We’re into July, beginning the second half of 2024. It feels like a good time to pause and look back at the best of the year so far. That’s what I’m doing for this week’s Binge Watch, looking at my Top 10 films so far this year. Films appear in ascending order! Before we kick off, here’s 10 more on my long list:

No. 20: In A Violent Nature
No. 19: Road House
No. 18: Musica
No. 17: The Greatest Hits
No. 16: Horizon: An American Saga, Part 1
No. 15: Arthur The King
No. 14: Hit Man
No. 13: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
No. 12: Monkey Man
No. 11: The American Society of Magical Negroes

No. 10: The Fall Guy
About: This was the first blockbuster of the summer, featuring Ryan Gosling as a stunt man called to action to help the woman he loves, played by Emily Blunt. This was an action-packed ride, and I really enjoyed the humor and performances. It wasn’t universally beloved, but it worked for me.

No. 9: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
About: Guy Ritchie delivers this action tale based on a true story of secret soldiers for England during World War II. I loved Henry Cavill in the lead role and the rest of this talented cast. The action works here, but so, too, does the clever writing and comedy.

No. 8: IF
About: From John Krasinski, this is a beautiful story of childhood, imagination, and growing up. Ryan Reynolds is great here, as is Cailey Fleming. I had a lot of fun with this, which is beautifully made and beautifully shot.

No. 7: Abigail
About: The first half of the year portends that this will be a big year for horror films. The fact I have two in my Top 10 is a big sign for the variety and quality. This vampire tale from the team behind the re-boot of Scream was well made, incredibly clever, and the kind of bloodbath you’re looking to see in this kind of film. It was a blast.

No. 6: Girls State
About: Back in the middle of COVID we got the documentary about boys in Texas engaging in an experiment regarding a student government. Now, we get the female version—this time set in Missouri. It follows a similar pattern but tells a beautiful new story. I loved it.

No. 5: A Quiet Place: Day One
About: The second horror film in my Top 10, this one just came out to end June. It’s the third entry in the franchise, but Michael Sarnoski makes it feel wonderful and new. Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn are great here.

No. 4: Inside Out 2
About: This is my favorite animated film of the year so far, a delightful and at times challenging emotional journey. I liked the first film in this franchise, but this sequel blew me away with its open, raw, and honest look at what it means to fight to find our authentic self.

No. 3: Challengers
About: This film from Luca Guadagnino tells the story of three tennis players—Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor—and their intertwined relationship over more than a decade. The performances are incredible, but I was really moved by the craft here as well.

No. 2: Civil War
About: From Alex Garland, this drama is moving and incredibly well paced. I loved the story and the exploration of this idea. Kirsten Dunst and Caliee Spaeny are great in this as well. This was a polarizing film for some, but it remains my No. 2 film of the year so far.

No. 1: Dune, Part Two
About: I was somewhat on the fence about the first Dune. I appreciated the technical craft, but I wasn’t as taken with the story. This sequel far surpassed my expectations, delivering a technical masterpiece that was riveting from beginning to end. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya are magical, but the whole cast is great. This is an epic blockbuster that delivered. Credit to Denis Villeneuve, and I suspect this will still be high on my list come January.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.