Cinematic Sensations: The 5 Best Geeky Movies of 2024

You know we love a good movie here at Sideshow. And movies are a geeky staple — anyone who collects and junk journals their ticket stubs, hangs movie posters, and brings home the themed popcorn bucket knows that. So if you’re here, you probably spent a significant amount of time in front of the silver screen this year. Yet through 365 days worth of releases, which ones truly stood out?

Below, let’s look at 5 of the very best geeky movies that came out in 2024.

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Deadpool & Wolverine

Laugh it up, fuzzball! Wait. Wrong movie. Still, Deadpool & Wolverine brought the laughs and the furry-faced companion. Part buddy movie and mostly violent super hero action, the Marvel film marked Mr. Pool and Logan’s debut into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So eXciting, right?? With tons of hype surrounding its release, Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t disappoint, not one bit. It was gorgeously gory and self-critical/deprecating in the best way possible. Plus, it set an awesome precedent for more R-rated content in the MCU. Here’s hoping for way more, with or without our favorite immortal pair (but preference for with).

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Wicked

‘Tis the year for frenemy films, it seems! Based on a book and a musical of the same title, Wicked tells the story of a witch named Elphaba. Born green in the land of Oz, Elphaba experienced hardship from birth and was ostracized by her peers. But the innate magical talent within her drew the attention of plenty of people — allies and enemies alike. Most importantly, Elphaba gains the love and confidence of a fellow witch called Glinda. But like any high note, it’s eventually got to hurtle down. With Part One ending before the play’s intermission, fans can anticipate a sequel in November 2025 to bring us into the final act.

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The Substance

The Substance is our hidden gem pick. This female-centric horror tale centers on the pressures and standards of the entertainment industry, especially on women — their bodies, specifically. A scathing takedown of power and control, The Substance made viewers accomplices to a violent narrative full of self-destruction, desperation, and desire. It asked us what we would do if we could be younger, more beautiful, more marketable, with the help of a volatile and addictive drug? What does it take to be wanted? And is that what you really want in the end?

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Gladiator II

Of course this made our list. After all, were you not entertained? A sequel to the iconic 2000 Oscar winner Gladiator, Gladiator II followed a new warrior on his quest for glory and revenge. Ridley Scott’s historical epic tied the glory of Rome to intimate individual victories and passion. Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington delivered incredible and at times explosive performances that completely captured our attention. Go see it for stunning action sequences and stay for the true heart of both films: the personal struggles and successes of extraordinary men.

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The juice is loose, baby! Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice released to high standards and higher expectations. After all, following up a cult classic is always a near-insurmountable task. Fans and critics agreed that it held up against the original ’80s movie. The cast was stacked, with Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega leading the beloved Deetz family. Michael Keaton returned to play the awful and charming eponymous role, injecting the horror-comedy with all the showbiz it needed to really shine. Who knows … maybe we’ll say his name a third time, just to see how it goes.

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Obviously, we can’t put every single geeky release on a Top 5 countdown. But there are some noteworthy honorable mentions. Twisters raised the stakes for natural disaster dramas. Sequels ruled the cinema, with Alien: Romulus, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Dune: Part Two, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire dominating ticket sales. Plus, Disney, Pixar, and Universal put out their own amazing animated follow-ups, including Inside Out 2, Moana 2, and Despicable Me 4. Finally, DC dropped The Joker: Folie à Deux, finishing up this year’s Elseworlds projects before the new universe officially launches with Superman in July.

What was your favorite 2024 geeky film release? Share your pick with other fans at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!