Some of the year’s top-rated movies may have flown under the radar, but they’ve earned perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering critical acclaim for their storytelling, performances, and unique perspectives. Here’s a roundup of those standout movies, that earned a 100% score:
1. All We Imagine as Light – Set in Mumbai, this film follows two nurses and their roommate as they navigate personal and professional challenges. The movie is a visual and emotional journey, celebrating friendship and the bustling city of Mumbai.
Why Watch: Critics describe it as dreamlike and luminous, with Mumbai itself becoming a character. Winner of the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
2. Daughters – A documentary about a group of girls preparing for a dance with their incarcerated fathers, many of whom will only experience physical contact with their dads during this brief interaction.
Why Watch: An emotionally powerful exploration of the impact of incarceration on families, with a focus on humanizing the children of inmates.
3. Nowhere Special : A father, diagnosed with terminal cancer, seeks to secure a future for his 4-year-old son by finding him a new family before his death.
Why Watch: With tear-inducing performances by James Norton and young Daniel Lamont, this tender drama offers a heartfelt meditation on life and loss.
4. Jim Henson Idea Man – This documentary, directed by Ron Howard, chronicles the life and legacy of Jim Henson, from the creation of the Muppets to his work on iconic films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
Why Watch: Critics call it a fitting tribute to Henson, capturing his creative genius while humanizing him as a subject.
5. Sugarcane – This documentary follows an investigation into the discovery of unmarked graves at an Indian residential school in Canada, focusing on the Williams Lake First Nation’s search for justice.
Why Watch: Praised for its sensitivity, Sugarcane offers a heartbreaking look at the aftermath of tragedy and injustice, winning several awards at Sundance.
6. Girls Will Be Girls – A coming-of-age story set in an Indian boarding school, following 16-year-old Mira as she navigates her evolving sexuality and desire, while facing the constraints imposed by her strict mother and school.
Why Watch: Critics hailed it as a stellar debut by Shuchi Talati, offering a culturally specific take on familiar coming-of-age themes, with a beautifully crafted narrative that explores intimacy with sensitivity.
7. No Other Land -A documentary directed by a collective of Palestinian-Israeli filmmakers, chronicling the Israeli destruction of Palestinian homes and schools in Masafer Yatta, a group of villages in the West Bank.
Why Watch: Described as an essential and emotionally powerful film, it explores the ongoing human rights crisis in a region affected by constant conflict.
8. I Am: Celine Dion – This documentary follows Celine Dion as she battles stiff-person syndrome, documenting her emotional journey from diagnosis to her desire to return to the stage.
Why Watch: The film provides a raw and deeply personal look at Dion’s health struggles and career, capturing both her resilience and vulnerability.
9. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl – A dark comedy about Shula, who discovers her uncle’s body on the road and is forced to confront family secrets during a dayslong funeral in Zambia.
Why Watch: Critics praise the sharp direction of Nyoni, balancing dark humor with poignant social commentary on the political and cultural nuances of Zambia.
10. Music by John Williams – A documentary celebrating the life and career of composer John Williams, featuring interviews with collaborators like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, and exploring his iconic film scores.
Why Watch: A heartfelt tribute to Williams’ enduring legacy in film music, praised for its insightful and sentimental approach.
11. LaRoy, Texas – A crime comedy about Ray, a man on the verge of suicide after discovering his wife’s infidelity, who is mistakenly identified as a hitman and caught up in a bizarre assassination plot.
Why Watch: A thrilling yet absurd ride, this debut feature by Shane Atkinson draws comparisons to the Coen brothers’ work, with strong performances from Steve Zahn and John Magaro.
These films represent a diverse range of genres and emotional depth, from intimate documentaries to dark comedies and sensitive dramas. Whether you’re interested in heartfelt personal stories or powerful social commentaries, these top-rated films from 2024 are worth seeking out.
BY – KARTIK
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