Ranking the Fantastic Fest 2024 movies that I saw in Austin, Texas from the worst to the best, including Saturday Night, Heretic, and A Different Man.
Fantastic Fest is something I look forward to every year since I started going as it always features some of the best genre movies of the year. Here is my ranking of the Fantastic Fest 2024 films that I watched, from worst to best.
Fantastic Fest 2024 Movies Ranked
The Rule Of Jenny Pen
The Rule of Jenny Pen has its ups and downs, but both Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow go for it. They are fantastic on screen together. It’s chilling and intense at times, but it left me wanting something more.
The Draft!
The Draft! is ridiculous, but extremely fun. It explores the idea of what if characters knew that they were in a film, and how they would adapt when the story keeps changing. Really funny, brutal, and entertaining.
The Apprentice
The Apprentice is an intriguing character study in which Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and Maria Bakalova deliver unforgettable performances. Its goal is to show audiences how this man ended up so obsessed with power and so off the rails. Full The Apprentice review.
Never Let Go
Never Let Go is filled with twists & turns! It’s extremely captivating because you constantly question what is real & what isn’t through to the very end. Halle Berry is (of course) fantastic, but Anthony B. Jenkins & Percy Daggs IV shine! Full Never Let Go review.
House of Spoils
House of Spoils is a good combination of culinary and witchy (but not a perfect blend). Ariana DeBose delivers another incredible performance. The final few moments are empowering. Love the ending, even though it dragged a little in the middle.
Saturday Night
I had a great time with Saturday Night! It’s hilarious and fun with an ensemble cast that is overflowing with talent! Incredible performances and a chaotic feel that likely mimics exactly what occurred the night of that very first live show. Full Saturday Night review.
Mr. Crocket
Mr. Crocket feels like a forgotten film from the 1990s. The practical effects and puppets take it to the next level, making it fun and unique. Give me all the sequels.
A Different Man
A Different Man is a dark comedy that certainly will not be for everyone, however Sebastian Stan and Adam Pearson are a delight on screen together. Overall, A Different Man is entertaining, to say the list. It plants intriguing thoughts in the minds of viewers and will have many reconsidering the way they treat others, but most importantly rethinking the way they treat themselves. Full A Different Man review.
Heretic
Hugh Grant has never been as terrifying as he is in Heretic. It is his best performance – ever. A great combination of horror and psychological thriller that will have viewers constantly questioning… a compelling take on religion and belief vs. disbelief. Full Heretic review.
Bone Lake
Bone Lake is probably my favorite film out of Fantastic Fest so far. It is dark, sexy, and violent. There is one big reveal that will leave viewers with their jaws on the floor! The cast has incredible chemistry, making the film that much more believable. Full Bone Lake review.
The Wild Robot
It almost feels like cheating to even put The Wild Robot in this ranking because OF COURSE it is going to be the best of the fest with its big name studio and budget behind it.
The Wild Robot is a beautifully animated, heartwarming, story that explores the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. This film will teach viewers that sometimes you need to adapt and alter your programming, and when you do, you just might find more than you ever thought imaginable. Families are sure to connect with this one, as it is truly something special. Full The Wild Robot review.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.