Letterboxd.
Hit Man, His Three Daughters, and 8 other Netflix movies released in 2024
1) Hit Man
Hit Man was the surprise knockout in Netflix’s 2024 lineup. Directed by Richard Linklater, this dark comedy followed Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor-turned-undercover assassin, played to perfection by Glen Powell. Adria Arjona brought charm and edge as Maddy, a fiery journalist who becomes Gary’s unexpected partner in crime.
The film stood out with its sharp writing, blending laugh-out-loud moments with nail-biting tension. It flipped genre expectations, balancing absurdity with genuine emotion. Stylish action sequences and witty banter kept audiences hooked, while Powell’s magnetic performance solidified Hit Man as one of Netflix's most unforgettable releases of the year.
2) His Three Daughters
His Three Daughters was a raw, intimate standout in Netflix’s 2024 slate. Penned and directed by Azazel Jacobs, the movie delved into the poignant reunion of three distant sisters tending to their ailing father. Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen showcased remarkable performances as the trio, each infusing a blend of sorrow, humor, and repressed tension into their roles.
The film’s strength lay in its authenticity—every argument, every laugh, every shared silence felt real. Beautifully shot in a single apartment, it turned a confined space into a stage for catharsis, cementing His Three Daughters as a quietly unforgettable Netflix gem.
3) Rebel Ridge
Rebel Ridge is an intense Netflix crime thriller that keeps audiences in suspense. Helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, recognized for Green Room, the movie features Aaron Pierre in the role of Terry Richmond, a former Marine caught up in a corrupt local police department. Don Johnson provides a remarkable performance as Chief Sandy Burnne, the villain.
The situation becomes more complicated when Terry's effort to secure bail for his cousin results in a violent confrontation, revealing profound corruption. Critics have touted it as the finest action film of the year, commending its gripping storyline and captivating performances.
4) Carry-On
Carry-On was an intense thrill ride that made Netflix's lineup for 2024 remarkable. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the movie centered on TSA agent Ethan Kopek, portrayed by Taron Egerton, who is coerced into permitting a hazardous package on a festive flight. Egerton added complexity to a character torn between obligation and survival, while Jason Bateman excelled as the enigmatic antagonist orchestrating events.
Set in a confined airport environment with unyielding speed, Carry-On maintained viewers' tension throughout its entirety. The movie's combination of clever plot twists, thrilling action, and incisive dialogue established it as an essential viewing in Netflix's remarkable 2024 offerings.
5) Good Grief
Good Grief achieved an ideal harmony between deep emotion and hilarious comedy, establishing it as one of the top films of 2024. Helmed by Dan Levy, who played the role of Marc, the narrative centered on a man dealing with the death of his closest friend. Featuring an outstanding ensemble, including Ruth Negga and Luke Evans, the film transformed grief into a profoundly human and frequently comedic journey of recovery.
Its clever dialogue and touching scenes strike the perfect chords, crafting a narrative that connects with viewers. By mixing authentic vulnerability with clever humor, Good Grief quickly became a hit.
6) Maestro
Maestro, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, explores the complex relationship between Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. Cooper and Carey Mulligan deliver powerful performances, capturing the tension between fame, love, and sacrifice. More than a story about music, the film offers a heartfelt, intimate portrait of two lives intertwined by brilliance and struggle, leaving a lasting impression.
7) Woman of the Hour
Woman of the Hour is the type of movie that will leave audiences in awe. This true-crime thriller, featuring Anna Kendrick as both director and lead, reveals the disturbing narrative of a 1970s dating program and its ties to the infamous serial killer, Rodney Alcala. Kendrick portrays Cheryl Bradshaw, the unaware woman who selects Alcala as her date on The Dating Game.
Daniel Zovatto perfectly captures the unsettling atmosphere as Alcala, while Tony Hale and Nicolette Robinson contribute to the suspense. With its gripping narrative and remarkable performances, it's easy to see why this Netflix treasure turned into a must-watch in 2024.
8) Ultraman: Rising
Ultraman: Rising is a vibrant, action-packed reboot that’s sure to hook both old and new fans. Directed by Shannon Tindle, this flick follows Ken Sato, a former baseball star turned reluctant superhero, who steps into his father’s gigantic boots as Ultraman. Voiced by Christopher Sean, Ken's transformation from an unsure athlete to a heroic protector is as inspiring as it is exciting.
The animation pops with color and energy, bringing the iconic character into a new, visually stunning world. What makes it a fan favorite? It’s the perfect blend of thrilling action and heart, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package.
9) The Shadow Strays
The Shadow Strays is a 2024 Indonesian action crime thriller directed by Timo Tjahjanto. The film follows Codename 13, a 17-year-old assassin suspended after a failed mission in Japan. During her suspension, she encounters Monji, an 11-year-old boy who has just lost his mother. As she becomes entangled in his plight, she faces a moral dilemma that challenges her lethal training.
Aurora Ribero delivers a compelling performance as Codename 13, supported by a strong cast including Hana Malasan as Umbra and Taskya Namya as Soriah. The film's thrilling action scenes and profound emotion have received critical praise, establishing it as a highlight in 2024's offerings.
10) Orion and the Dark
Orion and the Dark is a 2024 animated fantasy adventure that invites audiences on a touching journey within a child's imagination. Helmed by Sean Charmatz and written by Charlie Kaufman, the movie tracks young Orion as he faces his fears at night with assistance from Dark, a lovable, enormous being. Jacob Tremblay portrays Orion, providing a performance that embodies the character's bravery and innocence.
Paul Walter Hauser brings Dark alive, imbuing the character with charm and wit. The film's remarkable animation and captivating plot have garnered it praise from critics, establishing it as a highlight in 2024's offerings.
2024 has been a remarkable year for Netflix, with its lineup of original films offering something for every taste. From heart-pounding thrillers to touching animations, these 10 films prove that Netflix continues to lead the charge in delivering exceptional cinema.
