2024 had its fair share of year-defining social media trends, live events and highly anticipated releases. Through all the highs and lows, contributors to The Huntington News’ Lifestyle section were there to cover them. As always, many of the biggest pop culture moments formed around the year’s most popular and iconic media. To take a look back on 2024, the Lifestyle editors asked The News’ staff to submit their picks for the best film, television show and album of the year.
Here are the staff’s top picks, as well as a personal recommendation in each category from Lifestyle editors Darin, Claudie and Christina.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Best film of 2024: “Challengers”
In traditional Luca Guadagnino fashion, “Challengers” is a sensual, aesthetically appealing whirlwind of emotions with a strong plotline and exceptional performances. The film follows a messy love triangle between three professional tennis players through their highs and lows with themselves, one another and their careers. Years after meeting, Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a tennis star-turned-coach, pushes her husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) to greatness on the court. After Art seems to falter athletically, losing games and stamina, Tashi enrolls him in one of the lowest levels of professional play: a challenger event. Art finds his opponent to be none other than Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), his ex-best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, forcing the trio to revisit old feelings and tensions, all while trying to win the match. Nominated for multiple Golden Globe awards, “Challengers” is two hours and 11 minutes of sweat, sex, glamour and, of course, tennis, that is deserving of the praise it’s garnered since its April release.
Darin’s pick: “A Real Pain”
For a year filled with show-stopping, action-packed films, “A Real Pain” might not seem like the obvious choice, but the simplicity of the film’s presentation is perfectly balanced by the complexity of its themes. Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin both deliver standout performances as cousins David and Benji Kaplan, who tour Poland together in honor of their recently deceased grandmother. The Eisenberg-directed film thoughtfully examines the impact of pain across different scales, ranging from the frayed relationship between David and Benji to the generational trauma passed down from Holocaust survivors. What makes “A Real Pain” truly admirable is its subtlety as it explores how pain is often most deeply felt in silence. Many of the film’s poignant moments are free of any dialogue, accompanied only by a careful selection of piano pieces by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. As David and Benji struggle with the pain tied to their Jewish heritage, they simultaneously try to navigate their relationship and rediscover what has been lost between them. Coming in at only 90 minutes, “A Real Pain” is a beautiful example of restraint in storytelling, leaving the audience with plenty to think about after its close. In a time of open conversations about trauma and mental health, the film is a refreshing take on processing life’s pains.
Claudie’s pick: “Dune: Part Two”
Director Denis Villeneuve conquered the near-impossible task of making a sequel that lives up to the hype of its predecessor — not to mention a worthy adaptation of a fantastic novel. “Dune: Part Two” also exceeded sequel expectations at the box office by making over $714 million worldwide, surpassing the first film by over $300 million. A nearly three-hour science-fiction masterpiece, “Dune: Part Two” continues where “Dune” left off, as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) unites with the Fremen people, the planet’s natives, to journey through the deserts of Arrakis as he seeks to avenge the death of his father and House Atreides. Some of the Fremen believe Paul is their messiah, while others are skeptics. Chalamet delivers an incredible performance, providing the character development that was lacking in the first film through his inner dilemmas and relationship with his love interest, Chani (Zendaya). The film’s cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, subtly elevating the first film’s visuals. Chalamet and Zendaya are joined in “Part Two” by Austin Butler, Florence Pugh and Christopher Walken to create an even more star-studded cast. Nominated at the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama and for Hans Zimmer’s original score, “Dune: Part Two” is by far one of the best films of the year.
Christina’s pick: “The Substance”
For her sophomore feature film, Coralie Fargeat delivered “The Substance,” a horror-thriller that explores how women are perceived in society and the standards they are held to. The film follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), an actress who falls from stardom after being fired from her aerobics TV show for being “too old.” When Elisabeth ends up in the hospital after a car accident, a nurse gives her a flash drive marketing The Substance, a treatment that promises a more youthful, perfect self. Upon taking The Substance, a second self emerges from Elisabeth’s spine — a younger version of herself she dubs “Sue” (Margaret Qualley), who she must switch consciousness with every other week to ensure stability for both Elisabeth’s and Sue’s well-being. “The Substance” showcases Sue’s rise to fame, as she feels confident and unstoppable with her newfound beauty, while Elisabeth falls into a self-loathing state, feeling useless and forgotten by society. What makes the film stand out from typical body horror films is its parallels to classics including “The Shining,” “Carrie” and “The Fly,” allowing the audience to appreciate the cinematography and shocking ending.
Honorable mentions: “Wicked,” “We Live in Time,” “Inside Out 2”
Best TV series of 2024: “Arcane”
Set in the same universe as the hit video game “League of Legends,” the second and final season of “Arcane” made its way to Netflix in November. The series follows sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) as they fight on opposing sides of a struggle for power between two cities — Piltover, a land of wealth and prosperity, and Zaun, a city that has found itself under Piltover’s thumb. The course of the series is ultimately defined by the fate of the cities and the dynamic between the two sisters. Nearly three years passed between the release of the first and second seasons of “Arcane,” but that didn’t lessen the hype for season two by any measure. “Arcane” has been nearly universally acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its storytelling, animation and character development. Its appeal has extended beyond “League of Legends” fans, and the series has successfully managed to mold itself into something bigger and more impactful than the average video game adaptation.
Darin’s pick: “Shōgun”
The merits of a great series aren’t defined by its performance during awards season, but it’s not hard to see why “Shōgun” was the night’s biggest winner at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Closely based on the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell, the action and suspense never let up throughout the stunning 10-episode miniseries. In 1600, after English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) ends up shipwrecked in Japan, he finds himself entangled in the military plans of Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). As Blackthorne proves his worth to the Japanese samurai, he starts to understand the political alliances and rivalries that have formed within the Council of Regents, the five feudal lords who govern Japan until the Taikō’s child heir is old enough to rule. “Shōgun” is historical fiction, and its story is loosely based on real events that occurred in 17th-century Japan. As such, the series treats the history that inspired it with deep respect, going further by taking time to explore how the violence of the samurai life impacts others in both massive cities and lonely villages. Though it has occasional milder moments, “Shōgun” is mostly an intense ride right from the start, telling a gripping tale of life within the shogunate through to its devastating finale.
Claudie’s pick: “One Day”
First published as a novel in 2009, then brought to the big screen in 2011, a new “One Day” adaptation aired in 2024. The 10-episode limited series released in February on Netflix, starring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, respectively. The romantic drama follows Emma and Dexter’s relationship over the course of nearly 20 years, beginning with their first interaction at their University of Edinburgh graduation party to the series’ heartbreaking finale. Navigating the woes of post-graduate life and adulthood, reconnecting here and there and flipping between friends and lovers, Emma and Dexter’s story, and the show’s overall premise, may seem like a bad cliché. However, the emotional performances and undeniable chemistry between Mod and Woodall, perfectly executed comedic relief and strong supporting characters make “One Day” a successful adaptation of the novel and a stellar example of a well-made limited series.
Christina’s pick: “The Boys”
Five years after its premiere, Prime Video released the fourth season of “The Boys,” which follows a group of vigilantes of the same name as they try to take down highly regarded yet incredibly corrupt superheroes, also known as Supes. Season four picks up six months after the previous season’s conclusion, with The Boys — Hughie (Jack Quaid), Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso), Frenchie (Tomer Capone), Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) and Annie (Erin Moriarty) — working with the CIA to assassinate Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit), a vice presidential candidate who hides her superpowered abilities from the public. Working in the shadows of Neuman is Homelander (Antony Starr), a severely unstable and egotistical Supe looking to take over the government and solidify his authority. With just months to live, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), The Boys’ former leader, looks to take down not just Homelander, but every Supe. The season’s increasing tensions lead to a stellar finale, setting up a highly anticipated final season. Starr, in particular, shines as Homelander, transforming into a sadistic, maniacal sociopath who craves validation and power. While the season focuses more on building the plot than advancing it, season four of “The Boys” succeeds in becoming more absurd and unpredictable than the last season, leaving viewers anxiously awaiting its fifth and final season.
Honorable mentions: “The Penguin,” “The Bear,” “Love Island USA”
Best album of 2024: “brat” by Charli XCX
Over a decade after the release of her debut album, Charli XCX continues to give the people what they want with her sixth studio album, “brat.” Released June 7, “brat” peaked at No. 3 two weeks later on the Billboard 200, the highest any Charli XCX album has ranked. “Brat” centers around themes of Charli XCX’s flaws and how she is unapologetically herself, which kicked off the “brat summer” lifestyle — partying, being bold and living carefree. The album’s highest-streamed track, “360,” showcases the artist’s confident and carefree attitude, singing “If you love it, if you hate it / I don’t fucking care what you think.” The album’s success can be measured beyond rankings and the rise of the iconic “brat” aesthetic; the English singer-songwriter secured seven Grammy nominations for the album, including Record of the Year for “360.”
Darin’s pick: “GNX” by Kendrick Lamar
Even before the surprise release of “GNX” in November, 2024 was already proving to be a career-defining year for Kendrick Lamar. After a feud with fellow rapper Drake culminated in the explosively-popular single “Not Like Us,” fans anticipated a new album more highly than ever. Months went by, but no album came. In September, Lamar announced he would be headlining the halftime show for the 2025 Super Bowl. Surely, fans thought, this would be the moment for a new album. But still, nothing. Just when it seemed like Lamar was saving his wins to go even bigger in 2025, he once again defied expectations and dropped “GNX,” his sixth studio album. Needless to say, it was worth the wait. Immediately debuting at the top of the Billboard 200, “GNX” continues to showcase Lamar at the top of his lyrical game, backed by an extensive cast of guest appearances. Tracks like “squabble up” and “tv off” became immediate sensations for moments such as Lamar’s iconic “Mustard” scream. Others, such as “man at the garden” and “reincarnated,” the album’s centerpiece, are a well-deserved celebration of how Lamar’s commitment and determination took him to the top. “GNX” is the perfect year-end statement for Lamar, whose balance of confidence and humility has enabled him to dominate the rap scene.
Claudie’s pick: “The Secret of Us” by Gracie Abrams
From the beginning of January to the end of 2024, Gracie Abrams’ monthly listeners on Spotify rose by over 30 million. Many may attribute Abrams’ increased popularity to the fact that she was an opener for Taylor Swift on her record-breaking Eras Tour, and while that may be partially true, the masterpiece that is Abrams’ second studio album should not be overlooked. “The Secret of Us” is a 47-minute story of heartbreak, friendship, longing and growth, and each one of the album’s 13 songs is a vulnerable display of Abrams’ emotional journey. The album’s one feature is reserved for Swift on one of the album’s most popular songs, “us.” “I Love You, I’m Sorry” quickly rose in popularity, especially after Abrams’ note changes during a live performance of the song went viral. Fun, upbeat singles like “Risk” and “Close To You” gained social media traction, and strong bridges in “Free Now” and “Let It Happen” are proof of Abrams’ maturing style and vocals. Abrams released “The Secret of Us (Deluxe)” Oct. 18 with four new songs and three live versions of songs from the original album. “The Secret of Us” multiplied Abrams’ listeners and established her in the pop scene — and she’s only going up from here.
Christina’s pick: “CHROMAKOPIA” by Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator has done it again: He has crafted a meticulous harmony of stories expressing feelings of growing up, exploring what’s right and wrong and navigating fame, all bundled into a 53-minute album. Tyler released his eighth studio album “CHROMAKOPIA” Oct. 28, just 12 days after initially teasing the album on Instagram. This came as a shock to fans, as he previously only released albums every other year, with the latest being “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale,” released in 2023. With features from Childish Gambino, Doechii, Sexyy Red and more, Tyler takes listeners on a journey through relationships, fears and the consequences of his actions. Narrated by his mother, Bonita Smith, the album follows different timelines in Tyler’s life, including his mixed feelings with stardom and his struggles with fatherhood — the potential of it, but also the lack of it as his own father was absent from his life. Tracks like “Noid,” “Judge Judy” and “Like Him” progress the storyline beautifully and show vulnerability, whereas tracks like “Sticky” and “Balloon” showcase Tyler’s typical ego: eccentric and bold. With clever lyricism and impeccable production, Tyler delivers one of the best albums of the year.
Honorable mentions: “Bando Stone & the New World” by Childish Gambino, “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter, “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift
