Can you believe we’ve reached the halfway point of 2024? Despite the slow start to 2024, movies have come on strong in the past few months.Dune: Part Twocemented Denis Villeneuve’s status as one of the five best blockbuster filmmakers working today. Additionally,Inside Out 2continues to break box office records on its way to becoming the year’s first billion-dollar grosser.
Amid the sea of blockbusters and sequels, several actors have given sensational performances over the first six months of 2024. The likelihood of these performances being acknowledged by the Academy at the Oscars is slim. However, these are still great artists putting out entertaining work. Below, we rank the five best movie performances of 2024. Some of these performances are unconventional picks, but they still pack a punch and deserve recognition.
Only movies released in theaters or streaming in 2024 were considered for this list. Movies that only premiered at festivals were not eligible.
5. Jesse Plemons in Civil War
“What kind of American are you?” With that line, Jesse Plemons instilled fear in the hearts and minds of audiences nationwide. Plemons shows up about halfway throughAlex Garland’sCivil War. He’s only in one scene, yet his cameo is legitimately one of the most terrifying performances of 2024.
In the controversial film, Plemons makes an uncredited appearance as a racist militia soldier burying bodies in a mass grave. Plemons holds a group of journalists at gunpoint, asking them about their heritages and backgrounds, all while wearing bright red glasses. You’ll be sick to your stomach by the time the scene ends.
Plemons is throwing 100 mph the entire time. TheBlack MirrorandKinds of Kindnessactor likely won’t win any awards for this brief appearance, but it’s worth mentioning that his work won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Buy Civil War onPrime Video,Apple, andGoogle.
4. Owen Teague and Kevin Durand inKingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Like Plemons’ cameo, the motion-capture roles inKingdom of the Planet of the Apeswill probably not be acknowledged at the major awards shows. However, the visuals in the Apes’ reboot, including the motion-capture performances, are stunning. Following in the shoes of Andy Serkis, aka the motion-capture god, is no easy task.
However, Owen Teague and Kevin Durand give two of the most emotionally compelling performances this year. Teague plays Noa, a young ape who must travel to a new settlement to rescue his clan from captivity. The new settlement’s leader is Proximus Caesar (Durand), a self-proclaimed savior who believes he can bring his ape civilization to new heights.
These two opposing forces face off in a memorable showdown that sets the course for the franchise’s future. SinceRise of the Planet of the Apes,the Apes franchise continues to make terrific blockbusters. AddKingdomto that list.
WatchKingdom of the Planet of the Apesin theaters. Purchase it via premium on-demand outlets starting July 9.
3. Josh O’Connor in Challengers
From a pop culture standpoint,Challengersis the internet’s favorite movie. The film has dominated social media, with countless memes, infectious music, romantic undertones, and magnetic tennis. Directed by Luca Guadagnino,Challengersdepicts the three-way relationship between tennis prodigy Tashi (Zendaya), her struggling ex-boyfriend Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), and Grand Slam champion husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist).
The film showcases one established star (Zendaya) and two emerging actors (O’Connor and Faist). Zendaya’s presence will likely be the lasting memory of the film, and rightfully so. However, O’Connor is the ace of this tennis romp.
The Emmy winner thrives as a pompous, arrogant tennis star with a huge chip on his shoulder. His cockiness is unmatched, and his charisma is unrivaled. O’Connor’s performance reminds me of Jack Nicholson inTerms of Endearment, one where the womanizer steals the show from powerhouses like Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger.
PurchaseChallengersonPrime Video,YouTube,Apple, andGoogle.
2. Jodie Comer in The Bikeriders
InThe Bikeriders, Austin Butler looks like the most beautiful man on the planet and gives a James Dean-esque performance. Yet Jodie Comer, kooky Midwestern accent and all, is the real standout. Directed by Jeff Nichols,The Bikeridersfollows the Vandals Motorcycle Club in the 1960s Midwest. One night at the Vandals’ bar, Kathy (Comer) meets Benny (Butler), one of the club’s most loyal and aggressive members. The two fall in love and quickly marry.
As the years progress, Kathy finds herself battling for Benny’s attention with the club’s leader, Johnny (Tom Hardy). Nichols frames the story through a series of interviews with Kathy, who describes the rise and fall of the club. Comer’s Chicago accent might throw people off if they don’t buy in immediately.
If you can get past the accent (which is actuallypretty accurate to the real-life Kathy), you’ll be rewarded with a powerhouse performance from Comer. She’s the heartbeat of the ensemble and gives an endearing performance as a woman willing to do anything to love someone who may not reciprocate the feeling. Mark my words: Comer will win an Oscar before she retires.
The Bikeridersis now in theaters.
1. Glen Powell in Hit Man
Glen Powell, your time is now. Ever since he broke out inEverybody Wants Some!!,Powell’s ascension to the A-list was only a matter of when and not if. Powell later introduced himself to a national audience inTop Gun: Maverick,where he gets to save the day in the movie’s final act. Powell carried that momentum intoAnyone but You,the most surprising box office success story of the past year. These roles were building toward his movie star debut inHit Man, based on a script he co-wrote with director Richard Linklater.
Hit Manstars Powell as Gary Johnson, a nerdy college professor who works part-time with the New Orleans Police Department. When one of the cops can’t work the sting operation, Gary takes his place as the fake hitman to elicit confessions from suspects. After one of Gary’s alter egos connects with a suspect (Adria Arjona), it sets him off on a passionate love affair that complicates his employment with the police.
Hit Manis a star vehicle for Powell, who gets to reach into his arsenal and showcase his talents — charm, humor, and looks. His chemistry with Arjona is dynamite, and their relationship oozes with sex appeal and aura. Powell comes out ofHit Manlooking like an absolute rock star. Buy your stock in Powell before it’s too late.
