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What comes to mind about winter weekends and New Year's holidays? Probably a spread of delicious home-cooked food, family feasts, playing in the snow, and sleeping in all day... And, of course, watching bright, kind, and inspiring movies!
Well, maybe not always kind, but definitely memorable, the kind that gears you up for success and resilience so that this mood lingers throughout the coming year.
We're excited to share a handpicked list of must-watch films released in 2024 that are perfect for gearing up for 2025! From drama and action to adventure, these movies promise an energy boost that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle the new year. Spend a memorable weekend watching these movie picks without getting out of bed. Just choose what you want to watch and enjoy!
Young Woman And The Sea
A biographical film about Gertrude Ederle, the Olympic champion and the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926. Through her incredible feat, she inspired countless women, proving that anyone can achieve the impossible, even conquering one of the world's most dangerous water routes. Daisy Ridley, renowned for her roles in "Star Wars" and "Murder on the Orient Express," stars in the lead role. This film is a powerful tale of perseverance, determination, and single-minded focus on achieving one's goals.
Who should watch this film? It's perfect for sports enthusiasts and those who appreciate the "overcoming all odds" theme and the great outdoors. If you need the courage to make a big decision or enjoy stories based on real-life events, this film is for you.
Ordinary Angels
Sharon Stevens, a hairdresser from a small town, struggles with alcoholism and feels completely disillusioned with life. Her world takes a turn for the better when she meets Ed Schmitt, a single father raising two daughters. The youngest daughter is gravely ill and needs a liver transplant, which requires a significant amount of money. Sharon decides to help Ed, and together, they rally a whole community to save the little girl. This story highlights how good people are always around, often more than we realize, and how solutions can be found even in the toughest situations. Ultimately, it's about people, connections, and emotions, not money. This heartwarming tale is based on real events-in 1994, a hairdresser in Kentucky truly did help save a child in this manner.
Who should watch this film? Anyone who has lost faith in people and kindness is engaged in charitable activities and aims to make the world a better place, loves stories about idealists, and needs a reminder of what's truly important.
The Count Of Monte Cristo
A newly acclaimed adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' legendary mid-19th century novel. If you need to get more familiar with the story, it revolves around events in 1815 when young sea captain Edmond Dantes was falsely accused of treason on his wedding day. As a result, Dantes is imprisoned in one of the most dreadful prisons in the middle of the sea, where he spends over 20 years. During his imprisonment, he meets another inmate, Abbot Faria, who turns out to be the heir to the Order of the Templars. Before his death, Faria reveals the location of the order's hidden riches to Dantes. After escaping prison, Dantes finds the treasure and those who betrayed him, assuming a new identity as the Count of Monte Cristo, with a sole mission of quiet and relentless revenge.
Of course, the story itself is steeped in injustice, but one can't help but admire Dantes' persistence, meticulous planning, and determination. His example teaches us not only to persevere and stay focused on our goals but also to be cautious, as only some things that seem right to us are truly beneficial.
Who should watch this film? Perfect for those who appreciate classic films, stunning visuals, and tales of retribution, justice, love, and betrayal. After watching this film, you'll find yourself aspiring to be as impressive as the Count of Monte Cristo-not just an avenger but also an intellectual!
Arthur The King
Here's another thrilling sports drama where a dog brings a breath of fresh air! Legendary athlete Michael, who has dedicated his life to adventure racing and has been tirelessly striving for gold at the World Championships, decides that the next competition will be his last. As he prepares his stellar team for a grueling 700-kilometre race, he unexpectedly gains a new companion-a dog named Arthur. Perhaps Arthur will change the race's outcome and finally grant Michael the elusive gold he has dreamed of all his life.
Incidentally, Mark Wahlberg stars in the lead role! He perfectly embodies characters who put everything on the line and fight until the very end. The film's narrative is leisurely, which allows you to immerse yourself fully in this story of determination and the price one is willing to pay for victory.
Who should watch this film? For those who struggle to enjoy the journey and feel worn out by the constant race, who face a series of setbacks and doubt their capabilities. And, of course, for fans of the book "Three Men in a Boat (Not to Mention the Dog!)"
Flow
This Oscar-nominated animated film took the Cannes Film Festival by storm. Its unique feature is that it contains no dialogue, as the main characters are animals that remain true to their nature without being humanized. The story follows an unnamed black cat who becomes a victim of a global flood and must escape the rapidly rising waters in a boat alongside a Labrador, a secretary bird, a lemur, and a capybara.
If you love animals, be prepared to get some tissues ready; things aren't always easy for them in this story. However, it's a bright and captivating tale that will likely resonate more with adults than children, thanks to its rich metaphors and intuitive meanings conveyed through sounds and landscapes. Think of it as a modern take on Noah's Ark, just without Noah.
Who should watch this film? For those who want to empathize with the heroes and experience a challenging adventure with them, who may have forgotten how to appreciate the beauty in small things, or who have had conflicts with loved ones and feel uncertain about finding common ground (but remember, even the cat, capybara, and dog managed to!).
Additionally, there's also "Wild Robot," a DreamWorks cartoon adapted from Peter Brown's novel of the same name. It tells the story of a robot that, after a shipwreck, finds itself on a mysterious island and meets the resident animals, whom it must help.
Perfect Days
Admittedly, this movie was released in 2023, but it didn't reach theatres in most countries until early 2024. It's so good that we just had to include it. The story centers around an elderly man named Hirayama, who works as a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo and leads a completely ordinary, measured life. He's content with everything: rising early, growing flowers, listening to rock classics on audio cassettes, and spending his evenings taking photos and reading books. However, his usual happy routine is disrupted by a series of unexpected encounters that change his life.
This film is meditative and deeply immersive, with an incredibly cozy, homely atmosphere. It beautifully explores the wonder in days often labeled as boring, the art of embracing solitude (and its unexpected joys), and the significance of even the smallest tasks for society and others.
Who should watch this film? It is ideal for those who grapple with loneliness, feel overwhelmed by daily tasks, struggle to find meaning in their work or life, or have difficulty spending time alone.
More must-see movies you might have overlooked
Although these movies may not be as inspiring and energizing as the previous ones, they are exciting, thought-provoking, and perfect for brightening up your leisure time. You might have missed them, but they're definitely worth watching!
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"The Crow". A fresh remake of the iconic 1994 gothic film, offering a new take on the story of Eric, who rises from the dead to avenge his beloved's murder. As he seeks vengeance, he also unravels the web of criminal organizations plaguing his hometown.
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"Dune: Part Two". A sequel to the cult classic, which, according to reviews, addresses all the shortcomings and omissions of the first part. This is a great reason to rewatch it and then dive right into the second film, especially since Timothée Chalamet stars in the lead role!
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"Damsel" is a fresh spin on the classic tale of princesses and dragons. In this version, the dragon is out to kill the princess rather than protect her, leading to a fierce and bloody confrontation between the two.
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"The Heretic". It is a gripping psychological thriller with horror elements. Two deeply religious girls knock on the door of the kind-hearted Mr. Reed, hoping to guide him to faith. Instead, they find themselves ensnared by a devious psychopath who subjects their faith to a terrifying test of endurance.
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"Exhuma" is a Korean horror film that's not too scary. It focuses on a curse that gradually eliminates an entire family. A group of mediums and shamans work tirelessly to lift the curse. The movie is filled with secret intrigues and offers fascinating insights into Korean culture.
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"Caddo Lake". It's a mind-bending mystical thriller about time travel. The story revolves around Ellie, a teenager who runs away from home, and Paris, a 20-year-old who miraculously escapes a car crash after it plunges off a bridge. This is one of those movies where the less you know about the plot, the better you dive in and experience it for yourself.
Lectera hopes you enjoy watching the films!
