Just like that, the first half of 2024 is in our rearview mirror. Many movies were released within the first six months, and the following list includes Slant film critics Rosa Parra and Alfredo’s favorites. We would love to hear your thoughts and if we share any films!

We will countdown the films starting at ten. But before we do here are our honorable mentions.

Rosa Parra. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Spy x Family Code: White. The Fall Guy. Problemista. A Quiet Place Day One.

Alfredo Galindo. Problemista, Quiet Place Day One, Thelma.

Paulie. Quiet place Day One. Problemista. Bad Boys: Ride or DIe. Disappear Completely.

Top Ten Films

10. Thelma. (Rosa.) This entry into the heist revenge genre stands out thanks to its titular character, who is in her 90s. The tropes are similar but manage to incorporate objects, subject matter, and circumstances that the elderly often experience. The movie isn’t only about a heist; it explores ageism and how to deal with growing old. It is a beautiful and funny story that quickly made Thelma one of my favorite action heroines of late.

10. Horizon: An American Saga  (Alfredo.) Closing the list three decades and counting after his Academy Award Winning epic western “Dances with Wolves” Kevin Costner came back to the big screen starring and directing a follow up to that instant classic with a notorious homage to a genre who has been in theatres since the controversial D.W. Griffith´s “Birth of of a Nation” (1915), and although it wasn´t appealing enough to film audiences to destined the rest of the chapters to streaming, this was an joy for real movie lovers and cinephiles! 

10. The Fall Guy. (Paulie.) Truly a silly-fun and stunt defying film. Meant to entertain, Hollywood reminded us, and itself, just how to do that.

9. Young Woman and the Sea. (Rosa.) Trudy Ederle was the first woman to swim across the English Channel. This film follows her journey, which took place nearly 100 years ago. It is a beautifully shot period piece anchored by a strong performance from Daisy Ridley. Her journey, along with that of her family, was inspirational and the ultimate underdog story.

9. The Fall Guy  (Alfredo.) Also premiering on South by Southwest where it got early good buzz the first Ryan Gosling/Emily Blunt after the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon last summer was the first big hit of this summer leaving behind the originals series which its based making homage to the fall guys of film history with popcorn fun mixed with the stunts that have amazed film audiences on the big screen from Buster Keaton times to Hal Needham´s (“Smokey and the Bandit”; “Cannonball Run”) cult classics. David Leitch directs.

9. Civil War. (Paulie.) I was riveted. Not because of its backdrop of an American civil war, but the relationships of these photo journalists. What a rush!

8. Monkey Man. (Rosa.) Dev Patel stars in this action-packed revenge film. Additionally, his directorial skills are on full display. Heavily influenced by John Wick in its aesthetic, action sequences, and story, this movie manages to distinguish itself with its execution and outcome. This underrated gem is one of the best action movies of the year.

8 The Long Game(Alfredo.) Exactly a month after its world premiere in the South by Southwest Festival, the word of mouth that gave strength to this period drama about five Mexican-American caddies who in 1955 for the love of the game, decided not only to learn to play but create the own “Field of Dreams” in the desert of South Texas . The film hit gold just like “Blue Beetle” last year in the streaming service it recently made it available to make it number one on hits in a week for the universally inspiring story it tells. Julio Quintana directs.

8. Kill (Paulie.) Never has there been a revenge movie on a train done so well. Wow. From a family of terrorists to a man that makes a promise to save lives, this is the best action movie of the year.

7. I AM: Celine Dion. (Rosa.) Celine Dion has recently been diagnosed with a neurological disease that is affecting her ability to perform at her best. This documentary provides an intimate look at Celine’s daily life since her diagnosis. The film concludes with a particularly poignant 15 minutes, showcasing Celine Dion as a musical legend who has had to step back due to her health. It tells the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of a resilient woman who refuses to let this disease hold her down.

7. Disappear Completely. (Alfredo.) Before the just released summer sleeper from the second half of 2024, Netflix released last April this folk horror Mexican film which last month got a handful of Ariel Awards nominations including Best Actor for Harold Torres as an ambitious and insensitive photojournalist who after his last assignment starts losing mysteriously, one by one, all of his natural senses. Luis Javier Henaine directs.

7. Robot Dreams. (Paulie.) What a sweet and wonderful tale of a lonely soul yearning for friendship. And once he has the bond, the lengths he will go to keep it!

6. Babes. (Rosa.) Motherhood is a subject close to my heart, and I’m proud to have had the honor of experiencing it. That’s why “Babes” is one of my favorite movies! It takes a comedic approach to all the aspects of motherhood, managing to poke fun at some of the unspoken aspects of being a mother while also giving sensitivity to the taboo scenarios a woman’s body undergoes in the process.

6. Civil War. (Alfredo.) Speaking of robots, a decade after his Academy Award winning film “Ex-Machina”, British writer-director Alex Garland surprised us again with a frightening approach due to the political polarization happening in America where a group of journalists are the heroic figures in the middle of a Civil War making shine actors such as Academy Award nominee Kirsten Dunst; Brazilian actor Wagner Moura (“Narcos”); Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”) and Nick Offerman (“The Last of Us”), among others. 

6. Aavesham. (Paulie.) Ok, thinks college bros getting bullied by school mates and then befriended by Tony Montana! Add a twisted comedic flare plus wild fights and songs, you get one of the most original films of the year. Lead actor Fahadh Faasil can do no wrong!

5. IF. (Rosa.) In addition to responsibilities, one sign of reaching adulthood (or the teenage years) is the development of more mature behavior. IF (imaginary friends) splendidly depicts why adults should not completely let go of their inner child. A sense of wonder, imagination, and expression only adds significance to the meaning of life. John Krasinski has delivered another moving and heartfelt movie for both kids and adults. A friendly reminder that no matter our age, we can enjoy and value our inner child.

5. Robot Dreams. (Alfredo.) Back to foreign films, and after it got a well worthy nomination for Best Animated Feature of 2023, this gem from Spain in the same genre based on a graphic novel by American writer Sara Varon got an identity of its own by telling the moving story of a dog and a robot in New York during the 80s which was an early summer success in the art house circuit in the end of May.  Directed by Pablo Berger.

5. The Long Game. (Paulie.) An inspiring underdog story thats gorgeously filmed by Julio Quintana. So many wonderful takes from the true story, I found myself speechless how Quintana protrays generational discrimation and how each character faces them. From Cheech Marin’s WW1 veteran to the young Chicano teenagers of the 50’s, Long Game is a powerful tale of resiliency.

4. Frida.(Rosa.)The most iconic Latina historical figure is none other than Frida Kahlo. This documentary chronicles the life of the legendary Mexican painter in her own words. Using archival footage, journals, interviews, and documentation, this movie is an informative and visually creative display of Frida’s work and how it intertwined with her life. It pays homage to a woman who refused to be labeled by social standards and who always made her voice heard. A must-watch!

4. The Chimera. (Alfredo.) Before the wider release of “Challengers” in April, on late March one of its lead actors, Josh O´Connor (“The Crown”) starred on this Art house Indiana Jones as he leads a group of archeologists and challenges a black market of historic pieces on this film which makes him one of the breakthrough faces of this year on indie cinema to look after on awards season just like another talented Italian writer-director such as Alice Rohwacher. 

4. Horizon: An American Saga. (Paulie.) I strongly believe if we are to survive as a country then we must embrace our collective history, thorns and all. Costner takes that first step into the American west with this in mind. I need part two now!

3. Inside Out 2. (Rosa.) A sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way possible. The introduction of the new emotions adds complexity to Riley, and their depiction accurately resembles how many of us have felt at one point while trying to juggle many emotions simultaneously. Being a teenager is not easy, and this movie presents it perfectly. Well-written, well-acted, and superb animation makes Inside Out 2 one of the best sequels in film.

3. Challengers.(Alfredo.) The sequel of “Dune” probably won´t, but young actress Zendaya might find some Oscar love from this indie which got a great result from a mix of drama, rom-com and sports from a love triangle between three tennis players through the years from being teenagers to a World Championship that sparked in the box office and gave new wings from its Academy Award nominee Italian director. Luca Guadagnino directs.

3. Dune: Part Two. (Paulie.) A cinematic masterpiece as no other science-fiction film has ever seen. Although I was not thrilled with some of the changes that were made from author’s Frank Herbert’s novel, I still bought into the ride. Incredible vision, sound and scope.

2. Ghostlight. (Rosa.) This year’s most emotionally riveting film is “Ghostlight.” It is a moving exploration of grief and how theater can help with the grieving process. Anchored by award-worthy performances, this movie will leave you with a different perspective on the play “Romeo & Juliet.” It’s a raw look at fatherhood and how individuals handle grief differently. A profound story of how art imitates life and how it can aid in healing.

2. Challengers. (Paulie) I was in shock as yo how much I fell in love with this sports film. Shocked as I know the main characters were not good people but incredible champions. Shocked as to what these characters are willing to do to motivate whom they “love.” Damn its also filmed at time from the tennis ball’s POV,. Arousing, wild and sordid. Gimme more!

2. Dune: Part Two (Alfredo.) The first big box office success of the year in the first week of March was also the equivalent of “The Empire Strikes Back” in the “Star Wars” saga as it got a big bang and a full throttle from a science fiction piece of art which speaking of Oscars it won´t be a surprised to conquer the same quantity of Academy Awards from the original (6 total) supported by new fresh faces such as Academy Award nominee Austin Butler in the part which Sting played in the David Lynch´s original “Dune” from 1984. Denis Villeneuve directs again.2.

1. Dune: Part Two. (Rosa.) Theatrical experiences are made possible by movies like “Dune 2”. The movie is visually, audibly, and overall stunning. The score and sound are immersive, while the visuals are simply a masterful spectacle. There are strong performances all around, along with astonishing costumes and production design. Simply put, it’s a perfect film.

1.Totem. (Alfredo.) Released on US theatres last January, this film  which focus on Sol, a seven year old girl who questions her close relatives actions in the middle of preparations for a surprise birthday for her father became a darling during the Awards season, being the Mexican entry for the Academy Award Best International; getting a nod for an Independent Spirit Ariels and 15 nominations for the Ariel Awards (Mexican Oscar). Directed by Lila Avilés.

1. The Coffee Table. (Paulie.) To date there has not been a film this year that has disturbed me as much as director Caye Casas’s film The Coffee Table. Yes its haughtiness and awful, however the story takes on a new life once an unspeakable accident occurs. There the lead actors take us on a vast and exhausting emotional journey. Even the comedic moments are drenched in uneasiness. Best of the year…so far!