The best movies and shows we watched in 2024

The Lifestyle Asia crew dishes on the best movies and shows we watched in 2024 so that you can put them on your watchlist if you haven’t seen them yet—or spew hate comments at us. 

2024 has given us so many enjoyable things to watch that our problem nowadays is carving out the time to watch all of them. We here at Lifestyle Asia had the same problem this year, but thankfully we were able to catch at least some shows and films. Most of them are new while some are just new to us, but either way, they made cosy nights snuggled on our couch with our blankets enjoyable. Here are some of the best movies and shows we watched in 2024.

[Hero image: FX]

Our favourite shows and movies that we watched in 2024

LG, Creative Content Director

Favourite show:
Mad Men. I hate myself a little bit for never watching Mad Men when it first came out (to be fair, it ran during Gossip Girl’s reign, and I was a teenager). Nonetheless, I was hooked to it when it was newly released on Netflix this year. There is so much to love about Mad Men, from the brilliant writing to the utterly lovable characters, to the constant, very 1960s cigarette-smoking. Played by Jon Hamm, protagonist Don Draper is an absolute dream (and an asshole), and as someone who works in a creative field, I found myself inspired by him pretty often. Alex Pappademas argued in GQ that Mad Men was the most rewatchable show of the Peak TV era. I agree.

Watch Mad Men on Netflix

Favourite movie:
Joy. It’s perhaps not my favourite movie of the year, but a movie that affected me deeply, and its timing strikes a chord with a lot that is happening around the world today. Based on a true story, Joy details the journey to the invention of IVF, a science that changed the world forever, and allowed many women to fulfil their wish of motherhood. Themes of gender and belonging are strong in this British film, and a lot of good quotes ring relevant today, even if it is set in the 1970s. My favourite is this one: “We are here to give women choice. Every choice. That’s all that matters to me, and it should be all that matters to you.”

Watch Joy on Netflix

ES, Senior Writer

Favourite show:
Shogun. I heard many people rave about it and I wasn’t entirely sure if I was going to like it even as I watched the first two episodes. But then I found myself hooked, utterly addicted. This is a captivating series that will put you in a chokehold from start to finish. I can’t wait for Season 2, but I’m wary that the quality will decline since they already finished adapting the entire source material with the first season.

Watch Shogun on Disney+ Hotstar

Favourite movie:
Wolfs. Look, I loved George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the Ocean’s franchise so I knew I was going to eat this up. It’s such a classic buddy movie with all the chaos and humour on top of George and Brad’s chemistry. It was such a fun watch, and that’s exactly what I want when I see a movie. 

Watch Wolfs on Apple TV+

KV, Content Writer

Favourite show:
Agatha All Along. Such an incredible exploration into the witchy side of the MCU, with a great showcase of how to write magic, as well as storylines for the characters. Patti LuPone and the writing for her episode are a contender for every award that should be coming their way.

Watch Agatha All Along on Disney+ Hotstar

Favourite movie:
Wicked. Performances are superb and they treat the original songs with such respect. Jonathan Bailey should’ve been crowned Sexiest Man Alive 2024, idc.

TC, Content Writer

Favourite show:
Griselda. If you’re into shows like Narcos or Queen of the South, Griselda is worth a watch. It’s based on true events and follows Griselda Blanco, who flees Medellín for Miami and works her way up to becoming one of the most ruthless cartel leaders in history. And did I mention that Sofía Vergara plays her? 

Watch Griselda on Netflix

Favourite movie:
It’s What’s Inside. I can’t pick a favourite for 2024 yet, but It’s What’s Inside isn’t bad. It’s about a group of old friends who reunite for a pre-wedding party. Without spoiling anything, they end up playing a game that lets them swap bodies. You can probably guess where it goes from there. I’m definitely curious to see if there’s a sequel.

Watch It’s What’s Inside on Netflix

NS, Content Writer

Favourite show:
Maxton Hall. The enemies-to-lovers, the angst, the tension, the character development, the plot—it’s everything. I found myself completely addicted, made everyone I know watch it, and now we’re all collectively dying for Season 2. This one’s truly for the book girlies.

Watch Maxton Hall on Prime Video

Favourite movie:
Challengers. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist deliver outstanding performances in this drama. Having enjoyed Josh in The Crown and Mike in Panic, seeing their dynamic in this film was a highlight. Initially, I found the ending a bit abrupt, but upon reflection, I understand the creative decision behind it. Luca Guadagnino’s direction was masterful, and the tension and complexity of the plot made this a fun watch.

Watch Challengers on Prime Video