What I love most about movies is how they can create moments that give you goosebumps. When you are so moved, tickled, or just entertained that the experience sticks in your memory, that’s what the art of film is all about. This year had its share of these moments. Whether it was a chilling scene or one that made you want to cheer, every viewer had something unforgettable to choose from this year. Before we find out what the new year has in store for us on screen, let’s enjoy the Best Movie Moments of 2024.
“Defying Gravity” — Wicked
Although I am listing these moments in random order, I want to start out on a high note. Literally. Wicked is the film version of the beloved stage musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which dramatizes the younger years of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Here she’s called Elphaba and played by Cynthia Erivo. This large-scale production splits the story in half. The finale of the first half is a show-stopping song that works as a thrilling moment of development for both Elphaba as a character and the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda (Ariana Grande). The two women began as enemies but slowly became friends, and their duet in this song demonstrates how far their relationship has come. When Elphaba’s accessories (cloak and broom to go with the hat) come together, and she takes to the air, it’s exciting. Then, when she confronts the authorities with that famous vocal run/war cry after being villainized by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and her mentor Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the film soars too.
Wicked is currently in theaters.
Paul Becomes Lisan al-Gaib— Dune Part 2
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel proved that Dune could be filmed. Part 2 provides the core scene for the central theme of the entire saga. Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) cements his evolution from sheltered aristocrat to ruthless leader (and future tyrant) when he becomes Lisan al-Gaib. He gives no credence to the prophecy that he will be a messiah figure for the Fremen people of the planet Arrakis. But circumstances change that, and Paul realizes he must take his place in the history of the universe. He does so with a rousing speech to unite Arrakis. Chalamet sells it well, especially considering part of the speech is in a made-up language. The best part of the scene may be the reaction of the other characters, though. Javier Bardem’s Stilgar is the picture of fanatic belief, Rebecca Ferguson’s Jessica can’t keep the maternal pride off her face, and Zendaya’s Chani is dismayed. She knows religious fervor is its own form of oppression. In an epic with lots of memorable moments, this one encourages you to think deeper.
Dune Part 2 is streaming on Max.
“What Kind of American Are You?” — Civil War
Apologies to the many horror films of the year but the the most disturbing scene of 2024 belongs to Alex Garland’s speculative dystopia. As a civil war wracks a future America, a group of journalists travels toward the capitol. Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, an experienced photojournalist. She and the rest of her colleagues come across independent militia disposing of bodies into mass graves. The leader, played by Jesse Plemons, waves around his automatic rifle while questioning them about where they come from. “What kind of American are you?” he asks with a casual scratch of his face. He has already shot one person of color in the group of journalists and by the time the rest of them escape, he will have killed another. His cavalier attitude toward murdering the people he considers deserving of it is truly chilling. This story is unsettling in many ways, and this scene is the most terrifying in the whole film. Due to its frightening realism and uncomfortable relevance to our current political climate, this moment is the scariest of the year.
Civil War is streaming on Max.
Teamwork and a Phone— Hit Man
Glen Powell had quite a year in 2024, and this entertaining action/comedy/romance recently garnered him a Golden Globe nomination. His performance as a professor using his expertise in disguise to help the police catch people who are trying to hire hitmen is worthy of it. This film has romance at its center, though, and one specific scene is a great tangible representation of that. Powell’s Gary and Adria Arjona’s Madison meet while he pretends to be a hitman named Ron. Their attraction is off-the-charts. As the situation unravels, Gary must try to protect Madison as the cops investigate her for the murder of her abusive ex. Gary has to wear a wire so the cops can hear but he also must warn Madison not to say anything incriminating. His solution is the Notes app on his phone. He guides her through what to say so they avoid suspicion and she picks up on it effortlessly. Their teamwork in this scene is excellent, and it really underscores the chemistry between Powell and Arjona. This scene demonstrates what the term “partnership” is all about.
Hit Man is streaming on Netflix.
The Finale— Challengers
Tennis is the prism this film uses to examine the complicated situationships between three people. Best friends and tennis players Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor) both want superstar player Tashi (Zendaya), and she is interested in both of them. Circumstances result in her dating Patrick but later marrying Art. Years pass and Art and Patrick cross paths again at a tournament. The interactions between the three of them come to a head when Art and Patrick face each other in the championship match. The visuals could not be better here, as director Luca Guadagnino films part of the match with a POV camera for the tennis ball itself as it bounces back and forth. Is this what it’s like to be Tashi in this film? Besides that, this scene is the climax of all the rich and sexy interpersonal drama. An earlier 3-way kiss scene clued the audience into the fact that this was not a love triangle. It is a true “throuple,” in which all 3 people are attracted to each other. This ending confirms that. It makes the audience feel like all the characters triumph, no matter who wins the match.
Challengers is streaming on Prime Video.
Riley Chooses Joy— Inside Out 2
Let’s finish this list with a touching and life-affirming moment. Pixar’s sequel to one of its best films is an excellent movie itself. Whereas Inside Out featured Riley (voiced here by Kensington Tallman) as an 11-year-old maturing into complex emotions, this film shows Riley starting her teenage years and learning how not to let her emotions control her. Riley goes to hockey camp for the summer. Her friends will be going to a new school in the fall without her and she desperately wants to impress people at the camp, which causes Anxiety (Maya Hawke) to take over Riley’s emotions. Anxiety kicks out Joy and the other core emotions for a while. Once Joy gets Anxiety to loosen her grip on Riley, she realizes only Riley can choose the type of person she will be. Riley’s innate goodness prevails. Her core personality is complex but when Riley shuts her eyes to enjoy the warmth of the sun coming in the window, a trail of sparkles leads from her brain’s control center to Joy. “Joy, Riley wants you,” Sadness (Phyllis Smith) says. I think that reminder– that we can all choose positivity sometimes– is one we all need.
Inside Out 2 is streaming on Disney Plus.
Did you love these moments too? Are there more Best Movie Moments of 2024?
