The coronavirus has changed the way we watch movies and even go to the cinemas. Now we are waiting for a movie to go to the cinema, we used to go to the cinema and choose a movie, like a weekend activity. Of course, I’m not saying that there were a lot of movies we used to wait to go to the cinema. But there were also a lot of movies to go to. Now Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and almost every filmmaker has their platform.
Let’s not be pessimistic about cinema, as the years 2023 and 2024 are good for cinema. Is it a sign of a revival and a second golden age of cinema? Let’s take a look at what happened in cinema in 2024.
Inside Out 2 breaks records and hearts
In a year full of sequels and reboots, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 stole the spotlight. Directed by newcomer Kelsey Mann, this animated masterpiece didn’t just tug at our heartstrings; it shattered box office records. Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated film in domestic box office history, surpassing even the beloved Incredibles 2. By its seventh weekend, it had grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, firmly securing its place in cinematic history.
This sequel wasn’t just a commercial success; it garnered rave reviews, boasting a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were even more generous, giving it a 96% score. Produced on a $200 million budget, Inside Out 2 is a frontrunner for next year’s Academy Awards, setting a high bar for animated films.
Marvel strikes gold with Deadpool & Wolverine
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continued its reign with the explosive release of Deadpool & Wolverine. This film marked a significant milestone, helping the MCU become the first movie franchise to cross the $30 billion mark at the box office. Deadpool & Wolverine opened to a staggering $400 million worldwide in its first days, proving that superhero fatigue is nowhere in sight.
This film’s success also signaled a resurgence for Marvel, which had experienced a slight decline in recent years. The return of fan favorites and the introduction of new characters have kept the MCU fresh and exciting. The announcement of new Avengers movies, Doomsday and Secret Wars, directed by the Russo brothers, added to the excitement. The return of Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Doom was the cherry on top, thrilling fans worldwide.
Box office in 2024:
| Rank | Movie Title | Worldwide Gross | Domestic Gross | Domestic % | Foreign Gross | Foreign % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inside Out 2 | $1,505,606,731 | $613,406,731 | 40.7% | $892,200,000 | 59.3% |
| 2 | Dune: Part Two | $711,844,358 | $282,144,358 | 39.6% | $429,700,000 | 60.4% |
| 3 | Despicable Me 4 | $677,665,260 | $290,972,260 | 42.9% | $386,693,000 | 57.1% |
| 4 | Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire | $567,650,016 | $196,350,016 | 34.6% | $371,300,000 | 65.4% |
| 5 | Kung Fu Panda 4 | $545,626,023 | $193,590,620 | 35.5% | $352,035,403 | 64.5% |
| 6 | Deadpool & Wolverine | $438,300,000 | $205,000,000 | 46.8% | $233,300,000 | 53.2% |
| 7 | Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | $396,906,534 | $170,938,937 | 43.1% | $225,967,597 | 56.9% |
| 8 | Bad Boys: Ride or Die | $395,242,578 | $191,742,578 | 48.5% | $203,500,000 | 51.5% |
| 9 | A Quiet Place: Day One | $253,729,330 | $134,229,330 | 52.9% | $119,500,000 | 47.1% |
| 10 | The Garfield Movie | $221,850,048 | $91,785,767 | 41.4% | $130,064,281 | 58.6% |
While Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine dominated headlines, 2024 saw a variety of films making their mark. Dune: Part Two continued to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and epic storytelling, grossing over $711 million worldwide. Despicable Me 4 brought joy to families, raking in $677 million globally. The battle of the titans in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was another hit, earning $567 million.
Kung Fu Panda 4 and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes also made good impacts, reminding us of the enduring appeal of animated and sci-fi franchises. Meanwhile, A Quiet Place: Day One kept audiences on the edge of their seats, proving that horror still has a stronghold in modern cinema. The Garfield Movie, a surprise hit, showed that even our favorite lasagna-loving cat can draw crowds to theaters.
Streaming wars intensify
In 2024, the streaming wars continued to shape the cinematic era. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ competed fiercely, each offering exclusive content to attract subscribers. This trend, accelerated by the pandemic, has changed how we consume movies. Many filmmakers now release their work directly on streaming platforms, bypassing traditional theatrical releases.
However, the success of movies like Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine highlighted that the big screen experience still holds a unique charm. While streaming offers convenience, nothing beats the communal experience of watching a blockbuster in a theater.
A new golden age for cinema?
Despite the challenges posed by streaming and the pandemic, 2024 proved to be a banner year for cinema. The year’s successes suggest a possible revival, a new golden age where streaming and theatrical releases coexist. The blend of nostalgic franchises and innovative storytelling brought audiences back to theaters, demonstrating that cinema’s magic is far from fading.
As we look forward to 2025, the future of cinema looks bright. With exciting new releases on the horizon and the continued evolution of how we watch movies, it’s clear that the silver screen will continue to captivate us for years to come. So, whether you’re streaming from your couch or sitting in a packed theater, the world of cinema remains as enchanting as ever.
Featured image credit: Jake Hills / Unsplash
