• From 2024 successes to 2025 hype

The cinematic landscape of 2024 offered a rich tapestry of stories that captivated global audiences. From Hollywood’s blockbuster franchises to poignant narratives from Asian cinema, this year’s films reflected a mix of universal themes and culturally specific storytelling. 

Audiences flocked to theatres and streaming platforms for a variety of reasons, such as nostalgia, escapism, emotional connection, and a desire for stories that resonated with their realities. Across Hollywood hits, Asian gems, and films from the Global South, a few common themes emerged, highlighting what drew fans to the movies this year.

For those of us not venturing out among the throngs this New Year’s Eve, here’s a look back at some of this year’s biggest films as well as some key highlights of what to expect in 2025. 

Global film 

Hollywood leaned heavily on the power of nostalgia and franchise loyalty, with films like ‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ leading the charge. These productions balanced fan service with fresh narratives, making them appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. 

‘Inside Out 2,’ for example, delved deeper into emotional complexity, exploring themes of mental health and personal growth as its young protagonist transitioned into adolescence. Meanwhile, family dynamics took centre stage in animated hits like ‘Despicable Me 4’ and ‘Moana 2,’ which emphasised themes of love, unity, and resilience amidst challenges. 

These family-oriented stories resonated across age groups, reaffirming the universal appeal of narratives rooted in relationships.

Simultaneously, epic adventures and fantastical worlds continued to capture imaginations. Films like ‘Dune: Part Two’ and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ offered more than just spectacle, weaving in contemporary issues such as environmental concerns and power struggles through allegorical storytelling. 

These narratives satisfied the audience’s craving for escapism while encouraging reflection on pressing societal challenges, blending entertainment with thought-provoking commentary. 

Asian cinema made a significant impact on the global stage in 2024, offering stories that combined humour, social commentary, and cultural depth. 

Thai film ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ exemplified this trend, blending dark comedy with poignant reflections on familial greed and the complexities of ageing. Similarly, South Korea’s ‘Pilot,’ a romantic comedy exploring gender identity and evolving societal norms, reflected the region’s willingness to tackle sensitive topics while maintaining broad audience appeal. 

Across many films from Asia, themes of resilience, cultural identity, and familial bonds resonated deeply, offering both local authenticity and universal relevance.

In the Global South, the theme of resilience amid adversity emerged as a powerful narrative thread. Many films from the region depicted characters overcoming personal and societal challenges, offering stories that inspired hope and showcased humanity’s enduring spirit. These narratives were not limited to a single genre but spanned dramas, comedies, and even experimental works, reflecting the diverse storytelling traditions of the region.

This year also saw notable trends that shaped the cinematic experience. Korean cinema’s penchant for remakes and adaptations demonstrated its ability to localise foreign narratives, infusing them with cultural nuance. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian filmmakers pushed boundaries by blending genres and experimenting with unconventional narrative structures, creating films that resonated with both regional and global audiences.

Lankan cinema

Sri Lankan cinema in 2024 offered a compelling array of films that showcased the nation’s evolving storytelling landscape and its unique cultural identity. Directors and creators explored diverse themes ranging from love and resilience to political commentary, drawing in audiences with stories that were both poignant and thought-provoking.

Among the highlights was ‘Weerya,’ directed by Sunil Aruna Weerasiri, a film that resonated with its strong narrative and captivating performances. Similarly, ‘Sihinayaki Adare’ by Sarov Shanmugam and ‘1970 Love Story’ by Aruna Jayawardana brought heartfelt tales to the screen, emphasising themes of love and human connection in ways that deeply moved viewers. 

These films stood out for their ability to balance emotional depth with cinematic artistry, making them memorable entries in this year’s lineup.

Sinhala film enthusiast Shehani Palihawadana offered a thoughtful perspective on the state of Sri Lankan cinema in 2024, particularly on the rising prominence of actors and the growing quality of productions. 

“Between films like ‘Sihinayaki Adare,’ which was actually good and critically acclaimed, and ‘Sihina Nelum Mal,’ which wasn’t all that well received, actors like Hemal Ranasinghe can remain booked and busy,” she noted. 

Shehani highlighted Ranasinghe’s evolution into one of the most bankable stars in Sri Lankan cinema, expressing admiration for his work. “I have been surprised by his work. With the growing quality in cinematic productions in Sri Lanka, I only hope that our base of actors who care and are passionate about acting continues to grow,” she said. 

Her observations underscore a positive trajectory for Sri Lankan cinema, driven by a blend of talent and improving industry standards.

The film ‘Minnu’ directed by Asoka Athaudahetti, garnered significant attention for its unique storyline that defied conventional norms, captivating audiences with its innovative approach to storytelling. Ajith Dharmasuriya’s ‘Varna’ and Priyantha Colombage’s ‘Mandara’ further enriched the cinematic landscape, offering fresh perspectives and narratives that highlighted the complexities of human relationships and the richness of Sri Lankan culture.

Prasad Kalupahanage’s ‘Kambili’ continued to draw acclaim for its engaging plot and strong visual storytelling, while the much-anticipated ‘Sinhabahu’ reimagined a beloved Sri Lankan legend for contemporary audiences. These films demonstrated the industry’s commitment to honouring its cultural heritage while exploring modern themes, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation.

Perhaps the most surprising and timely of the year’s offerings was ‘My Red Comrade,’ directed by Sudath Mahaadivulwewa. This film struck a chord with audiences by reflecting on the socio-political climate following the election of Sri Lanka’s new President and the rise of a party many assume to be communist. Its poignant exploration of ideological shifts and their impact on individuals and society made it a standout in the year’s cinematic lineup.

For cinema enthusiast Maheesha Perera, 2024 was an exceptional year for films, marked by frequent visits to the theatre, averaging at least twice a month. “I think this past year was a great one for film, and not only global films,” she shared, citing ‘Wicked’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’ as personal favourites. “I have to include ‘Gladiator II’ in there, even though it disappointed me greatly,” she admitted. 

Reflecting on Sri Lankan cinema, she expressed particular admiration for ‘Kambili,’ describing it as “a shock to the system in the way that the story was told,” adding: “I think the direction was revolutionary.” Maheesha’s experience highlights the year’s cinematic diversity, where global epics and groundbreaking local productions captivated audiences and reignited their love for the big screen.

Looking ahead to 2025

Brunch also reached out to several cinephiles for their thoughts on global trends and their opinions on the most highly anticipated films of 2025. 

Mithila Lashani shared her perspective, stating: “Personally, looking ahead to 2025, several highly anticipated films include some of Hollywood’s big releases, like ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,’ the latest instalment in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, and ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ which follows the events of ‘Jurassic World Dominion’. And how can I not mention ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ the third film in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ franchise?”

She also noted other significant releases, saying: “There are a few others as well, like ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ and ‘Fast XI’. While I personally have reservations, it cannot be denied that ‘Fast & Furious’ remains one of the most popular franchises in the world.” 

Finally, she revealed her top pick for the year: “My most anticipated film, however, is ‘Superman: Legacy’. Directed by James Gunn, this reboot of the Superman story is, in my opinion, the film that will finally pull DC out of its gutter.”

Similarly, Amila De Silva shared his enthusiasm for what Bollywood has in store for the future. “I am so excited for ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’. It will star Rishab Shetty and it promises to be a crazy epic,” he said. 

Reflecting on this year’s releases, he noted: “There were some great Hindi films this year, but nothing that really made a cultural shift in the way some of the older Bollywood films have done. Kollywood, however, really had its moment this year.”

He also highlighted a few upcoming films he believes will make a real impact. “Films like ‘Chhaava,’ ‘Good Bad Ugly,’ and especially ‘Toxic’ by Geethu Mohandas are going to make some big waves,” he added.

Ultimately, the success of 2024’s films highlights a shared desire for connection, whether through revisiting beloved characters, exploring fantastical worlds, or engaging with socially conscious themes. Audiences have shown a preference for narratives that resonate on personal levels while addressing broader societal issues. 

As we look forward to 2025, expectations remain high for innovative storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries. Viewers are eager for films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and foster understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. 

The anticipation for diverse narratives suggests that modern cinema will continue to evolve, embracing both tradition and innovation as it shapes cultural discourse globally.