Our resident critic, Alex Maidy, has meticulously compiled a ranking of the most overrated and underrated films of 2024, shedding light on the opinions that differ from mainstream critical reception. This year has been filled with cinematic surprises, offering a rollercoaster of box office hits and flops. As we examine the film landscape, it’s evident that some movies were unjustly celebrated while others were overlooked. In my role as the UnPopular Opinion Guy, I felt compelled to share my insights on the films that the audience seemed to misjudge. Brace yourself for some surprising picks that might challenge your own views. If you have differing opinions, I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. After all, every perspective is valid, and I’m merely sharing my own.

As we approach the conclusion of 2024, it’s essential to reflect on the various cinematic experiences we’ve encountered throughout the year. From unexpected box office triumphs to films that failed to make a significant impact, the landscape of cinema has been both vibrant and unpredictable. With a plethora of films released this year, some have garnered excessive praise while others have been unjustly overlooked. My role as the UnPopular Opinion Guy is to dissect these films and present a list of titles that I believe the general public misjudged. Some selections may surprise or even infuriate you, but they represent my genuine opinions on the films of 2024. I encourage you to express your thoughts in the comments below; after all, the value of your opinion cannot be overstated.

Discover the Hidden Gems: The Most Underrated Films of 2024

Experience the Visual Masterpiece: Here

Renowned director Robert Zemeckis has faced considerable criticism for his innovative approach to cinematic technology, particularly in his earlier works like The Polar Express, Pinocchio, and Beowulf, which many felt ventured too deep into the unsettling realm of motion capture. However, in his more recent films such as Flight and The Walk, Zemeckis has produced stunning visuals that captivate audiences. His latest project, Here, reunites him with Forrest Gump collaborators Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and screenwriter Eric Roth. This film offers a breathtaking exploration of life across generations, tracing a timeline from the age of dinosaurs to modern times, all centered in a single location. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel, Here employs sophisticated visual effects and de-aging technology, which has sparked debate among viewers. With a talented ensemble cast, including Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly, Here serves as a heartfelt tribute to the passage of time and human connection.

Unleash the Action: Argylle

After successfully rebooting the X-Men franchise with First Class and bringing the Kingsman comics to life in a trilogy, director Matthew Vaughn embarked on an ambitious journey to create an original franchise with Argylle. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Sam Rockwell and Bryce Dallas Howard, alongside Henry Cavill, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, and Dua Lipa, Argylle failed to connect with audiences both in theaters and upon its release on AppleTV+. This film combines Vaughn’s signature vibrant visuals with a storyline that lacks the explicit content found in Kingsman or Kick-Ass. Despite its challenges, Argylle offers an exhilarating ride filled with unconventional action sequences and a wicked sense of humor. With hints of a potential crossover with the Kingsman universe, it deserves a second chance for audiences seeking a fun, action-packed experience.

Action-Packed Thrills: Rebel Ridge

Initially, Jeremy Saulnier had envisioned John Boyega in the lead role for Rebel Ridge, but when the actor exited just before production commenced, Aaron Pierre stepped in, delivering an exceptional performance alongside veteran actor Don Johnson. This film marks Saulnier’s most accessible project to date, packed with gripping action sequences that showcase Pierre’s talent, potentially paving the way for his casting as Jon Stewart in the upcoming DC Studios venture, Lanterns. Don Johnson shines as a corrupt police officer, creating a captivating dynamic with his formidable opponent, Pierre. Although this film may not have garnered the theatrical success it deserves, it has found a new audience on Netflix, where viewers can finally appreciate its intense storytelling and remarkable performances.

A Bold Return: Joker: Folie A Deux

Todd Phillips’ original Joker was crafted as a tribute to the raw, gritty storytelling reminiscent of early Martin Scorsese films. Despite receiving numerous critical accolades, many viewers dismissed it as mere imitation of Scorsese’s work. Following the tremendous box office success of the first film, expectations soared for the sequel, Folie A Deux, yet it faced harsh criticism from both fans and critics. This dark musical sequel chronicles Arthur Fleck’s descent into villainy, and unfortunately, it has been unjustly criticized by those unwilling to embrace its unique approach. While some may argue that Lady Gaga’s role is underwhelming, the sheer ambition of this film to explore uncharted territory in the comic book genre is commendable. Joaquin Phoenix continues to delve into the complexities of Arthur’s character while showcasing his musical abilities, making this sequel one of the most unconventional adaptations in the comic book realm.

Holiday Adventure Awaits: Red One

Despite a lukewarm reception at the box office, Red One, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, emerged as the biggest debut in Prime Video history. In this festive action-comedy, Johnson reunites with director Jake Kasdan from Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to deliver a film rich in humor and heartfelt holiday messages. The plot weaves in mythological elements involving Krampus and other supernatural beings, creating a potential foundation for a new film franchise. By blending contemporary Christmas narratives with elements reminiscent of DreamWorks’ Rise of the Guardians and The Incredibles, Red One showcases Johnson in a more nuanced role while allowing Evans to break away from his Captain America persona. The film surprises with its charm and wit, making it a delightful addition to the holiday movie lineup.

Examining the Hype: The Most Overrated Films of 2024

Analyzing the Glen Powell Phenomenon: 5 Anything With Glen Powell

In a nod to Mean Girls, it’s time to reconsider the hype surrounding Glen Powell. The actor gained recognition with his role in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, followed by the release of his romantic comedy with Sydney Sweeney, Anyone But You, last Christmas. Since then, Powell has headlined Richard Linklater’s Hit Man and Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters, with numerous leading roles on the horizon. Despite his undeniable charm, I find his meteoric rise to stardom perplexing. While he is a competent actor, his performances often lack the distinctive qualities that would set him apart from his peers. The insistence on labeling him as the next big star is premature, as he has yet to demonstrate the depth or versatility required to attain such a title.

Reimagining a Classic: Gladiator II

Musician Nick Cave’s original concept for a sequel to Gladiator promised to be an audacious continuation, envisioning a narrative where Maximus journeys through the afterlife, confronting historical events like the Crusades and both World Wars. While such a premise would have been groundbreaking, Ridley Scott’s actual sequel feels more like a rehash of the original rather than a fresh narrative. Although Paul Mescal is a talented actor, his portrayal fails to capture the magnetic charisma that Russell Crowe brought to the role of Maximus. Instead, Gladiator II appears to center more on Denzel Washington’s character, Macrinus, yet it struggles to carve out a unique identity, often feeling like an unambitious update of the 2000 Academy Award-winning film. Additionally, the subpar visual effects, especially in the early battle scenes, further detract from its status as a worthy successor.

Dissecting the Controversy: Challengers

Director Luca Guadagnino’s dual releases in 2018, Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria, showcased his ability to capture both critical acclaim and polarizing reactions. In 2024, he faced a similar fate with Challengers and Queer. While Queer has been celebrated as one of the year’s finest films, Challengers has struggled to find its place in the conversation. This melodrama attempts to explore themes of eroticism but ultimately falls flat, failing to leverage Zendaya’s considerable talents effectively. Furthermore, its narrative bears a resemblance to a plot twist previously employed by Alfonso Cuarón in Y Tu Mamá También. While Challengers is not inherently a bad film, its frequent designation as a top contender feels exaggerated and perhaps undeserved given its underwhelming execution.

Reinterpreting Horror: Nosferatu

My anticipation for Robert Eggers’ reinterpretation of the iconic silent film Nosferatu was immense, as it featured a remarkable cast that promised to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience. However, I found myself deeply underwhelmed by the final product. While Nosferatu excels in production quality and features a captivating musical score, it ultimately fails to stand out. Eggers’ decision to return to the roots of vampire lore feels almost repetitive, echoing Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Dracula. Despite the commendable performances of actors like Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp, the film lacks the innovative storytelling necessary to reinvigorate the genre. The much-anticipated reveal of Count Orlok’s appearance did not live up to expectations, leaving me disappointed in what should have been an extraordinary reimagining of a horror classic.

Assessing the Musical Adaptation: Wicked

Despite the widespread expectation that Wicked would dominate the box office, the level of critical acclaim it received was somewhat surprising. Having experienced both the stage production and the film adaptation, I admire Jon M. Chu’s ability to retain the musical’s grandeur while creating a visually immersive world that transcends theatrical limitations. While Wicked is indeed an enjoyable film, its status as one of the year’s best or a