2024 was one for the record books, with multiple movies breaking year long records in the theaters and on streaming services. From musical adaptations, to romantic comedies and sequels, here were our top 5 films of the year:
1. Wicked
Biggest opening ever for a film based on a Broadway show? Check. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both of whom have been nominated for Golden Globes, the Wicked movie has defied box office gravity since being released on November 22. The film follows Elphana, misunderstood because of her green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, guided by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely friendship. Part 1 featured all our favorite songs from the musical, incredible scenery and a star studded cast, including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and more. Don’t worry because Part 2, “Wicked: For Good” will be released in 2025.
2. Descendants: The Rise of Red
Descendants: The Rise of Red follows Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, played by Rita Ora, and Chloe (Malia Baker), the perfectionist daughter of Cinderella, played by Brandy Norwood. When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, the polar opposite Red and Chloe must join forces to stop her, using time travel to go back and rewrite their destinies. The movie features an incredibly close-knit and talented cast, whom we had the most fun getting to interview, and tributes to the previous Descendants films we all know and love.
3. Sidelined: The QB and Me
In Sidelined: The QB and Me, high school quarterback heartthrob Drayton, and headstrong dancer Dallas fight their feelings for each other as a post-grad future threatens to keep them apart. The film stars social media star Noah Beck, Riverdale’s Drew Ray Tanner, Dawson’s Creek’s James Van Der Beek, and Resident Evil star Siena Agudong. High school romance, chemistry between the cast, football season, and heartwarming moments are all reasons to watch the film. We interviewed cast members Siena, Tanner, Jason Fernandes and the director Justin Wu who all shared their favorite behind-the-scenes moments while filming.
4. Moana 2
One of the biggest movies of the year, Moana 2, takes place three years after the events of the first film, with Moana the first Disney princess to age. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson also reprise their roles as Moana and Maui. After receiving an unexpected call from her ancestors, Moana reunites with Maui and journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into the dangerous waters for an adventure to break Nalo’s curse. The movie pays a powerful ode to Polynesian culture and features both the same lovable characters from the original, plus many new ones, including Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda who voices Simea, Moana’s little sister and Hua Chung who voices Moni.
5. Prom Dates
Jess and Hannh go on an adventure to find last-minute prom dates to fulfill their childhood dreams in the coming–of-age comedy Prom Dates. The film stars some familiar faces in HSMTMTS Julia Lester and Ginny and Georgia’s Antonia Gentry. Featuring powerful female friendships and shenanigans, Prom Dates is the perfect movie to watch alongside your best friend. We interviewed many of the cast and creatives of the movie, including Julia and director Kim O Nguyen to learn more about their firsts while on set.
