The TV Shows, Movies and Music That Readers Loved in 2024

Critical favorites like “Anora,” “Cowboy Carter” and “The Bear” still left room for more recent arrivals like “Wicked” and Broadway’s “Maybe Happy Ending.”

Our culture critics named their favorites for the year so far, but what did readers think?

We asked, and more than 1,000 people responded with their picks across movies, books, music, TV and theater. For film, “Conclave,” “Challengers,” “Wicked” and “Anora” were the most-mentioned favorites of 2024. “The Bear” — comedy or not — dominated the responses for the best TV show, with “Slow Horses,” “Shogun” and “Somebody Somewhere” also getting some love.

The Broadway hit “Oh, Mary!” topped the plays and musicals list, followed by “Merrily We Roll Along,” “The Outsiders” and “Suffs.” And making the rounds on readers’ playlists are Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” Charli XCX’s “Brat” and Chappell Roan’s hit single “Good Luck, Babe!”

Here’s a look at some of our favorite comments from readers.

Movies | Theater | Television | Pop Music

Best Movies

Mubi

‘The Substance’

“In a year (and election) somewhat defined by gender and gender roles, ‘The Substance’ actually made the conversation fun, dangerous, sexy and terrifying in a little over two hours. Plus, Demi Moore really knocked it out of the park!”

— Geoffrey Hug, Brooklyn

‘The Wild Robot’

“Striking and moving. I saw this movie with my mom, sisters and daughters. The movie was funny, tragic and hopeful. We all cried and left feeling buoyant. I am a sucker for mom and kid movies.”

— Dee Pinnix, Hartsdale, N.Y.

‘Challengers’

“What fun! Stylish, smart, sexy, and, most importantly, such a great time at the movies. As I left the theater, I wanted to do three things: play tennis, go dancing and walk right back inside and watch the movie again. The lead trio all give great, committed performances, and behind the camera, Luca Guadagnino proves once again that he can make any genre of film into a feast for the senses. The feel of sweat dripping down your face, the smell of a fresh tennis ball, the sound of pulsing music, the sight of three gorgeous actors, the taste of a churro — it’s all there.”