Catch Up on Missed Blockbusters: 2024 Films Now Available to Stream

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list highlights ten underrated movies deserving of your attention.

Table of Contents

• Late Night with the Devil
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Blink Twice
• Monkey Man
• The Beekeeper
• Trap
• Juror No. 2
• The Wild Robot
• It's What's Inside
• Kinds of Kindness
• Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, boasts a unique premise and striking 1970s talk show aesthetic. More than just scares, it explores fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media, showcasing how entertainment and technology can influence human consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, stages an occult-themed episode to boost ratings.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Facing a powerful crime syndicate and internal police corruption, they find themselves framed and operating outside the law. This action-comedy retains the series' signature blend of high-octane action, humor, and compelling character dynamics, fueling speculation about a fifth film.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of a tech mogul, only to uncover dangerous secrets on his private island. Featuring a strong cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film's plot has drawn comparisons to real-life controversies, though no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in this American action thriller blends classic action with contemporary suspense and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the story follows "Kid," aka Monkey Man, an underground fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film is praised for its dynamic action sequences and insightful social critique.

The Beekeeper

This action thriller, written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium), stars Jason Statham as Adam Clay, a former agent of a secretive organization who returns to his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime network responsible for his friend's suicide. Filmed in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, Statham's commitment to performing many of his own stunts enhances the film's impact.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller starring Josh Hartnett. The film centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, marked by masterful cinematography, compelling storytelling, and immersive sound design, is on full display.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, follows Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial. As the trial progresses, Justin confronts a devastating secret from his past, forcing him to choose between allowing an innocent person's conviction or confessing to his own crime.

The Wild Robot

This animated film, adapted from Peter Brown's novel, tells the story of Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz's journey of adaptation, survival, and interaction with the island's wildlife explores the intersection of technology and nature. The film's visually stunning animation, blending futuristic design with natural beauty, is a highlight.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller blends comedy, mystery, and horror, exploring identity and relationships in the digital age. A group of friends at a wedding uses a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unexpected and dangerous consequences.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents a triptych of interconnected stories examining human relationships, morality, and the surreal aspects of everyday life. The three narratives explore themes of obedience, loss, and cult-like devotion, showcasing Lanthimos' distinctive style.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films transcend simple entertainment, offering thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and insightful explorations of human experience. They showcase diverse cinematic styles and provide compelling perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.