2024, you can go away. Pop culture aside, you have NOT been great. From hurricanes and tsunamis to a barrage of political ads in too many contentious elections (ugh) to a continued rise in ‘back to office’ mandates to way too much of the Kansas City Swifties, the year has been a challenging one at best. 2023 at least brought us a little known phenomena called ‘Barbenheimer,’ but this year was what, a million ads leading to Wickediator? Sure we continued to have fun television based off of video games (see Fallout and Arcane League of Legends), but that alone a year doesn’t make. Perhaps the emergence of country music from all types of artists (Beyonce, Orville Peck, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Paul Cauthen, Nathaniel Rateliff….) could be a saving grace for 2024? Maybe, but as immortal Chappell Roan would say, good luck, babe!
Pop culture in 2024 was, like in the past few years, a continued exercise for all of us in time management. It remains difficult to determine what shows, movies and music to select and spend time with in the ongoing deluge of content. To make matters worse, content is increasingly fragmented across different platforms. If you like sports, take the NFL for example, it is split across seemingly every type of channel on basically any day of the week. If you like social media for trending topics and pop culture guidance, well sorrrrrry. Twitter is gone and X is no replacement as the flood away continues to perhaps Bluesky or Threads or Mastodon or or or. But hey, all your devices are listening to you and AI is everywhere so just submit – speak your thoughts and interests out loud and wait like 30 seconds for music, tv, film (stop it already Wicked!) ads to pop up on ANY platform and embrace your inner lemming.
Back to pop culture, perhaps the best question is how does one choose what to watch, listen to, read, do…? Is it based on the cultural zeitgeist, the recommendations of friends, family or coworkers, is it based on whatever options the platforms you choose to subscribe to has, pure random discovery, ads, or year end ‘best of’ lists like this one? If it’s the latter, and decision paralysis has permanently moved in to your head and unpacked their suitcase, well great, as fingers-crossed this helpful best of pop culture list of lists (which features the 10 best movies, 10 best tv shows, 10 best albums and 10 best songs) is the aid you need. Well, unless of course you want podcast tips or want to know what the next true crime show is (did tracking the so-crazy-it-must-be-real UnitedHealthCare CEO killing count?), as this is not the place…sorrrrrry!
Anyway, now on to my ‘best of 2024’ lists. Rankings can of course be an exercise in futility as art isn’t a competition and opinion is a personal thing, but it is an exercise I have annually done for over a decade now, so welcome to my tenth list! Through deliberate and meticulous time spent in all things pop culture, I am excited to present my list of the best of what the year 2024 had to offer in film, television and music. Simply put, if I found it to be great and worthy of recommending to you, it belongs here. Please do enjoy! MUSTAARRRDD!!!
The 10 Best Movies of 2024
Honorable Mentions:
HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS, LONGLEGS, SASQUATCH SUNSET, HIT MAN, WOMAN OF THE HOUR, KINDS OF KINDNESS, ALIEN ROMULUS, SPEAK NO EVIL, TWISTERS, BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE, DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, UNDER PARIS, IN A VIOLENT NATURE, ROADHOUSE, CIVIL WAR, TRAP
10. FURIOSA: A MAD MAX STORY
A terrific addition to George Miller’s eternal Mad Max collection, Furiosa is cinematic entertainment in its purest form, and man if it isn’t pure outright fun. What will the next Mad Max story be?
9. CHALLENGERS
Luca Guadagnino has done it again with a movie that feels like what the central action is all about, a back and forth game where love is at stake. And that cast of Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor; superb!
8. DUNE: PART TWO
Living up to the high expectations set in Dune was never a given, but in the hands of visionary director Denis Villenueve the expectations were not only met but exceeded. Frank Herbert would be proud.
7. HIS THREE DAUGHTERS
A powerful must-see play-like film that’s brought to life by the powerful acting trio of Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olson and (especially) Natasha Lyonne. Watch on Netflix, but take smoke breaks outside, ok?
6. I SAW THE TV GLOW
Technically one of the best “horror” movies of the year, ISTTG is a tremendously thoughtful and surprising movie that grabs your full attention. Director Jane Schoenbrun is fast-becoming a must-see filmmaker!
5. EMILIA PÈREZ
Perhaps the most controversial film of the year, Emilia Pérez is about personal transformation as a beginning, not an end, and a call to do good. And it’s a Hamilton-esque musical? Yep, what a world!
4. THE FALL GUY
A big, over-the-top action comedy that refuses to take itself too seriously, and audiences are all the better for it. And the charming chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is enchanting.
3. STRANGE DARLING
This under the radar twisty thriller, told in 6 delightful chapters, showcases the fantastic performances of Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner, and will keep you on edge of your seat.
2. A DIFFERENT MAN
Released on the same day as as my top film of the year, The Substance, ADM is dark existential comedy that is essentially sadly hilarious (d)evolution of Edward, our flawed but captivating protagonist.
1. THE SUBSTANCE
A good film invites viewers in, a great one is so immersive that you feel what the characters feel and you lose yourself (in the film literally). This great Cronenbergesque film is equal parts innovative and bonkers!
The 10 Best TV Shows of 2024
Honorable Mentions:
MASTERS OF THE AIR (Apple+), THE CAGE (Netflix), A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW (Paramount+), RHYTHM & FLOW (Netflix), THE RINGS OF POWER (Amazon Prime), A KILLER PARADOX (Netflix), THE VINCE STAPLES SHOW (Netflix), ARCANE: LEAGUE OF LEGENDS (Netflix), SURVIVOR (CBS), LAST WEEK TONIGHT (HBO Max), NOBODY WANTS THIS (Netflix), YELLOWSTONE (Paramount+), HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (HBO Max), THE BOYS (Amazon Prime), SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC), THE BEAR (FX/Hulu), HACKS (HBO Max), SHŌGUN (FX/Hulu), MR & MRS SMITH (Amazon Prime)
10. MAN ON THE INSIDE (Netflix)
A surprise must-watch comedy that is fun, tender and deeply respectful of the full lives of the elderly, starring the eternal Ted Danson in role that fits him like a pair of snug (spy) glasses.
9. BABY REINDEER (Netflix)
It should be difficult to root for any of these characters in what is an amazingly awkward, absolutely bonkers and wholly original show, but watch you should and root for at least one of them you will.
8. SUGAR (Apple TV+)
[Spoiler Alert!] No platform is delivering better sci-fi then Apple TV+ right now (see Silo, Severance, Invasion…) and this series, which has possibly the biggest plot twist ever, is sci-fi noir at its best.
7. SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE (HBO Max)
It’s loneliness vs community and in this world, Kansas, the key to connection is vulnerability, openness and being fully present. Ending too soon with this third season, this unicorn of a show is worth riding.
6. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX/Hulu)
A hilarious, no-holds-barred riot of a great time that gets wackier and sillier, for the better, each season. The chaos created by Guillermo getting a corporate job alone is comedic gold. This show will be missed immensely. Oh, hi Alex!
5. TOKYO VICE (HBO Max)
A bold and daring show with not a second wasted, season two was simply astounding television. The performance of a winsome Ansel Elgort alone is worth your time. Fingers-crossed the show returns!
4. FARGO (FX/Hulu)
The fifth iteration of this classic premise is a return to form that features countless standout performances, a terrific intersecting plot and deeply rich storytelling. So impressed am I.
3. FALLOUT (Amazon Prime)
The simple conceit of the aftermath of a nuclear fallout shouldn’t be this good or nearly as fun as it is, especially one based on a video game, but this Ghoulishly enthralling show is must-watch tv.
2. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO Max)
A pitch perfect final season of the greatest revenge show ever made. Simply prestige tv at its absolute peak. Look away if you dare but if you do, you’ll miss a Seinfeldesque series ending for the ages.
1. THE PENGUIN (HBO Max)
Not only was this SOPRANOS-esque take on a Batman villain the best show this year, it was innovative as a direct “sequel” to Robert Pattison’s THE BATMAN. As for Colin Farrell and Cristina Milioti, WOWZA!
The 10 Best Albums of 2024
Honorable Mentions:
All Born Screaming, St. Vincent; american dream, 21 Savage; Los Altos de La Soledad, La Doña; Cartoon Darkness, Amyl and the Sniffers; The Death of Slim Shady, Eminem; BREAD, Sofi Tukker; Clancy, Twenty One Pilots; Dark Times, Vince Staples; Found Heaven, Conan Gray; Brat, Charli xcx; South of Here, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; Performance, TR/ST; Stampede, Orville Peck; We Don’t Trust You, Future and Metro Boomin; Prelude to Ecstasy, The Last Dinner Party; INSANO, Kid Cudi; Texas Technician, That Mexican OT; Like All Before You, The Voidz; USB, Fred Again…
10. TAKE CARE, BigXthaPlug
H-Town is fast becoming a hotbed for rap, and with artists like BigXthaPlug exploding onto the scene with an intoxicating The Notorious B.I.G.-esque bravado, I can certainly see why. Heyyyy!
Standout Tracks: “Mmhmm,” “Back on my BS,” “Change Me,” “The Largest”
9. Grief Chapter, Mother Mother
An energetic band with energetic music that brings energy to any listener??? Sign me up! No song here is as good as Hayloft or Hayloft II (masterpieces each), but the album does deliver hits in droves!
Standout Tracks: “The Matrix,” “End of Me,” “Explode!,” “Nobody Escapes”
8. Orquídeas, Kali Uchis
This album is much lauded for a reason; Kali Uchis is amazing. On Orquídeas she delivers her best work yet, with the help of the likes of Peso Pluma, KAROL G, Rauw Alejandro and more. Vamos!
Standout Tracks: “Labios Mordidos,” “Te Mata,” “Dame Beso // Muévete,” “Muñekita”
7. ÉXODO, Peso Pluma
Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, a.k.a. Peso Pluma, is a one-of-a-kind artist who is putting Mexican music on the map. From the mullet to the deep crackling voice, this trailblazing hitmaker refuses to be ignored!
Standout Tracks: “PESO COMPLETO,” “BELLAKEO,” “ROMPE LA DOMPE,” “LA PEOPLE II”
6. Hello, I’m Britti, Britti
It’s nearly impossible to believe that this is Britti’s first ever album. A true old soul with (seemingly) a lifetime of pain and joy from which to draw inspiration. And that Dolly-esque voice, my oh my!
Standout Tracks: “Keep Running,” “So Tired,” “Lullaby,” “Save Me”
5. GNX, Kendrick Lamar
Beef with Drake led to so many great one-off tracks, yet Kendrick still pulled out a full album that is less poetry and rage and more straight fun. So yes, Kendrick AGAIN beat Drake, this time at his own game.
Standout Tracks: “tv off,” “reincarnated,” “peekaboo,” “squabble up”
4. Black on Black, Paul Cauthen
Elvis meets John Denver in the body of Jonah Hill? Cauthen really delivers on this upbeat and energetic country album that is somehow even better live.
Standout Tracks: “Black on Black,” “Angels & Heathens,” “Hot Damn,” “Lavender Jones”
3. Here in the Pitch, Jessica Pratt
I’m not sure why it took me til 2024 to discover Jessica Pratt but it was love at first listen. On this album she brings deep musical mystery that is worthy of revery. We really should give a damn what she does!
Standout Tracks: “Life Is,” “The Last Year,” “World on a String,” “Get Your Head Out”
2. CHROMAKOPIA, Tyler, The Creator
Love at first listen (and on each subsequent listen, of which there maaaaany). Tyler is at the top of his game as he continues to be the biggest innovator out there. What an album! ChromaaakooopiaaAA!!!
Standout Tracks: “Noid,” “Sticky,” “Thought I Was Dead,” “St. Chroma”
1. Romance, Fontaines D.C.
This playful, brash and at all times captivating album is the fourth, and dare I say best, from this Irish group that keeps reinventing themselves. Momentary blissness (not a typo) indeed! It’s hands down my “Favourite” album of the year!
Standout Tracks: “Starburster,” “Romance,” “Favourite,” “Here’s The Thing”
The 10 Best Songs of 2024
Honorable Mentions:
“N.P.O.,” 42 Dugg, Sexyy Red; “A Dream Goes On Forever,” Vegyn, John Glacier; “The Matrix,” Mother Mother; “Pacific Northwestitis,” Stargazy Pie; “Cold Reactor,” Everything Everything; “Robrash,” TR/ST; “Good Luck, Babe!,” Chapell Roan; “Lunch,” Billie Eilish; “Throw Some Ass,” Sofi Tukker; “Mmhmm,” BigXthaPlug; “Electrowavebaby,” Kid Cudi, “On Your Side,” The Last Dinner Party; “Noid,” Tyler The Creator; “Reckless,” St. Vincent; “Right Back to It,” Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman; “360,” Charli xcx; “Get Used to the Night,” Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; “Peligrosa,” Mala Rodriguez; “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey; “Black on Black,” Paul Cauthen
10. “The Line,” Twenty One Pilots
This delicate track from Netflix’s underrated series ‘Arcane League of Legends’ is a quiet powerhouse.
Standout Lyric: “Stay your pretty eyes on course.”
9. “ice,” Erika de Casier, They Hate Change
A modern day throwback to 90s/00 R&B and easily my surprise hit of the year. Et tu, Brandy…Mase?
Standout Lyric: “Ice, all on me. Hot and cold, you’re so indecisive.”
8. “Redrum,” 21 Savage
Dripping with confidence, 21 really came for it on this The Shining meets The A inspired track (21, 21).
Standout Lyric: “Want it all, I won’t leave a breadcrumb.”
7. “Keep Running,” Britti
An arresting voice begging to be heard, this is the standout track from Britti’s standout debut album from an artist that deserves your attention.
Standout Lyric: “I’m a wanderer but I don’t feel lost.“
6. “7 Horses,” The Voidz
The synthesized voice of Julian Casablancas, whether leading vocals with The Voidz or the Strokes, is full of subtle power that begs to be listened to.
Standout Lyric:“I’ll get there when I get there, time is movement after all.”
5. “BerwynGesaffNeighbours,” Fred again…, Berwyn
My most listened to track of the year, this is my go-to pump up jam of the year that is equal parts urgent and fun!
Standout Lyric: “F*** the neighbors turn the music up, tell ’em they need to get used to us.”
4. “Knife Edge,” Thom Yorke
Thom at his intimate best. Simply beautiful, inviting and full of meaning. We are all on the knife edge.
Standout Lyric: “Yeah this to me is life or death, and all I think about.“
3. “Life Is,” Jessica Pratt
The power, fragility and ultimately sense of hope that Jessica Pratt brings to this infectious track is simply astounding. What a talent! Time is time and time again.
Standout Lyric: “Life is, it’s never what you think it is for.”
2. “Starburster,” Fontaines D.C.
As ambitious and adventurous as the band themselves, this brash and direct track is a must-listen.
Standout Lyric: “I’m gon’ hit your business if it’s momentary blissness (it may feel bad).“
1. “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
The beefiest song of the year that put the final nail in the Kendrick vs. Drake coffin. Why, oh why would anyone come after the greatest lyricist in the game?
Standout Lyric: “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minorrrrrrr.”
Previous “Best Of” Articles:
Best of 2023
Best of 2022
Best of 2021
Best of 2020
Best of 2019
Best of 2018
Best of 2017
Best of 2016
Best of 2015
Mikethatmiller 
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