Favorite Movie and TV Moments of 2024

Happy Friday, friends —

I watched 113 movies in 2024. I rate them and write brief reactions in Letterboxd right after I watch them and these were my highest rated movies of the year:

Below I sum up my favorite moments of the year, but I warn you: The clips below are out of context and spoilery. Proceed at your own risk.

Favorite Movie Moments - 2024 releases

Fall Guy - All Too Well

Ryan Gosling crying to All Too Well had me in stitches. My favorite Taylor Swift song set to a romantic montage almost had me crying. With laughter.

Rebel Ridge - PACE

This moment is so satisfying. Terry Richmond, desperate and at the end of his rope, finally fights back against the corrupt cops that stole his cash and thwarted his plan to help his cousin. When I finally convinced Jenny to watch this with me, her reaction to this moment was priceless.

Challengers ending

I’m fascinated with this entire film - the structure, cinematography, music, acting, visual effects, everything! It is a case study in originality and visual art. This final scene, which shouldn’t be watched out of context, is electrifying and kinetic. More movies should end with men hugging.

Woman of the Hour parking lot scene

Not necessarily a horror film, but Woman of the Hour was one of the scariest movies I watched this year. I love the line “I’m not going anywhere with you.” The shot of Kendrick being slowly pursued across the parking lot is the stuff of nightmares.

Furiosa attack on the war rig

While this scene is an impressive piece of action filmmaking, I love it for the way the two leads look at each other. I enjoyed seeing the trust, understanding, and devotion passing between the characters using no dialogue.

Inside Out 2 hugging Riley’s sense of self

I can’t find a clip that isn’t bootlegged, but this is a powerful moment. All the emotions gather around Riley’s sense of self and hug it. Once again the answer is more hugs.

Favorite Movie Moments - pre 2024 releases

Groundhog Day (1993). Watched on the plane home from Japan and while there is something about watching a movie on a plane that hits different, this movie is also perfect. It is wholesome and made me want to live each day with attentiveness.

Midnight Run (1988) was a fun surprise, especially the moment when Robert De Niro flashed his badge in the shower so the dog couldn’t get him.

The Terminator (1984). A fun memory as I misled several friends into believing my birthday was in August so that they’d join me at the theater for the 40th anniversary re-relase. I’m glad I got to see it in a theater with friends even if none of them trust me anymore.

Best TV Moment

One Piece (live action on Netflix). The latest inductee to my “Unforgettable TV Moments” hall of fame is this scene from One Piece. I love Inaki Godoy’s performance in the entire series, but his quiet indignation in this scene, which then bursts out of him as he screams “of course I will!” captures Luffy’s exuberance, loyalty, and passion. My entire family was charmed by this series, which we watched while on vacation in Japan.

The 2024 Backlog in order of priority:

Wicked, Nickel Boys, Sing Sing, His Three Daughters, The Brutalist, Conclave, Anora, Juror #2, The Bikeriders, Here.

2025 Most Anticipated

I’m a sucker for Superman and Ethan Hunt. These trailers are incredible and while I doubt the movies will live up to the hype, I will enjoy the hype for now.

Thanks for reading! What movies or TV did you love this year?

Kyle