Top 15 international movies from 2024 that you shouldn’t miss

2024 concluded with exciting international cinema, combining bold narratives, stunning visuals, and breathtaking performances. From the most intense drama to thriller films and heartwarming comedies to groundbreaking animations, the creativity and talent emerging from across the world are reflected in these films. From thought-provoking storytelling to visually excellent masterpieces, here are 15 international films to look for: Dive into a world of diverse perspectives and powerful cinema with these top picks that you simply can't miss this year.

1) Haikyuu! The Dumpster Battle

Haikyuu! Movie: The Dumpster Battle brings to the big screen the long-awaited fierce rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma. This film is based on the popular manga by Haruichi Furudate and brings to the screen the intense legendary volleyball showdown between them in stunning animation and heart-pounding action. Emotionally charged moments, electrifying teamwork, and breathtaking sequences are expected in this film to elevate the series' signature storytelling. In staying faithful to the source material, the film can create a cinematic experience that is simply unforgettable among anime viewers.

2) Small Things Like These

Small Things Like These is a gripping drama, based on Claire Keegan's novel, in which Cillian Murphy gives a powerful performance. The film is set in 1985 Ireland and tells the story of a coal merchant who uncovers dark secrets in a local convent that makes him face both his dark past and the dark history of Magdalene Laundries. The film is masterfully restrained yet emotionally deep as directed by Tim Mielants. Murphy’s nuanced portrayal adds weight to the story’s moral dilemmas.

3) Vermiglio

In this compelling Italian drama, Vermiglio follows the path of a man seeking redemption for a violent past. Set against the rugged Sicilian landscape, it is an emotional journey about guilt, identity, and reconciliation. The movie delves into the inner turmoil of the protagonist as he attempts to reconnect with his estranged family while on the run from his former associates. Its haunting soundtrack and raw performances are its major features. Vermiglio has been noticed in several international film festivals, garnering praise for its portrayal of human fragility and the complexity of forgiveness.

4) The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof makes The Seed of the Sacred Fig, a politically incendiary thriller that resonates well with the tensions of modern Iran. In this movie, a torn judge is caught between the regime's strict laws and the protection he owes to his family. As civil unrest increases, he is confronted with an impossible moral dilemma. A film with intense performances and an overwhelmingly personal narrative about the country's volatile political landscape, it does not flinch in its criticism. Rasoulof, known for his bold storytelling, delivers a gripping and thought-provoking drama that challenges authority.

5) Kneecap

Kneecap is a rebellious and energetic biopic about the Irish-language rap trio of the same name. Directed by Rich Peppiatt, this film is an account of how the Belfast-based group rises against authority and challenges expectations through their music. Witty, politically charged, and punk-rock-spirited, Kneecap is an ode to cultural identity and linguistic revival. The film's dynamic performances and its unconventional storytelling points are reminding people of Trainspotting, a quality that has become indie gold.

6) Shadow Strays

Set in the mysterious underworld of Tokyo, Shadow Strays is a stylish noir thriller that unravels around a group of exiled criminals navigating the corrupt city. It is a 2024 Japanese film that immerses viewers in its labyrinthine plot full of deception and danger. What makes it distinctive is this perfect blend of high-tech dystopia and gritty crime drama, emulating elements of a futuristic and noir aesthetic. It is a character-driven story that plunges into moral ambiguity, and the visual appeal of the film with shadows and neon lights amplifies the feeling of impending doom and intrigue.

7) Roundup: Punishment

This South Korean action-packed drama Roundup Punishment tells the story of a former cop who is now turned vigilante, out on a journey to avenge his fallen family members. In the pursuit of vengeance against the culprits who managed to evade justice, the protagonist unleashes the grip of a very fast-paced action movie, entwining it with gripping fight sequences. This is one such movie by director Lee Han that boasts of uncompromising action along with a strong emotional core.

8) Rebel Ridge

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge is an action-filled thriller that takes the tension-filled story and serves it with hard-hitting social commentary. Told against a divided America backdrop, it is the film about a soldier who gets in over his head after witnessing a gruesome crime; the former soldier becomes entangled in a vortex of violence and corruption as he tries to make things right in his quest for revenge and justice. With high-octane action sequences and a strong, thought-provoking narrative, Rebel Ridge is a must-watch for fans of intense thrillers and contemporary action films.

9) Twilight of the Warriors: Walled

Twilight of the Warriors Walled In is an epic historical drama of the epoch of ancient China in 2024. This movie's story is about warriors, who have been exiled in a far-off fortress, battling not only external danger but also internal betrayal. It is a combination of martial arts with deep philosophical themes, allowing a journey through loyalty, honor, and survival. Sweeping cinematography, coupled with stunning fight choreography, makes Twilight of the Warriors Walled In strike a perfect balance between action and poignant moments of introspection, making it a must-see for any fan of historical epics and martial arts.

10) Touch

Touch is an elegant, emotionally charged drama, an exploration of love, loss, and time as a poetic narrative. Vietnam's Tran Anh Hung directs the story of a woman who embarks on a journey to reconnect with a lost love. With lush cinematography combined with a personal narrative, the film evokes a nostalgic longing for fleeting moments and human connections. The film’s delicate storytelling and powerful performances make it a standout in contemporary world cinema. A meditation on memory and desire, Touch lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, making it an essential watch for cinephiles.

11) The Girl with the Needle

Set in post-World War I Copenhagen, the film The Girl with the Needle follows Karoline, a very young woman, abandoned and desperately trying to make a living under the harsh laws of society. Desperate to find work, she becomes a wet nurse. However, very soon, the film catches the audience in the disturbing baby-trafficking scheme. As it fights for survival, the movie explores themes such as desperation, morality, and resilience. This psychological drama delivers an intense and unforgettable viewing experience, making it one of the most compelling international films of 2024, with haunting cinematography, a gripping narrative, and a powerful lead performance.

12) Exhuma

South Korean horror goes cold-blooded with Exhuma, a supernatural thriller mixing folklore with extreme psychological horror, directed by Jang Jae-hyun, follows a team of experts hired to relocate a mysterious grave, but they wake up dark forces beyond human understanding. With a spine-tingling atmosphere, eerie visuals, and a narrative for which one might never sleep, Exhuma keeps audiences gripped from start to finish. The film balances best the traditional element of horror mixed with the latest approach to a story, creating one of the year's greatest frightening experiences.

13) How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

This animated comedy set in Argentina will take audiences into 2024. Dark humor blends with family dynamics as the film follows a young man who plots an intricate plan to steal his grandmother's fortune before her demise. Diving deeper into the scheme makes things more and more absurd while causing his wacky relatives to behave in even wackier ways. The film is chock-full of satirical commentary on greed, legacy, and the absurdity of chasing after wealth, and with its animated color, energy is kept light and entertaining.

14) The Count of Monte Cristo

The new French adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's classic revenge tale is the freshest and most visually stunning version yet. It brings new life to the classic tale of betrayal, imprisonment, and ultimate retribution as portrayed by Pierre Niney in the film. Sweeping shots of Mediterranean landscapes and atmospheric prison scenes are only heightened by the cinematography in the film. Unlike its adaptations before it, this version is far sharper in psychological terms, digging into Dantès' mind as he transforms into the Count.

15) Anora

Anora is a psychological thriller set against the backdrop of a secluded Scandinavian village. Follow Anora, a generally reclusive woman with a dark past, as she unravels a series of dark events of startling violence after her estranged mother's sudden death. On uncovering the dark secrets in her family, Anora not only faces her haunting memories but also tries to unfurl the mystery behind her mother's life. With its atmospheric tension, haunting performance, and labyrinthine plot twists, Anora is one scary ride. Viewers remain grippingly held hostage until the climactic final twists.