How can we explain 2024 in just a few words? The truth is, we can’t. Instead, we can take a look at some of the remarkable movies that were released this year. From nostalgic cartoons to iconic series, these films have captivated people worldwide. Let’s take a look at some of 2024’s most popular movies that connected the world of film production!
- Inside Out 2
Our first big movie of the year was Inside Out 2, which made over $1 billion worldwide in just a few months! Released in June, 2024, the sequel had been highly anticipated ever since the time of its announcement in September, 2022. The film follows our main character, Riley, and the emotions in her mind. These emotions are represented by vibrant characters and make the viewer’s feelings come alive. As Riley navigates adolescence, more challenges come her way. Ultimately, the relatability of the movie, as Riley grows through her teenage years and is introduced to foreign emotions, effectively reflects the significance of Inside Out 2.
2. Deadpool & Wolverine
Starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, this movie united two worlds in Marvel’s universe. Marvel movies have failed to disappoint, and this year’s release of Deadpool & Wolverine is no exception. Reaching sales up to $1.337 billion internationally, it’s one of the biggest hits of 2024. The story follows Deadpool, as he embarks on a quest to save his timeline, and fate happens to bring Wolverine with him. The Marvel Cinematic Universe combines a cohesive (chronological) narrative across many of their films, making it an easy story to follow for both old and new viewers.
3. Wicked
Originally a prominent Broadway show, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, the witches who first appeared in The Wizard of Oz.This movie adaptation premiered on November 22, 2024, and in its first week alone, made $214.3 million in America. The talented cast of Wicked had already played a big role in the success of the movie, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Their strong chemistry on and off camera, resulted in memorable scenes and amazingly sung songs that have exploded all over social media. Regardless of its late arrival in the year of 2024, it broke numerous records and introduced many creative trends, making it a film to remember.
4. Moana 2
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the other movies that were mentioned, you’ve definitely heard of Moana. The first Moana movie was released in 2016 and captivated audiences worldwide who waited for a sequel. This year, producers finally addressed the viewers’ anticipation and released Moana 2 on November 27, 2024. The story takes place 3 years after the events of the first movie and calls for a new path of exploration with Moana and Maui. The worldwide box office accounted for over $686 million from Moana 2 sales! “What accounted for such high sales?” you may ask. It’s exactly how much Moana 2 impacted and culturally connected the world that made up these sales. Moana 2 highlighted the importance of cultural representation and empowerment, making it an memorable movie for young audiences all across the globe.
Film production has rapidly developed, evident in all the movies released this year. These movies were able to bring entertainment and inspiration to global audiences and connect the world of film, showcasing key elements of nostalgia and identity. I highly encourage you to check one or more of these movies out, as they prominently defined the year of 2024!