Films Watched (and Ranked) in 2024
Japanese and Korean films dominate, and man were they good
Movies Watched from Best to Worst (2024)
This year, David and I continued our journey through classic, contemporary, and international cinema. It takes a lot for us to rate a film a “10” or even a “9,” but a few managed to make the cut. A rating of “8” is high for us, and we explain why below. However, don’t overlook films we rate “7.” While not perfect, they’re still solid and worth watching.
JAPANESE FILMS
While Japanese films have been at the top of our viewing list for decades (with Seven Samurai and The Human Condition remaining on my favorite-films-of-all-time list), we pursued even more as we planned our first trip to Japan!
We re-watched Sansho the Bailiff, as it’s one of the most beautiful movies ever made and remains a 9.0 in our opinion. We also sought out more of Miyazaki’s films, including Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle (though Princess Mononoke remains my favorite, with My Neighbor Totoro a close second).
Perfect Days is a near-perfect movie (directed by the incomparable Wim Wenders), and Shoplifters, directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, inspired us to see more films by him like Nobody Knows and Like Father, Like Son (which we plan to do in 2025).
We finally watched Tampopo in anticipation of our ramen experience in Japan. There was one scene where I had to close my eyes, and throughout the film, I had to set aside my disgust and sadness around animal consumption. But, despite that, the film is a fun parody of spaghetti westerns (it’s been called a “noodle western”) and it offers a sharp commentary on foodie and ramen culture in Japan.
KOREAN FILMS
Although I tend to shy away from the Korean horror films that dominate the country’s cinema, there are still plenty of incredible films from Korea that were an absolute joy to watch this year. As you can see below, one of them (1987) ranked as high as a 9.0 on our list, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was worried about watching Oldboy because of a scene that depicts animal cruelty; and my disgust over that scene notwithstanding, it’s a stellar film that I’m glad I finally saw. Another Korean film we really liked was Mother, directed by Bong Joon-ho, but my favorite film of his remains Memories of Murder, which we saw a few years ago and ranked 8.0.
While I Saw the Devil felt like excessive revenge exploitation, one of my favorite Korean films we watched this year was A Man from Nowhere.
GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO SERIES
While we had seen the American adaptation of the first book in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy, it was the Swedish versions that captivated us. Released in 2009, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the other films all center around the unforgettable Lisbeth Salander, played by Noomi Rapace, and we just fell in love with her. While the American remake of the first installment was decent, it’s the Swedish version we wholeheartedly recommend.
So, enjoy the list. I provided a short synopsis of all the films ranked, 9, 8, and 7. Let me know your favorites, and of course let me know what you think of any of the movies I’ve featured.
FILMS WE RANKED 9.0
The Death of Yugoslavia (1995)
This documentary miniseries chronicles the political and military events leading to the breakup of Yugoslavia, providing firsthand accounts from key figures involved in the conflict. 9.0
1987: When the Day Comes (2017)
Set during South Korea’s 1987 democratic uprising, this film follows a student activist’s death and the subsequent efforts to expose government corruption and bring justice. 9.0
Sansho the Bailiff (1954)
A heartbreaking period drama about a family torn apart by slavery and injustice in feudal Japan, as two children seek to reunite with their mother. 9.0
FILMS WE RANKED 8.0
Time of the Gypsies (1988)
A magical realist drama from director Emir Kusturica about a young Romani boy with supernatural powers, navigating a life filled with love, betrayal, and tragedy. 8.0
Oldboy (2003)
A man (Choi Min-sik) is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and then released, only to embark on a quest for revenge that uncovers a complex web of intrigue. Directed by Park Chan-wook. 8.0
Lady Vengeance (2005), also directed by Park Chan-wook, is a visually stunning, creatively whimsical film about a woman seeking revenge after being wrongfully imprisoned. Lee Young-ae delivers a tour de force performance, blending dark humor and suspense. While it’s a masterful mix of beauty and drama, its quirky style may not appeal to everyone. (Both films are part of Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy, which also includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance [2002].) 8.0
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment (1963)
This documentary-style film gives an intimate view of President John F. Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing behind-the-scenes decisions during a tense period in history. 8.0
Miss Julie (1951)
A psychological drama based on August Strindberg’s play, depicting a destructive affair between a young aristocratic woman and her father’s servant. 8.0
Open Range (2003)
A Western about two cattle ranchers who fight to protect their land and livelihood from a corrupt rancher, starring Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall. 8.0
Two Men in Town (1973)
A tense French crime drama about a man who is released from prison and seeks to build a new life, only to be pursued by a determined sheriff. Starring Alain Delon and Jean Gabin. 8.0
The Man from Nowhere (2010)
A South Korean action thriller directed by Lee Jeong-beom, the film follows a former special agent, played by Won Bin, who embarks on a violent mission to rescue a young girl kidnapped by a drug trafficking ring. Known for its intense action sequences and emotional depth, the film explores themes of redemption and sacrifice. 8.0
The Zone of Interest (2023)
A chilling exploration of the relationship between a Nazi officer and his family living near Auschwitz, set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. 8.0
The Major (2013)
A gripping Russian crime drama about a police officer who must make life-altering decisions after a car accident involving his own family. Directed by Yuriy Bykov, who also directed The Fool, one of my favorite films in 2023’s list. 8.0
Shoplifters (2018)
A poignant Japanese drama about a family of petty criminals who take in a young girl, highlighting themes of love, poverty, and moral ambiguity. Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. 8.0
Perfect Days (2023)
A quiet and contemplative film following a Tokyo man who leads a simple life, observing the beauty in everyday moments while dealing with solitude. Directed by Win Wenders and starring Kôji Yakusho, who you will also find in Tampopo, Shall We Dance?, and Ringu. 8.0
Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
A courtroom drama that focuses on a woman who is accused of murdering her husband, with the film exploring themes of truth, perception, and justice. 8.0
The Chaser (2008)
A tense South Korean crime thriller about a former detective (Kim Yoon-seok) racing against time to stop a serial killer (Ha Jung-woo) before it’s too late. Gripping, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat drama. 8.0
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
A journalist (Michael Nyqvist) teams up with a hacker (Noomi Rapace) to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman from a powerful family 40 years ago, uncovering dark secrets along the way. 8.0
FILMS WE RANKED 7.0
Godland (2022)
A Danish priest is sent to a remote Icelandic village to build a church and photograph the locals. Struggling with isolation and cultural clashes, he faces a crisis of faith and personal conflict. 7.0
The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)
The second installment of the Millennium Trilogy follows the hacker, Lisbeth Salander, as she becomes a suspect in a double murder and must clear her name while uncovering a conspiracy that connects to her past. 7.0
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest (2009)
In the final film of the Millennium Trilogy, Lisbeth Salander faces trial for her actions in the previous film while seeking to expose a dangerous conspiracy, with the help of journalist Mikael Blomkvist. 7.0
I Saw the Devil (2010)
A South Korean thriller about a secret agent hunts down a sadistic serial killer (Choi Min-sik) who murdered his fiancée, becoming consumed by revenge as the line between justice and madness blurs. (My husband ranked it a 7.0; I ranked it a 6.0 – one of the few times we disagreed on a ranking. A bit too revenge-porn for me.) 7.0 / 6.0
Holiday Affair (1949)
A Christmas-themed romantic drama where a young widow and a businessman find unexpected love during the holiday season. 7.0
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
A fantastical adventure about a young woman who is cursed and transformed into an elderly woman, seeking refuge in a magical, walking castle. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. 7.0
As It Is in Heaven (2004)
A renowned conductor returns to his childhood village and leads a church choir, challenging the village’s beliefs and discovering his own personal healing. 7.0
The Ghost of Yotsuya (1959)
A classic Japanese horror film about a samurai tormented by the ghost of his wife, whom he betrayed. 7.0
Time for Revenge (1981)
A gripping South Korean revenge drama about a man seeking retribution after being wronged by those he once trusted. 7.0
Alien: Romulus (2024)
A sci-fi horror film where survivors on a remote planet must face deadly alien threats while uncovering the truth behind their crash. 7.0
East/West (1999)
A family escapes Soviet rule to Paris but faces the harsh realities of freedom in the West, dealing with the cultural and personal challenges that follow. Starring the legendary Catherine Deneuve and Sandrine Bonnair. 7.0
Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
A satirical comedy about a man born on the same day as Jesus Christ, who is mistakenly believed to be the Messiah. 7.0
The Grey Fox (1982)
A legendary train robber is released from prison and seeks redemption in his later years, leading a life of new beginnings. 7.0
1917 (2019)
A World War I film about two soldiers sent on a dangerous mission to deliver a message that could save hundreds of lives. We wanted to like it more. It was good. 7.0
Mother (2009)
A suspenseful Korean drama about a mother who takes extreme measures to prove her son’s innocence after he is accused of a crime. Starring Kim Hye-ja as the titular mother, as well as Won Bin. 7.0
Fallen Leaves (2023)
A minimalist Finnish film about love and human connection, following two people who find each other through life’s simple moments. The film captures Aki Kaurismäki’s signature style of subtlety and charm, offering a touching exploration of love and human connection. See previous years for many other films we love by Aki Kaurismäki. 7.0
Demons (1971)
A gritty, emotional drama that delves into the lives of characters living on the edge of society and their struggles for survival. 7.0
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A coming-of-age story about a young witch who starts a delivery service, learning important life lessons along the way. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. 7.0
Come Back Anytime (2021)
A documentary about a beloved ramen shop owner who forms strong bonds with his customers, showcasing the beauty of simple human connections. 7.0
Tampopo (1985)
A quirky Japanese comedy about a woman’s quest to make the perfect bowl of ramen, with humorous and surreal side stories. 7.0
Murder by Contract (1958)
A noir crime thriller about a contract killer who faces moral dilemmas as he prepares for a job that will change his life forever. 7.0
The Holdovers (2023)
A comedy-drama about a grumpy college professor who bonds with two students over the holiday break, highlighting unlikely friendships. 7.0
Terms of Endearment (1983)
A poignant family drama exploring the complex relationship between a mother and daughter as they navigate life’s challenges. David hadn’t seen in and it was a movie I remembered well from my youth. 7.0
FILMS WE RANKED 6.0
Danton (1983)
Prometheus (2012)
A Star Is Born (1976)
Indian Summer (1972)
Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)
Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020)
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
The Great Beauty (2013)
FILMS WE RANKED 5.0
A Simple Plan (1998)
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Dara of Jasenovac (2020)