COVER STORY
While 2024 saw its share of original films and stand-alone stories, the true crowd-pullers this year were sequels and franchise entries. These films not only rekindled the magic of their predecessors but also captivated audiences with fresh twists and compelling narratives. Let’s delve into the top-grossing movies of 2024 and uncover the elements that resonated with cinephiles worldwide.
Acrossover fans never saw coming, but one that delivered beyond expectations, Deadpool & Wolverine became one of the standout cinematic events of 2024. Since Logan’s death in the X-Men series, fans—including myself—had yearned for Wolverine’s return. The trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine ignited hope and excitement, and the movie itself didn’t disappoint.
The plot follows Deadpool, who is recruited by the Time Variance Authority to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. True to form, he defies expectations by enlisting a Wolverine variant to help save his universe from extinction. The combination of Deadpool’s irreverent humour and Wolverine’s intensity resulted in an unforgettable cinematic experience. With action-packed sequences, witty dialogues, and heartfelt moments, the film masterfully blended comedy and drama, making it a must-watch of 2024 and a memorable chapter in superhero cinema.
Following the immense success of Inside Out, its sequel was eagerly awaited. The original explored Riley Andersen’s five personified emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—while Inside Out 2 takes a deeper dive into the mind of a teenager, delving into the intricate emotional landscape of adolescence. New emotions, including Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui, make their debut, reflecting the added complexities and struggles of adolescence.
The film centers on Joy’s struggle to maintain balance amidst these evolving emotions while helping Riley navigate the anxieties of fitting in. With its heartwarming storyline and relatable themes, Inside Out 2 lives up to its legacy.
The Despicable Me franchise has charmed audiences since its inception, and this year’s installment was no exception. In Despicable Me 4, Gru, his wife Lucy, and their daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family—Gru Jr.—a mischievous addition intent on tormenting his dad. As Gru faces a cunning new nemesis, Maxime Le Mal, and his equally devious girlfriend Valentina, the family is forced to go on the run, leading to a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures.
Packed with laugh-out-loud humour, heartfelt family moments, and the ever-lovable minions, the film stays true to the franchise’s essence while exploring fresh dynamics. Though fans might still favour the original, this sequel is a delightful continuation.
Following the destruction of House Atreides by House Harkonnen, Princess Irulan, daughter of Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV, chronicles her father’s betrayal of the Atreides in her journal. In this movie, Paul Atreides unites with the Fremen, embarking on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Torn between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, Paul strives to avert a terrible future.
Dune: Part Two was a visual treat, and the point where it ended left us wanting more. The movie balances intricate politics with breathtaking visuals, delivering yet another masterpiece in the saga.
Currently running in our theaters, Moana 2 was released in November in the rest of the world and, in less than a month, soared into the top 10 grossing movies of the year. Having said that, this success didn’t come as a surprise. The original Moana was a beauty and a delight to watch.
With Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and the demigod Maui, respectively, Moana 2 takes us on another adventurous journey, exploring uncharted seas and uncovering the hidden stories buried within them. Even if you find the story similar to the original movie, it still rides high on stunning animation and exciting adventures.
For fans of animation, Moana 2 is an absolute must-watch, suitable for audiences of all ages.
No matter how many movies are made about Godzilla or King Kong, these iconic characters always hit the right notes and stand out among the long list of releases in any given year. In this latest installment, two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and the hidden mysteries of Skull Island.
Where in their individual movies you find so much action and thrill, imagine bringing them together in one frame and what a rollercoaster it would create. With its epic battles and intriguing plot, this movie is a must-watch for fans of either titan or anyone seeking non-stop thrills and breathtaking visuals.
Our cute, fluffy dragon warrior is back this year. Come on, admit it—we all love Po. The last time we saw him was in 2016, as he embraced his new role at the restored Jade Palace, training the pandas and a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress schemes to re-summon all the master villains Po has previously vanquished to the spirit realm.
Like all the previous movies in the franchise, Kung Fu Panda 4 will touch your heart and leave a smile on your face as it ends, leaving you craving for more installments in the franchise. Po has never disappointed us before, and it doesn’t seem like he plans to start now.
Tom Hardy, no doubt, has made Venom franchise a success. Though the story is not a unique one, Tom Hardy with his performance and action sets, makes Venom a thrilling watch.
When journalist Eddie Brock’s body merges with the alien villain Venom, he gains superhuman strength and incredible powers. Venom: The Last Dance is the third installment in the franchise, where Eddie Brock learns to grapple with the challenges of coexisting with Venom. In this movie, Eddie Brock and Venom must make a devastating decision as they’re pursued by a mysterious military man and alien monsters from Venom’s home world.
Tom Hardy’s charisma is the driving force behind the success of the Venom franchise. While the story may not be groundbreaking, Hardy’s powerful performance, coupled with intense action sequences, makes Venom: The Last Dance a thrilling and entertaining watch for fans of the anti-hero saga.
Although it did not make it to the top-grossing movies of the year worldwide, we must acknowledge the impressive work that emerged from Pakistan in 2024. Gen Z or Gen X might not be familiar with the character of UmroAyyar, the mischievous thief and warrior, but he is someone the boomers and millennials are quite familiar with. The film is based on the classic Urdu-Persian novel Hamzanama and its legendary character Umro Ayyar, a figure from Tilsm-e-Hoshruba. Bringing this character to life and introducing him to a new generation was a bold move by the filmmakers, but it worked in their favor.
Starring Usman Mukhtar as the protagonist, supported by Sanam Saeed, Ali Kazmi, Sarmad Sehbai, and Faran Ali Tahir as the antagonist, Umro Ayyar checked all the right boxes for Pakistan’s first superhero movie. There were initial concerns about the heavy reliance on VFX for a fantasy-action genre, given the limited experience of Pakistani cinema in this domain. Yet, Umro Ayyar turned out to be a pleasant surprise, excelling in graphics, action, and performances.
The cameo by Hamza Ali Abbasi hinted at the possibility of an exciting sequel, instantly building anticipation for what’s to come.
Set in the 90s, Na Baligh Afraad focuses on the lives of two teenage brothers, Mazhar and Fakar, played by Aashir Wajahat and Samar Jafri, respectively, as they navigate their desire to grow up quickly. The movie is directed by Nabeel Qureshi, and like nearly all his films, it is rooted in the middle-class experience of our country. For those who grew up in the 90s, there is also a strong sense of nostalgia attached to the movie.
Both Aashir Wajahat and Samar Jafri have proven their talent, showcasing the potential these young actors possess so early in their careers. Aadi Adeel Amjad, playing their cousin, has got his comic timing on point and adds great value to the duo. Na Baligh Afraad is fresh, fun, and immensely entertaining.
Pakistan’s first hand-drawn 2D animation movie, The Glassworker, was released in July this year. Directed by Usman Riaz, who co-wrote the script with Moya O’Shea, The Glassworker revolves around two young protagonists, Vincent and Alliz, who are connected through their love for art. The story beautifully captures their growth, struggles, and the complexities of their relationship in a world overshadowed by war and personal challenges.
The movie has been widely appreciated by both critics and moviegoers for its storyline, animation, and graphics. It has set new benchmarks in the Pakistani animation industry and stands as an exemplary blend of emotions and art.
